Aug 18, 2021
Organic cost assistance applications due Nov. 1 to USDA

USDA is now accepting applications from organic producers and handlers seeking assistance with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification.

Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1, 2021, according to a news release from the USDA.

Zach Ducheneaux

“Many farmers have told us that cost was a barrier to their ability to get an organic certification,” said Zach Ducheneaux, administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “By assisting with the costs, this program can help organic farmers get their certification along with the benefits that come with it.”

OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program, according to the news release. Eligible producers include any certified producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent during the 2021 and any subsequent program year. Producers can be reimbursed for expenses made between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021 including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, travel expenses for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage.

For 2021, OCCSP will reimburse 50% of a certified operation’s allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $500 for each of the following categories (or “scopes”):

  • Crops.
  • Wild crops.
  • Livestock.
  • Processing and/or handling.
  • State organic program fees.

Organic farmers and ranchers may apply through an FSA county office or a participating state agency, according to the news release.

This funding will be complemented by an additional $20 million for organic and transitioning producers through the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, according to the news release. More information on that funding will be available in the coming weeks.

To learn more about organic certification cost-share, please visit the OCCSP webpage, visit usda.gov/organic or contact your local USDA Service Center.


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