Aug 30, 2023
Vermont offers funding for organic certification
Through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets offers funding assistance to organic producers and handlers of agricultural products who have received organic certification through a USDA-accredited certifying agent.
Organic operations may receive reimbursement of up to 75% of their direct certification costs paid between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30 annually, not to exceed $750 per certification scope.
Depending on who certified your business, there are two ways to apply. If your business is certified through the Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) certification program, contact Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont’s VOF for an expedited application process.
For all other USDA-accredited certified operations, please submit the following completed documents:
- Application form
- A current W-9 Form
- Copy of your organic certification
- Copy of an itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs paid within the qualification period of Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023
More details are available on the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets website.
Applications should be mailed to: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, Organic Reimbursement Program, 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-2901.
Reimbursement is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1.
