(NAFB) – Organic producers and handlers can now apply for Department of Agriculture funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification.

Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program are due November 1, 2021. Announced this week, the funds provide cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under USDA’s National Organic Program.

Eligible producers include any certified producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent during 2021 and any subsequent program year. Producers can be reimbursed for expenses made between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021. For 2021, the program will reimburse 50 percent of a certified operation’s allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $500 for each category of crops, wild crops, livestock, processing, and state program fees.

Organic farmers and ranchers may apply through an FSA county office or a participating state agency.