USDA is accepting applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program for the 2025 and 2026 program years. Certified organic producers and handlers may receive reimbursement for 75 percent of eligible certification costs, up to $750 for each eligible scope (Crop, Livestock, Wild Crop, Handler).
Applications for both program years are due December 31, 2026. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will issue payments as applications are received on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are depleted.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, a producer or handler must:
- Hold USDA organic certification for the applicable program year at the time of application.
- Have paid eligible expenses for initial certification or certification renewal during the program year.
- Have the applicable certification scope listed on their organic certificate.
For the 2025 program year, applicants must have held USDA organic certification at some point and paid certification fees during the program year.
What Expenses Are Eligible?
- Eligible Fees:
- Certification Service Fee (initial, renewal, fee addendum, prorated certification fee)
- Global Market Access Fee: Canada, EU, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan
- Inspection (annual, unannounced, retail)
- New application fee
- Add acreage
- Add facility and annual facility
- Add product
- Parcel Transfer fee
- State organic program fees
- Uncertified/Exempt Handler Affidavit (UHA/EHA) fee
- Postage expenses associated with obtaining or renewing organic certification
How to Apply
Producers and handlers should submit a complete application to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office. Applicants may also apply through a participating state agency.
A complete application includes:
- Form CCC-884
- A copy of the applicant’s organic certificate
- Itemized documentation showing eligible certification expenses paid by the applicant between October 1 of the previous year and September 30 of the program year.
- Forms AD-2047 and SF-3881, if the applicant has not previously filed these forms with FSA
Review and download the Organic Certification Cost Share Program application.
Applicants should also review the Organic Certification Cost Share Program application instructions.
Please note that eligible producers are required to complete and submit separate applications for the 2025 and 2026 program years.
Download Your Organic Certificate and Eligible Expenses on MyCCOF
MyCCOF is a convenient portal to access and download your organic certificates and invoices showing eligible expenses paid. CCOF Members can log into your MyCCOF portal here. If you’re not sure what your username or password is, email inbox@ccof.org for assistance or call us at 831-423-2263 for help.
If you are submitting an invoice that includes both eligible and ineligible fees, submit it as is along with the application, but only add the eligible fees to the total fees amount on the application Form CCC-884.
Get Help From FSA
Any producer or handler may contact an FSA outreach coordinator for assistance.
California producers and handlers may contact Brooke Raffaele at Brooke.Raffaele@usda.gov.
Producers and handlers in other states can find their coordinator in the FSA State Outreach Coordinators directory.
Funding is limited, so eligible operations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and no later than December 31, 2026.
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program is administered by USDA. CCOF does not process or approve applications.
Photo credit: Asa McCroskey of Do Right Flower Farm, CCOF Member Farm. Photo by Justin Benttinen
