CCOF is excited to announce that 33% of its members in California have successfully applied for the organic certification cost-share rebate, which refunds 75% of certification-related expenses up to a maximum of $750 per certified scope of operation.
We encourage the remainder of CCOF-certified members to apply for certification cost share in California before the postmark deadline of November 29, 2014. We also encourage members in other states to submit applications for cost share according to their state deadlines.
A few things to keep in mind about certification cost share:
- Growers, processors and handlers are eligible for cost-share refunds!
You can receive a cost-share refund per scope. That means a single operation can receive a refund for livestock, for crops, for wild crops, and for handling/processing!
- All organic businesses should apply for cost share, regardless of scale! Cost-share funding was one of the major gains for organic farmers in the new farm bill. These funds are appropriated each year through the federal budget process. If the funds are not fully spent, policymakers are less likely to fund cost share in the future.
- Please be sure to submit a complete application to CDFA:
- the 1-page application;
- the 1-page payee data record;
- a copy of your certificate;
- and documentation of billing and proof of payment.
You can access these documents online. Eligible expenses for cost share are certification and inspection costs incurred between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014. CCOF’s accounting department can verify your eligible expenses and certification status now through November 17, and will do their best to accommodate requests received after that date.
If you need support in submitting your cost-share application, please contact Jane Sooby, Senior Policy Specialist, at (831) 423-2263, ext. 49; email jsooby@ccof.org; or visit the cost-share page on the CCOF website.