Great news for organic producers and handlers! USDA has officially reopened the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP).
Applications are opening for Program Years 2025 and 2026, with a deadline of December 31, 2026.
How to Apply
Organic operations can apply for Organic Certification Cost Share through their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office or, in participating states, through their state department of agriculture.
Important for California operations: The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), will be administering Organic Certification Cost Share reimbursements for California operations and has indicated that the applications for both the 2025 and 2026 program years will be ready next month. The CDFA appreciates your patience as they work to administer these critical funds. CCOF will share additional information as soon as possible, including application templates when they become available.
Eligibility
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program helps offset the cost of obtaining and maintaining USDA organic certification. Eligible certified organic operations may receive reimbursement for 75% of eligible certification costs, up to $750 per certification scope (crops, livestock, wild crops, and processing/handling).
To be eligible, a producer or handler must hold USDA organic certification for the applicable program year at the time of application and must have paid eligible certification fees or expenses related to obtaining or renewing certification during that program year. For Program Year 2025, operations must have held USDA organic certification at any time during the program year.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Certification application and administrative fees
- Inspection fees, including inspector travel and per diem
- Certification fees
- State organic program fees
- User and sales assessment fees
- Postage related to obtaining or renewing organic certification
For complete program information, including eligibility requirements and application details, see the USDA announcement:
Please stay tuned for updates, or contact costshare@ccof.org with any questions.
Photo info: Asa McCroskey at Do Right Flower Farm – CCOF Member. Photographer credit: Justin Benttinen