Certification cost share is a program that reimburses organic operations 75% of eligible certification-related costs up to a maximum of $750 per certified scope. Certification cost share is now open in the state of California and will be in other states soon. CCOF is preparing helpful instruction documents and tools to help you navigate the cost share forms. Look for them by May 1!
Certification cost share helps keep organic certification accessible for all, from the smallest to largest organic operations. Cost share distributes federal funds through state departments of agriculture. Click here for a list of contacts in each state.
Last year, 48% of CCOF members successfully applied for cost share reimbursement. CCOF encourages all certified operations to apply. Certified operations in good standing may apply for reimbursement of 75% of their organic certification costs incurred between October 1, 2014-September 30, 2015 up to a maximum payment of $750 for each scope of organic certification. Eligible scopes are crops, wild crops, livestock, and processing/handling.
CCOF recommends waiting until after your inspection to maximize your refund. If your certification fees have already reached $1,000, you can apply now because you are already eligible for the maximum reimbursement.
Cost share applications must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2015. For more information on cost share in California, visit the CDFA cost share website. For members in other states, contact your state agricultural department.