Make Your Voice Heard: Tell USDA Cost Share Delays Are Hurting Organic Farms
Author: National Organic Coalition
Organic farmers and businesses are still waiting for their 2025 Organic Certification Cost Share reimbursements—funds that Congress already authorized and that many farms rely on to cover the rising costs of organic certification. These delays are forcing farms, especially small and midsize operations, to absorb certification costs out of pocket at a time when margins are already tight.
Without timely support, farms may postpone renewal, scale back, or exit organic altogether—undermining USDA’s goals of strengthening small farms and increasing domestic organic production.
USDA must act now. Please join us in urging Under Secretary Fordyce and FSA Administrator Beam to immediately release the 2025 cost-share funds that organic operations are counting on.
Your voice can help ensure USDA acts quickly. Take action now on the National Organic Coalition website.
Why action is needed
The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) helps defray certification expenses for organic farms and businesses.
Certification costs have risen sharply due to inflation and enhanced fraud-prevention measures.
Without timely reimbursement, farms may delay renewal, scale back operations, or exit organic entirely.
This undermines the Administration’s goals of strengthening small farms, increasing U.S. organic production, and providing access to healthy food.
Congress has already done its part by providing funding. Now USDA must deliver the support farmers are counting on.
Key Talking Points
- Organic farms have not received their 2025 certification cost-share reimbursements.
- Cost-share funding is essential to help farms manage rising certification expenses.
- Delays conflict with USDA’s commitment to supporting small farms and increasing domestic organic production.
- USDA must distribute FY2025 and FY2026 cost-share funds immediately at full reimbursement levels.
