BISMARCK – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said applications are now being accepted for reimbursement of organic certification costs through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program for fiscal year 2024.

“Organic farmers, organic livestock producers, organic processors and retailers can get back up to $750 of the cost paid for organic certification between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024,” Goehring said.

Certification gives consumers the assurance that products are produced using recognized organic methods. Certification allows organic producers and processors to label and sell their products with a federal organic seal. Such products usually fetch a higher price on the market.

Applicants certified by Where the Food Comes From Organic or the Organic Crop Improvement Association Chapter 1 should apply for reimbursement through the certifier. These organizations certify most organic producers in North Dakota. All other producers should contact the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) at 701-328-2191 or [email protected]..

Goehring said the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the NDDA $97,500 for the certification reimbursement program for 2024.

For more information, including program guidelines and application forms, visit the NDDA website at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/organiccertification.Applications must be postmarked no later than 31 October 2024.

Potential applicants who do not wish to apply through the NDDA may request assistance from the Farm Service Agency.

–North Dakota Department of Agriculture