RALEIGH – Organic farmers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of certification or recertification through a program run by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Producers who are certified or recertified between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024 can apply for support under the programme.

“Applicants can receive up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification per category,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and I encourage producers and retailers to submit their applications early.”

Under the grant, operations can be certified and reimbursed in four different categories: crops, livestock, wild plants, and processors. The maximum reimbursement per category is $750.

The program is for the 2023-24 season and is funded by a $135,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applications must be postmarked by October 31.

To apply, producers must submit a completed application, along with itemized invoices/statements from the certifying agency showing all certified National Organic Program costs, proof of payment, a replacement Form W-9, and a copy of your certificate or a letter from your certifier if this is a new certification. All fees must be incurred for USDA organic certification. The application can be downloaded at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/marketing-grading-services. Producers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office.

Applications and required documents may be mailed, faxed or emailed to NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Attn. Heather Lifsey. If you have any questions, please contact Lifsey at 919-749-3337.