This is a way to get back some of the money you paid for:
Organic certification application fees
Organic certification inspection
Educational event registration
Soil testing for micronutrients in soil
DUE OCT 31 AND YOU APPLY AT YOUR LOCAL FSA OFFICE!
Here is the low down
It’s time to get read to apply for the 2022 N0P Organic Cost Share Program!
For the fine details visit:
https://www.farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance/otecp
This program is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
Are you an
organic farmer certified by a USDA NOP agency?
OR
Are you a
farmer in transition-using organic practices in year 1, 2, or 3 with the intent to become certified as a NOP organic farmer?
Then you can apply for cost share from the USDA Farm Bill. You can receive partial reimbursement for:
This cost share program deadline Oct 31, 2022.
You apply through your local FSA office.
Steps to getting your cost share refund
Eligible Expenses for Reimbursement through USDA NOP Cost Share
For Certified Organic Operations (USDA NOP)
§
Certification application fees
§
NOP organic inspection costs
§
Fees related to equivalency agreement/arrangement requirements
§
Travel/per diem for inspectors
§
User fees
§
Certifier sales assessments
§
Postage
§
Soil testing for micronutrients
§
Educational event
registration fees.
For Transitional Operations : (Year
1, 2 or 3 on any parts of your farm)
§
Fees charged by a certifying agent or consultant for pre-certification inspections
§
Fees charged for the development of an organic system plan
§
Soil testing for micronutrients
§
Educational events’ registration fees
Expenses
Not Allowed for Cost Share
§
Inspections necessary to address National Organic Program regulatory violations
§
Expenses related to non-USDA organic certifications
§
Expenses related to any other labeling program
§
Expenses related to materials/supplies/equipment
§
Late fees
§
Membership fees charged by certification agency
§
Consultant fees (except as described above for transitional operations)
§
Expenses related to educational event attendance other than registration fees
§
Expenses for tests other than soil testing for micronutrient deficiencies
Note: Expenses that have been incurred during the program year but not paid during
this time-period are not eligible for cost share assistance.
If you have questions call your local FSA office or you can email Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask]).
Vicki Morrone
Organic Farming Specialist and Beginning Farmer Educator
Dept of Community Sustainability, Michigan State University
+ 1-517-282-3557 (cell and What’s app)
Sorrone11 (skype)