Organic Certification Cost-Share Deadline: Sept 30

From Heather Barnes at the NCDA & CS.

Any growers that are currently certified organic, please be aware that the deadline for submitting your Organic Certification Cost Share Program application is September 30th and includes all costs incurred between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012.

This federal program is administered by each state's Department of Agriculture, is non-competitive and offered on a first-come, first-served basis until all money is awarded.  Funds are awarded to cover 75% of organic certification costs up to $750.  Fill out the paperwork and get reimbursed! 

 

NC farmers can find more information and forms at: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/commodit/horticul/ncorganics/   (at the bottom of the page)

Links to forms (pdf):

Application -  http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/commodit/horticul/ncorganics/orgcostshareapp.pdf

W9 - http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/commodit/horticul/ncorganics/IRS%20W9%20form.pdf

SC farmers can find forms at:  http://agriculture.sc.gov/forms   (titled "Organic Application" and "Organic Application W-9 Form")

 

National Organic Program details on cost share:  http://1.usa.gov/quushM

In order to get a reimbursement, you must send a cost share application and the necessary W9 form, along with proof of certification and receipt of your various certification fees for the year to the following contacts:

North Carolina
Heather Barnes, Marketing Specialist
North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services
1020 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1020
919-707-3127
Email: Heather.Barnes@ncagr.gov

South Carolina
Amy London & Fred Broughton
SC Dept of Agriculture
Wade Hampton Office Building, 5th Floor
1200 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-2235,  803-734-2224
E-mail: alondon@scda.sc.gov

fbrough@scda.sc.gov 

Organic Certification Cost-Share

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) is providing cost share reimbursements for the costs of organic certification through September 2012. Last year they provided cost share assistance to 90 organic farmers in North Carolina for a total of $54,000. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get cost share assistance to help cover your certification fees!

What costs qualify? Allowable expenses include application fees, inspection costs, travel costs, user fees, sales assessments and postage. Late fees, materials and supplies, equipment and transitional certifications are not eligible.

How do I apply? Submit your application and supporting documentation to NCDA&CS by September 30, 2012. You can download the forms on the NCDA&CS Organics Website.

How much am I eligible for? Payments are limited to 75% of an individual producer’s or handler/processor’s certification costs up to a maximum of $750 per certification per year. Expenses related to the certification must have been incurred between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012.

Contact Heather Barnes with any questions at heather.barnes@ncagr.gov.