Organic certification costs can vary widely and include a variety of fees such as an application fee, annual renewal fee, assessment on annual production or sales, and inspection fees. Growers may ask certifiers for a fee structure and billing cycle to plan accordingly.
The USDA provides funds, via the National Farm Bill, to help offset the costs of obtaining organic certification. To apply for this funding, applicants must submit the following:
- Federal Organic Certification Cost Share Application
- State Organic Program/Department of Health Cost Share Application
- Copy of organic certification
- Copy of associated expenses related to obtain/maintain certification
- Completed STD204 form
It is important to note that veterans are exempt from paying registration fees.
Additional financial resources are available for those experiencing hardship. CCOF’s Bricmont Hardship Assistance Program provides financial assistance should you learn about small Producers and Processors in your network needing financial assistance. You can learn more at www.ccof.org or here: https://ccof.org/ccof-foundation/bricmont-hardship-assistance-fund.
