Financial assistance available from USDA for organic certification

The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, to distribute cost-share reimbursements to organic producers and handlers.

In order to qualify for this year’s reimbursement producers and handlers must have received certification or continuation of certification by a USDA accredited certifying agent commencing October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.

Under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, cost share assistance payments are limited to 75 percent of an individual producer’s or handler’s certification costs up to a maximum of $750 per year per category of certification. These funds will be distributed until exhausted on a first come first serve basis. The deadline for submitting application is October 31, 2012.

Applications for the reimbursements should be submitted after your certification process is complete and all fees have been paid. Proof of certification and certification fees paid must be submitted with your application.

CDA is accredited by the USDA as an organic state certifier under the National Organic Program and currently certifies approximately 185 Colorado facilities. Producers and handlers who use other certifying agencies may still qualify for this cost-share program but must contact CDA for the appropriate forms.

For copies of the cost assistance forms, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/dpi or call Barbara Rosenbach at (303) 239-4139.