Organic certification cost-share help available

Under cooperative agreements between the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the National Organic Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service, eligible Delaware organic crop and livestock producers and handlers can apply for cost-share assistance for their certification costs. The Organic Certification Cost-Share Program will provide cost-share reimbursement to organic crop and livestock producers and handlers who are certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. The payments will reimburse up to 75 percent of an individual producer’s certification costs, up to a maximum of $750.

Organic products are among the fastest-growing segments of the food industry. As consumer demand for organic food continues to increase, grocery and specialty stores are stepping up their marketing efforts to promote organic products. Many Delaware farmers who want to become USDA organic certified are unable to cover the costs of the organic certification because the process is expensive. In addition, once a farmer becomes USDA certified organic, the annual renewal fees to keep the certification are costly as well.

This Organic Certification Cost-Share Program benefits the Delaware producers who are already USDA organic certified with their annual certification fees, and encourages Delaware farmers who want to become USDA certified with their initial certification costs.

To obtain an Organic Certification Cost-Share Assistance application, contact Jo-Ann Walston at the DDA at 302-698-4592 or email JoAnn.Walston@state.de.us.