Organic Certification Cost Share Programs
ID: 354179Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA)

Award Range

$3K - $2M

Eligible Applicants

State Governments

Funding Category

Agriculture

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering funding opportunities through the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Organic Certification Cost Share Program for Fiscal Year 2024. The objective of these programs is to assist State Agencies in reimbursing certified organic operations for 75% of their certification costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $750 per certification scope, thereby promoting the growth and sustainability of organic farming practices. A total of approximately $10.4 million is available for these programs, with applications due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12, 2024, and inquiries can be directed to Dennisse Bedard at dennisse.bedard@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is announcing funding opportunities for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Organic Certification Cost Share Program for Fiscal Year 2024. The purpose of these programs is to help offset the costs associated with receiving and maintaining organic certification, with approximately $9.5 million allocated for NOCCSP and $943,000 for AMA. Eligible State Agencies can apply for funding to reimburse certified organic operations for 75% of their certification costs, up to $750 for each certification scope. The application deadline is July 12, 2024, with reimbursement requests accepted for costs incurred between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. Requirements stipulate that State Agencies announce fund availability, evaluate eligibility, and report performance and financial data to FSA. The award management includes monitoring subrecipients, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and providing necessary documentation for reimbursement requests. Overall, the OCCSP supports the growth and maintenance of organic farming practices through financial assistance to producers and handlers as part of USDA's commitment to agricultural sustainability.
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