The Iowa Organic Association (IOA) and Amanda Wiegel with the USDA Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) will deliver a webinar on Wednesday, September 22^nd, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CST about the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) application process.  

 

Organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Producers may apply for cost share assistance for organic certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021. Contact your FSA county office to file an application for organic certification cost-share reimbursement.  Applications are due November 1, 2021.

 

Certified producers and handlers are eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per scope. This is a reduction from 2018 Farm Bill commitments of 75% of eligible expenses, up to $750 per scope. Additional funds may be available at a later date – you must have an application on file by Nov. 1, 2021 to be eligible to any additional funding support.

 

Please register below to participate in this webinar.