Organic Certification Cost Share Program
The Missouri Department of Agriculture has funds available for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program through United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). To be eligible for reimbursement in the current fiscal year, applicants must successfully receive their organic certification between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023. The program provides cost share assistance to organic producers and handlers receiving certification, or continuation of certification, by a USDA accredited certifying agency. To find a certifying entity in Missouri, refer to the USDA Directory of Authorized Organic Certifying Agents by State of Operation.
The National Organic Program (NOP) currently recognizes four categories of certification: crops, wild crops, livestock and processing/handling. Cost share assistance payments are limited to 75 percent of an individual’s certification costs, with a maximum of $750 per classification per year. Each certification will be reimbursed separately.
Deadline for submission has been extended to December 15, 2023.
Program Eligibility
In order to be eligible for Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Organic Certification Cost Share Program in the current federal fiscal year, applicants must:
- Operate on land located in Missouri.
- Have received certification, or continuation of certification, by a USDA-accredited certifying agency between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023.
- Comply with USDA National Organic Program regulations for organic production or handling
- Become a registered member with MissouriBuys.
- Submit a current copy of organic certificate with a date, certification number and name of the certifier.
- Submit itemized, paid invoice detailing allowable certification costs.
For those without internet access, please fill out the Vendor Input Form and mail it to the Office of Administration via information listed on the bottom of the first page. DO NOT SEND TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
Eligible Costs
- Application fees
- Inspection fees, including travel costs and per diem for organic inspectors
- Certification costs, including fees necessary to access international markets
- User fees
- Sale assessments
- Postage
Ineligible Costs
- Inspections due to violations of USDA Organic regulations
- Charges related to non-USDA organic certifications
- Transitional certifications
- Other labeling programs
- Materials, supplies, & equipment
- Late fees
- Membership fees
- Consultant fees
Submission
Organic Certification Cost Share applications must be received by MDA no later than November 1, 2023. Application packets must contain the following:
- A current copy of organic certificate with a date, certification number and name of the certifier.
- Itemized, paid invoice detailing allowable certification costs.
- Proof of payment.
Submit application packets via mail or email to:
Missouri Department of Agriculture
ABD - Organic Cost Share
PO Box 630
Jefferson City, MO 65102
For additional information, questions, or to receive a paper copy of the application, please email grants@mda.mo.gov or call (573) 751-7794.
2023-2024 Organic Certification Cost Share Program - Application