Organic Certification Cost Share Program

The application period for this grant is closed as of December 15, 2022.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has funds available for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program through United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding. To be eligible for reimbursement in the current fiscal year, applicants must successfully receive their organic certification between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022. 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. Under the Act, cost share assistance payments are limited to 50 percent of an individual’s certification costs, with a maximum of $500 per classification per year. Each certification will be reimbursed separately. One application must be submitted per classification/scope.

Deadline for submission is December 15, 2022.

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 October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022.
  • comply with USDA National Organic Program regulations for organic production or handling.
  • complete and sign current application
  • 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.
  • become a registered member with MissouriBuys.

For those without internet access, please fill out the Vendor Input Form and mail it to the Office of Administration listed on the bottom of the first page. DO NOT SEND TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Allowable Costs

  • Application fees
  • Inspection fees, including travel costs and per diem for organic inspectors
  • Certification costs, including fees necessary to access international markets with which AMS has equivalency agreements or arrangements
  • User fees/sale assessments
  • Postage

Unallowable 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

Applications must be submitted to:
Missouri Department of Agriculture - Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Ag Business Development
Attn: Whitney Williams
PO Box 630
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or electronically to: Grants@mda.mo.gov

Required Documents

2021-2022 Organic Certification Cost Share Program - Application