Organic Certification Cost Share Program

The application period has been extended. Submission deadline is December 16, 2024.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has funds available from the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program through United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). To be eligible for reimbursement during the current funding cycle, applicants must successfully receive or renew their organic certification between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024. 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% of an individual’s certification costs, with a maximum of $750 per classification per year. Each classification will be reimbursed separately.

Deadline for submission is Nov. 1, 2024.

Program Authority

To be eligible for Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Organic Certification Cost Share Program in the current funding cycle, applicants must:

  • Operate on land located in Missouri.
  • Have received certification, or continuation of certification, by a USDA-accredited certifying agency between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024.
  • Comply with USDA National Organic Program regulations for organic production or handling (https://www.ams.usda.gov/nop).
  • Become a registered member with MissouriBuys
  • Submit a current copy of organic certificate including 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.

Allowable 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

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

Submission

Organic Certification Cost Share applications must be received by MDA no later than Nov. 1, 2024. 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.

Application packets should be submitted to: Missouri Department of Agriculture
ABD – Organic Cost Share
P.O. Box 630
Jefferson City, MO 65102
or
Email: Grants@mda.mo.gov

For additional information, questions, or to receive a paper copy of the application, please email Whitney.Williams@mda.mo.gov or call (573) 751-7794.

2023-2024 Organic Certification Cost Share Program - Application