Missouri Organic Certification Reimbursement Program

The Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, provides assistance for qualified organic producers in the areas of crop, wild crop or livestock and the handlers of agricultural products who obtain certification under the National Organic Program (NOP).

Through a cooperative agreement with the USDA-NOP the Missouri Department of Agriculture is helping to provide cost-share monies to a number of Missouri organic producers by reviewing applications from certified Missouri organic producers and dispersing the available funds on a first come basis to qualified applicants.

The program allocates funds to state organic programs, in return the state programs then reimburse each eligible producer for up to 75% of their certification costs, not exceeding $500. The payment will depend upon the amount the producer has been billed for certification between October 1, 2004 and the date of application.

For organic producers to qualify, applicants will be required to complete a signed application and supply a copy of their organic certificates, with an invoice documenting their cost of certification. To download applications and guidelines go to the MDA website.

If a producer has continuous certification, the MDA will check with the producers’ certifier to make sure it is valid during the program period. Producers must have received organic certification from an USDA-NOP accredited certifying agency.

Since funds are limited, the MDA will process applications in the order received. Funds will be distributed accordingly until all funds are consumed or until September 30, 2007.

Mail applications to MDA Organic Certification Cost-Share Program, P.O. Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0630. Contact: Lane McConnell, MDA Ag Promotions Specialist at (573) 526-4984 or Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov

All applications received by the MDA must be postmarked by September 30, 2007.