Organic cost share funds available

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced funding is available to assist Missouri farmers and food processors in obtaining organic certification for their businesses.

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, producers may be reimbursed for up to $750 of their certification costs during the program year.

Missouri received $49,425 in program funds to be used for the reimbursement of up to 75% of producers’ and handlers’ certification costs, with a maximum of $750 per certification scope.

To participate in the program, businesses must obtain or renew their organic certification, complete an application and document their certification costs incurred Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024. Applications for cost share funds will be reimbursed in the order they are received until funds are exhausted or the eligibility period ends, whichever comes first.

The Department is accepting applications through Nov. 1, 2024. For an application or to learn more, visit the Organic Cost Share Program webpage. If you have questions about the program, please reach out to Whitney.Williams@mda.mo.gov, or call (573) 751-7794.

To find other financial assistance opportunities available through the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.