The Akron Legal News

USDA money available for organic farmers in Ohio

ELISSA COLLOPY
Special to the Legal News
Published: June 28, 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced that more than $369,000 is available through the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program to make organic certification more affordable for organic producers and handlers in Ohio.

Approximately $11.6 million is available to organic operations across the country.

“The organic market is booming, with more and more producers taking advantage of the economic opportunities it presents,” said Elanor Starmer, an AMS administrator. “The cost-share program makes it easier for organic businesses throughout the supply chain to get certified, helping them meet growing consumer demand.”

Retail sale of organic products increased to more than $39 billion in the U.S. in 2014, and more than $75 billion worldwide, according to the USDA.

This funding covers up to 75 percent of an applicant’s certification costs, and up to a maximum of $750 per scope/category. Four scopes of certification are eligible for reimbursement, including crops, wild crops, livestock and handler.

Since 2011, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association to administer Ohio’s cost-share program.

“The cost-share program is utilized by about 45 percent of Ohio’s nearly 800 organic farmers,” said Carol Goland, executive director of OEFFA. “We encourage more organic farmers to take advantage of this opportunity, which can help make becoming — or staying — certified more affordable.”

Reimbursable costs include: application fees, certification fees, travel costs for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments, and postage.

Unallowable costs include: late fees, inspections due to violations of regulations, transitional certificates, materials and supplies, equipment, or any charges related to certifications other than USDA organic.

The program is currently reimbursing for expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2015 and Sept. 30, 2016.

Applications for reimbursement must be postmarked by Nov. 15.

The OEFFA is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 by farmers, gardeners, and conscientious eaters who committed to work together to create and promote a sustainable and healthful food and farming system.

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