Thanks to years of advocacy from Organic Farmers Association and our partner organic organizations pushing USDA to open the cost share program earlier and provide more funds, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced yesterday that they have opened two pots of money to reimburse farmers for 2022 organic transition & certification fees & other expenses.

Applications are open now and due October 31, 2022.  

Two USDA programs cover costs incurred from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) and the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)). Organic and transitioning agricultural producers should contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office and/or participating State agency to apply. See more about each program below.

Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)

This is the standard Organic Cost Share program that reimburses farmers and processors up to 50% (max. $500) for each certification category (Crops, Livestock, Wild Crops, Processing). If you are certified for multiple categories (scopes) you can be reimbursed up to $500 for each. All FSA county offices will process this program & some certifiers or state agencies process this program.

You will need to provide a receipt of your certification fee payment and proof of organic certification.  Once you have had your inspection, contact your certifier for the documentation you will need. Click for more information on OCCSP.

Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP)

The OTECP program was created to patch the missing cost share funds from the historic 75% ($750 max) reimbursement. This program will reimburse up to 25% ($250) per category (Crops, Livestock, Wild Crops & Processing) for 2022 certification fees AND reimburse for education (did you attend a conference?), soil tests, and myriad costs related to organic transition.

This program is only available at your FSA office. FSA recommends submitting ONE application to OTECP, so wait until you’ve completed your 2022 expenses (10/1/2021 – 9/30/2022) & then apply before Oct 31, 2022. You will need to provide receipts for reimbursement. Click for more information on OTECP.

Alternative USDA resource for help:

You may also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to provide one-on-one assistance with OTECP or OCCSP. 877-508-8364  (1- English) (2-Espanol)

INTERPRETATION IS AVAILABLE FOR USDA FSA, NRCS, RMA CUSTOMERS – USDA service centers provide FREE translation in 48 languages.

Download poster here to bring to your FSA office.