Cost Share

The Organic Cost-Share Program is now available for 2022!

OEFFA is pleased to administer the cost share reimbursement program for the benefit of all of Ohio’s certified producers and handlers. Cost Share reimbursement is also available through your county FSA office.

The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) reimburses certification fees for both producers and handler/processors. Reimbursement is limited to 50% of certification costs, up to a maximum of $500 per certificate or category (scope) of certification, per year. Four Categories of certification are eligible for reimbursement under the NOCCSP: crops, wild crops, livestock, and handler.

Additional Reimbursement Available through the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP): You should be able to receive a total reimbursement of 75%, up to $750 per scope, using a combination of the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) and the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP). OTECP reimbursement is only available through your County Farm Services Agency (FSA), which is also authorized to administer the NOCCSP. FSA provides a single source to apply to both programs and receive the maximum reimbursement.

Allowable and Unallowable Certification Costs

Producers and handlers who incur annual costs to begin or renew their organic certification during the period October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 are currently eligible to receive reimbursement. For applicants in Ohio submitting their application to OEFFA: applications must be postmarked by DECEMBER 15, 2022.

Allowable Costs

• Application fees
• Inspection costs
• First-time USDA NOP certification fees
• Travel costs / per diem for organic inspectors
• User fees / sales assessments
• Postage

Unallowable Costs

• Late fees
• Inspections due to violations of NOP regulations
• Any charges related to certifications other than USDA organic
• Transitional certifications
• Materials and supplies
• Equipment

How To Apply

For all producers or handlers: once you have received your certificate, all of the following must be submitted:

1. Completed Organic Certification Cost Share Reimbursement Application Form [includes Payee Data Record in lieu of IRS W-9 tax form]
2. Copy of your Certification of Organic Operation
3. Copy of invoice(s) showing the fees you paid for certification between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022 for certification expenses eligible for reimbursement (see above). Invoices must be marked paid by the certifying agent and a zero (0) balance due.

State of Ohio

Please download the application with instructions to apply:

• Organic Certification Cost-Share Program for Ohio (print ready version)