Reimbursement available for organic certification costs

BISMARCK - Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said that applications are now being accepted for reimbursement of organic certification costs through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program for fiscal year 2024.<_o3a_p>

"Organic farmers, ranchers, processors and handlers can receive up to $750 of the organic certification costs paid between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024," Goehring said. <_o3a_p>

Certification assures consumers that products are produced by recognized organic methods. Certification enables organic producers and processors to label and sell their products with a federal organic seal. Such products typically command a higher price in the marketplace.<_o3a_p>

Applicants who are certified by Where the Food Comes From Organic or the Organic Crop Improvement Association Chapter 1 should apply for reimbursement through the certifier. These organizations certify most North Dakota organic producers. All other producers should contact the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) at 701-328-2191 or [email protected].<_o3a_p>

Goehring said the United States Department of Agriculture awarded the NDDA with $97,500 for the certification reimbursement program for 2024.<_o3a_p>

More information, including program guidelines and application forms, are available on the NDDA website at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/organiccertification. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 31, 2024.

Potential applicants that do not wish to apply through the NDDA can request assistance from the Farm Service Agency.<_o3a_p>