Organic Certification Cost Share Programs (10.171)
Organic Certification Cost Share Programs (Assistance Listing 10.171) is run by the Farm Service Agency, part of the Department of Agriculture. It awarded $3.3 million in 25 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $133,678 per award on average. No funding opportunity is open on Grants.gov right now.
The typical award was $46,973. Half of the 25 awards fell between $9,075 and $150,000, and they ranged from $825 to $695,870.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$3.3 million
- Grant awards25
- Typical award$46,973
- Awarded in FY 2025$0
- Size rank1,693 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceDirect payments for specified use
Key findings
- It is the 1693rd largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- Awards went to recipients in 2 states and territories.
What the program funds
The objective of Organic Certification Cost Share Programs (OCCSP) is to provide cost share assistance to producers and handlers who are obtaining organic certification for the first time or renewing their previous certification.
Open opportunities
No opportunity under this program is open or forecast on Grants.gov right now. Programs often post once a year, so the funding history below shows what to expect.
Rules from the program listing
Who can apply
State Agencies are eligible to establish an agreement to administer the program within their State. To be eligible for cost share payments, a producer or handler must possess USDA organic certification at the time of application and have paid fees/expenses related to its initial certification or renewal of its certification from a certifying agent. FSA county offices accept applications directly from producers and handlers.
What the money can and cannot pay for
The Organic Certification Cost Share Programs reimburse eligible producers and handlers for a portion of the costs of organic certification. For 2025 and 2026, applicants will receive reimbursements of 75% of the costs of certification, with a maximum of $750 per scope per program year. For 2027 and future years, FSA will announce the applicable percentage and maximum payment per scope, which will be up to 75% of the cost, not to exceed $750 per scope. State agencies (typically Departments of Agriculture) work with the USDA to administer the program. After entering into a grant agreement, the state agencies process applications for cost share funds from certified organic producers and handlers, and the USDA reimburses them. FSA will also process applications through FSA county offices. Applicants typically submit a one-page application form, along with proof of certification and an itemized invoice, to their State’s department of agriculture or an FSA county office. Funds may only be used to provide reimbursements to certified organic producers and handlers. A 10% indirect cost recovery is allowed for State Agencies.;
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines
Award range and average, in the agency's words
Grant awards to participating State Agencies range from $2,000 to $3,500,000 annually. Payments made to individual producers and handlers range from $37 to $750 per eligible scope (category) of certification annually.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Organic Certification Cost Share Programs (10.171) awarded $3.3 million across 25 grant awards, an average of $133,678 per award.
Who usually wins
Almost all of the money went to individuals.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individuals | 25 | $3.3 million | 100% |
By state
1 state has a page for this program: those that received at least $1 million or 10 awards. It is Missouri.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 24 | $3.3 million |
| Maryland | 1 | $8,666 |