Organic Farmers Get Extended Help Paying Certification Fees
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Rule
Summary
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) helps organic farmers and handlers save money on certification fees from 2025 through 2031. This new rule sets clear rules for who can apply, how payments are calculated, and when to apply—usually by December 31 after the program year ends. If you’re an organic producer or handler, get ready to apply through your local FSA office or a State agency and save some cash!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
2025–2026 Reimbursement: 75% Up To $750
For the 2025 and 2026 program years, OCCSP payments will reimburse 75 percent of your allowable certification costs, up to $750 per certification scope (crops, livestock, handling, wild crops, or State organic program fees). Payments are calculated per scope and limited to the lesser of the percentage calculation or the $750 per-scope cap.
New OCCSP Cost-Share for Organic Certification
If you are an organic producer or handler (for example, a farmer or food handler), the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides payments to help cover costs of obtaining or renewing USDA organic certification for program years 2025 through 2031. The program is administered by FSA/CCC and you may apply through your local FSA county office or a participating State agency.
Which Certification Costs Are Reimbursed
OCCSP reimburses only specific allowable costs: application/administrative fees, inspection fees (including travel and per diem), USDA organic certification costs (including fees to access certain international markets), State organic program fees, user/sales assessment fees, and postage for certification materials. Costs explicitly not covered include consultant fees, equipment/materials, late/expediting fees, membership fees, transitional or non-USDA certification costs, and inspections for regulatory violations.
State-Specific AMA Funding Limits and States
Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) funding reserves at least 10 percent per fiscal year for producers in 16 named States (Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming). AMA funds may only be used for the crops, wild crops, and livestock scopes; handling and State organic program fees in those States must be paid from National OCCSP funds.
Application Window, Deadlines, and Funding Exhaustion
You must apply through an FSA county office or participating State agency by December 31 following the end of the program year (for example, the deadline to apply for the 2026 program year is December 31, 2026). For 2025 and 2026 the deadline is December 31, 2026 because those years are administered concurrently. Payments are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds for the program year are expended, and applications received after funds are exhausted will not be paid.
Eligibility Limits and Compliance Risks
To get OCCSP payments you must hold valid USDA organic certification (for 2026 and later, at time of application) and not have suspended, revoked, or withdrawn certification. You must keep supporting records for 3 years, may be spot-checked, and must refund any erroneous overpayment with interest; intentional misrepresentation can lead to disapproval, full repayment with interest, and potential criminal penalties (including perjury, fines, or up to 5 years imprisonment).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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