2011 National Organic Certification Cost Share Program

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This National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 6523, as amended by section 10301 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Act). The Act authorizes the Department to provide certification cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of organic agricultural products in all States. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2008, the AMS allocated $22 million for this program to be distributed to interested States, until funding has been exhausted. The Program provides financial assistance to organic producers and handlers certified to the USDA Organic Regulations (7 CFR 205). The National Organic Program is authorized under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.). The program will provide cost-share assistance, through participating States, to organic producers and handlers receiving certification or incurring expenses for the continuation of certification by a USDA accredited certifying agent during the period of October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2010. Under the Act, cost-share assistance payments are limited to 75% (seventy-five percent) of an individual producer's or handler's certification costs up to a maximum of $750 (seven-hundred and fifty dollars) per year. To receive cost-share assistance, organic producers and handlers should contact their State Departments of Agriculture. Procedures for applying are outlined in the program's policies and procedures document at http://1.usa.gov/OrganicCostShare.

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