Oregon Organic Certification Cost Share Funds Available

The Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program was approved by Congress and funds made available through the USDA to applicant states. The program provides reimbursement to growers, processors and handlers who obtain organic certification from USDA accredited certifiers (certifying to National Organic Program standards). Oregon received $405,000 in reimbursement funds. Oregon Tilth, along with many partner organizations, advocated for this program during work on the most recent Farm Bill.

Oregon producers or handlers certified by USDA accredited certifiers between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2009 are eligible to receive reimbursement for 75% of certification fees, up to a maximum of $750 per qualifying year. Applicants, if eligible, must submit separate applications and necessary documentation for 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 qualifying period.

Another important change to the application process is a requirement to attach a W9 tax ID form, due to a law change. This requirement is NOT mentioned on the old application form, so it will be important for Tilth clients to provide all the required documentation (proof of payment from certifier, notice of certification or re-certification with a date that falls within the qualifying period and a W9 form) along with their application.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has posted the new application forms on-line and added a "frequently asked questions" section to help minimize confusion about applying for cost share reimbursements.

To download the new application form and view the FAQs, visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture cost share reimbursement website at: http://egov.oregon.gov/ODA/ADMD/organic_costshare.shtml