2012 PRESS RELEASES

Click here to e-mail this page to a friend.

January 31, 2012
UP TO $750 IN REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804.786.7686

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced that funds are now available for organic growers and producers in Virginia to apply for partial reimbursement to offset their organic certification costs. The Federal Farm Bill allows for reimbursement of 75 percent of the cost of organic certification, up to a total of $750 per applicant.

Organic growers and producers who were certified or recertified beginning October 1, 2011, will be eligible to apply for the 2011-2012 season grants. Reimbursement funds are available on a first come, first served basis for the production year that ends September 30, 2012.

To apply, organic producers must complete the Virginia Organic Certification Cost Share Application Form that is available at www.VirginiaGrown.com by clicking on the “USDA ORGANIC” circle on the left side of the page. The application form must accompany a copy of the producer’s organic certificate from an accredited USDA Certifying Agency for the current year, a copy of paid, dated invoices showing total cost of services rendered relating to the certification and a current W-9 form (Dec. 2011 version or later) or the Substitute W-9 form that is also available on the Virginia Grown website. The application form and documents must be returned to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services no later than November 1, 2012. 

Growers and producers with questions or who require more information should contact Kent Lewis, Director of Domestic Sales and Market Development at kent.lewis@vdacs.virginia.gov or 804.371.6098.