October 23, 2023
VDACS Announces Reimbursement Funding for Eligible Organic Growers and Processors
Reimbursement funding available for up to 75 percent of organic certification cost
Contact: Michael Wallace
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is administering a program to reimburse eligible organic growers and processors for up to 75 percent of their 2022-2023 organic certification costs. VDACS received reimbursement approval from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program, which provides funding through the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP).
To be eligible for OCCSP reimbursement funding, organic growers and processors must successfully complete organic certification from a USDA-accredited organic certifying agency between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023. Reimbursements are limited to a maximum of $500 per category of certification. OCCSP applications are due to VDACS no later than November 15, 2023. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until they are depleted.
The OCCSP application is available at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/organiccostshare.pdf. Applications should include a Commonwealth of Virginia W-9 tax form, a current copy of the applicant’s organic certificate from an accredited certification agency, and a dated, paid itemized invoice from the certification agency detailing total cost of services rendered.
Contact Kierra Hall, VDACS’ Office of Domestic Marketing and Promotions at 804.786.3951 or at kierra.hall@vdacs.virginia.gov for questions about the reimbursement program. General organic production information is available at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/sales-certified-organic.shtml.
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files.