USDA Opens Organic Certification Cost Share Program for Farmers
The USDA is offering an organic certification cost share to help producers and handlers cover the expense of getting or keeping their organic status. Announced July 2, 2026, in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Agriculture said its Farm Service Agency is now accepting applications through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program, known as OCCSP. The program covers up to 75% of eligible certification costs for the 2025 and 2026 program years. Producers and handlers must apply by Dec. 31, 2026, for both years.
For many family operations, certification fees add up quickly. Therefore, this assistance can ease a real financial burden. Because the program removes cost barriers, it also opens doors to new markets for those producing healthy, American-grown food.
Why the Organic Certification Cost Share Matters
FSA Administrator Bill Beam said the effort reflects a broader focus on farmers. “The Trump Administration is focused on putting Farmers First, and this program helps organic producers with their certification costs through the National Organic Program,” Beam said. He added that the program helps farmers and processors reach additional markets. As a result, more consumers gain access to healthy foods raised by American producers.
The National Organic Program is administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Meanwhile, the cost share itself is handled through the Farm Service Agency. Together, these offices give producers a clear path to recover certification expenses.
How Much Assistance Is Available
Producers and handlers can receive 75% of their costs, up to $750, for each eligible scope. Those scopes include crops, wild crops, livestock, processing and handling, and state organic program fees. Consequently, an operation certified across several scopes could receive meaningful support.
FSA will make payments as applications arrive, on a first-come, first-served basis. However, funding is limited. Once available funds run out, payments stop. Therefore, farmers who act early stand the best chance of receiving assistance.
Who Qualifies for the Program
To be eligible, a producer or handler must hold USDA organic certification for the applicable program year at the time of application. Additionally, they must have paid fees or expenses tied to initial certification or renewal during that year. For program year 2025, applicants must have held a USDA organic certification at some point during the year.
USDA organic regulations recognize four scopes that require individual inspection and certification. These are crops, livestock, wild crops, and handling. Furthermore, each scope must appear on the producer or handler’s organic certificate to qualify.
Eligible costs cover a wide range of expenses. For example, application and administrative fees for USDA organic certification qualify. Inspection fees, including travel and per diem costs for organic inspectors, also count. In addition, certification costs, state organic program fees, user and sale assessment fees, and even postage for certification materials are covered.
How Farmers Can Apply
To apply, producers and handlers should contact their local FSA county office. As part of the application, they will need documentation of their organic certification and eligible expenses. Meanwhile, organic producers and handlers may also apply through participating state agencies.
FSA plans to announce a 30-day application period soon for state agencies. Those agencies can apply through grants.gov to administer the program. If a state agency chooses to participate, both that agency and FSA county offices will accept applications. However, producers cannot receive payments for the same scope through both a state agency and their FSA county office.
What Producers Should Watch Next
The organic certification cost share program gives farmers and handlers a practical way to offset the rising cost of staying certified. Because funds are limited and awarded first-come, first-served, timing matters. Consequently, interested producers should gather their documentation and apply well before the Dec. 31, 2026, deadline.
Finally, farmers should watch for the upcoming announcement of the state agency application window. That step will determine which state programs participate this year. For many operations, this cost share could be the difference that keeps organic farming both possible and profitable.
To learn more, producers and handlers can visit the OCCSP webpage on the FSA website or contact their local FSA county office through the USDA service center locator.