Organic Certification Cost Share Program

Program Overview

The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program. Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope. The four organic certification scopes are crops, livestock, wild crop, and processor/handler. 

Both KDA and USDA FSA county offices accept OCCSP applications and make payments to eligible certified operations. However, a producer or handler may only receive OCCSP assistance from either KDA or USDA FSA.

Application Process

Kansas farms and businesses that produce, process or package certified organic agricultural products are eligible for the 2023 Kansas Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Under the program, eligible producers or handlers may receive reimbursement for 75% of their certification costs up to $750 per scope.

Reimbursable certification costs must be incurred during the period of October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, and can include any certification-related expenses such as inspection fees and user fees. Any invoices paid between the inclusive dates are eligible for reimbursement, regardless of which year’s certification they are applied to.

Deadline Extended: Organic operations may request reimbursement until December 15, 2023.

How to Apply:

  1. Download and read the 2023 OCCSP Application Instructions.
  2. Download and complete the 2023 OCCSP Application Form.
  3. Gather the required documents indicated in the instructions. 
  4. Submit your application and required documentation via email or through the mail.
Upon receipt of your documents, KDA will confirm certification and then provide reimbursement to the mailing address listed on this form. The mailing address must match the address listed on the W-9 form. Please note that incomplete forms may delay your reimbursement. Based on the receipt of the completed application packet by KDA, reimbursements will be made on a first-come, first-served basis until the program funds are exhausted.

For additional information on this program, contact Brittney Grother.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reimbursement amount available to a certified operation?

A certified operation may be reimbursed for up to 75% of their allowable certification costs, not to exceed $750 per certification.

What costs are reimbursable?

Eligible costs include costs include application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement/arrangement requirements, travel/per diem for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage.

What costs are not reimbursable?

Ineligible costs include equipment, materials, supplies, transitional certification fees, late fees and inspections necessary to address National Organic Program regulatory violations.

What is the maximum reimbursement amount available to a certified operation?

The maximum reimbursement is $750 per certification scope. An operation may be certified under more than one certification scope. Since there are four possible certification scopes in Kansas, the maximum reimbursement amount is $3,000.

Additional Resources for Organic Producers