Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)

OCCSP provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope.

As part of USDA’s broader effort to support organic producers and in response to stakeholder feedback, this year FSA increased the cost share to 75 percent or $750 per category, the maximum amount allowed by statute.

Organic Certification Cost Share Fact Sheet Organic Certification Cost Share Fact Sheet (Spanish)

• View the News Release USDA Announces New Steps to Enhance Organic Markets and Support Producers (May 10, 2023)
• View the News Release USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers (May 16, 2022)
• View the 2019 Notice of Funds Availability (April 29, 2019)
• View the 2020 Notice of Funds Availability (August 10, 2020)

For more information on organic certification and regulations, visit the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s organic website.

Applying for OCCSP

Producers and handlers should contact the FSA at their local USDA Service Center. As part of completing the OCCSP application, producers and handlers will need to provide documentation of their organic certification and eligible expenses. Organic producers and handlers may also apply for OCCSP through participating state departments of agriculture.  

Information about applying to State agencies will be posted when available. Producers should keep in mind that State agencies may have a different application process than FSA; applicants should refer to their State agency's requirements and ensure they are using the correct application form. Applicants cannot receive duplicate benefits from both FSA and a State agency.

If a state department of agriculture chooses to participate in OCCSP, both the state department of agriculture and FSA County Offices in that state will accept OCCSP applications and make payments to eligible certified operations. 

However, the producer or handler may only receive OCCSP assistance from either FSA or the participating state department of agriculture.

• Application Form
• Instructions for Application Form
• FSA Notice

Opportunity for State Departments of Agriculture

FSA is also accepting applications from state departments of agriculture to administer OCCSP. FSA will post a synopsis of the funding opportunity when it is available and will electronically mail the notice of funding opportunity to all eligible state departments of agriculture.

OCCSP Success Stories

• Iowa Organic Farm Grows Non-Traditional Opportunities for New Farmers

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OCCSP Reports to Congress

The annual reports to Congress provides a state-by-state overview of:

• Funds used by each state
• Funds reimbursed to certified organic farms and businesses
• Number of certified organic farms and businesses served

View the annual reports:

• FY 2021
• FY 2020
• FY 2019
• FY 2018
• FY 2017
• FY 2016
• FY 2015
• FY 2014
• FY 2013
• FY 2012
• FY 2011
• FY 2010