Organic Certification Cost Share Grant Program

Eligibility

To be eligible, a producer or handler must have paid fees/expenses related to certification under the National Organic Program between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. An eligible producer or handler must provide the following information to CT DOAG to apply for reimbursement through the OCCSP:
  • Evidence that the operation has a valid organic certification under the National Organic Program at the time of applying
  • An itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs paid within the qualification period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024
  • A completed State Agency application for producers or handlers located within the State
  • A W-9 Tax Form (for first-time applicants)
  • A State Vendor Form (for first-time applicants)
  • An ACH Direct Deposit form (for first-time applicants)

A complete list of current certified organic operations in Connecticut can be accessed through the USDA Organic Integrity Database by utilizing the search filters and selecting “Connecticut” under “State/Province”. You can also find a specific certified organic farm or business, or search for an operation with specific characteristics. Listings come from USDA and Trade Partner-Accredited Certifying Agents. Only certified operations can sell, label or represent products as organic, unless exempt or excluded from certification.

Allowable Costs:

  • A copy of the current Organic Certificate
  • A receipt from the accredited certifier showing costs paid between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024.
  • USDA organic certification costs, including fees necessary to access international markets with which AMS has equivalency agreements or arrangements

Unallowable Costs:

  • Inspections due to violations of USDA Organic regulations or State Organic Program requirements
  • Costs related to non-USDA organic certifications
  • Costs related to transitional certification
  • Costs related to any other labeling programs
  • Materials, supplies, and equipment
  • Late fees
  • Membership fees
  • Consultant fees

Organic operations certified for any of the five eligible scopes, 1) Crops 2) Wild Crops 3) Livestock 4) Handler 5) Organic Program fees, are eligible to participate in the NOCCSP.