Connecticut Department of Agriculture

2021 Organic Certification Cost Share Grant Program
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is applying for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) Grant from the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Through this grant, Connecticut certified organic growers and processors can be reimbursed for 50%, up to $500, for the cost of receiving and maintaining USDA organic certification. A list of certified organic growers and processors is available through USDA’s Organic INTEGRITY Database at https://organic.ams.usda.gov/integrity.

The program is administered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

The amount reimbursed will be 50%, up to $500, of the certification cost paid between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021.

Interested participants must submit the following application materials by October 15, 2021 via the Cognito Form: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CTDoAg/CTDoAg2021OrganicCostShare

When filling out your application on the Cognito Form, please ensure you have the following documents ready:  

  • A copy of your National Organic Program Certificate of Compliance (from accredited certifier)
  • A copy of your paid receipt/invoice for Organic Certification (from accredited certifier)
  • Completed W-9 Form & SP-26 Form (both forms available here by hyperlink)

Applicants are required to use direct deposit for their reimbursement. Submit one of the following Vendor Direct Deposit ACH Forms: Vendor Direct Deposit (ACH) Election Form - Individual (available here by hyperlink OR Vendor Direct Deposit (ACH) Election Form – Company (available here by hyperlink) and a blank voided check to the Office of State Comptroller. If your business entity is an Individual/Sole Proprietor use the “Individual” form. Other business entities use the “Company” form.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Jaime.Smith@ct.gov.

You may also receive information about organic certification cost share from the USDA Farm Service Agency.  Additional information: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp