South Dakota Ag Connection - Organic Certification Cost-Share Program Available

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Organic Certification Cost-Share Program Available
South Dakota Ag Connection - 07/25/2016

Organic agriculture producers and processors in South Dakota may be eligible to receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for their organic certification costs.

Producers may be eligible to receive reimbursement on multiple scopes within each operation. National Organic Program certification is required. Reimbursement can be for up to 75 percent of the cost, not to exceed $750, per scope.

"The annual cost of certification is a major expense for both new and established organic producers," said Kimberly DeSchepper, SDDA grant and loan specialist. "Diverse operations may receive funds for up to four different scopes."

Applications and supporting documents must be sent to SDDA for eligible certification or re-certification expenses incurred after Oct.1, 2015, and before Sept. 30, 2016. All applications will be reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 15, 2016.

Funding for the program is provided through a cooperative agreement between SDDA and the Agricultural Marketing Service branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Grant information and an application are available at sdda.sd.gov/grants/national-organic-program-grant/. For more information, call DeSchepper at 605.773.4516.

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