NCDA&CS offers organic certification cost-share grants

Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2013, and Sept. 30, 2014, can apply for assistance through the program. The program will pay 75 percent of the cost of certification up to a total of $750.

Under the grant, operations can be certified and reimbursed in four separate categories including crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor.

The program is for the 2013-2014 season and is funded through a $212,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 1.

To apply, growers must provide the completed application, along with detailed invoices/statements from the certifying agency listing all National Organic Program certified costs, an IRS W-9 form and a copy of your certificate or letter from your certifier if this is a new certification. All charges must be for USDA organic certification.

Mail the application and required documents to the NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Attn. Heather Barnes, at 1020 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1020. For questions, contact Barnes at 919-707-3127.