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, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022 can apply for assistance through the program. 

“Applicants can be reimbursed up to 50 percent of the cost of organic certification per category,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and I would encourage growers and handlers to submit their applications early.”

Under the grant, operations can be certified and reimbursed in four separate categories: crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor. The maximum reimbursement per category is $500.

The program is for the 2021-22 season and is funded through a $105,800 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 18, 2022. 

The application can be downloaded at NCDAOrganic.org or growers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office. Completed applications and required documents can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Attn. Heather Barnes. For questions, contact Barnes at 919-749-3337.

Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services