For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is inviting organic food processors and producers to apply for reimbursement of costs related to organic certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program.
A release from DATCP said farms and businesses that produce, process or package certified organic agricultural products are eligible to be reimbursed for 75% of certification-related costs – up to $750.00 per category of certification – for expenses paid from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023.
Farms or businesses must be located in Wisconsin and currently certified or be actively seeking certification through an accredited certifier during that time frame.
Application materials and instructions are available on DATCP’s website at www.tinyurl.com/2s4ybnvd.
Applications must be mailed to DATCP-DAD, Organic Cost Share Program, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, Wis., 53708, emailed to [email protected] or submitted through an online form at www.tinyurl.com/4x39tp7c.
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Questions about the program and application process should be directed to DATCP Organic Agriculture Programs Specialist Andrew Bernhardt at [email protected] or 608-572-0512.
About the Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Funding for the program originated in the 2002 Federal Farm Bill and was renewed in the 2014 Federal Farm Bill. Funding comes from the federal government through the USDA National Organic Program. DATCP administers the funding in Wisconsin.