Kansas accepting organic cost share applications

Kansas Department of Agriculture

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has funds available for certified organic operators through the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP). Farms, ranches and businesses that produce, process or package certified organic agricultural products may be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

The purpose of the NOCCSP is to defray the costs of receiving and maintaining organic certification under the National Organic Program. KDA may provide reimbursements to certified organic operators for 75% of their operation’s total allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $750 per certification scope. Scopes include the areas of crops, livestock, wild crops and handling (i.e., processing).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency awards the NOCCSP funds to eligible state agencies who work directly with organic operations to reimburse organic certification costs. KDA can reimburse costs incurred from Oct. 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024.

Applications are now being accepted through Oct. 31, or until all funds are expended, whichever comes first. Applications may be submitted either by mail or email.

For more information, go to the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/OCCSP or contact KDA grants coordinator Brittney Grother at [email protected] or 785-564-6797.