The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has extended the deadline for food processors and producers to apply for reimbursement of costs related to organic certification to Dec. 8.
The original deadline for reimbursement from USDA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program was Oct. 31.
Farms and businesses that produce, process, or package certified organic agricultural products are eligible for 75 percent reimbursement of certification-related costs. This equates to up to $750 per category of certification. It covers expenses paid during Oct. 1, 2022, through Sep. 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: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/OrganicFarmingAndFood.aspx
Mail applications to DATCP-DAD, Organic Cost Share Program, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708, or emailed to DATCPorganiccostshare@wisconsin.gov, or submitted through the online form. Direct questions about the program and application process to DATCP Organic Agriculture Programs Specialist Andrew Bernhardt at DATCPorganiccostshare@wisconsin.gov or (608) 572-0512.
