Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Forecasted
Organic Certification Cost Share Program supports Massachusetts organic farmers and food processors by reimbursing initial and renewal certification costs to offset the expense of organic certification.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 75% of certification costs, capped at $750 per category and $3,000 across four categories per program year
Summary: Reimburses certified organic farmers and food processors for initial or renewal certification through USDA-accredited certifying agents.
Key Information: Complete applications receive priority and are processed first come, first served until funds are exhausted.
Description
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), helps certified organic farmers and food processors offset the expense of obtaining or renewing organic certification. Support covers certification through a USDA-accredited certifying agent and is organized around four categories: crops, wild crops, livestock, and handling or processing. An operation certified in multiple categories may receive reimbursement for each eligible category.
National funding for FY25 and FY26 has been approved at the federal level. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is preparing the program and awarding funding to states, but has not announced a target deployment date. MDAR’s posted application materials describe the prior reimbursement cycle.
