Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Forecasted
Organic Certification Cost Share Program supports Vermont organic producers and handlers by covering USDA certification and renewal costs, helping them obtain or maintain National Organic Program certification.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (2025 and 2026 program years)
Funding Amounts: Up to 75% of eligible certification costs, capped at $750 per certification scope
Summary: Helps Vermont organic producers and handlers pay for USDA organic certification or renewal.
Key Information: Vermont has not confirmed state funding for the current cycle; USDA Farm Service Agency is accepting applications directly.
Description
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets administers organic certification cost-share assistance with support from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The program helps Vermont producers and handlers obtain or renew certification under the National Organic Program. It reimburses direct costs for certified crops, livestock, wild crops, and handling scopes that have been individually inspected.
Eligible expenses include certification application and inspection fees, inspectors’ travel and per diem, user fees or sales assessments, postage, and qualifying fees for access to international markets covered by USDA equivalency agreements or arrangements. Assistance is for USDA organic certification, not organic transition, other labeling programs, or materials and equipment. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also accepts applications directly.
