Illinois Ag Connection - Cost-Share Rebate Funds Available for Organic Farmers

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Cost-Share Rebate Funds Available for Organic Farmers
Illinois Ag Connection - 06/29/2016

The Illinois Department of Agriculture wants to remind organic producers and handlers about federal funds that are available to help them either obtain or renew their USDA certification in the federal fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

In 2015, the Illinois Department of Agriculture secured $202,000 to distribute to qualified applicants over a three year period. Last year, $74,000 was distributed leaving $128,000 still available for distribution. This program recognizes four categories of certification: crops, wild crops, livestock, and processing and handling. The reimbursement covers 75-percent of the certification costs, up to $750.

"Farming is an expensive occupation," said Director Raymond Poe. "From buying land and equipment to securing the proper license and certification, the soaring costs associated with production agriculture have had a big impact on our farms. I applaud and appreciate this effort by the USDA to help Illinois farmers."

These funds will be distributed to eligible recipients in the order their application packets are returned. In Illinois, operations must apply to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Entities operating in more than one state should apply in the state where their federal tax returns are filed. Producers may apply for reimbursement even if they have received payments through the program in previous years; however, they only may apply for reimbursement once per certificate, or certification category per year, as verified by certification documentation.

Operations must possess current USDA organic certification to be eligible for reimbursement. This means the operation must have successfully received its initial USDA organic certification from a USDA-accredited certifying agent, or must have incurred expenses related to the renewal of their USDA organic certification from a USDA-accredited certifying agent between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016. Operations with a suspended or revoked certification are ineligible to participate in the program.

This financial assistance comes from the USDA's National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program. Applications will be accepted at the Illinois Department of Agriculture through November 1st. Application forms and additional details can be obtained by calling the department's Bureau of Marketing, Promotion, and Grants at (217) 524-9129, or by visiting its website at www.agr.state.il.us/.

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