Federal Register #2026-13571

USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) Grant Opportunity

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is launching the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) for fiscal years 2025 through 2031. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) - Farm Service Agency (FSA) - Program Overview: - OCCSP provides cost share assistance to certified organic producers and handlers for expenses related to obtaining or maintaining USDA organic certification. - The program covers five certification scopes: crops, livestock, wild crops, handling, and State organic program fees. - Products/Services Requested: - Reimbursement for allowable organic certification expenses, including application fees, inspection fees, certification costs, State organic program fees, user fees, sale assessments, and postage. - Payments are calculated as the lesser of 75% of allowable costs or $750 per scope per year. - Eligibility and Application: - Eligible applicants must have valid USDA organic certification and have paid allowable certification costs. - State agencies must apply for grant awards via Grants.gov to administer OCCSP. - Producers and handlers apply through FSA county offices or participating State agencies. - Notable Requirements: - Payments are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to funding availability. - Applications for each program year must be submitted by December 31 following the end of that year, with limited extension options. - The program is funded under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is a grant and reimbursement program.

Description

The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). The program is administered by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices and participating State agencies. The rule establishes eligibility criteria, payment calculations, application processes, and deadlines for the 2025 and future program years. Payments cover allowable expenses for initial or renewal organic certification and are capped at 75% reimbursement or $750 per scope per year. The program supports certified organic producers and handlers across the United States and territories.

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