The Federal Farm Bill provides funding for this program that helps organic farmers and processors with the cost of their organic certification, an annual expense. Funds are distributed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection through a cooperative agreement with the USDA National Organic Program. 

 

Wisconsin’s organic farmers and processors are certified by private certification agencies that are accredited by the USDA. The cost-share program provides for reimbursement of 75 percent of their certification costs with a maximum payment of $750 per farm or business per year. All certified organic farms and handlers are eligible for cost sharing on a first-come, first-served basis.  Applications for certification costs incurred between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 are being accepted through October 29^th. 

 

“Farmers and processors should send in their applications as soon as possible.” said Laura Paine, coordinator of the program for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “We encourage people to contact us if they haven’t received the packet.”

 

Application materials are available on-line at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/ (search for “organic cost-share”) or may be requested from Paine at 608-224-5120 or via email at laura.paine@wi.gov.