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Minnesota organic farmers and handlers currently certified through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program may be eligible for a rebate of up to 75% of their certification costs.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Organic Certification Cost-Share Program is open to Minnesota operations that received organic certification (or had ongoing certification) between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. The program provides reimbursement for up to 75% of certification-related expenses, with a maximum of $750 per category (crop, livestock, processing/handling, and wild harvest).

Applications for the cost-share are due October 31, 2024. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and come from a cooperative agreement with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Interested farmers or handlers can review full program and application details on the MDA website. Applicants that do not wish to apply through the MDA may apply through their local FSA Office. Questions can be directed to Cassie Dahl at Cassie.Dahl@state.mn.us or 651-201-6134.

Organic certification is a third-party verification system that assures consumers the organic products they buy are produced in accordance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations must follow National Organic Standards and are monitored through review of their records and on-site inspections at least once a year.

For those transitioning a farm operation to organic, the MDA also offers the Minnesota Transition to Organic Cost-Share Program.