Organic Growers Eligible For Reimbursement
July 17, 2012 The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has announced a partnership with the federal government to reduce organic certification costs as part of Gov. Chris Christie Administration’s ongoing efforts to promote New Jersey-grown and marketed organic food products.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is participating in the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Each qualified producer and handler of organic products is eligible for a reimbursement of up to 75% of its costs of certification not to exceed $750. Certification costs include fees and charges levied by the certifying agent for certification activities.
To qualify for reimbursement under this program, an organic handler or producer must have been inspected and certified or inspected and receiving continuation of certification during the period of Oct. 1, 2011 and Sept. 30, 2012. Certification must be through a USDA-accredited certifying agent.
In the event that demand exceeds the amount of funds allocated to New Jersey, applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. In the case of multiple certifications, excluding renewal of certification, only one payment shall be made to the operation.
Applications must be received by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture no later than Nov. 19, 2012. Applications and more information about the program are available online at www.nj.gov/agriculture/grants/organiccostshare.html.
Contact Melissa Spakosky with any questions at 609-984-2225 or [email protected].