(TRENTON) – New Jersey organic producers and handlers may be eligible for reimbursement of a portion of their organic certification costs under a federal program.

Please note that there have been changes to the Cost Share Reimbursement program this year.  Each qualified operation is now eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50 percent of its costs of certification, not to exceed $500 per scope. Operations may receive one reimbursement per category of certification per year.

Applications must be received by close of business on Monday, November 2, 2020 and are available on the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s website at www.nj.gov/agriculture/grants/organiccostshare.html.

“New Jersey’s organic growers work tirelessly to produce crops that meet the standards for certification,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher said. “This program will help to offset the additional expenses incurred and I encourage farmers to apply.”

To qualify for reimbursement under this program, an organic handler or producer must have received their first certification or have incurred expenses related to the renewal of certification between October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. Operations must possess a current organic certification in good standing through a USDA-Accredited certifying agent.

If 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.

If you have questions regarding this program please contact Nichole Steward by calling 609-292-5576 or via e-mail at organiccostshare@ag.nj.gov.

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