Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)

Through a federal grant, the Citrus, Fruit and Vegetable Division oversees the Organic Certification Cost Share (OCCS) reimbursement program. The OCCS provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers who are obtaining organic certification for the first time or renewing their previous certification. Cost share assistance is provided on a first come, first served basis, as long as funds are available. Sign-up begins on August 1st, 2024 and the application deadline is December 3rd, 2024. For more information please contact Robert Nick at (602) 542-0439.

Download the Arizona Organic Cost Share Application and State of Arizona W-9 at the bottom of the page to apply and return to the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Service Agency (FSA), requests applications for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Organic Certification Cost Share Program, collectively referred to as the OCCSP. The purpose of the OCCSP awards is to defray the costs of receiving and maintaining organic certification.

To be eligible, a producer or handler must have paid fees/expenses related to certification under the National Organic Program between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023. An eligible producer or handler must provide the following information to the appropriate State Agency to apply for reimbursement through the OCCSP: evidence that the operation is obtaining or has obtained certification under the National Organic Program; an itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs paid within the qualification period of October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.