ORGANIC COST SHARE
Get Part of Your Certification Fees Back
How Cost Share Works
The USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program pays certified farms and handlers back for part of what they paid to get certified or stay certified. For program years 2025 and 2026 it pays up to 75 percent, up to $750 for each scope.
Who Qualifies
Certified organic farms and handlers that paid certification costs in the program year. Farms still in transition do not qualify yet.
How Much
Up to 75 percent of what you paid, up to $750 for each scope: crops, wild crops, livestock, and handling.
By When
Applications for program years 2025 and 2026 are due December 31, 2026.
Why Apply Now
The money is first come, first served. When the fund runs out, late applications are not paid.
Two Ways to Apply
Through your local USDA Farm Service Agency office, or your state agency if it takes part. Not both for the same scope.
Keep Your Papers
You need your certificate, an itemized invoice from your certifier, and proof that you paid.
Try the Estimator
Our free cost share estimator on the Free Tools page shows what you could get back.
Common Questions
How much can I get back?
Up to 75 percent of your certification costs, up to $750 for each scope, for program years 2025 and 2026.
When is the deadline?
December 31, 2026 for both program years. The money is first come, first served, so do not wait.
Where do I apply?
At your local USDA Farm Service Agency office, or through your state agency if it takes part. You cannot be paid by both for the same scope.
What do I need to apply?
Your organic certificate, an itemized invoice from your certifier, proof that you paid, and a short application form.
Do consulting fees count?
No. Only costs paid for certification count.
Can a farm in transition apply?
No. The program is for operations that are already certified.
Does Kona Organic apply for me?
We help our clients gather the papers and fill in the form. You sign and send the application.
What Costs Count
Application fees, inspection costs, inspector travel, user fees, sales assessments, and postage.
What Does Not Count
Equipment, supplies, late fees, fees for transition programs, and consulting fees.
How to Apply
Take your certificate, your certifier invoice, and proof of payment to your local USDA Farm Service Agency office, or apply through your state agency if it takes part.
Who this is for
Certified organic farms and food businesses that paid a certifier in 2025 or 2026 and have not claimed cost share yet.
When to call us
Call as soon as you pay your certifier. The money is first come, first served.
Our conflict of interest policy is simple: we never inspect an operation we consult for, and your certifier always makes the certification decision. Book a consultation to talk through where your operation stands and what it needs.
Related: Free Tools and Cost Share Estimator • Organic Certification for Farms • Certification for Handlers and Food Brands • How Organic Certification Works • Take the free readiness quiz