How do I apply for organic certification cost share in 2026?
Apply through your local USDA Farm Service Agency office by December 31, 2026. The Organic Certification Cost Share Program pays back up to 75 percent of what you paid to get or stay certified, up to $750 for each scope on your certificate. Kona Organic, a national organic consulting firm, helps farms and food businesses get certified and file for cost share.
Key takeaways
You can get back up to 75 percent of your certification costs, up to $750 per scope.
The deadline is December 31, 2026, and it covers both the 2025 and 2026 program years.
You apply at your local Farm Service Agency office.
Money is paid first come, first served, until it runs out. Apply early.
You must be certified organic when you apply.
Who qualifies
Certified organic farms, ranches, processors, and handlers in the United States and its territories. You need a current organic certificate and proof that you paid your certification costs.
What a scope is
A scope is a type of certification listed on your certificate. There are four: crops, wild crops, livestock, and handling. A farm certified for crops and handling has two scopes, so it can get back up to $750 for each.
What costs count
Application fees
Inspection fees
Certifier user fees and sales assessments
Postage
The costs have to be paid inside the program year, which runs from October 1 to September 30. What matters is the date you paid, not the date you were billed.
What you need to apply
Your current organic certificate
An itemized invoice from your certifier
Proof that you paid
The cost share application form from the Farm Service Agency
A vendor or payment form, if you have not worked with the Farm Service Agency before
If you are new to the Farm Service Agency, you may have to visit the county office in person to set up your record first. Call ahead.
The 2025 and 2026 years are separate
You can apply for both years, but they are two applications. Costs paid from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 go on the 2025 application. Costs paid from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 go on the 2026 application.
Other money for organic farms
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service runs a program called the EQIP Organic Initiative. It helps pay for conservation practices on organic and transitioning farms, such as cover crops and crop rotation. Ask your local office what is offered in your state.
Who can help
Kona Organic gathers the invoices and proof of payment, fills out the forms with you, and makes sure both program years are filed before the deadline.
Kona Organic is a national organic certification consulting firm, headquartered in Hawaiʻi. The team works with farms, handlers, and food brands in all 50 states and US territories, on site or remotely, and with exporters overseas.
Common questions
Can I get cost share before I am certified?
No. You have to be certified organic when you apply, and you are paid back for costs you already paid.
Does cost share cover consulting fees?
No. It covers certifier fees, inspection fees, and related certification costs.
What if my state department of agriculture used to handle cost share?
Check with your state. For now, the Farm Service Agency is taking applications directly.
What if the money runs out?
Applications are paid in the order they come in. That is the reason to apply well before December 31.
Last updated: October 2026.
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