A: No. Proof of USDA organic certification is required for reimbursement. A copy of the certificate is required for first-time applicants. A letter from certifiers will suffice for renewal applicants.

A: To receive reimbursement, a farmer or rancher based in one of the states listed above must submit their complete application to their State agency no later than September 30, 2013.

A: State agencies can’t accept late applications.

A. Please refer your complaint the USDA National Organic Program’s Compliance and Enforcement division.

How to File a Complaint

A. So long as you have a current USDA organic certificate from an accredited certifying agent, you may submit your application for reimbursement to your State agency.

A. No. Only expenses related to USDA organic certification may be reimbursed.

A. Yes. An operation may be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the costs for each USDA organic certificate, so long as the total dollar amount reimbursed for any individual certificate does not exceed $750 per fiscal year.

A. If your farm or ranch’s business headquarters is in one of the 16 States listed above and your taxes are filed there, submit your application to that State. Otherwise, your operation isn’t eligible for the 2013 organic certification cost share program.

A. A. In fiscal year 2013, 2,687 certified operations received reimbursements through the AMA organic certification cost share program.

Overview: Fiscal Year 2008 – 2012 | Detailed Annual Reports

If you have additional questions, please email Rita Meade or call (202) 720-3252.