Your Help Needed to Save Organic Cost Share Funding

BY MOSA Certified Organic | Aug 12, 2020

On August 10, 2020, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced “changes to the availability of funding and payment calculation for certified organic operations, which are required based on expected participation levels and limited funding, under the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP).”

The release of funds to state FSA offices was much later than in past years, and despite increased need for these funds due to a global pandemic crisis and market upheaval, The FSA has chosen to reduce funding from the Congressionally mandated 75 percent of the certified organic operation’s eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $750 per scope, down to 50 percent of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per scope.

This funding is especially important to small and mid sized organic farms. The delay in funds, and the reduction in funds, is unacceptable.

We encourage you to visit the National Organic Coalition webpage for more information about how to take action to help restore full funding of the Organic Certification Cost Share Program.

Due to the shortened application timeline, we also encourage MOSA clients, and all other certified operations, to apply for cost share assistance as soon as possible with their local FSA office. Operations have until October 31, 2020 to apply for funding. Please contact MOSA if you have any questions