Cost-share funds to help producers with the costs of certification, the USDA Organic Certification Cost-Share Program was authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill, but reauthorized in 2008 with expanded funding. The program makes direct financial assistance available to certifying organic farmers to reimburse part of the costs of organic certification through state departments of agriculture.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture administers the program in Kansas. About 50 to 55 producers have been participating annually in Kansas. Kansas has $40,000 for the October 1,2009 through September 30, 2010 fiscal year.

Any certified organic producer in the state can apply for these funds. Producers can receive up to 75% of their annual certification costs up to a maximum payment of $750/year.

The process is simple:

• Submit an application which is available on the Kansas Department of Agriculture website athttp://www.ksda.gov/kansas_agriculture/content/153
• Include with the application, a copy of your certification form or continued certification with effective date; and
• a copy of your invoice of what you paid for certification.

The KDA contacts at Kansas Department of Agriculture are Mark Heim at 785-296-3230, or Sarah Green at 785-296-4172 or Sarah.Green@kda.ks.gov

For more information on the USDA National Organic Cost-share for Certification Program Information in Kansas, you can contact.

Kansas Department of Agriculture
Stacey Woollington at 785-296-3230 or Stacey.woolington@kds.ks.gov

Kansas Rural Center
Mary Fund 785-873-3431, or ksrc@rainbowtel.net

Kansas Organic Producers 
Ed Reznicek 785-939-2032 or amerugi@jbntelco.com

Jackie Keller, Eastern Kansas OCIA
785-633-4621 or keller7@hotmail.com