NASHVILLE — Tennessee farmers who grow organic crops and have become USDA certified can now qualify for a cost share reimbursement for the costs of their certification.
Certified organic producers can apply to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for a 75 percent cost share up to a maximum of $750. The money may help defray costs related to receiving and maintaining organic certification, including inspection costs.
Organic operations that have achieved certification since Oct. 1, 2015 meet the time qualification to seek imbursement, as do organic operations that become certified between now and Sept. 30, 2016.
Organic certification typically costs small farm producers between $600 and $1,000 annually. Costs increase based on product and sales volume.
“The latest USDA census results show the continued interest in organic agriculture among consumers, producers and businesses,” TDA director of Market Development Debbie Ball said. “When we respond to consumer interest with programs that help our farmers participate more competitively in these trends, everyone benefits. Farms increase their incomes, their rural communities thrive because of it, and Tennesseans get greater access to the fresh, local products they want.”
The 2016 cost share application is available at http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/topic/ag-farms-organics
For more information about USDA organic certification and cost share reimbursement, visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic.
You can also contact Debbie Ball at (615) 837-5163 or email Debbie.Ball@TN.gov.