Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)

What It Is

The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope.

Who Is Eligible

Eligible OCCSP applicants include any certified organic producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent. OCCSP pays a maximum of $750 per certification category for crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling, and state organic program fees. The scopes must be listed on the producer or handler’s organic certificate to be eligible for OCCSP.

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

• Application fees and administrative fees for USDA organic certification
• Inspection fees for USDA organic certification, including travel costs and per diem for organic inspectors
• USDA organic certification costs, including fees necessary to access international markets with which AMS has equivalency agreements or arrangements
• State organic program fees
• User fees and sale assessments for USDA organic certification
• Postage for materials related to obtaining or renewing USDA organic certification

Important Dates

• December 31, 2026: deadline to apply for OCCSP 2025 and 2026 program years

How To Apply

Producers and handlers interested in applying for OCCSP through FSA should contact their local USDA Service Center. As part of completing the OCCSP application, producers and handlers will need to provide documentation of their organic certification and eligible expenses. Organic producers and handlers can also apply for OCCSP through participating state agencies.

Additional Resources

• OCCSP Application
• OCCSP Application Instructions
• OCCSP Final Rule
• OCCSP News Release
• OCCSP Fact Sheet