​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2023
Contact: Neal Patten, Public Information Officer, (608) 440-0294, ​neal.patten@wisconsin.gov 

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MADISON, Wis. –  The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has extended the deadline for organic food processors and producers to apply for reimbursement of costs related to organic certification from USDA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The deadline has been extended from Tuesday, October 31, 2023 to Friday, December 8, 2023.

Farms and businesses that produce, process, or package certified organic agricultural products are eligible to be reimbursed for 75 percent of certification-related costs – up to $750 per category of certification – for expenses paid during October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023. Farms or businesses must be located in Wisconsin and currently certified or be actively seeking certification through an accredited certifier during that time frame.

Application materials and instructions are available on DATCP’s website. Applications must be mailed to DATCP-DAD, Organic Cost Share Program, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708, or emailed to DATCPorganiccostshare@wisconsin.gov​, or submitted through the online form. Questions about the program and application process should be directed to DATCP Organic Agriculture Programs Specialist Andrew Bernhardt at DATCPorganiccostshare@wisconsin.gov or (608) 572-0512.

About the Organic Certification Cost Share Program

The funding for this popular program originated in the 2002 Federal Farm Bill and was renewed in the 2014 Federal Farm Bill. Funding comes from the federal government through the USDA National Organic Program. DATCP administers the OCCSP funding for Wisconsin.

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