Connecticut Organic Certification Cost Share Program

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is applying for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) Grant from the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Through this grant, Connecticut certified organic growers and processors can be reimbursed part of the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification. A list of certified organic growers and processors is available through USDA’s Organic INTEGRITY Database at https://organic.ams.usda.gov/integrity.

The program is administered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible, a producer or handler must have paid fees/expenses related to certification under the National Organic Program between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. An eligible producer or handler must provide the following information to CT DOAG to apply for reimbursement through the OCCSP:

• Evidence that the operation has a valid organic certification under the National Organic Program at the time of applying

• An itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs paid within the qualification period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024

• A completed State Agency application for producers or handlers located within the State

• A W-9 Tax Form (for first-time applicants)

• A State Vendor Form (for first-time applicants)

• An ACH Direct Deposit form (for first-time applicants)

The amount reimbursed will be 50%, up to $500, of the certification cost paid between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021.

Apply online at this link, and have the below documents ready:

• A copy of your National Organic Program Certificate of Compliance (from accredited certifier)

• A copy of your paid receipt/invoice for Organic Certification (from accredited certifier)

• Completed W-9 Form & SP-26 Form 

Applicants are required to use direct deposit for their reimbursement. Submit a blank voided check AND one of the following Vendor Direct Deposit ACH Forms: 

• Vendor Direct Deposit (ACH) Election Form - Individual (available here by hyperlink OR 

• Vendor Direct Deposit (ACH) Election Form – Company (available here by hyperlink)

to the Office of State Comptroller. If your business entity is an Individual/Sole Proprietor use the “Individual” form. Other business entities use the “Company” form.

• List of Certified Organic Growers

• National OCCSP Program Details