Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA)

1. Farmer must be working with an accredited certifying agency prior to applying.
2. Must have had one on farm inspection from the certifier prior to applying.
3. Fill out the form here.
4. Mail all appropriate documentation to the NDDA.

The North Dakota organic education and transition cost share program is designed to help farmers and ranchers who are transitioning to an organic production system.


**If you are already a USDA certified organic producer, you do not qualify for this program. The USDA Organic Cost Share Program helps farmers and ranchers who are&#x2004;already certified organic. For information on that program visit the [Organic Certification Cost Share Program page](https://www.ndda.nd.gov/divisions/business-marketing-information/organics/organic-certification-cost-share-program).**


The Program reimburses crop and livestock farmers for 75 percent, up to $750, of certain costs associated with transitioning to USDA certified organic production. Also farmers are eligible for up to $250 of reimbursement for approved educational expenses. With a maximum annual reimbursement of $1,000 for up to three years. Applicants must live and farm in North Dakota and may not own or operate any already-certified organic land.



The North Dakota organic education and transition cost share program is designed to help farmers and ranchers who are transitioning to an organic production system.

If you are already a USDA certified organic producer, you do not qualify for this program. The USDA Organic Cost Share Program helps farmers and ranchers who are already certified organic. For information on that program visit the Organic Certification Cost Share Program page.

The Program reimburses crop and livestock farmers for 75 percent, up to $750, of certain costs associated with transitioning to USDA certified organic production. Also farmers are eligible for up to $250 of reimbursement for approved educational expenses. With a maximum annual reimbursement of $1,000 for up to three years. Applicants must live and farm in North Dakota and may not own or operate any already-certified organic land.

Applicants must live and farm in North Dakota and may not own or operate any already-certified organic land.

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Succession

Local Food

Certified Organic

Stewardship

Farmers Market

Legal & Finance

Certification

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Compliance

The Program reimburses crop and livestock farmers for 75 percent, up to $750, of certain costs associated with transitioning to USDA certified organic production. Also farmers are eligible for up to $250 of reimbursement for approved educational expenses. With a maximum annual reimbursement of $1,000 for up to three years.

To apply, first gather the required documentation. You will need to scan and upload each of the below during the application: 
- Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (You may also register as a Vendor for expedited processing)
- Seed receipts and soil test results.

Once the required forms and documentation are ready for upload, you will be ready to start the online Soil Health Cover Crop Grant Application by clicking the link below. Please only start the application process when your Vendor Registration is complete and required forms and supporting documentation are ready for upload. You cannot come back later to complete an incomplete application. If you have to quit and come back later, you will need to start a new application.

Apply Here

Jason Wirtz

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture's Soil Health Cover Crop Grant Program provides grantees with a direct payment per acre of cover crop planted. As a conservation program, the program’s primary goal is to protect and enhance soil health statewide. In particular, the program is targeting cropland areas impacted with alkaline soils. NDDA provides cost share to producers on a first-come-first-serve basis. Successful applicants may receive a $25/acre. There will be a 160 acre cap per producer.



Program Participation Requirements
1. Conduct field soil test prior to planting cover crop (results must be submitted with application).
2. Select cover crop to be grown.
3. Plant cover crop (prior to September 15th deadline).
4. Apply online at NDDA’s Soil Health Cover Crop Grant Program webpage (December 1 deadline).
    - Complete application
    - Copy of soil test
    - Copy of seed bill/receipt
1. Applications will be selected by lottery; successful applicants will be notified via email.
2. Successful applicants must register as a vendor with the state of North Dakota and notify program contact by email when completed.
3. Once all previous steps completed, payment for cost share will be processed after the application deadline each year. Payments may take up to 60 days for processing.

Eligible Cover Crop/Planting/Mixes
- Soil Conservation/NRCS county specific suggested plantings are eligible for this program
- Other eligible cover crop plantings include:
    - Turnips
    - Radishes
    - Cow peas
    - Field peas
    - Dry peas
    - Hairy vetch
    - Sunflowers
    - Millet
    - Sorghum
    - Grazing corn
    - Red clover
- If cover crop will be planted before May 20, eligible grasses include:
    - Barley
    - Oats
    - Rye
    - Triticale
- Perennial Grasses and Legumes to address saline areas
    - Alfalfa
    - Western Wheatgrass
    - Intermediate Wheatgrass
    - AC Saltlander

- Midwest Cover Crops Council Cover Crop Selection Tool
- NDSU - Incorporating Cover Crops
- NDSU Cover Crops Overview

Reduced Tillage

Air Quality

High Tunnel

Landscape

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Regenerative

Water Management

Carbon Capture

Guidelines
- Application for the program does not guarantee cost share reimbursement.
- Cost share payment of $25 an acre.
- 160-acre cap per applicant per year.
- Applicants should use Midwest Cover Crops Council Cover Crops Decision Tool to assist in the determination of their cover crop.
- Applicants in need of further technical assistance for cover crop planting or planning should consult with NRCS, their county Soil Conservation District or the Watershed Program Coordinator in their county.

Minimum Qualifications
- Cover crop must be planted by August 31.
- Complete online application by October 1.
- Minimum seeding rates must be followed (please see eligible seed mixes in guidelines and minimum seeding rates in the Midwest Cover Crops Council Cover Crops Decision Tool). Soil Conservation/NRCS county specific suggested plantings are also eligible for this program.
- No fall tillage allowed if planting is done after harvest of cash crop.
- Grazing and haying is allowed on cover crops after July 5th.
- Must register as a vendor with the state of North Dakota to receive payment.
- Must test soil before crop is planted.
- Must provide previous crop planted/cropping rotation before cover crop.
- Must identify cover crop/mix planted.
- Must provide copy of seed bill in application.

Deanna Gierszewski

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program. Organic producers (crops, wild crops, and/or livestock) and/or handlers are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of initial or renewal organic certification costs with a maximum of $750.00 per certification scope. Costs paid&#x2004;within the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 are eligible.

NDDA has entered into an agreement with International Certification Services (ICS) and OCIA Chapter 1 to accept applications for reimbursement. Organic operations who are currently working through these two agencies should contact their agency directly. All other producers should contact Deanna Gierszewski at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at 701-328-2191 or [degierszewski@nd.gov](mailto:mailto:degierszewski@nd.gov?subject=Organic%20Certification%20Cost%20Share%20Program). All funds are reimbursed on a first-come first-serve basis until funds are depleted. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 30, 2023.



The North Dakota Department of Agriculture administers the USDA Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program. Organic producers (crops, wild crops, and/or livestock) and/or handlers are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of initial or renewal organic certification costs with a maximum of $750.00 per certification scope. Costs paid within the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 are eligible.
NDDA has entered into an agreement with International Certification Services (ICS) and OCIA Chapter 1 to accept applications for reimbursement. Organic operations who are currently working through these two agencies should contact their agency directly. All other producers should contact Deanna Gierszewski at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at 701-328-2191 or degierszewski@nd.gov. All funds are reimbursed on a first-come first-serve basis until funds are depleted. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 30, 2023.

Organic producers (crops, wild crops, and/or livestock) and/or handlers are eligible for reimbursement of 75 percent of initial or renewal organic certification costs with a maximum of $750.00 per certification scope.

- Fact Sheet
- North Dakota Application
- Organic Certification Cost Share Program 2023

1. Evidence that the operation holds a valid organic certification to the USDA Organic Regulations issued by a USDA-accredited certifying agent (letter from the agency or certificate)
2. An itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs PAID within the qualification period.

List of North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) Funding Opportunities