Navigation

Organic Farmers Reimbursed

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 from Oct. 1, 2013 through Sept. 30, 2014. The farms or businesses must have received an initial organic certification or a renewal of certification during that time, and they must be located in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has mailed the application forms to certified Wisconsin producers and processors, who can expect to receive them in the mail by August 1. Forms also will be available on DATCP’s website and from DATCP staff. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.

Send complete application forms to DATCP’s Juli Speck, DATCP-DAD, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911 or to [email protected]. If you have questions, email Speck or call her at 608.224.5134. Applications materials and instructions can be found in the packet mailed from DATCP or online at datcp.wi.gov/farms/organic_farming.

The funding for this popular program originated in the 2002 Federal Farm Bill. The cost-share program was not available for the 2013 growing season, and participants cannot be reimbursed for money spent prior to Oct. 1, 2013. The funding comes from the federal government through the USDA National Organic Program. DATCP administers the funding.