JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Commissioner Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is offering a cost-share program for Mississippi organic producers and handlers.

This is for producers and handlers who are receiving certification or continuation of certification by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited certifying agent.

Funding is available for those that received the certification between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. Individual organic operators are eligible for reimbursement of 75% of their certification costs up to a maximum of $750 per certification scope. The National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program currently recognizes the following certification scopes eligible for reimbursement: crops, wild crops, livestock and handling, such as processing.

The following must be provided to MDAC by applicants in order to be eligible for reimbursement:

• Proof of valid certification issued by a USDA accredited certifying agent
• A reimbursement application form
• An itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs paid within the qualification period
• An IRS W-9 form.

Applicants must be Mississippi organic producers and handlers located within the state. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the funds are depleted. Operations may receive one reimbursement per year. The deadline to submit applications is Thursday, October 31, 2024.

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