MADISON – Harvest time can be a busy time but don’t forget it’s also time to apply for the organic cost share program through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). All certified farms and companies that sell, process, or package organic agricultural products are eligible for the annual reimbursement but your application must be postmarked by October 31, 2012.

This program provides for a 75% cost share of certification expenses with a maximum payment of $750 per farm or company. This assistance is available to producers or handlers of organic agricultural products who are currently certified by a USDA/NOP Accredited Certifying Agent.

If the farm or company is certified in more than one certification category; such as crops, livestock, and handler; it is eligible for reimbursement up to $750 in each category.

Reimbursements are made on a first-come, first-serve basis until the deadline or funds are exhausted. Any certification related expenses including inspection fees, user fees, and certifier-required testing paid between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012 can be reimbursed through this application.

Wisconsin ranks second in the nation in the number of organic farms with over 1,200 certified organic farms and over 200 companies certified to process organic products. Nearly half of the certified organic farms have participated in the cost share program in past years.

Application materials were mailed to all certified organic farmers and processors in July. Materials are also available online at datcp.wi.gov/Farms/Organic_Farming/Cost_Share_Program/. For questions or more information, contact Laura Paine, DATCP’s Organic Agriculture Specialist, at 608-224-5120 or laura.paine@wi.gov.