May 12, 2009

LANSING - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto announced today the department recently signed a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to distribute federal fundsfor the National Organic Program (NOP) to Michigan organic handlers/producers for reimbursement of certification costs. The actual cost share amount will be based on a percentage of the total the applicant paid for NOP certification.

“In these tough economic times, Michigan producers and handlers will benefit from the reimbursement funds being provided by USDA,” said Koivisto. “Michigan’s agriculture industry has continued to be vital to the state’s economic revitalization and our organic industry continues to show steady growth within Michigan.”

This program was authorized by the 2007 farm bill and will reimburse organic handlers/producers for up to 75 percent of the cost of certification not to exceed $750. The current reimbursement program is for the period October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008. MDA will only accept applications received on or before the June 8, 2009 deadline.

Organic handlers/producers are required to submit a completed application, along with the required support documentation, to receive reimbursement for the certification costs.

For more information or to obtain an application on the Organic Cost Share Program, please visit MDA’s web site at or call (517) 241-2978.

MDA is the official state agency charged with serving, promoting, and protecting the food, agriculture and agriculture economic interest of the people of the state of Michigan. MDA programs serve all sectors of agriculture, which is Michigan’s second largest industry.