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31 Aug 2016

Organic Certification Cost Share Now Available!!

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is pleased to announce the availability of organic cost share assistance for handlers/producers who have incurred certification expenses during the period of October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016. The program is offered on behalf of the USDA National Organic Cost Share Program which is authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill.  Enclosed are the cost share reimbursement instructions and application as well as guidance on  how to register as a vendor for the State of Michigan. Your operation must have been inspected and certified by a National Organic Program (NOP) accredited certifying agent during this specified time period in order to qualify. MDARD is authorized to pay 75% of the certification and user costs up to $750 per certification. Allowable costs are indicated on the enclosed instruction pages. You must register as a vendor with the state of Michigan and sign up to receive your payment via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If you do not have access to the internet and cannot register with the state as a vendor, you will need to complete the enclosed form W-9; if you are currently registered with the state as a vendor you do not need to fill out the W-9. Failure to provide any of the required documentation will result in rejection of your application. Your application along with all required supporting documentation must be postmarked no later than October 1, 2016. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Josh Grant at (517) 284-5789 or via email at grantj5@michigan.gov.   To get application click here.