eNEWS
July 2009 > Oct. deadline for growers to be reimbursed for certification costs
FOG is accepting applications from certified
organic growers and handlers in Florida
for reimbursement of up to 75 percent of
certification costs, or a maximum of $750.
Reimbursement for certification costs paid
between Oct. 1, 2008, and Sept. 30, 2009,
will be issued on a first-come, first-served
basis until funds are depleted. The deadline
for submitting applications is Oct.15, 2009.
“FOG worked with other prominent
national sustainable and agricultural
organizations to make the national organic
certification cost share reimbursement
program a high priority in the 2008 Farm
Bill. We are pleased to be part of this
important effort to assist farmers in the
state of Florida,” FOG Executive Director
Marty Mesh said. “We thank the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services for assistance in this effort to make
the program avilable to Florida organic
farmers and handlers.”
To qualify for the organic certification cost
share reimbursement, an operator must
have certified organic farm or production
facilities in Florida, must hold an organic
certificate issued by a USDA accredited
certification agency issued between Oct.
1, 2008, and Sept. 30, 2009, and must
not have previously received cost share
reimbursement for the same period.
It is the hope that the Certification Cost
Share Program will aid growers who have
been reluctant to get certified because of the
cost associated and provide some relief to small-scale and family growers."
For more information contact Florida Organic Growers at 352.377.6345 or email fog@foginfo.org.