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 The Illinois Department of Agriculture has been notified it will
receive $271,800 to reimburse producers and handlers who either
obtain or renew their certification in the federal fiscal year
that ends Sept. 30, 2014. The reimbursement covers 75 percent of
certification costs, up to a maximum of $750.
“These funds will help growers who want to enter the
rapidly-growing market for organic products,” Agriculture
Director Bob Flider said. “However, they're available on a
first-come, first-served basis, so I encourage those interested
to contact us as soon as possible.”
The funds will be distributed to eligible recipients in the
order their application packets are returned. Operations must
apply to the participating agency in the state in which they are
located. In Illinois, that agency is the Illinois Department of
Agriculture. Entities operating in more than one state should
apply in the state where their federal tax returns are filed.
Producers may apply for reimbursement even if they have received
payments through the program in previous years. However, they
only may apply for reimbursements once per certificate or
certification category per year, as verified by certification
documentation.
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Operations must possess current USDA organic certification to be
eligible to receive reimbursement. This means they either must have
successfully received their initial USDA organic certification from
a USDA-accredited certifying agent, or must have incurred expenses
related to the renewal of their USDA organic certification from a
USDA-accredited certifying agent between Oct. 1, 2013 and Sept. 30,
2014. Operations with a suspended or revoked certification are
ineligible to participate in the program.
The assistance comes from the USDA's National Organic Certification
Cost-Share Program. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 1,
2014. Application forms and additional details can be obtained by
calling the department's Bureau of Marketing, Promotion and Grants
at (217) 524-9129 or visiting its website at
www.agr.state.il.us
[Text received, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE]
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