What is Going On with Organic Cost Share?
We reported in our most recent farm bill update that “orphan programs” of the farm bill did not receive additional funding with the most recent farm bill extension (ending September 30, 2025). Orphan programs are those that do not have “baseline,” or permanent, funding in a farm bill. So, their funding does not automatically renew when a farm bill is extended unless they have additional funding written into the extension. One of those programs without permanent funding is very important to our community, organic cost share.
Congress did write in funding for many of these programs, including organic cost share, when they extended the farm bill in 2023 but did not do so in this most recent extension. This is why the program had funding in 2024 but does not in 2025.
So, what is going on with organic cost share and how will operations be affected? Let’s dig in.
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) helps organic farms and businesses offset the costs of certification. Currently, this covers $750 per operation. This support is incredibly impactful in helping farmers navigate the high—and increasing—cost of organic certification.
In 2023, OEFFA returned $33,594 to 185 Ohio farmers investing in organic certification. “It’s a vital part of our operation,” shared Ron and Mary Meyer of Strawberry Hill Farm. “Growing and selling organic produce is not a high-income occupation, and organic certification is expensive. The cost-share program makes certification more affordable for us.”
Going forward, OCCSP will continue to honor funding already committed, but no new funding will be issued until congressional action takes place. This means that cost share will likely not be available for the upcoming 2025 crop year. We will be actively advocating with our Ohio members of Congress to emphasize the importance of this funding and educate about how vital it is. Our team will be in DC a few times this winter and spring and it will be a top priority for us to discuss.
Join Us in Taking Action
Meanwhile, we invite you to engage with us on this! Consider joining our OEFFA Policy Organic Caucus. Storytelling from those in our network about the importance of this program is so helpful. While the loss of cost share funding in the farm bill extension is disheartening news, we are here to support producers as best as we can. If organic cost share is important to you, reach out directly to your members of Congress.
There were also a couple of other organic programs that do not have permanent funding in the farm bill that are also left behind in this extension. You can read about them here.
If you want to learn more about how baseline funding works in farm bills, view the information from the Congressional Research Service here.