All expenses incurred for which the grantee will seek reimbursement, must be documented and record retained. Record keeping is most important during the time period of the grant (May 2023- May 2025). Follow-up surveys may be done to help us determine the long-term impacts of the grant. The MDA may request follow-up information from grantees beyond the term of the grant agreement.
What ongoing record keeping is going to be needed for this and submitted back to the MDA?
All expenses incurred for which the grantee will seek reimbursement, must be documented and record retained. Record keeping is most important during the time period of the grant (May 2023- May 2025). Follow-up surveys may be done to help us determine the long-term impacts of the grant. The MDA may request follow-up information from grantees beyond the term of the grant agreement.
No, water testing is not required as part of this grant.
Is there any specific ground or water testing that needs to be done as well?
No, water testing is not required as part of this grant.
September 5, 2023
Minnesota organic farmers and handlers are encouraged to apply for a rebate of up to 75% of their organic certification costs through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The Minnesota Organic Certification Cost-Share Program is now accepting applications through November 1, 2023.
Organic certification is a third-party verification system that assures consumers the organic products they buy are produced in accordance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations must follow National Organic Standards and are monitored through review of their records and on-site inspections at least once a year.
Operations that received certification (or had ongoing certification) between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, are eligible for reimbursement of up to 75% of certification-related expenses, with a maximum of $750 per category (crop, livestock, processing/handling, and wild harvest). Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and come from a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Interested farmers or handlers can review full program and application details on the cost-share program web page. Applicants that do not wish to apply through the MDA may apply through their local FSA Office. Questions can be directed to Cassie Dahl at Cassie.Dahl@state.mn.us or 651-201-6134.
For those transitioning a farm operation to organic, the MDA also offers the Minnesota Transition to Organic Cost-Share Program.
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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us
