Department allocates funds for organic certification

MONTROSE — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made $22 million in federal funds available for organic certification cost assistance, according to a news release. A portion of the funds will be available for producers and handlers of organic products in Colorado.

The department announced they will reimburse each eligible producer or handler up to 75 percent of certification costs, not to exceed $750.

To be eligible, operations must be located within Colorado; comply with the USDA National Organic Program regulations for organic production or handling; and receive certification or continuation of certification.

The department will provide the producer or handler with a form to send in for reimbursement after the certification process is complete. Certification costs must have taken place from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2009. Funds will be not available for distribution until the beginning of November 2009.

For copies of the cost assistance forms, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/dpi and click on "organic cost share reimbursement forms," or call Barbara Rosenbach at (303) 239-4139.