USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP): eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Award Range
- up to $750
- Deadline
- 2026-12-31
- Time Remaining
- Closes December 31, 2026. Submit through grants.gov before the cutoff.
- CFDA Number
- 10.171
The USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) is a federal funding opportunity administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to apply before the 2026-12-31 deadline.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Certified organic producers and handlers who have received or applied for organic certification through a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Applicants must have paid organic certification costs during the relevant program year.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.
Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Agriculture programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- This reimburses costs you have already paid. It is not a competitive grant: you apply after paying, with proof of the expense, and eligible applicants are paid until funds run out.
- Apply through your local office. Contact your USDA Service Center (Farm Service Agency county office) or the participating state agency listed on the official program page.
- Bring proof of what you paid: your certification documents and an itemized statement of the eligible costs for the program year.
- Apply early and before the deadline. Each program year needs its own application, and funds are paid first come, first served.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) |
| Funding Agency | US Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| CFDA Number | 10.171 |
| Award Minimum | Not published |
| Award Maximum | $750 |
| Deadline | 2026-12-31 |
| Category | Agriculture |
| Matching Required | No matching required. The program reimburses up to 75% of certification costs, up to $750 per certification scope |
| Application Link | Official program page |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Agriculture funding like this before you apply: eligibility and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)?
Certified organic producers and handlers who have received or applied for organic certification through a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Applicants must have paid organic certification costs during the relevant program year. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)?
The current deadline is 2026-12-31. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) require matching funds?
No matching required. The program reimburses up to 75% of certification costs, up to $750 per certification scope. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.