USDA introduces organic certification cost-sharing and streamlined planning

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing measures to support and streamline the organic certification process. The agency is currently accepting applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program for the 2025 and 2026 program years. Eligible certified organic producers and handlers may receive reimbursement for 75 percent of certain certification costs, up to $750 per eligible scope, such as crops or livestock. Applications are due by December 31, 2026, and payments are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, the USDA has approved a common organic system plan (OSP) to improve consistency and reduce administrative burdens across the supply chain. This initiative follows the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, which expanded certification requirements to improve traceability and prevent fraud. The common OSP provides a standardized framework to minimize differences in certification templates and formats. While its use is optional, the USDA is encouraging certifiers to adopt the plan to address concerns regarding increased record-keeping and duplicated documentation reported by organic farmers.