ST.
PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering its
Organic Transition Cost Share program to farmers again in 2014.
The
program reimburses Minnesota farmers who are transitioning their land or
livestock to certified organic status, paying part of the cost to work with a
USDA accredited organic certifying agency during the transition period, which
typically lasts three years.
“Usually
farmers don’t contact a certifying agency until they think they’re finished
with the transition,” explained program administrator Meg Moynihan. “Our
program gives farmers a chance to get feedback on how they’re doing before it
actually counts, like practicing before a big game.”
In
addition, farmers can request reimbursement for soil testing costs and
registration fees to attend an organic education conference in Minnesota or a
neighboring state. Farmers transitioning to organic can receive a 75 percent
rebate of these eligible costs. The maximum payment is $750 per year for three
years or until they achieve organic certification, whichever comes first.
“In
early spring, my phone starts ringing with curious farmers asking what it takes
to go organic,” said Moynihan. “We want to make sure prospective organic
growers know we’re here to help them with this program during the transition
process.”
Transition
Cost Share Program application forms and a set of Frequently Asked Questions
are available at www.mda.state.mn.us/organic
or by calling 651-201-6012.
Farmers
who are already certified organic will be happy to know their certification
cost share program will return later this year.
