Farmers applying for organic certification – The NY State Department of Agriculture & Markets is still handling NYS applications for the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program this year along with local FSA offices. You need to submit applications by 10/31. The USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Programs (OCCSP) provides organic producers and handlers with financial assistance to reduce the cost of organic certification. The programs reimburse producers and handlers for a portion of their paid certification costs. Once certified, organic producers and handlers are eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 75% of certification costs each year up to a maximum of $750 per certification scope-crops, livestock, wild crops and handling. For more information on cost share you can visit the NOFA-NY website at https://www.nofany.org/ or call them at (607) 724-9851. You can also reach Anne St. Cyr of NY State Department of Agriculture & Markets at (518)485-9974 or Anne.St.Cyr@agriculture.ny.gov.