ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST-SHARE STILL POSSIBLE FOR 2008

BISMARCK- “There is still time for organic producers, processors and handlers to recoup 75 percent of their organic certification costs up to $750 for the year 2008,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2009.”

Goehring said eligible applicants must have been certified to National Organic Program standards between Oct. 1, 2007 and Sept. 30, 2008, and their certified operation must be located in North Dakota.

Applications must include a 2008 cost-share application form, a copy of a dated certificate or letter from a certifier verifying certification between Oct. 1, 2007 and Sept. 30, 2008, a copy of the itemized billing statement documenting certification costs and a completed IRS Form W9.

Program information and application forms are available on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) website at www.agdepartment.com  or the North Dakota Organic Advisory Board website at www.ndorganics.nd.gov (click on Organic Certification Cost Share).

Goehring also announced that the deadline for submitting applications for the 2009 program year has been extended to Oct. 30, 2009.  Information is available on the NDDA website.

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MEDIA: For more information, please contact Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov.