USDA Cost-Share Delays Are Hurting Organic Farms — Your Voice Can Help

Organic farmers and businesses are still waiting for their 2025 Organic Certification Cost Share reimbursements—funds that Congress already authorized and that many farms rely on to cover the rising costs of organic certification. These delays are forcing farms, especially small and midsize operations, to absorb certification costs out of pocket at a time when margins are already tight. Without timely support, farms may postpone renewal, scale back, or exit organic altogether—undermining USDA’s goals of strengthening small farms and increasing domestic organic production. USDA must act now. Please join us in urging Under Secretary Fordyce and FSA Administrator Beam to immediately release the 2025 cost-share funds that organic operations are counting on.

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Organic Farms Still Haven’t Received Their 2025 Cost-Share Funds. Tell USDA to Act Now.

Organic farmers and businesses are facing unnecessary financial strain because the USDA Farm Service Agency has not distributed the 2025 Organic Certification Cost Share reimbursements. These funds were authorized by Congress and are essential for helping farms—especially small and midsize operations—cover the rising cost of organic certification. Delays are forcing operations to carry certification costs out of pocket, eroding already-tight margins and putting the stability of U.S. organic production at risk.

Your voice can help ensure USDA acts quickly.

Why action is needed

  • The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP) helps defray certification expenses for organic farms and businesses.

  • Certification costs have risen sharply due to inflation and enhanced fraud-prevention measures.

  • Without timely reimbursement, farms may delay renewal, scale back operations, or exit organic entirely.

  • This undermines the Administration’s goals of strengthening small farms, increasing U.S. organic production, and providing access to healthy food.

Congress has already done its part by providing funding. Now USDA must deliver the support farmers are counting on.

Take Action

Tell Under Secretary Richard Fordyce and FSA Administrator Bill Beam to immediately release 2025 organic cost-share funding.

Click “Send Letter” to automatically deliver a message to USDA leadership urging immediate action. We ask that you briefly personalize your message to introduce yourself and to explain how organic agriculture has a positive impact in your state. Next, you can send a letter to your Members of Congress, asking them to urge USDA to release cost share funding.

➡️ SEND YOUR LETTER NOW

Key Talking Points

  • Organic farms have not received their 2025 certification cost-share reimbursements.

  • Cost-share funding is essential to help farms manage rising certification expenses.

  • Delays conflict with USDA’s commitment to supporting small farms and increasing domestic organic production.

  • USDA must distribute FY2025 and FY2026 cost-share funds immediately at full reimbursement levels.

Abby Youngblood