| Oregon organic cost share reimbursement program |
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| Program overview |
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The Organic Cost Share Reimbursement Program was approved by Congress and funds made available through the USDA to applicant states. The program provides reimbursement to growers, processors and handlers who obtain organic certification from USDA accredited certifiers (certifying to National Organic Program standards). Oregon received $202,500 in reimbursement funds for the October 1, 2009 -September 30, 2010 period.
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| How to apply for reimbursement |
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Oregon producers or handlers certified by USDA accredited certifiers between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 are eligible to receive reimbursement for 75% of certification fees, up to a maximum of $750 per qualifying year.
To request reimbursement you must complete an application form and W-9 form. In addition, you must submit a copy of your fee invoice(s) and proof you have been certified or re-certified. These documents must show payment(s) and certification for the same year. Incomplete applications will be returned. All completed applications for the October 1, 2009-September 30, 2010 period must be submitted by October 31, 2010.
Reimbursements will be made on a first-come first-serve basis until all available funds have been disbursed.
For specific questions related to applying for organic certification reimbursements, check our Frequently Asked Questions below.
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Eligibility Questions
| Q. | I’ve paid fees already for my certification or re-certification, but haven’t had my inspection yet. Can I apply for reimbursement? | | A. | No, you must wait until your certification or re-certification process is completed and you have dated documentation from your certifier. | | | | Q.
| Can I apply for reimbursement if a new or small organic certifier certifies me?
| | A. | Any certifications done by a USDA accredited certifier are eligible.
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Application Form Questions
| Q. | I’ve applied for reimbursement in previous years and didn’t have to attach a W-9 form before. Why do I have to do this now?
| | A. | Reporting requirements have changed. | | | | | Q. | I have one of your old application forms. Can I pencil in the current dates and use it?
| | A. | No, please complete a separate application form and W-9 form for each qualifying year.
| | | | | Q. | Can I attach a copy of my cancelled check as proof of payment?
| | A. | No, we ask that the proof of payment be from the certifier, such as an invoice marked “paid”, so we know what the payment was for. | | | | | Q. | What documentation is required with my application form and W-9?
| | A. | You must provide a copy of your fee invoice AND proof that you have been certified. See examples of an invoice and certfication approval.
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Payment Questions
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| Can inspection fees be included in my reimbursement request?
| | A. | Yes, all fees that are part of your certification process should be included.
| | | | | Q. | My certification fees were $2,500 and I requested 75% reimbursement of $1,500 but I only received $750.
| | A. | The maximum amount you may receive is $750 per qualifying period.
| | | | | Q. | Will you run out of funds before my certification renewal is completed? | | A. | We process completed eligible applications on a first-come-first-serve basis so there are no guarantees.
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| How long will it take to receive reimbursement?
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| Please allow 4-6 weeks to process your complete application and receive your check. Note, your reimbursement will be delayed if the application is missing documentation.
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