SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 6, 2010

Media Contact: Robert Weyrich, 605-773-4073

Organic Certification Cost-Share Program Available

Pierre, S.D. - Organic producers and processors in South Dakota may be eligible to receive up to 75 percent reimbursement for their organic certification costs.

“The annual cost of certification is a major expense for both new and established organic producers,” said Robert Weyrich, Ag Development Specialist with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA).  “Costs can range from several hundred dollars for even the smallest producer to thousands of dollars for larger organic operations.”

To help minimize these organic certification costs, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is offering a 75 percent cost-share reimbursement program.  The maximum amount any organic producer may receive is $750 per year.

Reimbursement applications and supporting documents must be sent to SDDA for eligible certification or re-certification expenses incurred after October 1, 2009, and before September 30, 2010.  All applications will be reviewed and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application material will be mailed to anyone who has previously participated in the program.  Program guidelines and applications are also available online at www.dakotaflavor.com or will be sent upon request.

Funding for this program is provided through a cooperative agreement between SDDA and the Agricultural Marketing Service branch of the United States Department of Agriculture.

For more information or to receive an application form, contact SDDA at (605) 773-5436 or email robert.weyrich@state.sd.us.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating more than $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 173,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve the industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ .

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