BISMARCK – A new program developed by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Organic Advisory Board will help producers transitioning land to certified organic production.
The program will provide grants to cover 75 percent of eligible first-time transition costs up to $750, plus $250 for approved educational expenses.
Producers need to be transitioning the land to certified organic production for the first time. Farms that were certified in the past but have since lost certification are not eligible.
The land in transition needs to be in North Dakota and applicants must be North Dakota residents. They also need to be working with a certifying agent and complete one on-farm inspection.
Costs that are allowed include application fees, inspection fees, soil tests and approved educational expenses. The program runs on the state fiscal year of July 1 to June 30 and has limited funds of $5,000. Approval is on a first-come, first served basis.
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Click here for more information, including program guidelines and application forms.
