SC Organic Certification Assistance Program

South Carolina Department of Agriculture

Columbia, SC

Effective as of April 30, 2003

"Commissioner Sharpe has announced a new grant program for South Carolina growers interested in becoming certified organic producers. The South Carolina Organic Certification Assistance Program is a cost share program that assists the organic grower in the cost of becoming certified under the National Organic Program. Funding for this program comes from a USDA grant to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. The financial assistance program will reimburse 75% of the cost of certification up to a maximum of $500. Assistance is available on a first-come first-serve basis."

To be reimbursed: send an application, along with a copy of receipts or cancelled checks and a copy of a certificate from an USDA accredited certifying agency (commercial or governmental). Applications are available from the: SC Organic Certification Assistance Program Attn: Larry Boyleston SC Department of Agriculture PO Box 11280 Columbia, SC 29211 803-734-2210.

"This is an excellent opportunity for South Carolina growers to take advantage of a market niche that is consistently growing," says Commissioner Sharpe. "The SC Department of Agriculture will be supporting this effort through this grant program and other promotional programs."

For more information about the grant program, please contact Larry Boyleston at the SC Department of Agriculture: 803-734-2210.