Missouri Department of Agriculture Organic Certification Update

To Organic Stakeholders:

As many of you may know, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Organic Program has been going through some changes. MDA’s review process is currently engaged in addressing new opportunities and services offered to organic producers.

The Department of Agriculture’s goal is to protect our state’s producers, processors and consumers. And while recent budget constraints have caused a reorganization throughout the department, we want to protect our value-added members of the agricultural community. We will be able to enhance cost-share programs while at the same time cut administrative costs in the department, meaning you will continue to receive financial assistance for your organic operations.

Although MDA will no longer be offering organic certification services, the department will continue to support the organic industry in the following areas:

• MDA has in place a cost-share program for certified producers and handlers. This cost-share program will be patterned after existing USDA programs and distributed to eligible certified organic operations.
   
• Through a cooperative agreement with USDA National Organic Program, we will provide cost-share monies for organic certification. Funds will continue to be distributed for the USDA National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program while funding is available.

Please feel free to contact our offices at any time with questions or need of assistance Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov or (573) 526-4984. Missouri’s organic producers and handlers will continue to be an asset and bright spot in our state’s agriculture. Thank you for continuing to build Missouri’s organic agricultural markets.