The CCOF Funding Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you’re a farmer or rancher who is interested in obtaining organic certification, the CCOF Funding Agreement may be of interest to you. This agreement is a partnership between the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides financial assistance to farmers who are working to obtain organic certification.
Here’s what you need to know about the CCOF Funding Agreement:
1. What is the CCOF Funding Agreement?
The CCOF Funding Agreement is a program that provides financial assistance to farmers who are working to obtain organic certification. The program is a partnership between CCOF and the USDA and is meant to encourage more farmers to transition to organic farming methods.
2. Who is eligible for the CCOF Funding Agreement?
To be eligible for the CCOF Funding Agreement, you must currently be a farmer or rancher who is working to obtain organic certification. You must also be located in California and meet the following criteria:
– Have an annual gross income of less than $250,000
– Have been farming for at least three years
– Be able to provide proof of organic certification expenses
3. What expenses are covered by the CCOF Funding Agreement?
The CCOF Funding Agreement covers a range of expenses associated with obtaining organic certification. These include:
– Organic certification application fees
– Inspection fees
– Organic transition plan development fees
– Organic system plan development fees
– Record-keeping and verification expenses
– Organic system maintenance expenses
4. How much financial assistance can you receive through the CCOF Funding Agreement?
The amount of financial assistance available through the CCOF Funding Agreement is determined on a case-by-case basis. The amount of assistance you receive will depend on the specific expenses you incur and the amount of funding available through the program.
5. How do you apply for the CCOF Funding Agreement?
To apply for the CCOF Funding Agreement, you must first obtain organic certification through CCOF. Once you have obtained certification, you can apply for financial assistance through the program. You will need to provide documentation of your organic certification expenses and your annual gross income.
In conclusion, the CCOF Funding Agreement is a valuable program that provides financial assistance to farmers who are working to obtain organic certification. If you’re a farmer or rancher in California who is interested in transitioning to organic farming methods, the CCOF Funding Agreement may be able to help offset the costs associated with obtaining certification. Contact CCOF to learn more about this program and how to apply.