Organic Advisory Council
The Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council (OAC) is currently seeking nominations for the 2024 open seats of: organic certifier, organic business, organic farmer, and at-large. The OAC is seeking individuals willing to share thoughts and opinions with fellow OAC members and interagency partners. The application period is open through March 8, 2024.
This 13-member council provides guidance to the DATCP Secretary, the Governor, the Legislature, and other state agencies on actions that can be taken to further the Wisconsin organic industry.
Visit DATCP's Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council webpage to learn more about the OAC and access the nomination form.
Organic Certification Cost Share Program
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) helps organic farmers and processors pay for organic certification. Funding comes from the federal government, and the program is administered through DATCP. Funding for this program is provided by and contingent upon funds provided by cooperative agreement between the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
Organic farms and companies that sell, process, or package certified organic agricultural products are eligible to receive 75% of certification-related costs incurred, with a maximum of $750 for each category/scope. The OCCSP application period opens in July annually and typically closes before the end of the year. More information on how to apply for cost share reimbursement will be available on this webpage when the program opens later in 2024.
If you have any questions or concerns about this program, please contact Andrew Bernhardt at Andrew.bernhardt@wisconsin.gov or (608) 572-0512.
USDA Organic Integrity Database
Are you looking for an organic farm or business? Use the USDA's Organic Integrity Database to find a specific certified organic operation, or search for operations with specific characteristics.
You can search and filter by many different categories and keywords. For a full list of search criteria, click on the green “advanced search" button. Search criteria include:
- Certifier
- Operation name
- Contact last name
- Location, such as city, state, and/or county
- Certification status
- Scopes (crops, livestock, handling, and/or wild crops)
- Business type
You can select just one or many different search criteria to narrow down your search results. Once you have completed your search you can download the organic certificates and export the list to an Excel spreadsheet. USDA-Accredited Certifying Agents update this list on a regular basis. For frequently asked questions, consult the USDA FAQ on the Organic Integrity Database FAQ sheet.
Organic Certification and Cost Share Program Webinar
Presenters from DATCP, FSA, and Marbleseed (previously called MOSES) share tips on how to become certified organic, apply for cost share reimbursement, and access organic learning opportunities.
Resources
Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide: A 106-page guide for food producers interested in entering local food markets.
Wisconsin Consumer's Guide to Organic Food: An 18-page overview of organic agriculture, organic certification, and the benefits organic agriculture provides. Additional promotional materials associated with this guide can be downloaded at the same link.
Contact
Andrew Bernhardt
Organic Agriculture Programs Specialist
(608) 572-0512
andrew.bernhardt@wisconsin.gov