NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee farmers who grow organic crops and have become USDA certified can now qualify for a cost share reimbursement for the costs of their certification, according to tn.gov.

Certified organic producers can apply to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for a 75 percent cost share up to a maximum of $750.

The money will help defray costs related to receiving and maintaining organic certification including inspection costs, the site says. Organic operations that have achieved certification since Oct. 1, 2015 meet the time qualification to seek reimbursement. Organic operations that become certified between now and Sept. 30 also meet the time qualification.

Organic certification typically costs small farm producers between $600 and $1,000 annually – costs increase based on product and sales volume, tn.gov says.

“The latest USDA census results show the continued interest in organic agriculture among consumers, producers and businesses,” said Debbie Ball, Tennessee Department of Agriculture director of market development, on the in a written statement on the site. “When we respond to consumer interest with programs that help our farmers participate more competitively in these trends, everyone benefits. Farms increase their incomes, their rural communities thrive because of it, and Tennesseans get greater access to the fresh, local products they want.”