Organic

Who is an Organic Producer?

For the purposes of TAEP, an eligible organic operation is involved in the production and sale of certified USDA Organic products (fruits, vegetables, and meats) and is aimed at increasing profitability of the operation. Applicant must be certified USDA Organic or working towards certification to qualify. Certification must be current at time of reimbursement request.

• Organic fruit producer
• Organic viticulture producer
• Organic vegetable producer
• Organic farm fresh meat producer

Organic Producer Cost Share Opportunities

Standard Producer – 35% Cost Share - $12,000 Reimbursement Maximum
All approved applicants with organic projects are eligible for 35% cost share. There are no special requirements for 35% cost share.

Master Producer – 50% Cost Share - $12,000 Reimbursement Maximum
To be eligible for 50% cost share, applicants must complete special requirements prior to the program reimbursement deadline of August 1, 2024. The name registered for the special requirement must be the same name as the individual applying for cost share funding.

Special Requirements for 50% Cost Share
USDA Organic Certification – applicant must be certified USDA Organic (certificate and current letter of compliance) at time of reimbursement to be eligible for cost share.

What Organic Projects Qualify for TAEP?

The proposed activity/project must encompass quality expansion or improvement of the applicant’s farm and business. The eligible categories are: farm infrastructure, specialty equipment and marketing.

Competitive Projects – Organic:
• Priority is given to long-term projects that focus on improving or increasing production.
• Marketing projects that are long-term in nature are allowed but are not considered as competitive as those involving production.
• Only complete applications that include sufficient information will be considered for evaluation.
TAEP staff will coordinate with UT Extension and USDA to verify compliance. Applicants will need to send a copy of their USDA Organic certificate and most current letter of compliance for TAEP records.

Approved applicants will receive a revised budget with reimbursement documentation. The revised budget indicates approved items per committee review, cost share allocation amount, and status of special requirement participation. All committee decisions are final.