BISMARCK – Organic farmers and ranchers have until Oct. 31 to apply for reimbursement for organic certification costs incurred between Oct. 1, 2011 and Sept. 30, 2012.

“Organic producers can receive 75 percent – up to $750 – reimbursement of their certification costs,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.

Goehring said farmers who are certified by International Certification Services or the Organic Crop Improvement Association should apply for reimbursement through their certifier. All others should contact the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.”

Goehring said that 154 North Dakota farmers and ranchers applied for and received a total of more than $110,000 under the National Organic Cost Share Program in 2011. So far this year, 76 people have applied and received more than $56,000.