PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Organic agriculture producers and processors hoping to offset certification costs can apply for up to 75 percent reimbursement under a state cost-share program.
State Dakota Department of Agriculture officials say organic producers or handlers can receive up to $750 on expenses incurred between Oct. 1, 2011, and Sept. 29, 2012. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is Nov. 15.
Officials say the annual cost of certification is a major expense for both new and established organic producers.
State figures show that agriculture generates more than $21 billion a year in South Dakota and employs at least 173,000 state residents.
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AP-WF-07-26-12 0927GMT
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