August 5, 2026
Dear Maine-based MOFGA Certified Producer,
MOFGA Certification Services (MCS) has been closely monitoring the organic cost share program and funding availability. In our last communication on July 9th, we recommended that Maine-based organic producers not apply through their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) for the cost share, because MOFGA works with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) to administer the cost share rebate checks on behalf of producers.
Since that time, we’ve learned that there is no current timeline for when that funding will come through to DACF. However, county FSA offices already have the funds available to process requests. Therefore, MCS is now advising Maine-based organic producers who want their organic cost share payment earlier to contact their county FSA office and apply directly through them. MCS, DACF, and Maine FSA will coordinate to ensure that anyone who applies through FSA will not be submitted through the DACF process, and that those who don’t apply through FSA will receive rebates from DACF, as in past years.
If you would like to apply through FSA, we’ve attached the application packet. You will need to complete a separate application for 2025 and 2026, and include paid receipts from both years (you may also be asked to submit 2025 and 2026 organic certificates). Please contact MCS at certification@mofga.org or 207-568-6030 and we’ll provide them to you. To locate your county FSA office visit (or call: (207) 990-9140) – https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator.
If you wish MCS to coordinate your rebate with DACF, a current W-9 must be submitted or on file with the state. If you have filed this already, only submit a substitute W-9 form if your information has changed since 12/31/24. The W-9 form must be sent or emailed to:
Debbie Davis, Office Specialist I, Division of Animal and Plant Health, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0028. Phone: (207) 287-4515 Email: Debbie.Davis@maine.gov.
Please contact our office if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
The MCS Team
