(a) To be eligible for OCCSP, a producer or handler must:

1. (1) Possess a valid USDA organic certification:

   1. (i) For the 2025 program year, at any time during the program year; or
   2. (ii) For 2026 and subsequent program years, at the time of application;
2. (2) Have paid allowable expenses, as specified in § 1417.7, for initial organic certification or renewal of organic certification from a certifying agent during the applicable fiscal year; and
3. (3) Be located in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.