The Certification Process
Applicants submit an annual application each spring with payment. The Inspection Coordinator assigns an independent third party inspector to visit and inspect the farm, ask questions, and note areas of special concern. The inspector then forwards his or her report to the Certification staff, who review all documents and grant or deny certification, or request further information.
Fees:
(FEES DUE WITH YOUR APPLICATION)
| Postmarked by: | OH | IN, KY, MI, PA & WV |
IA, IL, MO & VA |
| Early Bird -- March 15 | $ 750 |
$800 |
$850 |
| Standard -- May 15 | $ 850 |
$900 |
$950 |
Deadlines: *May 15, 2012*
The Early Bird deadline for all producers is March 15, 2012. Have your application postmarked by this date to receive the best rate. The standard deadline is May 15, 2012. After May 15th, producers should add $100 per month to their certification fees. September 15, 2012 is the final deadline for all producer applications this year.
Application Forms
NOP Standards
Download OEFFA Production Standards (pdf)
OEFFA Certification Policies & Procedures
Download OEFFA Certification Policies & Procedures (pdf)
The Renewal Application
This application updates your full OSP. Please contact the office if you are unsure if this is a renewal or full OSP year for your operation
Download the Organic System Plan for renewing clients (pdf)
Download the Organic System Plan for renewing clients (doc)
OEFFA Livestock Organic System Plan
This is the main application for all kinds of livestock, including dairy.
This will be filed yearly. This form accompanies the Organic System Plan.
Download OEFFA Livestock Organic System Plan (pdf)
Download OEFFA Livestock Organic System Plan (doc)
OEFFA Organic System Plan for Handlers (including Producer/Handlers)
This form is to be used by all Handlers, including Producer/Handlers and is filed yearly.
Producer/Handlers must use this form when further processing or handling crops or livestock
and must include other certified items in your product; for example, if you are roasting your
seed for feed and also buying from others, or you are processing your maple sap into syrup.
Contact the office if you have questions about whether you need to complete this form.
Download OEFFA Organic System Plan for Handlers (pdf)
Download OEFFA Organic System Plan for Handlers (doc)
LINKS TO RESOURCES
Additional sources of information
ANOTHER RESOURCE
Under the National Organic Program Standards, the Certification staff is not allowed to "consult" but only to enforce the Standards. Staff from OEFFA Education are happy to answer questions about organics, transitioning, and sustainable agricultural practices. They can be reached by calling (614) 421-2022 or emailing them.
