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.
OEFFA Certification will only be accepting new applications from operations in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. If you are not from these states, please visit the National Organic Program website to find a certifier in your area.
Fees:
(FEES DUE WITH YOUR APPLICATION)
| Annual Gross Organic Income | Base Fee |
| $ 0 - 249,999 | $ 500 |
| $ 250,000 - 999,999 | $ 1000 |
| > $ 1,000,000 | $ 2500 |
note: inspection fees and expenses are additional and are billed separately
Deadlines:
We accept new applicants at any time. You are required to renew annually and the Certification Staff will send out a notice before your renewal application is due.
Handler/Processor Applicant Forms
NOP Standards
Download OEFFA Production Standards
OEFFA Certification Policies & Procedures
Download OEFFA Certification Policies & Procedures
OEFFA Organic System Plan for Handlers
This is the application form.
Please be sure that every product you produce has a Product Profile Sheet (the last page of the application) and a copy of the labels being used.
Download OEFFA Organic System Plan for Handlers
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.
