The Certification Process
Applicants submit an annual application 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)
| Annual Gross Organic Income | Base Fee |
| < $250,000 | $ 500 |
| $ 250,000 - 449,999 | $ 1000 |
| $ 450,000 - 649,999 | $ 1500 |
| $ 650,000 - 849,999 | $ 2000 |
| > $ 850,000 | $ 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.
Application Forms
NOP Standards
Download OEFFA Production Standards (pdf)
OEFFA Certification Policies & Procedures
Download OEFFA Certification Policies & Procedures (pdf)
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)
Handler/Processor Fee Sheet
Download Handler/Processor Fee Sheet (pdf)
Download Handler/Processor Fee Sheet (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.
