NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC Certification Program provides the USDA's National Organic Program's National Organic Standards and NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC's Guidance & Policy Manual.  These contain the requirements for the organic certification of Farm Crops, Dairy Farming and Handling/Processing Operations. Certification Requirements Certification is an annual process. For Handler Operations Certification, the areas addressed in the Certification process include the sources of the raw materials, storage of materials and the actual process used to produce a finished product.  In operations that will be producing both certified and non-certified products, complete and total separation of raw materials, processing and storage are required. All Handling Operations must develop an Organic Handling Plan for their facility.  This written document must detail the complete process, from the receipt of the raw material through production and packaging of the finished product.  Complete audit trail documentation must also be maintained. Also required as part of the Certification application are facility diagrams, including a schematic diagram of the facility, product flow chart, and location(s) of pest control bait stations if used.  Pest control procedures should be included as part of the Organic Handling Plan. Application Submission Dates Initial Handling Applications may be submitted at any time of the year.  The first year of certification is a lengthier process than in succeeding years due to the information required.  Once the application is received, a time frame will be determined for the inspection visit. Certification Time Frame After  the inspection has taken place and the report has been submitted, the Final reviewer(s) will review the application and the inspection report and make a determination on certification. Once a decision is made the certification office will contact the applicant with a letter of determination and contract (if applicable).  The average time period of certification from start to finish is approximately 3-4 months.  In succeeding years, there is no lapse in certification (providing Annual Information Update occurs).  Handler/Processor Certification Fees Please CLICK HERE to review the current Fees and Financial Policies and Procedures schedule from the Certification Policy Manual.   The USDA is providing financial assistance to farmers/handlers in 15 states to help pay their costs for organic certification including Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania.  Payments are currently limited to 75% of an individual producer's certification costs, up to a maximum of $500.00.  Funds are being distributed through NYS Ag & Markets and Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture.  Please CLICK HERE to download a pdf version of the form. Certification Fee Refund Policy Please CLICK HERE to review the current Certification Fee Refund Policy from the Certification Policy Manual. The Certification Standards The National Organic Program's National Organic Standards and NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC's Guidance & Policy Manual provide complete guidelines for the Program. A copy of the current NOP Standards is required when applying for Certification. It is recommended that if you are not seeking certification this year that you still obtain the Standards in order to prepare for future certification. The National Organic Program's National Organic Standards, the NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC's Guidance & Policy Manual, and the Certification Application are available as follows: Complete Application Packet (Standards, Manual & Application) $30.00 NOP Standards Only $20.00 Certification Application Only $10.00 List of Certified Organic Farms $  5.00

Name: Farm Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: County: Email:   Send Form with Payment To: NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC 840 Upper Front St Binghamton, NY 13905

Products that you will be seeking certification for this year:     Handling Operation Total Enclosed:______________   Please make check payable to: NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC, or   Charge my Credit Card: ______________________________ Exp. Date:______  Signature:__________________________ All prices  are in U.S. currency.  Additional postage will need to be added for purchases outside the continental United States.  Please call to arrange prior to sending payment. If billing address is different than mailing, please list billing address: