E-mail: baystateorganic
@earthlink.net
CERTIFICATION
Baystate Organic Certifiers is accredited by the National Organic Program to certify organic crop, livestock, and organic wild crop production as well as organic handlers (processors).
Information on certification for organic growers (any crop including wild crop) and organic livestock producers, including application forms may be found under the For Growers page. Information on certification for organic handlers (processors), including application forms may be found under the For Processors page.
- For Growers
- Forms for Renewal Growers
- For Processors
- Forms for Renewal Processors
- Locating Approved Products for Certified Growers & Processors
- Organic Seals & Labels (BOC & USDA)
- Fee Reimbursement
- Recordkeeping
- Consultants
FEE REIMBURSEMENT
Funds are disbursed through state agricultural programs. The current program runs from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. The contact information for fee reimbursement for MA and CT is below. If you live in another state, contact the local agricultural department to get fee reimbursement information:
Fee reimbursement applications must be submitted by October 15 for reimbursement in Massachusetts, and by September 1 for reimbursement in Connecticut.
Funds are available from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to partially refund the cost of organic certification fees. Certified growers, livestock producers, handlers, and food processors are eligible for this fee reimbursement. Certified operations can get 75% of their certification fees refunded up to a maximum of $750.
RECORDKEEPING
It is the responsibility of the certifying agent to determine if an operation's recordkeeping meets the standards. However, the certifying agent cannot mandate or otherwise require a certain type of recordkeeping system. It is the responsibility of the certified operation to set up an maintain a recordkeeping that works for the operation. Some new applicants have trouble setting up a recordkeeping system. ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas) has developed documentation forms for recordkeeping that meet the requirements of the National Organic Standards.
Free copies of these forms can be obtained by calling 1-800-346-9140 or by visiting the ATTRA website at www.attra.ncat.org. Besides recordkeeping forms, ATTRA has many other free publications that deal with organic farming and organic livestock management.
Section 205.103 of the National Organic Standards specifies that certified operations must maintain records concerning the production, harvesting, and handling of agricultural products that are or that are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as 100% organic, organic, or made with organic ingredients. Records must fully disclose all activities and transactions of the certified operation in sufficient detail as to be readily understood and audited.
CONSULTANTS
PROCESSING & HANDLING CONSULTANTS:
Cathy's FOOD Consulting Services
John Weaver Consulting Services
The National Organic Standards prohibit Baystate Organic Certifiers from doing organic consulting work for its clients. If you are looking for a consultant to assist you in complying with the organic standards, you can contact the Organic Trade Association in Greenfield, MA for a list of consultants that are members of the trade association. Below is a list of consultants that have contacted us and asked to be listed on our website:
Cathy Cardenuto
Springfield, MA
Phone: (413) 563-8104
E-mail: ccardenuto@verizon.net
Specializing in: ORGANIC PROGRAMS - FOOD SAFETY - HACCP - QUALITY ASSURANCE - SSOP PROGRAMS.
N. Kingstown, RI 02852
Phone: (401) 808-0305
E-mail: jweaver2045@hotmail.com
Specializing in: ORGANIC COMPLIANCE - SOURCING - PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - CO-PACKER MANAGEMENT - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.
Web site design and maintenance by Jorma Kansanen. COPYRIGHT © 2004-2009 Baystate Organic Certifiers. All Rights Reserved.