cost share -‐ a refund of organic certification fees · federal organic certification cost share...
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Cost Share -‐ A Refund of Organic Certification Fees The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program helps farmers and processors afford the expense of organic certification through a once-‐a -‐year refund. Eligible operations will be reimbursed up to 75% of their organic certification costs, with a maximum of $750 for each NOP scope of organic certification. The NOP currently recognizes four scopes of certification: crops, wild crops, livestock, and processing/handling. Any operation that is located within the United States and received organic certification between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 may apply for the 2015 reimbursement.
How to Get Organic Certification Cost-‐Share Funds in California* As a service to members, CCOF provides all Cost Share forms and instructions in this packet. Please follow the steps below carefully; you can use the checklist to mark your progress! CCOF recommends waiting until after your inspection to maximize your refund. If your certification fees have already reached $1000 per certification scope, you can apply any time. o Read the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) letter dated March 17, 2015. o Collect the following documentation:
o A copy of your organic certificate o Copies of all associated organic certification and inspection expense receipts o If you do not have copies of this documentation, CCOF can assist you – complete and return a Request for
Verification of CCOF Certification Costs form. Allow 14 days for CCOF to complete your request. o Complete and sign a CDFA Federal Organic Certification Cost Share Application. CDFA must receive an original signed
application – do not photocopy or fax. o Complete the Payee Data Record (STD. 204) form. Make sure the name on this form matches the name on the Cost
Share application. o Send your completed, signed application to CDFA with all supporting documentation: your organic certificate, proof
of fees paid for organic certification and inspection, and your Payee Data Record (STD. 204). o Note: Applications are approved on a “first received and complete, first approved” basis. Incomplete
applications will be returned and your place in line will be lost. DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS TO CCOF. o Mail applications to:
Department of Food and Agriculture Organic Cost Share Program
ATTN: Sharon Parsons 1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814 Application Postmark Deadline for 2015: October 31, 2015
For assistance, contact Sharon Parsons at sparsons@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 900-‐5202. Eligible certification fees include:
� New applicant fees � Annual certification fees � Inspection costs � Global Market Access Fees
*For information on how to apply for cost-‐share reimbursement in other states, find your state’s cost-‐share contact at www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5107877 and ask about application procedures and deadlines in your state.
Why is Cost Share Important? Historically, farm bill funding has not been as generous to organic producers as it has for conventional. Cost share is one of the few programs offered specifically to support organic producers. The new farm bill passed in February 2014 reinstated the program in all 50 states for a total of almost $13 million per year. Utilizing all available funds each year will demonstrate a need for this program and encourage Congress to continue funding it. CCOF strongly encourages all organic farmers, livestock operations, and handlers to take advantage of these funds. If the organic industry can utilize all funds offered through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program, it will succeed in demonstrating a need for this funding. If the total allocation of funds is not used by the end of the program, cost-‐share appropriations will likely be reduced during the next round of farm bill negotiations. Whether your operation needs the funds or not, applying helps ensure future funding and program availability for small businesses trying to succeed in the organic marketplace. Visit www.ccof.org/financialassistance for more information!
Request for Verification of CCOF Certification Costs CCOF wants to make sure you receive your certification cost-share funds. All Cost-Share applications must include verification of certification and the fees paid. If you have copies of paid invoices and your organic certificate, you do not need to complete this form. Good luck and thank you for your support of CCOF. ► To request your payment history from CCOF, please complete this form and submit it to CCOF by email:
ccof@ccof.org, fax: 831-423-4528, or mail: 2155 Delaware Ave., Suite 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.► CCOF will complete and return this request within 14 days.► Include the forms sent back to you when you send your Cost-Share application to your state.
IMPORTANT: • To receive certification cost-share funds you must complete the applicable forms required by
your state and submit them directly to the state. • CDFA application forms and links to other state certification cost-share information are available
from CCOF at: www.ccof.org/financialassistance Cost-share is available through the Farm Bill’s National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program.
Contact your elected representatives and ask them to support continued funding for organic cost-share!
CCOF Client Information:
Operation Name: Client Code: Your Name:
Return to me by: (SELECT ONE) Specify details
Email:
Fax:
Mail:
Do you need a full set of blank CA Certification Cost-Share forms returned to you? Yes, I need a copy of the CA Cost-Share forms No, I already have these forms or I am not located in CA.
CCOF USE ONLY. Certification and Cost Verification:
Total Fees Paid for All CCOF Certification Services under the NOP*: New Applicant fee: Annual Certification fees:
Inspection costs: Other eligible fees: *Does not include fees paid for finance charges, CCOF’s International Standard Program, or any otherunallowable costs set forth by the NOP.
This operation is currently certified by CCOF under the USDA NOP 7 CFR Part 205. Issue Date of Certification: Scope(s): Grower Handler Livestock Wild Crop
Date CCOF Representative Signature Name Z:\CCOF Certification Services\Certification Cost Share Resources\CCOF Request for Verification of Costs.doc 2015
Inspection & Compliance Branch ● 1220 N Street ● Sacramento, California 95814 State of California
Telephone: 916.900-5030 ● Fax: 916.900.5347 ● www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor
March 17, 2015
TO: ALL COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONERS
ACCREDITED CERTIFYING AGENTS OPERATING IN CALIFORNIA
ALL CALIFORNIA ORGANIC REGISTRANTS
RE: NATIONAL ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST SHARE PROGRAM
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) is providing funds to
assist with the cost of organic certification under the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program.
Accordingly, the California Department of Food and Agriculture will be distributing reimbursement to
operations that have been certified by a USDA accredited certifying agent.
The NOP currently recognizes four scopes of certification: crops, wild crops, livestock, and
processing/handling. Operations may receive one reimbursement per year per applicable certification scope
and operation type. Eligible entities will be reimbursed up to 75 percent of their organic certification costs,
not to exceed $750 per category. Any organic operation in California that has received or renewed organic
certification on or between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 may apply for reimbursement.
Applications must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2015. There will be no exceptions.
In order to receive reimbursement, applicants must submit a completed Federal Organic Cost Share
Application (ORG-106), a copy of your certification, copies of associated paid expense invoices required
to obtain and/or maintain certification, and a completed Payee Data Record Form (STD 204).
Cost Share applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. Incomplete or inaccurate
applications will be returned and must be resubmitted. Please review the Instructions page before completing
the application. Submit completed applications to:
Department of Food and Agriculture
Organic Cost Share Program
ATTN: Sharon Parsons
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Electronic copies of this letter and supporting material can be found at the following Internet address:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/organic.html under Cost Share Application. For additional information,
please contact Sharon Parsons at (916) 900-5202 or by e-mail at sparsons@cdfa.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Sharon Parsons
Program Coordinator
California Organic Cost Share Program
Federal Organic Certification Cost Share Application (ORG-106) Instructions
California Department of Food and Agriculture Organic Registration Number: Enter the 8 digit number assigned by CDFA
on your registration certificate. (00-000000)
Are you registered with the California Department of Public Health? If yes, enter the registration number assigned by
CDPH on your registration certificate. If not, check NO.
Company Information
Payee Name Box: Enter the name of the company or the name of the individual that the check will be made payable to. Please
note Payee Name must match Payee’s Legal Business Name on the STD. 204 Payee Data Record.
NOTE: On the STD. 204, if your name or sole proprietor business name is entered in the Payee’s Legal Business Name box,
and your name is in the Sole Proprietor box, then enter your social security number. All others should enter the Federal
Employer Identification Number. See STD. 204 instructions for box 3.
Company Name Box: Enter name of your company. If you entered your name as the Payee in the Payee Name box then enter
your Company name. If you do not have a company name but use your own name as the business name then enter your name.
Mailing Address Box: Enter the address where you would like your check mailed. Must match STD. 204 Mailing Address box.
Primary County of Operation Box: Enter the county in which you are Registered Organic.
Primary Phone Number Box: Enter the phone number where you can be reached for any questions.
Alternate Phone Number: Enter the alternate number where you can be reached, or enter N/A.
Fax Number: Enter the fax number that we can use to communicate with you, or enter N/A.
E-mail Address Box: Enter the e-mail that you can be reached at for any questions.
Certification Information
Name of Certification Agency: Enter the name of your third party certifier.
Certification Number/Client Code: Enter the certificate number from your certifier’s certificate of compliance.
Current date of Certification/Certificate Issued: For renewals: Enter the current issue date on your certificate, not the
original date that you obtained certification. For new: Enter the date that you obtained certification.
Application Fee: Enter the fee paid if you are a NEW applicant for certification only, otherwise enter $0.
Annual Certification/Recertification Fee: Enter the fees paid for your annual certification fee.
Inspection Fee: Enter the costs incurred for your annual inspection.
Total Amount of Fees Paid for Certification: Enter the total of your application fee, annual fee and inspection fee.
(See enclosed Acceptable/Unacceptable Organic Cost Share Application Fees for information on what fees can be
reimbursed)
Scope of Certification: Check the appropriate box(es) that apply to your scope(s) of certification.
Operation Types for this Certification: Check the appropriate box(es) that apply to your operation(s).
(Post Harvest Handling is considered the same as Handling and is acceptable as a scope of work.)
Signature: The application must be signed. The owner or a representative of the company must sign and will be responsible to
ensure that the information on the application is true and correct.
Date: Enter the date that the application was completed.
State of California Organic Program SAMPLE APPLICATION
ORG-106 (Rev. 3/15)
2014/2015
California Department of Food and Agriculture Federal Organic Certification Cost Share Application
To be eligible for reimbursement the operation must have received or renewed organic certification on or between October 1, 2014
and September 30, 2015. The amount of reimbursement is 75% of certification costs (maximum of $750) per scope of activity.
NOTE: You must send a copy of your certificate, billing, proof of payment and Payee Data Record with your application. This
application must be signed. Applications must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2015. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
California Department of Food and Agriculture Organic Registration Number: _Reg # on your CDFA Certificate_ Are you registered with the Department of Public Health? Yes ___ No____ Registration #_on your CDPH certificate
COMPANY INFORMATION
Payee Name (Check will be payable to or DBA) –no more than 1 name
John Doe or John Doe Organics Farms or/ John Doe Incorporated
Company Name
Company name or name used as DBA
Mailing Address (Check to be mailed to)
1234 Agriculture Way – same address as on STD. 204 form
City
Anywhere –same address as on STD. 204 form
State
CA
Zip Code
00000
Primary County of Operation
Sacramento
Primary Phone Number
Daytime Contact Number
Alternate Phone Number
Cell Number or other contact number
Fax Number
If Available
E-mail Address
If Available
CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
Name of Certification Agency
Name of 3rd
party certifier
Certification Number/Client Code
Number on your actual Certificate
Last Name
Current Date of Certification
Date of certificate renewal (date issued for this
period)
Application Fee (New Certifications
for this Period Only)
$ If $0 please indicate
Annual Certification/Recertification Fee Paid
$ Cost of fees paid for certification not
including inspection fees
Inspection Fees Paid
$ Fees paid for inspection, travel costs, etc
Total Amount of Fees Paid for Certification
$ Total of new application fees, annual fees and inspection fees
Scope of Certification (Please check all that apply) Scope(s) indicated on certificate
Crops Wild Crops Livestock Processing/Handling
Operation Types for this Certification (Check all that apply) Operation Type(s) indicated on certificate
Producer Handler Processor Retailer
SIGNATURE
Certification By Registrant:
I certify that the above information is true and correct, and the operation stated above received organic certification or renewal on or between
October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015.
Penalty for knowingly making false statements or false entries, or attempts to secure money through fraudulent means, may include fines
and/or incarceration and/or forfeiture of agriculture assistance funds under applicable federal and state law.
___Must be signed________________________________________ Date _____/_____/_____ current date
Certified Operations Signature month day year
Mail Application and Supporting Documents To:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Organic Program
Cost Share Reimbursement
Attn: Sharon Parsons
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
For Official Use Only
Organic ID/Batch Number
Total Reimbursable Amount
$
75% = $ $750 $1,500
$2,250 $3,000
Approved By Date
State of California Organic Program
ORG-106 (Rev. 3/15)
2014/2015
California Department of Food and Agriculture Federal Organic Certification Cost Share Application
To be eligible for reimbursement the operation must have received or renewed organic certification on or between October 1, 2014
and September 30, 2015. The amount of reimbursement is 75% of certification costs (maximum of $750) per scope of activity.
NOTE: You must send a copy of your certificate, billing, proof of payment and Payee Data Record with your application. This
application must be signed. Applications must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2015. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
California Department of Food and Agriculture Organic Registration Number: ____________________ Are you registered with the Department of Public Health? Yes ____ No____ Registration #______________
COMPANY INFORMATION
Payee Name (Check will be payable to or DBA) Company Name
Mailing Address (Check to be mailed to)
City State Zip Code Primary County of Operation
Primary Phone Number Alternate Phone Number
Fax Number E-mail Address
CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
Name of Certification Agency
Certification Number/Client Code
Last Name
Current Date of Certification/Certificate Issued
Application Fee (New Certifications for
this Period Only)
$
Annual Certification/Recertification Fee Paid
$
Inspection Fees Paid
$
Total Amount of Fees Paid for Certification
$
Scope of Certification (Please check all that apply)
Crops Wild Crops Livestock Processing/Handling
Operation Types for this Certification (Check all that apply)
Producer Handler Processor Retailer
SIGNATURE
Certification By Registrant:
I certify that the above information is true and correct, and the operation stated above received organic certification or renewal on or between
October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015.
Penalty for knowingly making false statements or false entries, or attempts to secure money through fraudulent means, may include fines
and/or incarceration and/or forfeiture of agriculture assistance funds under applicable federal and state law.
___________________________________________ Date _____/_____/_____
Certified Operations Signature month day year
Mail Application and Supporting Documents To:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Organic Program
Cost Share Reimbursement
Attn: Sharon Parsons
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
For Official Use Only
Organic ID/Batch Number
Total Reimbursable Amount
$
75% = $ $750 $1,500
$2,250 $3,000
Approved By Date
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