Thank you for your interest in Pennsylvania Certified Organic's certification program. Our mission is to "Assure the Integrity of Organic Products in the Marketplace." Day in and day out we help people understand the organic certification requirements. We hold meetings in various parts of the state where we present workshops and educational programs. We've put together this page of information to help you get started on your way toward organic certification. We hope it will answer some of the most frequently asked questions such as:

1. How do I know whether I qualify?
2. How long does it take?
3. How much does it cost?
4. What's the first step?

These are good questions. Although you will find some of the answers on this page, a lot depends on the type of operation you have. No two farms are exactly the same! Our list of Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Certification may be helpful.

The full list of standards and requirements can be found in the Certification Manual and Standards and Certification Policy Updates. You'll also want a Materials List to help you decide whether something you are using (fertilizer, biological treatment, feed supplement, etc.) is permitted for use in organic production. The Materials List will be part of your application packet.

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The length of time between application and certification depends on several factors, including the time you apply, the completeness of your application and the inspector's schedule for your area. Incomplete applications cause delays in processing, so please try to include all necessary information. New applicants can apply at any time. Updates are due annually.

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Certification fees are made up of 3 components:

Fees are charged as follows:
A deposit is due when an applicant submits an Organic System Plan for approval. Upon review of the application, it will be determined whether additional Basic Certification Fees or further assessments are due (see chart below). After the operation is inspected, the applicant will also receive an invoice for the actual cost of inspection.

Cost-Share Funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture may be available to help pay for certification fees. Contact PCO for details.

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Categories are based on gross sales of organic product in the
calendar year prior to the application due date.

Basic certification for new applicants is $660.
Basic certification for annual updates is $605.

*If you are a handler only (and do not process), calculate your
sales as the difference between the cost of the product to you
and the price you charge for the product.

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*Out-of-state registration fees may also apply. These vary by state.

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The actual cost of your inspection will be billed to you after the inspector visits your operation. Estimates of inspection charges can be found in the Certification Manual.

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You'll need several things to get started:
The application forms, which include your Organic System Plan; a PCO Certification Manual and Materials List. You can order these from PCO by mail. Orders can be mailed to:

PCO
106 School Street, Suite201
Spring Mills, PA 16875

Be sure to include a listing of materials ordered, your contact information (Name, Address and Phone), and a check or money order made out to PCO.

Feel free to contact PCO if you need further information or assistance. We look forward to working with you to achieve organic certification!

Download a PCO Order Form to Apply for Membership or to request a Certification Manual.

See membership page for PCO membership information.

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The following updates have been made to the National Organic Standards, PCO's certification manual, or PCO policies.

• September 11, 2006 amendments to National Organic Standards (7 CFR Part 205)
• June 7, 2006, amendments to National Organic Standards (7 CFR Part 205)
  
• PCO policy on Requesting Reconsideration of Certification Decisions (6-26-06 certification manual addition)
  
• PCO Organizational Chart (6-14-06 certification manual amendment)

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This page last updated 12/12/2007