Whether this is your first time applying for organic certification or your fifteenth, here's where you'll find all the forms you need. Don't forget to print yourself a copy of the Production Standards along with whatever applications you need.
Applications Forms for 2009 for producers will be posted around February 1, 2009. Please check back then to download your application.
Download
OEFFA Production Standards
Download
OEFFA Handler Application Form
2008 Fees
OEFFA Certification
base fees are $600, which includes inspector's fees (though
see below, if you live outside Ohio). Additional costs
may be incurred if:
- You are also requesting certification for livestock, there is an additional fee of $50.
- You are also requesting certification for an on-farm handling operation, there is an additional fee of $50.
- You require an inspection outside the state of Ohio, in which case there may be additional expenses associated with the inspector's travel expenses.
If you are a handler, the base fee for certification is $475. The inspector fees and expenses will be in addition to that and will be assessed on an individual basis.
2008 Application Deadlines
Applications for certification, both renewals and first-time
applicants, must be in the office by July 15th. From
July 15 to September 15, a substantial late fee will be assessed.
After September 15, no applications will be accepted unless the operation is a handler or a greenhouse.
If your application is not received by September 15, you will be out of compliance with the National Organic Program (NOP) and may risk losing your certification.
How to Apply
If you are unable to download and print an application from
the top of this page, and want to request a copy of our organic
standards and an application form, please contact us by email 
or
at:
OEFFA Organic Certification
41 Croswell Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
Phone: (614) 426-2022
FAX:
(614) 421-2011
Electonic application forms for OEFFA Certification can be
downloaded at the top of this page. Files are in Microsoft
Word format. Download both Production Standards and Application
forms. If you plan on handling certified goods or livestock,
download those forms as well.
It is important that the entire application form be submitted.
Please do not alter or delete application questions other than
to provide the appropriate information to the committee.
For further information, contact Certification staff at 614.426.2022
/
Why Organic Production?
OEFFA
has offered
certification
services
to Ohio's
organic
farmers
for over
twenty
years.
Organic
farming
can be
a valuable
value added
strategy
for farm families
that place
a high
value on:
Enhancing
Profitability
Preserving
the Environment
Protecting
Family & Worker
Health
Producing
Wholesome
Product
The Process
Applicants submit an annual application each spring with payment.
The Certification Director 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 then approve, deny, or request further information.
This process takes at least 90 days from the time your completed application and payment are received. Incomplete applications and difficulty scheduling the inspector's visit may delay the process significantly.
Approved Product List
You can download a
list of products approved by OEFFA for
use in organic production. Please note that products on
the approved list are
allowed for their intended use only and must be used in
accordance with your approved organic
system plan and according to the directions provided by
the manufacturer. As growers and manufacturers request
reviews of additional products, they will be added to the approved or
denied list, accordingly. This list is subject to change
if formulations of products, NOP regulations, or the interpretations
thereof change.
If you have any concerns,
questions, or would like to request review of a specific product
or application, please contact our Materials Review
Staff by email at 
or call the Certification Office at (614) 262-2022.
We
have "Do Not Spray" Signs
The OEFFA Store stocks heavy duty
Aluminum signs for purchase. Some can be used to identify
your farm as certified organic. Others allow you to mark
you land "Do Not Spray."
OEFFA Certification
41 Croswell Rd.
Columbus OH 43214
Phone: 614.262.2022 Fax: 614.421.2011
