Vermont Organic Farmers, LLC – Timeline and Fees for Certification

Deadlines for Certification

To be considered on time, applications must be post-marked or hand delivered to the VOF office by the following dates. VOF cannot accept faxed copies of applications.

• January 28, 2012: for new and continuing maple syrup applicants (new maple producers must have their inspection completed during sugaring season)
• April 1: for continuing greenhouse, vegetable and fruit production applicants
• May 1: for all continuing field crop applicants
• May 1: for all continuing dairy and livestock applicants 
• While there is no specific deadline for new field crop and vegetable applicants, these operations must be inspected during the growing season, as VOF cannot certify crops retroactively. We recommend applying for certification in early spring.
• August 15: for continuing processing applicants
• Rolling admission for new dairy and processing applicants

Late Applications

• Applications received 14 days after the deadline must be submitted with a late fee of $20.00.
• Applications received 30 days after the deadline must be submitted with a late fee of $50.00.

Fees

All applications must be submitted with one additional copy and a minimum fee of $200.00.

All applicants should determine their fee based on their anticipated gross sales of certified organic product for the year. If projected sales are grossly over- or under- estimated, adjustments to the fee can be made at the end of the certification year. All financial information is confidential. There is currently a Federal cost share program which will reimburse 75% of the certification fee paid by farm operations (up to $750). In 2009, processors will be eligible for the reimbursement program.

Fee Schedule for Vegetable, Fruit, Herb, Maple Syrup, Livestock and Dairy Producers

Fee Schedule for Food Processors