If you are a new applicant, call our office to talk with our friendly staff about your certification needs and timeline. For new operations, the certification process can take two to six months. It may take less time, but this is dependent upon the complexity of your operation, your ability to provide information, and inspector location and availability. Late season farm applications might not be accepted, as inspector availability becomes increasingly limited late in the year, and we are required to see the crops growing in the fields.
A complete application includes an Organic System Plan (OSP) and paying a certification fee. The OSP can be filled out online or we can provide a paper copy.
Staff will review your organic system plan and make review comments about items that may need follow up or more information, these can be addressed during your inspection. You will be notified of these comments via email and you can view them in the online community.
An independent inspector will contact you to set up a time for your annual inspection. Inspection occurs at the farm or production location.*Do not make any management changes/decisions based on the initial findings of the inspection*. Inspectors are the “eyes and ears” of VOF, but do not make any certification decisions.
The inspector completes a final report and submits it to the VOF office. Staff will review the inspection report and summarize any findings. These findings fall into four categories:
Once the inspection report is reviewed you will receive an email with instructions on how to view any comments made by the certification staff and how to download your organic certificate.
Be on the lookout for a notice reminding you it’s time to submit a renewal application!