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Interview with Chip Sundstrom

• First, go to the website of the USDA National Organic Program.
• Go to the list of accredited certifiers and identify those closest to you.
• Contact one or more and obtain applications for either seed production and/or conditioning.
• Develop an organic seed production and/or processing plan, complete the application form and submit to the certifier of your choice. All certifiers accredited by the USDA are required to certify all customers using the same standards and procedures. Differences between certifiers will be primarily in expertise, timeliness of service, and price.
• Some organic certifiers, such as the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) groups, have extensive seed and grain expertise. Other organic certifiers may have greater expertise in livestock and poultry production and processing. Choose the certifier you feel is best suited for your company’s needs.
• Timeliness of service varies tremendously between different certifiers. Some groups are able to complete the certification process from application to final granting of certification status in about a month. Others are backlogged such that scheduling the inspection process itself requires a couple of months. Again, choose the certifier that best services your needs.
• Costs also vary by certifier. Generally, non-profit certifiers are less expensive and fairly comparable in price versus for-profit groups. The USDA provides some cost estimates for various size farms. A small farm (annual organic sales of $30,000) generally costs less than $1,000 in first year certification fees and about $500 in subsequent year fees. A farm with annual organic sales of $200,000 requires about $2,000 in first year and $1,500 in subsequent year fees.
• It is important to remember that since last October 21^st, no one (with the exception of companies with organic sales less than $5,000) is permitted to market a product labeled "organic" unless an USDA accredited certifier has certified them. Penalties are as much as $10,000 per violation.
• If you are interested in exploring organic seed production and processing opportunities, I suggest you download a complete copy of the NOP Rule (www.ams.usda.gov/nop)  to learn more details about what I have highlighted and what will be specifically required for seed production, cleaning and treating.