Every year, you are required to submit the annual Continuation of Certification contract and pay your certification fee. In mid-November, we will mail you your renewal package of contract and invoice. To complete the renewal process and remain certified in good standing, you must complete your renewal contract and pay your annual fees by January 1, 2013.
Renewals may be submitted by mail or online. All bills may be paid online through the website. Please complete your renewal in a timely manner. Help us serve you and other operations efficiently, and avoid unnecessary costs by completing your contract and submitting payment by the due date. Completing your renewal on time allows us to ensure timely inspections and group inspections so they are as cost effective as possible.
If you need to set up a payment plan, please contact CCOF’s accounting department. We are happy to work with you.
Renewal Timeline:
November 2012 – Renewals sent by email and followed up by mail.
January 1, 2013 – All renewals and annual payments are due.
February 15, 2013 – A Notice of Noncompliance and a $75 late fee will be issued to all operations that have failed to complete the renewal process. This is also the last day to withdraw from certification without accruing certification fees in 2013.
March 15, 2013 – A Notice of Proposed Suspension and an additional $75 late fee will be issued to all operations that have failed to complete the renewal process.
April 15, 2013 – All operations that have failed to complete the renewal process will have their certification suspended. If your certification is suspended and you wish to be certified organic in the future, your certification must be reinstated by the NOP after a costly and lengthy process.
FAQ: What if I pay my bill but don’t complete the renewal contract or vice versa?
Many operations assume that if they pay their fees they are not required to complete the contract. This is not true. Organic regulations require that all operations complete a Continuation of Certification contract, so failure to complete it will result in suspension of certification. Operations that only pay their fees or only complete their contract will force us to issue a Notice of Noncompliance.