QCS Grower and Livestock Fee Schedule  

The following options are intended to provide a cost-effective certification for operations of various sizes and types. Please select the option for which you qualify and which represents the best value. All fees except certification packet and first time applicant fees are due annually for recertification. Applicants who are eligible for a refund must direct a written refund request to the QCS office. Additional fees for additional services may apply--please see the master fee schedule for more information.

1st time applicants must also purchase a certification packet for $25 and submit a first time applicant fee of $50.00

DESCRIPTION OF FEES AND REFUND POLICY

Certification Fees: Certification Fees are the base annual fees due each year for certification. The amount of fees to be paid depend on the fee option chosen from the above table and are in addition to the inspection fees charged and the assessments (where applicable.) Certification fees are due at the time of initial application (1st year) and on anniversary date in subsequent years. If the application is withdrawn before an inspector has been assigned, one half of certification fee may be refunded.  If withdrawn after inspector has been assigned, certification fees are nonrefundable.

Inspection Fees:  Inspection fees vary based upon the size and complexity of the operation inspected, the distance that must be traveled and the individual inspector assigned. All travel expenses are paid by the party to be inspected as well. Generally, inspection fees can be expected to range between $300 and $600 per day of inspection. For a more detailed estimate please refer to the Inspection Fee and Expense Estimate Schedule. A  $200 inspection deposit is due at the time of the initial application (1st year) and on the anniversary date of certification in subsequent years. The balance not covered by the $200 inspection fee will be invoiced at the conclusion of the inspection. Upon withdrawal of application and written request, the, $200 deposit is refundable before inspection takes place.  Inspection fee nonrefundable after inspection has taken place.

Assessments: Assessment fees are mandatory fees owed based upon the amount of sales of certified organic product. Assessment fees are  0.5%  ( one-half of one percent) of gross sales minus certified organic goods / inputs.  Assessments are capped at various levels depending on the certification option chosen from the above chart. The maximum assessment for an individual certified location is capped at a maximum assessment of $6,000, The maximum assessment for multi-unit umbrella is capped at $15,000. Assessments are due twice a year- Period 1 runs from January 1-June 30, Period 2 runs from July 1-December 31.  Assessments are due within 6 weeks of the last day of each period. 

 

QCS Farm, Livestock and On-Farm Processing Fee Schedule (continued)

Item	Cost	Payment Due	Refund Policy
GROWER GROUP CERTIFICATION
1.  Grower group flat fee	$3,000	At time of initial application (1st year) and on anniversary date in subsequent years	If withdrawn before inspector has been assigned, one half of certification fee refunded.  If withdrawn after inspector has been assigned, certification fees nonrefundable.
2.  Inspection fee	Variable (based on inspector’s fee for service plus expenses incurred by inspector)	Within 30 days of posting invoice.  (QCS reserves the right to require advance deposit for inspections)	Nonrefundable
OTHER FEES
1.  Late fees (applies to any late payment, including recertification and inspection fees)	$25	Within 30 days of posting invoice	Nonrefundable
2.  Certificate of inspection	$25 per certificate issued	Within 30 days of posting invoice	Nonrefundable
3.  Field additions	$25 per field addition	Within 30 days of posting invoice	Nonrefundable

**Assessments are due twice per year.  Period 1 runs from January 1-June 30, Period 2 runs from July 1-December 31.  Assessments are due within 6 weeks of the last day of each period.