QCS Farm, Livestock and On-Farm Processing Fee Schedule

QCS Processor / Handler 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.

Option	Description	Annual Certification Fees	Assessments	Inspection
Option 1: Base Handler Certification	Certification of an Individual Certified Processor/Handler Location	$350.00*	0.5% of gross sales minus certified organic goods / inputs. Maximum Assessment: $10,000 per year.	Varies-see below.
Option 2: Multi-Unit Umbrella Certification	Certification of a Primary Certified Location and Additional Associated Locations	$350.00* for Primary Certified Location and $750 for Each Additional Associated Location.	0.5% of gross sales minus certified organic goods/ inputs. Primary Certified Location pays assessments for itself plus all of the associated locations. Maximum Assessment: $20,000.00 per year.	Varies-see below.
Option 3: Flat Rate Contract Handler Locations	Certification of A Single Contracted Processor/Handler Location associated with a Primary Certified Location.	$2,000.00*	No assessments charged for contract handler locations.	Varies-see below.

*There may be additional administrative charges for review of more than 100 products. Please contact QCS for further 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 If the application is withdrawn before an inspector has been assigned, one half of certification fee may be refunded. If withdrawn after inspector has been assigned, certification fees are nonrefundable.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 $10,000, The maximum assessment for multi-unit umbrella is capped at $20,000. 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.