Benefits of QCS Certification

Certification Handbook

Applications and Forms

Entities List

Inspection Fees

Processor/Handler Fees

Retailer Fees

Farm/Livestock Fees

Organic Certification with QCS QCS Offers Organic Certification accredited by the USDA National Organic Program and USDA ISO Guide 65. QCS certifies Farming, Wildcrafting, Livestock, Processing, Packing, and Handling operations. QCS certifies a diverse array of Organic operations regardless of type, location, or size.   Overview of the Organic Certification Process When an operation decides to seek Organic Certification with QCS, the first step in the certification process is to order a Certification Application Packet. This packet contains the QCS Certification Handbook, the current Organic Materials Review Institure (OMRI) manual of generic materials allowed, restricted, and prohibited for use in organic production, and the application(s) for certification. Certification Application Packets are availible for a one time fee of $25.00, and can be ordered by mailing the QCS Office a written request for the type of packet (Farm, Livestock, or Processor-Handler-Packer) along with a check or money order for $25.00 Click here to order your packet now! Once the completed application, along with supporting documentation and relevant certification fees, arrives at the QCS Office, the certification process normally takes anywhere from 6-12 weeks. First, the appliction is reviewed by a QCS Certification Coordinator for completeness and basic compliance to Organic standards. If necessary, the applicant may be contacted to provide additional information or documentation. Next, the application is forwarded to an Independent Organic Inspector, who will then contact the applicant to schedule the inspection of the farm or facility. Once the inspection is complete and the inspector submits the inspection report to QCS, the application then enters the final stage of the Organic Certification process. QCS Certification Coordinators again review the application, gathering information as necessary, and make a certification decision. If applicable, the certificate is then issued to the applicant. If you have any questions regarding the Organic Certification process, please do not hesitate to contact the QCS office.