Inspections and certifications by type of clients (total number):

	Production Only	Production & Processing
Crop farms	57	0
Livestock farms	0	0
Crops and livestock	8	0

Inspections and certifications by type of clients (total number):

Processing	Handling	Other
1	7	Not listed

Farm inspections and certifications by size (percentage of certifier's farm total):

<5 a	5-49 a	50-179 a	180-499 a	500-1000 a	>1000 a
25%	25%	46%	3%	1%	0%

Fees set by: Flat rate
Application fee: $400
Annual Fee:

Application fees are a flate rate of $400.00. No inspection fees. Maryland organic producers and handlers also have continued to benefit from the USDA Cost-Share Reimbursement Program, which allowed MDA to reimburse 75 percent, up to $500, for certification costs.

Format: Posted on website, Downloadable PDF files, Printed outlines
Customer can estimate fees from publication: Yes

Application fee refunds are normally issued within 30 days.

State organic registration: Yes
Other: Maryland also has an organic registered exempt-producers program. Fee is $25. Exempt producers complete an application saying that they are in compliance with the exempt requirements according to NOP regulations.

National Assoc. of State Organic Programs, Organic Material Review Institute, Organic Trade Association, Independent Organic Inspectors Association

The Maryland Organic Certification Advisory Committee, a 12-member group representing a cross section of the organic industry, serves as an advisory board to Maryland Secretary of Agriculture. The Committee, created in 1992 by Maryland's Legislature, makes policy recommendations to the Secretary regarding the operation, regulation and promotion of the organic certification program and the organic industry; and offers recommendations as to how the Department can support and create opportunities for Maryland certified organic producers to market their products.

IOIA training and at least 3 apprentice inspections in crops, livestock, handling