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Certifier Profile - Hawaii Organic Farmers Association
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Certifier Profile
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association Hilo, HI, U.S.
Essentials Clients Fees Services/Affiliations Staff/Inspectors
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association
PO Box 6863
Hilo, HI 96720
 
Phone: (808) 969-7789 Email: hofa@hawaiiorganicfarmers.org
Fax: (808) 969-7759 Website: http://www.hawaiiorganicfarmers.org
Contact Person: Kelly Lange

Year Founded: 1993
Business Type: Not-for-profit
Geographic Range:
Activity in: U.S.
West HI

Activity in: Global Regions
Americas North America
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association
Essentials Clients Fees Services/Affiliations Staff/Inspectors
Top 3 crops: 1. tree fruits and vines, nut crops 2. mixed vegetables, including herbs 3. medicinals, i.e noni, awa, turmeric, ginger
Top 3 livestock types: 1. beef 2. honeybees 3. None Listed

Inspections and certifications
Inspections and certifications by type of clients (total number):
  Production Only Production & Processing
Crop farms 90 5
Livestock farms Not listed Not listed
Crops and livestock Not listed Not listed

Inspections and certifications by type of clients (total number):
Processing Handling Other
19 Not listed 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
62% 35% 2% 1% 0% 0%
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association
Essentials Clients Fees Services/Affiliations Staff/Inspectors
Process highlights for new applications - Not Listed
Cost structure
Fees set by: Production volume
Application fee: $75 ($75)
Annual Fee:
Minimum: $425
Maximum: $3,000

Overall charges statement:
Application: $75
For all producers who gross less than $70,000 fee: $425.00
The following fee schedule applies only to operations with gross annual sales of organic products greater than $70,000. The certification fee is based on a percentage of gross annual sales as follows: 0.25% of income + base fee
Gross Annual Sales Base Fee Percentage of Gross Annual Sales
$70,000-$99,999 = $ 200
$100,000-$199,999= $ 350
$200,000-$299,999= $ 550
$300,000-$399,999= $ 750
$400,000-$499,999= $1,000
$500,000-$699,999= $1,200
> $700,000 = $3,000 0%
Inspection and all other services included unless travel costs are incurred.

Fees published: Yes
Format: Posted on website, Printed outlines, Newsletter
Customer can estimate fees from publication: Yes

Refund Policy:
If no inspection occurs all fees are refunded except $50 for administration costs.
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association
Essentials Clients Fees Services/Affiliations Staff/Inspectors
Types of Certification
State organic registration: No
Other: Not Listed
Other accreditation groups recognized: None Listed
Professional organizations
OTA, OCC, OMRI, IOIA
Newsletter/Periodical: "Rural Connections," quarterly, also available online
Publications
  1. Organic Certification Handbook
  2. Seven Steps to Certification
  3. Apprenticeship Program
  4. Why is Organic Agriculture Important?
  5. Record Keeping Templates
  6. Small Farm Exemption Affadavit
  7. Certified Farmers List
  8. Hawaii Organic Products Directory
Conferences/Events
  1. Soil Biology Conference
  2. Organic Labeling Compliance
  3. IOIA training
  4. Integrated Pest Management
Other Services
  1. "Certified organic" marketing supplies (such as signage, stickers, twist-ties, etc.)
  2. Marketing information (such as market or buyer listings)
  3. Supplier information
  4. Organic production information
  5. Farmer-to-farmer networking services/opportunities
Other Resource Referrals - None Listed
Other - Not Listed
Cooperating partners? - Not Listed
Full-time receptionist? No
Response Time Commitment: ASAP, 1-2 days
Member records available by email? No
Member able to complete/access records online? No
Transparency steps for farmers/public?
Public outreach and 400+ non-certified farmer membership organization

Farmer Friendly Services
  1. Labelling workshops and notebooks
  2. Apprenticeship program to help farmers with volunteer workers
  3. website enhancements, newsletter on line, and regular dissemination of organic-related info to our members.
Top Five Strengths
  1. Locally based
  2. Representation in Hawaii
  3. Affordable service
  4. Farmer to farmer connection
  5. Education
Hawaii Organic Farmers Association
Essentials Clients Fees Services/Affiliations Staff/Inspectors
Executive/management/support staff
Full-time0
Part-time2
Independent Contractors0
Other Staff0
Total Paid Staff2

Inspectors used in 2002: 15
Inspector employment status: Independent
Qualifications/training for inspectors:
IOIA training and at least 1 apprentice inspection

Most recent update by certifier: 10/22/07


Disclaimer: The certifier profile data shown on this site is for informational purposes, based on data submitted by participating certifiers. The Rodale Institute® does not specifically endorse any certifier, nor guarantee the accuracy of the information. Please contact certifiers to verify information that is critical to decision-making. If you have comments about any of the listings, or listings to add, please contact our guide coordinator
 

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