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| Certifier Profile |
| Pennsylvania Certified Organic |
Spring Mills, PA, U.S. |
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Year Founded: 1996
Business Type: Not-for-profit
Geographic Range:
| Activity in: U.S. |
| All 50 States |
| Activity in: Global Regions |
| Americas |
North America |
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| Top 3 crops: |
1. grain crops and forages |
2. mixed vegetables, including herbs |
3. Wild crops |
| Top 3 livestock types: |
1. dairy |
2. poultry/eggs |
3. beef |
Inspections and certifications
Inspections and certifications by type of clients (total number):
| |
Production Only |
Production & Processing |
| Crop farms |
125 |
8 |
| Livestock farms |
28 |
Not listed |
| Crops and livestock |
104 |
9 |
Inspections and certifications by type of clients (total number):
| Processing |
Handling |
Other |
| 40 |
8 |
9 |
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 |
| 15% |
20% |
50% |
13% |
2% |
0% |
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Process highlights for new applications
- Not Listed
Cost structure
Fees set by: Production volume, Geographical location, Type of operation, such as livestock, crops or processing Application fee:
$0
Annual Fee:
Minimum:
$605
Maximum:
$2,300
Overall charges statement:
A basic fee of $605 is charged to all operations when the organic system plan is submitted for approval. Additional fees for the type of operation, geographic location and inspection are charged after the initial review or inspection.
Fees published: Yes Format:
Posted on website, Downloadable PDF files, Printed outlines, Newsletter
Customer can estimate fees from publication: Yes
Refund Policy:
Refunds are available if application is withdrawn before the certification process is completed. Full policy is published in the certification manual available on the PCO website.
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Types of Certification
State organic registration: No
Other: Not Listed
Other accreditation groups recognized:
ISO-65
Professional organizations
Organic Trade Association, Organic Materials Review Institute, National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Organic Materials Review Institute, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Independent Organic Inspectors Association, The Rodale Institute for Organic Farming Research, Northeast Certifiers Association, Organic Certifiers Council
Newsletter/Periodical: "Organic Matters," quarterly, also available online
Publications
- Certification Manual
- Organic Directory
- Organic materials list
- Organic recordkeeping system
- Seed and plant supply list
- Organic resource list
- Compost and manure use guide
- Dairy transition guide
- Emarketplace exchange
- Informational brochures
Conferences/Events
- Farming for the Future conference annual
- Organic Standards Workshops twice annual
- Organic Dairy Seminar annually
- PCO Annual Meeting and Conference
Other Services
- "Certified organic" marketing supplies (such as signage, stickers, twist-ties, etc.)
- Marketing information (such as market or buyer listings)
- Supplier information
- Organic production information
- Research (trials, support, publicity, reports)
- Consultant referrals
- Farmer-to-farmer networking services/opportunities
Other Resource Referrals
- Alternative Farming Systems publications (ATTRA)
- Organic Trade Association resources
- Organic Materials Review Institute publications
- Field Days and Pasture Walks
- Organic Directory
- USDA Cost-Share Program publications
- Rodale Institute events and publications
Other
PCO reviews materials to determine compliance with organic standards. Electronic marketplace is posted weekly for farmer exchange, listing events, items for sale, materials needed, etc. Meetings are held at the PCO office upon request. Application assistance is available by phone, email or in person.
Cooperating partners?
1. Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture 2. Partner / co-sponsor for conferences, field days and workshops 3. Shared services include conferences, field days and workshops
Full-time receptionist? Yes
Response Time Commitment:
Same day service
Member records available by email? Yes
Member able to complete/access records online? No
Transparency steps for farmers/public?
All certification procedures are published and available to anyone requesting them. Producers meet annually to discuss and adopt certification policies
Farmer Friendly Services
- We have knowledgeable and experienced staff available to answer specific questions as they arise, in person at our office, as well as by phone, fax or email
- PCO develops and distributes many publications that are very useful to our clients, including certification manual, organic directory, organic materials list, seed and plant supply list, organic recordkeeping system, organic resources listing, compost and manure use guide, dairy transition guide, seed and plant requirements guide, livestock health care guide, and informational brochures
- We endeavor to meet any special needs of our clients. For example, we use internet-based services for clients who find them helpful; and we provide hitching posts at our office to meet the needs of clients travelling by horse and carriage.
Top Five Strengths
- Knowledgeable, experienced staff
- Strong membership involvement
- Regional location accessible to clients
- Frequent workshops, meetings and conferences
- Helpful publications and website
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| Executive/management/support staff
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| Full-time | 9 |
| Part-time | 2 |
| Independent Contractors | 18 |
| Other Staff | 0 |
| Total Paid Staff | 29 |
Inspectors used in 2002: 12
Inspector employment status:
Independent
Qualifications/training for inspectors:
Inspectors must have adequate training and experience to perform the type of inspection assigned
Most recent update by certifier: 06/26/08
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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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