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| Certifier Profile |
| Quality Certification Services (QCS) |
Gainesville, FL, U.S. |
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| Quality Certification Services (QCS) |
PO Box 12311
Gainesville, FL 32604 |
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| Phone: 352-377-0133 |
Email: qcs@qcsinfo.org |
| Fax: 352-377-8363 |
Website: http://www.qcsinfo.org |
| Contact Person: Angela Caudle |
Year Founded: 1989
Business Type: Not-for-profit
Geographic Range:
| Activity in: U.S. |
| All 50 States |
| Activity in: Global Regions |
| Americas |
North America, South America, Latin America |
| Africa |
West Africa |
| Europe |
Western Europe |
| Asia & Oceania |
Southeast Asia |
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| Top 3 crops: |
1. mixed vegetables, including herbs |
2. tree fruits and vines, nut crops |
3. grain crops and forages |
| Top 3 livestock types: |
1. beef |
2. poultry/eggs |
3. dairy |
Inspections and certifications
Inspections and certifications by type of clients (total number):
| |
Production Only |
Production & Processing |
| Crop farms |
133 |
5 |
| Livestock farms |
4 |
Not listed |
| Crops and livestock |
17 |
2 |
Inspections and certifications by type of clients (total number):
| Processing |
Handling |
Other |
| 69 |
14 |
24 |
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 |
| 43% |
33% |
12% |
6% |
1% |
5% |
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Process highlights for new applications
- Not Listed
Cost structure
Fees set by: Acreage, Assessment fees are due within 6 weeks of June 30 and December 31st. These fees are 0.5% of applicant\'s gross sales (handlers subtract cost of organic inputs). Application fee:
$200-$375
Annual Fee:
Minimum:
Not Listed
Maximum:
Not Listed
Overall charges statement:
Information included in fee schedule, accessible through our website. www.qcsinfo.org
Fees published: Yes Format:
Posted on website, Printed outlines, Newsletter
Customer can estimate fees from publication: Yes
Refund Policy:
See fee policy found in our 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, Accredited Certifiers Associaiton, IFOAM, IOIA supporting organization, National CAmpaign for Sustainable Agriculture
Newsletter/Periodical: Quarterly
Publications
- None Listed
Conferences/Events
- Florida Organic Farming Workshop
- Host: Southern Sustainable Agriculture W
- Participate in All Things Organic
- Presentations at regional, state, int\\\
Other Services
- Organic production information
- Research (trials, support, publicity, reports)
Other Resource Referrals
- None Listed
Other
Other certification services-local food program, Bird Friendly Coffee, social justice certification, EUREPGAP (forthcoming), organic aquaculture, grass fed beef, working on other standards development.
Cooperating partners?
Florida Organic Growers (FOG)(Mother Organization) Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SSAWG)
Full-time receptionist? Yes
Response Time Commitment:
Same day response on all questions regarding certification
Member records available by email? No
Member able to complete/access records online? No
Transparency steps for farmers/public?
Through published policies and procedures, informing certified entities of any changes and having outside accreditation program audit -ISO 65 requirements
Farmer Friendly Services
- A very complete informative website with information regarding all aspects of organic certification, including on-line applications.
- Full time staff who can communicate with farmers via telephone and/or email to answer any question regarding organic certification of crops, livestock and/or processing. operation
- Multi-lingual staff with solid expertise in organic agriculture.
Top Five Strengths
- Great deal of experience
- Very competent staff
- Customer service and responsiveness
- Multi lingual and multi cultural staff
- Sense of humor
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| Executive/management/support staff
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| Full-time | 4 |
| Part-time | 7 |
| Independent Contractors | 2 |
| Other Staff | 0 |
| Total Paid Staff | 13 |
Inspectors used in 2002: 38
Inspector employment status:
Independent
Qualifications/training for inspectors:
IOIA Training or equivalent Amount of previous inspectors
Most recent update by certifier: 05/11/05
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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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