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| Certifier Profile |
| Maryland Department of Agriculture |
Annapolis, MD, U.S. |
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Year Founded: 1991
Business Type: Government/public agency
Geographic Range:
| Activity in: U.S. |
| Northeast |
MD |
| 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. cut flowers |
| 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 |
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% |
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Process highlights for new applications
- Not Listed
Cost structure
Fees set by: Flat rate Application fee:
$400
Annual Fee:
Minimum:
Not Listed
Maximum:
Not Listed
Overall charges statement:
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.
Fees published: Yes Format:
Posted on website, Downloadable PDF files, Printed outlines
Customer can estimate fees from publication: Yes
Refund Policy:
Application fee refunds are normally issued within 30 days.
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Types of Certification
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.
Other accreditation groups recognized:
None Listed
Professional organizations
National Assoc. of State Organic Programs, Organic Material Review Institute, Organic Trade Association, Independent Organic Inspectors Association
Newsletter/Periodical: Not Listed
Publications
- Directory of Maryland Certified Organic Operations (print and online)
Conferences/Events
- Maryland Organic Food and Farming Assoc.
- Future Harvest Sustainable Ag. conferenc
- Chespeake Fields Institute Field Days
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)
- Farmer-to-farmer networking services/opportunities
Other Resource Referrals
- Alternative Technology Transfer to Rural Areas
- New Farm
- Organic Farming Research Foundation
- Organic Materials Review Institute
- USDA National Organic Information
- USDA Economic Research Service
- USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
- USDA Cost-Share program
- Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
Other - Not Listed
Cooperating partners?
- Not Listed
Full-time receptionist? Yes
Response Time Commitment:
We respond to queries within 24-48 hours. Some questions may require additional time and research.
Member records available by email? Yes
Member able to complete/access records online? No
Transparency steps for farmers/public?
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.
Farmer Friendly Services
- Friendly, prompt, and professional service
- Some of our farmers do not have access to electronic communications - information is sent via mixed media - hard-copy, mail, website and email
- USDA Cost-Share program
Top Five Strengths
- Cost-efficient
- Friendly, prompt, and professional service
- Supportive infrastructure of a state agency
- Awareness of local areas
- Organized
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| Executive/management/support staff
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| Full-time | 1 |
| Part-time | 4 |
| Independent Contractors | 0 |
| Other Staff | 0 |
| Total Paid Staff | 5 |
Inspectors used in 2002: 0
Inspector employment status:
State employees
Qualifications/training for inspectors:
IOIA training and at least 3 apprentice inspections in crops, livestock, handling
Most recent update by certifier: 05/17/05
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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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