We work hard to provide all CCOF certified clients with cost effective and timely service. The vast majority of CCOF operations meet organic standards. In rare cases, operations and CCOF are able to address serious compliance issues through formal and informal mediation and settlement agreements that require ongoing monitoring, regular reporting, and/or additional inspections. These efforts place significant strain on resources and impact our ability to meet the needs of other clients, the vast majority of whom are generally in compliance.
Therefore, effective September 1, 2016, CCOF Certification Services has implemented a Compliance Oversight Surcharge program as an additional fee that may apply in these situations. Annual fees for additional compliance oversight will be determined in context of the situation, typically in $2,500 tiers, not to exceed $10,000.
This ensures that operations that require additional organizational resources are not subsidized by other operations, including small farms and processors. Additional information about noncompliance procedures, proposed adverse action, mediation, and settlement agreements can be found in the CCOF Certification Services Program Manual.