Time To Take Action!
The USDA National Organic Program’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule is creating significant change in the organic community, especially for some previously exempt operations. The new rule requires some previously exempt operations to now gain certification. Affected operations must be FULLY certified by March 19, 2024, to continue handling organic products. CCOF-certified clients should review the Exempt Handler Affidavit and provide it to applicable operations in their network.
Perfect Time To Apply
If you or a business you work with is affected by the SOE rule and now needs to gain certification, there is no better time to start the process! On average, it takes a new applicant roughly three months to gain certification using CCOF’s normal review timelines. This timeline may extend if a wave of applications are submitted just before the March 19, 2024, deadline. If applications are submitted in September or October 2023, it is possible to be fully certified before the new year and avoid these delays! Encourage businesses in your supply chains to learn more and act now.
Apply Now and SAVE!
CCOF is well-prepared to help the organic industry comply and seamlessly continue production after March 19, 2024. The sooner affected operations submit their applications, the smoother this transition will be. We are offering the following fee reductions to operations who prioritize submitting an application in 2023.
- For applications submitted between July 1 and September 30, 2023, the fee will be $150.
- For applications submitted between October 1 and December 31, 2023, the fee will be $200.
- For applications submitted in 2024, the full fee of $325 will apply.
Contact CCOF
Our applicant support team looks forward to fielding your questions and supporting your network. We are available at getcertified@ccof.org or by calling our main line at (831) 423-2263, ext.1.