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Certification News 2024 A N O RG A N I C CO MMUN I TY BUL L ET IN
Certification News Welcome to the First Edition of Certification News !
Newspaper Origins Channel CCOF Past
A CCOF client-exclusive ma iler kee ping you informed on org anic!
The inaugural CCOF Newsletter made its debut in February 1974, just a few months after CCOF’s establishment. Crafted on typewriters, the newsletter featured headers and illustrations drawn by the staff members themselves.
Key Regulatory Reminders and Updates - 2024 CCOF Certification Services (CS) provides an array of organic and food safety certification services. The regulations and standards for these services change periodically. These changes are important and CCOF CS ensures clients are provided with key updates.
USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule implemented March 19, 2024. To ensure compliance and understanding of this regulation, additional training resources are available: •
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The USDA NOP has released a comprehensive online course: NOP-350 Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule Core Course -accessible through the USDA NOP Organic Integrity Learning Center. For a quick overview, CCOF has created a SOE Video series.
T h e s e re s o u rce s a re designed to help you navigate and implement the new SOE requirements effectively.
UPDATES TO
CCOF Certification Fees
T
hank you, CCOF clients, for choosing CCOF as your certifier. We look forward to another year of growing the organic movement with you!
CCOF Annual Certification Fees are increasing to address requirements of the NOP 2024 Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule updates. We strive to keep costs as low as possible, make certification accessible, and remain competitive. Fee changes include: • • •
8% average increase across all annual certification fee tiers. Removal of the minimum fee requirement for clients outside of the United States. Exempt Handler Affidavit (EHA) fee is increasing to $75 per EHA and applies at initial approval and annually, as part of certification renewal.
These fees are effective October 1, 2024, and will be reflected for existing clients on your 2025 Annual Renewal Invoice mailed to you in early November 2024. CCOF Annual Certification Fees are based on your Organic Production Value (OPV), which is verified at each annual inspection. We offer payment plans and accommodate special billing needs. CCOF takes pride in offering certification at an affordable rate and in the high level of fee transparency and support we provide. We encourage you to apply for the Organic Certification Cost Share reimbursement if you have not already done so. Deadlines vary by state, applications were due in California on Nov 1st but typically open again in June. Learn more about how fees are calculated and view the CCOF fee schedule on our website. The new fee schedule can also be found in the CCOF Certification Services Program Manual on October 1 and on the back of your 2025 annual fee invoice (mailed in early November). Links to these resources are located in the QR code below. Click here to access all links
As CCOF enters its second half-century, we find inspiration in revisiting our origins. The creation of this newspaper pays homage to the early pioneers of the organic movement who laid the groundwork for what we do today. Honoring their legacy, the hand-drawn illustrations have been digitized and brought to life in this modern interpretation of their original vision.
USDA Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Final Rule (88 FR 75394) The USDA organic regulations (7 CFR part 205) for livestock production, including poultry, were amended effective January 12, 2024. Key updates include: •
New standards for animal health care, indoor and outdoor spaces, and manure management.
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Guidelines for temporary confinement, outdoor access, transportation, and humane euthanasia/slaughter.
All affected operations must comply by January 2, 2025. CCOF CS has updated Organic System Plans. For more info, contact us or follow the links provided.