Application for Organic Certification - New Mexico … · Web viewLimited Liability Company (LLC) Educational Institution/ Public Institution/ Non-profit General Partnership Please

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

2018 APPLICATION FOR ORGANIC CERTIFICATION – RUMINANT LIVESTOCKcattle, sheep, goats, etc.

Ranch or Business Name:

Applicant Name: Title: Phone: Email: Preferred Contact: Email ☐ Phone ☐Contact Name: Title: Phone: Email: Preferred Contact: Email ☐ Phone ☐Additional Contact: Title: Phone: Email: Preferred Contact: Email ☐ Phone ☐Website:Mailing Address:City: County: State: Zip Code:

Business Information: Please provide a brief description of your business.

Type: ☐ Individual (Sole Proprietorship) ☐ Individual “Doing business as” ☐ Corporation ☐ Limited Liability Company (LLC) ☐ Educational Institution/ Public Institution/ Non-profit ☐ General Partnership Please provide the physical address/location of the farm, with detailed directions from Albuquerque, NM to the site:

Attachments: ☐ Map (required) ☐ Custom Service Statements ☐ Livestock Material List ☐ Labels ☐ Adjoining Land Use Statement ☐ Post-Harvest Form ☐ Crop application ☐ Feed additive documents☐ Livestock Flow Chart (required) ☐ Slaughter facility Organic Certificate ☐ List of transition livestock ☐ List of purchased livestock ☐ Dry matter demand worksheets ☐ Supplier List ☐ NMDA Processing/ Handling application ☐ Other:_____________________________

This application is subject to change per NOP requirements2018 NMDA Organic Ruminant Livestock Application – [email protected] Page 1 of 24

mailto:[email protected]

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Affirmation of Organic Applicant

I, ___________________________, as an authorized representative of [Business Name] , depose and declare that I will:

1. Fully comply with all applicable organic production and handling regulations in accordance with Title 7 CFR Part 205 National Organic Program Rule.

2. Establish, implement and update annually an organic production or handling system plan that will be submitted to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA).

3. Supply NMDA with all information required to verify compliance with the National Organic Program Rule.

4. Permit onsite inspections with complete access to the production or handling operation, including non-certified production and handling areas, structures, and offices by NMDA inspectors. These inspections may be announced or unannounced at the discretion of NMDA, or as required by the Administrator of the National Organic Program.

5. Maintain all records applicable to the organic operation for not less than five (5) years beyond their creation.

6. Allow authorized representatives of NMDA, or the US Secretary of Agriculture access to these records during normal business hours for review and copying to determine compliance with the National Organic Program Rule.

7. Submit to NMDA the applicable fees as described on the fee schedule, which is current at the time of payment (see page 20).

8. Immediately notify NMDA about any application, including drift, of a prohibited substance to any field, production unit, storage sites, facility, livestock, or part of an operation.

9. Immediately notify NMDA of any change in our certified operation or portion of it that may affect its compliance with the National Organic Program Rule, including additions or deletions of crops & fields; new inputs (fertilizers, pest control materials, processing aids, etc.); facilities; ingredients & products; changes to managers; responsible parties; contact information or email address.

10. Understand that willful violation of organic rules and regulations may result in suspending or revoking your organic certification, and in extreme cases may lead to state and federal fines and penalties.

11. Understand that submitting this application in no way implies granting of certification by NMDA.

12. Understand that this form becomes a legally binding document upon submission to NMDA.

Print Name: Title:

Signature of Authorized Representative: Date:

This application is subject to change per NOP requirements2018 NMDA Organic Ruminant Livestock Application – [email protected] Page 2 of 24


New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Organic Program

SECTION A. HARVEST, PACKING, STORAGE, AND TRANSPORTATION §NOP 205.272 §205.272 requires that handling practices and procedures present no contamination risk to organic products from commingling with non-organic products or contact with prohibited substances.

Packaging materials, bins, and storage containers must not contain synthetic fungicides, preservatives, or fumigants. Reusable bags or containers that have been in contact with any substance in such a manner as to compromise the organic integrity cannot be

used unless the bag or container has been thoroughly cleaned. Procedures used to maintain the organic integrity of ingredients or products (cleaning or lining) must be documented.1. Do you grow grain, silage, or other annual crops for feed? ☐ Yes ☐ No

1a. If “Yes,” you must fill out a 2018 Farm Crop Application. ☐ Attached

2. Do you store organic crops at your farm? If “Yes,” complete the table below. ☐ Yes ☐ No

2a. Which type of storage is used for your organic crops? This includes short-term or overnight in tubs, coolers or refrigerators. ☐ N/A

Crop On farm? Location & Unit Name/Number Type (bin, silo, ground, etc.) Dedicated Organic?

☐ Yes ☐No ☐ Yes ☐ No




4. How do you ensure organic crops are not contaminated during storage and transport?

5. List the harvest, storage, transportation and sales records you maintain.

6. Do you export or import any products? ☐ Import ☐ Export ☐N/A 6a. Please list all imported products and their country of origin.

6b. Please list all exported products and their country of destination.

SECTION B. MAP §205.240(a)(7)

This application is subject to change per NOP requirements 2018 NMDA Organic Ruminant Livestock Application – [email protected] Page 3 of 24



§205.240 Pasture Standard (a)(7) states that a pasture management plan must include “(4) Location and size of pastures, including maps giving each pasture its own identification.”SUBMIT A MAP that:

o Includes every organic field or pasture.o Shows farm name, field or pasture name and acreage of each field or pasture. o Shows borders & shape of each field or pasture. o Identifies location of all crops and fallow land. o Accurately shows land boundaries and organic buffer zones.o Identifies all adjacent land use, such as other farms, roads, ditches, open range, etc. o Location of wells, septic systems, etc.o Accurately identifies all buildings and structures present.o Indicates NORTH.

Map attached

SECTION C. PASTURE MANAGEMENT §205.240§205.240 Requires ruminant livestock producers to have a functioning pasture management plan (see Section K).

1. Describe your pasture management plan.

2. Do you apply any materials to your pasture (such as manure, peripheral herbicide, fertilizer)? ☐ Yes ☐No 2a. If “Yes,” please complete Addendum 5: Crop Material Inventory ☐ Attached

3. Do you seed any part or portion of your pasture to manage compaction, improve forage health, increase organic matter, etc.? ☐ Yes ☐No 3a. Is the seed organic? ☐ Yes ☐No

3b. If “no,” include an Organic Seed Search. Only non-GMO, untreated seeds found to be commercially unavailable organically may be used. ☐ Attached

4. Do you sell hay or other crops from your pastures/fields? ☐ Yes ☐No

5. Describe your irrigation practices & source of irrigation water. ☐ N/A, dryland

SECTION D. ORGANIC FEED & GRAZING § 205.237 §205.237 requires that producers provide ruminant livestock with a total feed ration composed of organic agricultural products, including pasture and

forage. To ensure a pasture based management system, ruminants (including dairy calves over 6 months old) must receive no less than 30% of Dry Matter Intake (DMI) from pasture during a 120 day designated “grazing season” based on Dry Matter Demand (DMD). Animals must remain on pasture for the remainder of the year and may not be confined for any length of time except for documented medical conditions approved by NMDA. . The entire feed ration must be sufficient to meet nutritional requirements and may include supplements and feed additives allowed on the National List (§ 205.603 & 205. 604) and approved by NMDA.

Please see DMD/DMI worksheets here ¬ 1. Do you purchase organic feed, hay or silage? ☐ Yes ☐ No




1a. If “Yes”, please fill out Addendum 1, Supplier List (if you use feed from more than 1 supplier). ☐ Attached

2. Complete the table below with the days each month livestock grazing occurs:

Month Days Grazing Pasture Month Days Grazing

PastureJan July

Feb Aug

March Sept

April Oct

May Nov

June Dec

Total Days Grazing per year : = Length of Grazing Season 3. Please describe your method for calculating Dry Matter Demand and Dry Matter Intake.(At least 30% of the DMI must come from pasture during a designated 120 day grazing season)

4. Do you use any feed additives, such as salt blocks, minerals, or silage inoculants? ☐ Yes ☐No

4a. If “yes,” please list the materials on the Materials List and attach any new labels, list of ingredients, certifications, or other documentation indicating the material’s approval status.

5. List and describe the feeding records you maintain for organic livestock:

6. List the sources of water for livestock:☐River/stream/spring ☐stock tank(s) filled by well ☐ Natural filled lakes, ponds, etc. ☐Stock tank filled by other means (describe)☐Other:_________________________




7. For each class and type of animal, list the number of animals, the Dry Matter Demand (DMD), the feed type, and amounts included in the total ration. Please figure all feed weights in pounds of dry matter (see Dry Matter attachments for help).

Grazing Season

animal class/ stage of

production # of

animals

Total Dry Matter

Demand (DMD)

TYPE OF FEED AMOUNT OF FEED DMD /lbs. per day

concentrate pasture other forage concentrate pasture other forage

Example: dairy cow, lactating 25 50 lbs. Corn Pasture Silage 10.68 lbs. 44 lbs. 4 lbs.

Non-Grazing Season

animal class/ stage of

production # of

animals

Total Dry Matter

Demand (DMD)

TYPE OF FEED AMOUNT OF FEED DMD /lbs. per day

concentrate pasture other forage concentrate pasture other forage




SECTION E. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION §205.200§205.200 (General)Production practices implemented in accordance with this subpart must maintain or improve the natural resources of the operation, including soil and water quality.Natural Resources: The physical, hydrological, and biological features of a production operation, including soil, water, wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife.Organic Production: A production system that is managed in accordance with the Act and regulations in this part to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.1. Describe the following elements of your farm/ranch, such as type, quality, resource stability, etc. Include areas that extend beyond your boundaries, such as rivers and tree lines that could be affected by your management practices.

Soil (type, erosion potential):

Water (source, quality, concerns):

Woodlands (treelines, bosque, hedgerows):

Wetlands (seasonal lakes/ playas included):

Wildlife observed on the farm & surrounding areas:

2. How are predators managed on your operation?☐ fencing ☐ firearm ☐ housing livestock at night ☐ herd dogs ☐ Forest Service/ regulatory agency ☐ noise deterrents

☐ other:________________________

3. List any conservation programs you are participating in:

☐ EQIP ☐CRP/CSP ☐ Conservation District Farm Plan ☐ NRCS Farm Plan ☐ Other (specify): _____________________

4. Are any natural areas being restored and/or protected on your farm/ranch? (If yes, explain)

5. What practices do you use to conserve your natural resources and/or support biodiversity?

☐ replace weedy areas with native plants ☐windbreaks/treelines ☐ maintain brush/other cover foliage ☐ pollinator plants ☐ provide water for wildlife ☐ wildlife friendly fences ☐ other:_______________________




6. How do you monitor the effectiveness of your resource conservation practices? ☐ photo monitoring ☐ soil testing ☐ use third party monitoring services ☐ farm log/journal ☐ species surveys ☐ external conservation program☐ other (specify):_____________________

SECTION F. SPLIT AND PARALLEL PRODUCTION §205.272Split production is growing different organic and non-organic crops/livestock on the same farm.Parallel production is growing the same crops/livestock organically and non-organically (or when crop/livestock are visually identical). Procedures must be in place to prevent contamination and commingling of livestock. Records verifying that steps have been taken to prevent contamination of organic livestock and prevent commingling of organic & non-organic livestock must be available during inspection.

1. Does your farm produce organic and non-organic crops and or livestock? ☐ Yes ☐ NoIf “No,” skip to Section H.1a. If your farm produces organic and non-organic crops, please fill out a farm application. If your farm produces non-organic crops, but no organic crops, please list the non-organic crops below (#2).

2. List each non-organic crop grown (including crops harvested from buffer zones) and non-organic livestock.

Non-organic CROP Total Acres Parallel or Split Production?

Non-organic LIVESTOCK (include breed) Total Head Parallel or Split Production

3. Do you use the same equipment on your organic and non-organic crops and/or livestock? ☐ Yes ☐ No

3a. Does your farm business provide custom service work for non-organic operations? ☐ Yes ☐ No (seeding, spraying, laser leveling, harvesting, baling, hauling, etc.)

3b. If “yes”, list equipment, & describe how equipment is cleaned or purged before use on organic crops and how this is documented.




4. How do you identify crops/livestock as “organic”? (includes signs, tags, labels, etc. through all phases of production through sale)

5. How do you keep organic and non-organic crops/livestock separate? (Please include all phases of production through harvest and sale).

SECTION G. LIVESTOCK FLOW CHART Please provide information regarding the flow of animals through your system. Include source of animals, living conditions for each stage of production and final destination of animals. This may be in a narrative form or submitted as a flow chart. Refer to the example below and attach additional sheets as necessary.

Flow chart and/or additional narrative:

☐ Flow Chart attached

SECTION H. LIVESTOCK TYPE & ORIGIN §205.236 §205.236 requires that livestock products intended for sale as organic must be from livestock under continuous organic management from the last third of gestation; except that milk or milk products which will be marketed as organic must be from animals that have been under continuous organic management beginning no later than one (1) year prior to the production of the milk or milk products.

1. Please check all methods of animal identification that you use on the ranch:☐ Ear tag ☐ Ear notch ☐ Collar ☐ Brand ☐ Tattoo ☐ Paint ☐ Other

2. Do you raise organic livestock for slaughter? If “No”, skip to question #3. ☐ Yes ☐ No

2a. If “Yes”, have all slaughter animals been under organic management from the last third of gestation? ☐ Yes ☐ No

2b. Do you ☐ slaughter or ☐ contract with slaughter facilities ☐ N/A no slaughter

If you slaughter, you must be a certified Organic Processor/Handler. Contact NMDA for details.


Calves born on farm

Cows move into milking

rotation

Raised in hutches

for 12 weeks

Calves pastured

at 12 weeks

Heifers bred at 18 months

Steers to slaughter

at 18 months



If you contract with a slaughter facility, it must be Certified Organic. Please attach a current Organic Certificate.

3. Do you produce organic dairy livestock? If “No”, skip to question #8. ☐ Yes ☐ No

4. Are you currently milking for organic production?

If “Yes”, you also must complete an organic processor system plan. Contact NMDA for an application packet.

☐ Yes ☐ No

5. Do you ☐ sell bulk milk to a bottler or do you ☐ bottle your own? 5a. If you sell milk to a bottler, under what label is your milk sold?

6. Have all organic dairy animals been under continuous organic management beginning no later than one (1) year prior to the production of the milk or milk products? ☐ Yes ☐ No

7. Are you currently converting non-organic animals to organic dairy production? ☐ Yes ☐ No7a. If “Yes”, list the date(s), stage of production, and livestock ID for all animals converting to organic. Attach an extra sheet if necessary:

☐ Attached

Livestock Identification Numbers Stage of Production Date Began Organic Management

8. Are culled livestock slaughtered as organic? ( see #2 above) ☐ Yes ☐ No8a. If “Yes”, have the culled animals been under organic management from the last third of gestation?

Animals transitioned to organic milk production may NEVER be slaughtered as “organic”.Cull and other herd loss records must be available at time of inspection.

☐ Yes ☐ No

9. List the certified organic slaughter facility that you use or plan to use to process your organic livestock. Please submit the current organic certificate. ☐ not applicable

All organic meat products sold as organic MUST be processed at a Certified Organic processing / handling facility.

10. Do you purchase animals from outside sources? If no, skip to question #11 ☐ Yes ☐ No

10a. If “Yes,” are they organic or non-organic? ☐ Organic ☐ Non-Organic 10b. If “Yes,” list the livestock, the supplier, and the certification agency. Attach an extra sheet if necessary.

☐ Attached




Purchased Livestock Supplier Certification Agency

11. What records are maintained for individual animals, and what information do they contain?

12. Do records track individual animals through all stages of production? ☐ Yes ☐ No 12a. If “No”, describe how your records verify that livestock are eligible for organic production:

SECTION I. HOUSING §205.239§205.239 requires that a producer provide living conditions which accommodate the health and natural behavior of the animal, including daily management on pasture during the grazing season and year round access to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas, fresh air, clean water, sunlight and clean dry bedding. Temporary confinement is allowed for specific reasons.1. Are animals provided year round access to the outdoors? ☐ Yes, always ☐ Yes, except for

temporary confinement ☐ No

2. Are animals on pasture every day throughout the grazing season? ☐ Yes, always ☐ Yes, except for temporary confinement ☐ No

If “Yes always”, skip to Question #3.

2a. If “No”, briefly explain:

2b. If “Yes, except for temporary confinement”, check which reasons for confinement apply to your operation and complete the column questions for each reason for confinement checked.

Allowed Reasons for Temporary Confinement (Restrictions)

Type/Class of Livestock

Duration of Confinement

Specific Reason

☐ Inclement weather

☐ Animals’ stage of life (does not include lactation)

☐ Health, safety, or well-being of the animal

☐ Risk to soil and water

☐ Healthcare (does not include lactation nor the various life stages)

☐ Sorting and shipping of livestock

☐ Breeding (may only deny pasture through conception)

☐ 4-H, FFA & Fairs (1 week before demonstration, through event and 1 day after)




☐ Lactation (may deny pasture for 1 week after lactation)

☐ Birthing (3 weeks prior & 1 week after)

☐ Dairy calves (up to 6 months provided that confinement allows for lying, standing, stretching and free movement, but may not be individually housed after 6 months)

☐ Milking (short daily periods; cannot be used to deny pasture)

3. What type of shelter is available? ☐ Natural - trees, canyons, etc. ☐ Structural - barn, parlor, canopies, etc.

3a. Please indicate which conditions are addressed by the shelter provided (check all that apply).

☐ Shelter from inclement weather ☐ Shade ☐ Air circulation ☐ Suitable temperature levels ☐ Reduction of potential for injury ☐ Other:

4. Do you provide bedding for your animals? ☐ Yes ☐ No

4a. If “Yes,” please list the type of bedding:

4b. Do you ☐ buy or ☐ produce the bedding?

4c. Is the bedding edible? ☐ Yes ☐ No

4d. If you buy the bedding, is it certified organic?

If “Yes,” you must have a current organic certificate available at your inspection.☐ Yes ☐ No

SECTION J. LIVESTOCK HEALTH CARE §205.238 National Organic Standards require livestock producers to establish & maintain preventative livestock health care practices. When preventative practices & veterinary biologics are inadequate to prevent sickness, a producer may administer synthetic medications allowed under 205.603. Any medications administered, whether allowed or prohibited, must be recorded on an animal health record. All medical treatments, vaccines, solutions, etc. must be approved by NMDA. Please list ALL below or add as attachment. Antibiotics are prohibited.

Withholding medical treatment from a sick animal is prohibited by the National Organic Standards.1. Which conditions afflict, or could inflict, your livestock?☐ Digestive disorders (diarrhea, bloat, scours, etc.) ☐ External parasites ☐ Eye conditions (pink eye, etc.) ☐ Hoof conditions (hairy heel wart, foot rot, etc.) ☐ Internal parasites ☐ Metabolic disorders (milk fever, ketosis)☐ Mastitis ☐ Poisoning or toxins ☐ Reproductive disorders ☐ Respiratory diseases ☐ Skin conditions ☐ Other (specify)

2. List any animals that have been treated with a prohibited material within the previous 12 months in the table below (use additional sheets as necessary):




Animal ID Date Material /Medication Reason for Use Preventative PracticeExample- #14 5/17/2009 Tylan Pneumonia Adequate housing and nutrition

3. If an animal were to be treated with a prohibited material, please describe your plan for removing this animal from the herd and organic market:

3a. How is this documented?

4. Please list all physical alterations performed (dehorning, tail docking, etc.) and why. This must be documented in your records.

SECTION K. SALES INFORMATION1. Do you or do you plan to export any products? ☐ Yes ☐ No

1a.If yes, please indicate to which countries.

2. Please list the following ways livestock is sold:☐ Livestock Auctions ☐ Organic Slaughter Facilities ☐ Dairy Replacement Stock Sales ☐ Non-Organic Culls ☐ Other:_________________________________

Livestock (Include Identification) Yield/ # sold Sale amount (to nearest dollar)Type of Sale

Auctions Dairy Stock

Slaughter Facilities

Total Certified Organic Sales 2017:




SECTION I. RECORDKEEPING §205.103 National Organic Standards require organic producers to maintain records concerning the production, harvesting and handling of organic livestock and livestock products. These records must fully disclose all activities and transactions of the operation in sufficient detail to be readily understandable and auditable and must be available for inspection and copying. You are required to maintain records related to organic production for 5 years and have them available during inspections. Records include but are not limited to field history, maps, seeds, transplants, planting, fertilization, pest control, harvest, storage, transportation, livestock origin & birth, transition, feed, DMI & pasture, healthcare, medications, confinement, milking, slaughter, sales.

1. Be prepared to submit copies of all records requested by NMDA.

2. Be prepared to produce all records requested by your inspector at the time of inspection.

Organic recordkeeping forms are available at https://attra.ncat.org/organic.htmlRANCH OR BUSINESS NAME:

APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE:

FEE SCHEDULE part 1 of 2The Assessment Fee is three-fourths one percent (3/4 percent or .0075) of the first million dollars of gross organic sales, plus seventy-five one thousandths of one percent (.00075) of the gross organic sales over one million dollars. NOTE: The assessment fee schedule will still apply for gross sales during 2017. Once 2018dated applications are received and processed, the new fee schedule will go in effect. Assessment Fee Total Gross Certified Organic Sales for the 2017 Calendar Year (Jan. 1, 2017 – Dec. 31, 2017, Please round figure to the nearest dollar)

$Example= $1,200,000

Sales between $0 - $1,000,000

$Ex. = $1,000,000

Multiply by 0.0075Ex. = 1,000,000 x 0.0075

=$Ex. = $7,500

Sales above $1,000,000 $Ex. = $200,000

Multiply by 0.00075Ex. = $200,000 x 0.00075

=$Ex. = $160

Total Assessment Fee = $Ex. = $7,650

Application Fee NEW Applicant Fee Not Certified Organic by

NMDA in 2017 ☐ Application Fee = $750.00RENEWAL Applicant Fee Previously Certified Organic

by NMDA in 2017 or before ☐ Renewal Fee = $500.00




Application Fee = $INSPECTION Fees: An hourly rate of $65 per hour, plus mileage and per diem will be charged for inspections

Late Fee (for RENEWAL applications postmarked after the anniversary date of the operation) Renewals received 30 days after anniversary date

☐ Late Fee: $100.00Renewals received 60 days after anniversary date

☐ Late Fee: $200.00Renewals received 90 days after anniversary date

☐ Late Fee: $500.00

Late Fee = $

(Total Assessment Fee (as applicable) + Application Fee + Late Fee) = Total Fees = $

Business Name: Authorized Representative Signature: Date:

Fee Policy

1). Fees are NOT REFUNDABLE

2). Make checks Payable to “NMDA”

3). If new or additional fields or products are added after the annual inspection is complete, additional costs will be incurred. A cost estimate will be provided.

o If a second inspection is necessary, you will be billed for the actual cost of the inspection and the actual cost of the desk audit ($65/hr) to complete the addition inspection.

o In cases where no second inspection is required, you will be billed for the actual cost of the desk audit ($65/hr).

o Payment must be received before the new or additional fields/livestock are certified organic and added to the Organic Product List and the Organic System Plan.

Mailing Procedure




Or email application to [email protected]


Please mail Application, Payment and Cost Share documents to:

NMDA Organic Program 2604 Aztec Road NE

Albuquerque NM 87107



Application for Cost-Share Reimbursement 2018

Name of Certified Organic Business: _________________________________________________

Your Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Type of Certification (crop, livestock, processor):_______________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

City: ______________________ State: ______ Zip: ___________________

Phone: __________________________ Fax: ____________________________

Email: __________________________________________________________

Name of your certifier (NMDA, etc.): ______________________________________________

Allowed reimbursement costs for certification include: application fees, inspection fees, user fees, postage and assessments. Late fees and charges relating to violations of the organic standards are not eligible expenses. If you have questions about a particular expense, please call (505) 841-9425. If you are certified by NMDA you do not need to attach receipts unless you are claiming postage. If you are claiming postage or are not certified by NMDA you must attach receipts. Everyone must attach an itemized list of items to be reimbursed.

A) During the year10/1/17-9/30/18 I spent (the following amount) $ _____________ on organic certification expenses.

B) Multiply the amount above x .75. $______________

C) If the number on line B is larger than $750 you are eligible for a reimbursement of $750. If the number on line B is less than $750, that amount will be the amount of your reimbursement.

D) If you were first certified in 2017, or are certified by a Certification Agency other than NMDA, please attach a copy of your certificate. This is REQUIRED!

TOTAL REIMBURSMENT:

I, ______________________________ understand that under the NOP cost-share program I am eligible to apply for 75% of my annual certification costs up to $750/year for Federal FY 2017-18, and nothing more. Awarding of funds will be made on a first-come first-served basis (of the complete application); funds may not be available to reimburse every certified business.

____________________________________ Date: __________________

(signature)

Please follow the instructions on the next page.

Please follow these instructions.

1. The Organic Cost-Share Program is a federal program, funded by the 2014 Farm Bill, to reimburse producers and processors for 75% of the cost of organic certification, up to $750. You must apply to receive reimbursement. If you have more than one certification (e.g. crop and processor) you may apply for EACH current certificate, but you must complete a separate application for each certified operation.

2. In New Mexico, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture is the agency responsible for distributing the federal funds. All certified organic New Mexico businesses are eligible for reimbursement as long as they have successfully completed the certification process and have a current certificate from a USDA-accredited certifier.

3. You must fill out the forms completely and include the required attachments to be reimbursed.

4. Requests for reimbursement must be received no later than 10/31/18.

5. There is no guarantee that funds will be available. Reimbursements will be issued on a first-come-first served basis until the money runs out.

6. What is important in figuring your certification costs for a particular year is the date that you wrote the check to cover those costs. Checks you wrote from 10/1/17-9/30/18 would be eligible for cost share reimbursement this year. Your “certification year,” (the date on your certificate or renewal) is irrelevant to this program. Eligible expenses generally are ones for which you paid your certifier. Application fees and assessments are eligible. Late fees charged for late application submission are not eligible.

7. Please don’t hesitate to call Julia A. Conlogue at (505) 841-9425 if you have any questions about this program. We want you to get your reimbursement.

What you have to doGuided by the information above:

1) Fill out the cost-share application and sign it.2) Fill out the NMSU Vendor Questionnaire form.

Section 1, Are you currently working with a department on a purchase-Although you are NOT actually working on a purchase, Check Yes, and write in "NMDA". Section 2, Check your Business Type. Section 3, Do Not select "One-Time Payment", as this will remove you from the system as soon as payment is made to you. If you file as an individual, sole proprietor or any type of LLC, you MUST complete Section 5: Independent Contractor Determination. For Question 2 of this section, please write the following: “I am not providing a service to NMSU but am being reimbursed for fees paid to NMDA.” Print, Sign and Date the form on page 4.

3) Include a copy of your current organic certificate if you were first certified in 2017, or are not certified by NMDA.

4) Include an itemized statement of certification expenses; and, if not certified by NMDA or you are claiming postage, please attach receipts.

5) Please confirm that the Vendor Questionnaire is complete and all questions answered.6) Do NOT Send the VQ (Or any other documents) to NMSU. Send ALL the above items to:

Julia ConlogueNMDA Organic Program

2604 Aztec Road NEAlbuquerque, NM 87107

Documents

Application for Organic Certification - New Mexico … · Web viewLimited Liability Company (LLC) Educational Institution/ Public Institution/ Non-profit General Partnership Please