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Certification First Steps
* Read the Standards applicable to your operation
* Critically appraise your operation
* Talk it over with NASAA staff
* Make an application
There are three elements, which are inextricably linked in the certification process: People, Land and Product. It is the combination of the three, linking into an organic management plan, that signifies the legal bounds of the certified operation – any change in ownership, sale of property or relocation, or change in product harvested and manufactured will require a change in the registration of the certified operation.
The process of Certification will differ, dependent on whether you are a Primary Producer, involved in Manufacturing and Distribution or Retail trade.
NASAA Standards
The NASAA Standards are your guide to achieving certified organic status, and include:
It is essential that you read through the relevant
standards applicable to your operation before submitting
an application for certification. *Contact the NASAA
Office to request your hardcopy.
Application and Questionnaire
Making an application is easy. After reading the
NASAA Standards, simply fill out the Certification
Application Form and you're on your way
to Certification! In addition to submitting an application
form, you will be required to fill out a Questionnaire
outlining your organic management/handling plan,
and to sign a Statutory Declaration in relation
to the current activities and management of the
operations for which you are seeking certification.
There are several relevant Questionnaires dependent
on your focus of operation: Organic
Management Plan (Primary Production), Organic
Handling Plan (Manufacturing & Distribution),
Organic
Handling Plan (Input Manufacturing), Trader
Questionnaire (Retail) or Trader
Questionnaire (Market).
Inspection Process
Upon receipt of your application and questionnaire, you will receive a letter of confirmation from NASAA, naming an inspector who has been allocated to inspect your operation. Inspections are subcontracted to a wide network of professional, independent and NASAA trained -organic inspectors- spread across Australia and South East Asia.
The role of the inspector is to assist in the regulation of operations under certification, to ensure compliance with NASAA Standards. NASAA conducts both announced and unannounced inspections to ensure that operations are run in accordance with Standards. These inspections may be conducted with representatives from accrediting organisations AQIS, IFOAM, JAS and USDA in attendance.
The inspection will include a physical look at the operation, as well as a review of all record keeping. The inspector may take soil or tissue samples for chemical/residue analysis and will note issues such as how you manage your operation in accordance with the Standards, any contamination risks or other potential problems.
Inspection reports will then be reviewed by NASAA's Inspection Review Committee, and a decision made in relation to certification.
Inspection Review Committee
NASAA's Inspection Review Committee comprises a group of independent representatives who make decisions in relation to applications for, and the continuation of, Certification.
Delegation of this responsibility to a review committee ensures transparency, and collective decision-making in assessing individual contracts under license.
The Inspection Review Committee will consider the outcomes of the first inspection, and if acceptable, an initial contract offer will be made.
(Applicants to certification have the right to appeal, in writing, any part of the contract offer by NASAA).
Transfer of Certification
Where advantageous to the operator, NASAA will assist
facilitate transfer of an existing organic certification
to NASAA certification. The process requires the
forwarding of key documentation including a current
certificate of registration and farm map/plan. The
attached information
pack provides further details of the process
of transfer, including an application form.
NASAA Certified Organic Fees & Charges
NASAA's fees are competitive, with a pricing structure which serves to underpin the provision of the certification service, facilitating access throughout the world for NASAA certified product.
Our fee structure comprises an initial application
fee and inspection deposit, and annual charges and
levy payment system where applicable. Refer to our
Fee
Schedule for further detail on applicable certification
costs.
Further Information
Download your copy of the application pack 'IntoOrganics', providing all the information you need to get started in Organic Certification! Alternatively, contact the NASAA Office to request your hardcopy.
Steps to Certification - Primary Production
Steps to Certification - Manufacturing & Distribution
Steps to Certification - Retail
Make an Application.
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"Organic certification is a confirmation of our practices as it ensures that we are using the right production methods for the raw ingredients."
Tony Walker, Jurlique Herb Farm Manager |
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