• Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and New Jersey.

Baystate Organic Certifiers focuses solely on certification of organic operations and is a National Organic Program accredited organic certifying agent owned and operated by Massachusetts Independent Certification, Inc. (MICI).

MICI is a non-profit business dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food certification organized as a 501(c)3 corporation. MICI is dedicated to providing affordable certification services to farms using sustainable agriculture practices and to food processing and handling operations that purchase sustainable agriculture products.

ORGANIC COST SHARE FEE REIMBURSEMENT NOTICE

The organic cost share reimbursement program is again in effect for 2009 with two significant changes:

• The maximum amount of the reimbursement has increased to $750 per operation certified;
• Processing and handling operations are now eligible for reimbursement.

As per previous years, the cost share reimbursement program is a Federal program administered through each state's Department of Agriculture. The cost share program refunds 75% of the annual certification fee to a maximum of $750 per operation. The forms for reimbursement vary from state to state. Contact our office for information on applying for the reimbursement after you have paid your annual certification fee for the year.

This website is divided into the following sections:

• Certification - Information (including manuals, application forms, renewal forms) on certification for ORGANIC growers, processors, livestock producers & handlers; recordkeeping & help information.
• For CONSUMERS - Organic Grower and Processor Contact Information for CONSUMERS who wish to purchase certified organic products and services.
• Certified Co-Packers & Contract Manufacturers - A NEW section on our website!
• For GROWERS - Direct link to information (including manuals, application forms, renewal forms, etc.) on certification for organic GROWERS including resources to locate approved organic products.
• For PROCESSORS - Direct link to information (including manuals, application forms, renewal forms, etc.) on certification for organic PROCESSORS including resources to locate approved organic products.
• National Organic Standards - A NEW section on our website!
• Organic Seed & Seedlings - A list of seed suppliers that have been identified as selling organic seed.
• Useful Links - A list of agencies and organizations that are useful informational resources for organic certification, local and state chapters & growers associations, etc.; and helpful downloads including the USDA & Baystate Organic Certifier seals.