• 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 2010. 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.

For operations in Massachusetts, the reimbursement forms will be mailed to you later this year. If you have questions about the reimbursement program in Massachusetts, contact Ellen Hart at the MA Department of Agricultural Resources. Massachusetts reimbursement forms are due by October 15, 2010.

For operations in Connecticut, the reimbursement forms will be mailed to you this summer. If you have questions about the reimbursement program in Connecticut, contact Rick Macsuga at the CT Department of Agriculture. Connecticut reimbursement forms are due by September 1, 2010.

If you are in any other state we certify in, contact your State's Department of Agriculture to get the fee reimbursement forms.

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.
• Certified Co-Packers & Contract Manufacturers - A NEW section on our website!
• For CONSUMERS - Organic Grower and Processor Contact Information for CONSUMERS who wish to purchase certified organic products and services.
• 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.