A member/client folder is created. An organic plan questionnaire and related forms are mailed to applicant. Applicant returns completed questionnaire and related forms to COFA. COFA supplies applicant with an estimate of the inspection costs. The applicant decides to proceed or withdraw.

The organic plan and related forms are forwarded to the certification reviewer.

The certification reviewer begins a status report and does administrative review of the completed forms. If something is missing or questionable he corresponds with applicant. If everything is correct, he sends his recommendations to the certification committee for review and assignment of an inspector.

The inspector will review the submitted organic plan and related forms prior to establishing an appointment.

Inspection: Background, organic plan, custody trail, verification, review of attachments, condition of crops, fertility management, seed, greenhouse production, weed management, pest management, disease management, irrigation water, stewardship, boundaries and buffer zones, adjoining land use, harvesting and handling, restrictions or regulated products, storage, other building, on-farm processing, risk assessment, transportation, marketing, recommended sampling.

The inspector forwards his/her inspection report to COFA.

The inspection report and recommendations are forwarded to the certification committee for review and completion of the status report.

If approved without requirements, final fees are requested and a certificate is issued. If approved with requirements, applicant is notified of requirements. Depending on the issues to be resolved final fees may be requested and a certificate issued.

If denied, applicant is informed of the issues and notified of appeal rights.

Appeal procedures are in accordance with NOP regulations as supplied in the handbook.