Organic Program Fees

Organic certification fees are based on gross organic sales and are as follows:

• Operations with gross Organic sales of or projected Organic sales of:
  • Less than $20,000: $600
  • $20,001 – 40,000: $700
  • $40,001 – 100,000: $800
  • $100,001 – 250,000: $900
  • $250,001 – 500,000: $1,000
  • $500,001 – 1,000,000: $ 1,250
  • Greater than $1,000,000: $1,500

Producer/Handler Allowance: If applying for both categories, subtract: -$115

New Application Credit: For first-time applicants, subtract -$100

Organic producers must renew by March 15 ^th each year, or there is a $200 late fee.

Organic handlers must renew by September 15 ^th each year, or there is a $200 late fee.

Assessment Fees:

Certified producer operations will pay an annual assessment fee based on their level of gross annual sales of organic products in addition to the annual application fee.

Certified handling operations will pay an annual assessment fee based on their level of gross annual sales of organic products and handling charges for organic products.

Assessment fees are charged accordingly:

• Operations must pay a minimum assessment fee: $150
• Operations must pay: 0.5% of organic sales
• Organic Handlers have a $5,000 maximum cap
• Organic Producers have a $3,000 maximum cap

Assessment fees are not applicable for new producers and handlers. 

Inspection Fees:

Organic inspection fees are billed at cost of service, plus a 10% administrative fee.

Miscellaneous Fees:

• A Product Profile Review Fee of $35 may be issued for each new and/or revised label for organic handlers. (ARM 4.17.106(4))
• An Expedited Services Fee of up to $1,000 may be issued for expedited services depending on the speed, time of year, and resources required to fulfill the request. The Department may set pricing standards within Department policy. ( ARM 4.17.106(9) )
• The Department shall assess a Collection Fee of 18% annual percentage rate or a minimum fee of $25, whichever is greater, for any un-paid balances not received on or before the last regular business day of the month. The department may require payment of past-due fees prior to providing certification services. (ARM 4.17.106(8))

• National Organic Program Regulations