Expires: December 1
Fee: $200
Contact: Colleen M. Collier (517) 373-0280
Forms: Organic Certifying Agent Application

The Michigan Organic Products Act (Public Act 316 of 2000), effective October 1, 2001, establishes an organic registration requirement for organic producers, handlers and certifying agents. It also prescribes fees associated with registration, development of a data system to track organic products produced by registered producers, development and implementation of organic production standards, and enforcement through investigation and sampling programs. Anyone producing organic products, handling organic products or certifying organic operations in Michigan, needs to comply with Act 316 registration requirements.
In order to become an organic certifying agent in the state of Michigan, one must first:

1. Meet the requirements of, and be accredited by, the National Organic Program (NOP).
2. Meet the requirements of Michigan Organic Products Act 316 of 2000, and remain in compliance with the Act.
3. Annually conduct on-site inspections, and require that producers/handlers have an organic plan.
4. Have procedures in place that allow producers/handlers to appeal an adverse certification determination.
5. Conduct annual residue testing if requested.
6. Protect against conflict of interest.
7. Provide an annual list at the time of registration to the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA).  This list should include:
• Names, addresses, and agricultural products certified.
• Names and addresses of inspectors working for your agency and their credentials. 

Furthermore, you must contact MDA and update the above list during the year as changes occur, and, if requested, allow MDA to access all certification records.

8. You must also fill out and return this registration application form with a check for $200 made out to:
   
   Michigan Department of Agriculture
   Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division
   P.O. Box 30017
   Lansing, MI 48909

Please direct all questions to: