The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division administers registration of 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.

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:

Organic Handlers/Producers:

Organic Handlers/Producers Registration Application (PI-225) This form is available on MDARD's website.

Organic Certifying Agent:

Organic Certifying Agent Registration Application (PI-224) This form is available on MDARD's website.

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

Michigan Organic Products Act, Act 316 of 2000

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

No administrative rules.

D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:

1. Applicability (activities that require registration)

Organic Handlers/Producers:

Any organic handler/producer who produces, processess, packages or re-labels either under their own name or for a private label, or makes organic claims about their operation or a portion thereof must be registered with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Organic Certifying Agent:

Anyone certifying organic operations in Michigan must comply with Act 316 registration requirements.

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

Organic Handlers/Producers:

Complete annually Organic Registration Application Form (PI-225) and a list of the organic products produced, packaged or processed, and the appropriate fee.

Organic Certifying Agent:

Complete annually Organic Registration Application Form (PI-224).

Meet the requirements of, and be accredited by, the National Organic Program (NOP).

Meet the requirements of Michigan Organic Products Act 316 of 2000, and remain in compliance with the Act.

Annually conduct on-site inspections, and require that producers/handlers have an organic plan.

Have procedures in place that allow producers/handlers to appeal an adverse certification determination.

Conduct annual residue testing if requested.

Protect against conflict of interest.

Provide an annual list at the time of registration to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

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 MDARD and update the above list during the year as changes occur, and, if requested, allow MDARD to access all certification records.

Submit completed application along with registration fee

 3.  Application Submission Requirements

Organic Handlers/Producers:

Completed application due December of each year and appropriate fee.

 

Organic Certifying Agent:

Completed application due December of each year and appropriate fee.

 4.  Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

Organic Handlers/Producers:

Submittal of all required registration information on forms provided by MDARD.

Submittal is to be made to the PPPM division of the MDARD by December 1 of the current year.

Organic Certifying Agent:

Submittal is to be made to the PPPM division of the MDARD by December 1 of the current year.

 5.  Operational Requirements

Organic Handlers/Producers:

Complete application and submit.

Organic Certifying Agent:

Complete application and submit.

 6.  Fees

Organic Handlers/Producers:

Gross Organic Sales: Annual Registration Fee:

$0 - $5,000 $10

$5,001 - $25,000 $25

$25,001 - $100,000 $50

$100,001 - $500,000 $100

$500,001 - $1,000,000 $200

$1,000,001 - above $400

Organic Certifying Agent:

Annual Registration Fee: $200.00

 7.  Appeal Process

Organic Handlers/Producers:

In defense of an action filed under this act and in addition to any other unlawful defense, a person may present evidence as an affirmative defense that, at the time of the alleged violation, he or she was in compliance with this act and rules promulgated under this act.

Organic Certifying Agent:

In defense of an action filed under this act and in addition to any other unlawful defense, a person may present evidence as an affirmative defense that, at the time of the alleged violation, he or she was in compliance with this act and rules promulgated under this act.

 8.  Public Input Opportunities

Organic Handlers/Producers:

Any complaints should be directed to the Lansing office at 517-373-0280.

Lists of registered handlers, producers and certifying agencies are available on the MDARD website:

• Registered Organic Handlers and Producers
• Registered Organic Certifying Agencies

E. Contact Information:

Contact Us

Creation/Revision Date:

09/01/2010