Organic Growers of Australia

OGA CERTIFICATION


The new Small Producers Program launched on the 1st July 2007.

To find out if you are eligible, see the Q & A section below or contact the BFA/OGA office.

 

The cost of the Small Producers Program is: 
$418 (inc GST) per year
·         This cost includes your annual audit and application fee.
·         For any existing OGA clients, you will become a 12 month subscriber to the Australian Organic Journal.

·         For any new OGA clients, we recommend that you also become a member of the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) - $99/$66.


For an application form to be sent to you, or for any questions regarding the small producers program, please contact the BFA/ OGA Brisbane office on 07 3350 5706


Main features of the BFA/ OGA Certified Small Producer Program:
Producers under this program:
• will receive an onsite audit of their operation premises every alternate year
while every other year will require a thorough third party external desk audit
and review process;
• must have a gross annual income of less than $50,000 from sale of organic produce;
• will be offered ACO certification if further to applying for the program,
income exceeds $50,000 for two successive years;


 Contact us now to get the process started - We charge you no levies on the sale of your produce

 

Questions and Answer to the Small Producer Program

  
Q. I export my organic produce, can I be certified with OGA and export this as organic?

 A. No, you will need to join an AQIS accredited body such as Australian Certified Organic to be able to export your product as 'certified organic'.

 

Q. I am already with OGA. Do I need to re-apply to be part of The Small Producer Program?

A. No, you will automatically be transferred into the program.

 

Q. Will I have an audit every year?

A. YES, you will be required to have a successful audit annually.

 

Q. Do I need to change my logo with the change of OGA?

A. No, the SUNFLOWER OGA Certified logo will remain the same. You are required to display the logo, your certification number & your grade (A grade, Inconversion etc) on your labels.

 

Q. I am a processor, can I be part of the program?

A. Contact the BFA/OGA office to determine if you are eligible for the program.

 

Q. I am a producer, can I be part of the program?

A. If you are starting out as a new grower; selling your produce to a smaller retail shops; selling box schemes; selling your produce at farmers markets & grossing under $50,000 then the scheme is perfect for your business.

 

 

Q. Will I have to let BFA/OGA know if I am no longer eligible?

A. Yes, you will need to contact the office to advise that you need to transfer. To transfer to Australian Certified Organic (ACO) you will need to complete an application form and complete other necessary paperwork required by ACO.

 

Q. I am currently with another certifying body with higher costs, however I am eligible to join. Should I apply for the Small Producers Program?

A. Yes, you will need to get an application form from the office or join online at:

http://www.bfa.com.au