OAR 603-053-0250: Inspection Fees for Certification Program Services

The following fees and charges are established for inspection, reporting and certification of horticultural and agricultural products and processes. Fees will be established in an amount reasonably necessary to cover the cost of providing services and administration in the Certification Program pursuant to ORS 632.940. Certification and third- party audit services will be provided on a first come, first served basis as qualified auditing staff is available. These include: (1) USDA National Organic Program (NOP) certification, (a) Annual application fees for USDA National Organic Program (NOP) certification at $1,000 for first-time applicants and $750 for renewal applications; and (b) A charge for a minimum of four hours of inspection service at a rate of $108 per hour; (c) Travel time at the rate of $108 per hour; (d) Mileage, lodging and per diem reimbursed at rates established by the Department of Administrative Services; (2) USDA Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP), USDA Produce GAPs Harmonized Standard, (a) A charge for a minimum of four hours of inspection and administrative service at a rate of $171 per hour; (b) Travel time at the rate of $171 per hour; (c) Mileage, lodging and per diem reimbursed at rates established by the Department of Administrative Services. (3) Additional Audit Schemes, private standards, or determinations: When other inspection or special audit services are requested, then at the option of the Department the fees and/or hourly charges may be agreed upon by prior written contractual agreement between the applicant or applicants and the Department. In no case, however, shall such charges be less than is necessary to completely reimburse the Department for its total costs of furnishing such services. The provisions of this section supersede the other fee schedules and provisions relating thereto. (4) Overtime Charges: For all inspection, audit and certification services performed during the following times (which will be considered overtime), the regular inspection fees or hourly charges shall be charged at time and one-half for all time involved. Overtime charges shall be figured to the nearest one-half hour: (a) At any time on Saturdays or Sundays; and (b) At any time on any day which is declared by law to be a holiday for state employees.