Scope and Applicability
- Applies to all organic agriculture entities/farmers and organic input producers certified by DA-BAFS accredited local Organic Certifying Bodies (OCBs)
Key Definitions
- Certification: Formal attestation by accredited OCBs that products or systems comply with organic standards
- Certification Cost: Includes application fees, processing fees, traveling expenses, and per diems related to inspection
- Application Fee: One-time fee for processing certificate application
- Certification Fee: Variable fee for inspection and evaluation of compliance
- Certification Subsidy: Financial incentive scheme provided by DA for organic certification compliance
- Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSME): Classified by asset size from under ₱3 million to ₱100 million
- Organic Agriculture Entities/Farmers: Participants in production, processing, sale, and distribution of organic products
- Organic Agriculture Validation Team (OAVT): DA-BAFS team monitoring compliance and market surveillance
- Organic Certificate: Official document proving conformity with organic agriculture standards
- Organic Certifying Body (OCB): Accredited body verifying adherence to organic certification standards
- Organic Input Producer: Producer of organic-compliant inputs like fertilizers and pest management products
- Registration: Official recording and verification of farming entities with DA-BAFS
- Scope: Types of organic operations certified, e.g., crop, livestock, processing, aquaculture
- Total Organic Produce: Volume of marketable yield in the previous year
Eligibility Criteria for Certification Subsidy
- Individuals or accredited groups registered with SEC, CDA, DOLE, or DTI
- Classified as MSMEs
- Engaged in local organic food or input production
- Compliant with applicable PNS as certified by accredited OCB
- Registered with DA-BAFS
- Entities with conditional certification approval may qualify if conditions are met
- Subsidy prioritized for local market producers; export-oriented subsidy limited to MSME, indigenous people, ARBs
- Priority for subsidy under funding constraints: small land and aquaculture farms, MSMEs, indigenous people, ARBs
Coverage of Certification Subsidy
- Total certification costs covered including:
- Application fees
- Certification fees
- Inspection and re-inspection fees including travel expenses and per diems
- Laboratory analysis costs
- Subsidy fee structure varies by certification type and number of certified scopes
- Individual: ₱50,000 to ₱100,000 depending on scopes
- Group: ₱70,000 to ₱150,000 depending on scopes
Limitations on Subsidy Availment
- Maximum of three organic certifications subsidized per entity/farmer/producer
Processing of Certification Subsidy
- RFOs responsible for implementing subsidy scheme
- Payment made directly to accredited local OCBs
- Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between RFO, OCB, and applicant
- Pre-certification steps include:
- Procurement of certification services by RFO per Government Procurement Reform Act
- Batch processing based on Work and Financial Plan
- Submission of application form, letter of intent, and other documents by applicants
- Pre-assessment by RFO for compliance with PNS
- Post-certification processing requires:
- Certified true copies of organic certificate and Certificate of Registration (COR)
- Official receipts or billing statements for certification and laboratory fees
- Additional documentary requirements may apply
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Any conflicting orders, guidelines or regulations modified, revoked or repealed
- If any part of the circular is invalidated, remaining provisions continue in force
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation and filing with National Administrative Register at UP Law Center