PURPOSE: This rule outlines procedures for issuing certificates to organic entities that are certified by the program.

1. (1) The program shall issue a “Certificate of Organic Operation” to all organic entities that are certified by the program, with such information as required by 7 CFR 205.404.

   1. (A) Such certificate shall continue in effect until surrendered by the certified organic entity, or is revoked by the program or by the administrator for cause, as required by 7 CFR 205.405.

2. (2) Transaction Certificates issued by the program may be used in sales transactions of certified organic products to identify that the products were produced or handled in accordance with National Organic Program (NOP) and program rules.

   1. (A) The program shall issue the Transition Certificates upon written application from the organic entity, on forms approved by the program, which shall contain all information requested on the application.
   2. (B) Transaction Certificates may be issued with the producer’s identification number and an expiration date beyond which use is not valid. User shall enter shipment information that includes the shipment date, product name, and volume of product, and may include the lot number if applicable.
   3. (C) Transaction Certificates provided by the program shall only be used by organic entities certified by the program and only for products covered by program certification.

AUTHORITY: section 261.110, RSMo Supp. 2002.* Original rule filed Jan. 3, 2003, effective Aug. 30, 2003. *Original authority: 261.110, RSMo 2000, amended 2002.