Understanding Costs
Understanding Organic Certification Costs
Summary: Oregon Tilth certification fees include an annual certification fee and an inspection fee. Additional costs may apply for new applicants, expedited services, or additional inspections. Discounts are available for veterans and educational farms. Use our online fee calculator to estimate your total costs and choose from several payment options.
Overview of Certification Fees
Oregon Tilth (OTCO) bases all certification fees on your operation type and services requested, as outlined in the OTCO Fee Schedule. Fees generally include:
- Annual Certification Fee – based on gross income from certified products
- Inspection Fee – varies depending on your operation’s size, location, and preparedness
For Certified Clients
Annual certification fees are determined using your certified product income and the official OTCO fee schedule.
For New Applicants
New applicants pay a fixed certification fee and a one-time new applicant fee, based on the nature of your activities.
Specialty Programs with Different Fee Structures
Bee Better Certified™
Oregon Tilth partners with the Xerces Society to offer this certification for pollinator-friendly practices. View Bee Better fees.
OPT Grass-Fed Organic
Offered in collaboration with Earth Claims LLC and Organic Plus Trust. Certified operations pay a flat rate of $350 for this add-on. See policy addendum.
Inspection Fees
How Are Inspection Costs Calculated?
Your inspection cost is determined after the visit and includes:
- Inspector’s preparation and reporting time
- Travel expenses (mileage, lodging, meals)
- A 10% administrative fee
Tip: OTCO tries to combine inspections in the same region to reduce travel costs.
Cancellation Policy
Canceling an inspection with less than 2 weeks’ notice may result in fees for:
- Travel already booked
- Inspector prep time
If no other inspections are scheduled in your area, you may be charged 100% of incurred expenses.
Re-inspections
Yes, if a second inspection is needed to confirm compliance or add new sites, full inspection fees apply plus a 25% admin fee.
Unannounced Inspections
No extra fees are charged for unannounced inspections.
Fee Calculator
Estimate your total certification costs using our Online Fee Calculator.
It walks you through each step and allows you to submit payment online.
Payment Options
We offer multiple convenient ways to pay:
Online
- Pay through our website
- Include your invoice number for faster processing
Phone
Call our finance team at (503) 378-0690 to pay by phone.
Send checks to:
Oregon Tilth Certified Organic
Attn: Finance Department
PO Box 368
Corvallis, OR 97339
Include invoice number if available.
Expedited Services
Need to fast-track your certification or product review?
What’s Included In Expedited Services:
- Immediate application review
- Inspector assigned ASAP
- Inspection report submitted within 2 business days
- Report reviewed within 3 business days
- Certification decision issued immediately after review
Cost of Expedited Service
A flat expedited service fee is charged per scope (e.g., farm and processing = 2 fees), in addition to all standard fees.
Note: Expedited services do not guarantee certification by a specific date and are subject to OTCO’s capacity.
Product and Label Rush Review
Available for $350 per request. OTCO will respond within 2 business days, but approval is not guaranteed.
Fee Waivers
Veteran-Owned Farms
Veterans who provide proof of ownership are exempt from base certification fees.
Inspection and new applicant fees still apply.
OTCO partners with the Farmer Veteran Coalition to support veterans in organic agriculture.
Educational Farms
Farms used exclusively for public research or education may qualify for certification base fee waivers.
Inspection and new applicant fees still apply.
Reimbursement Opportunities
You may be eligible for partial reimbursement through the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, which can cover:
- Inspection costs
- New applicant fees
- Expedited service fees