The Texas ROR 600 form is an application for organic certification, designed for businesses involved in agricultural production, processing, or distribution. This form is essential for those seeking to comply with organic standards set forth by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Completing this application accurately is crucial for maintaining the integrity of organic practices in Texas.
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The Texas ROR 600 form serves as a vital application for organic certification, specifically designed for businesses engaged in various agricultural activities. This comprehensive document is essential for anyone seeking to operate as a certified organic producer, processor, retailer, or distributor within the state. It encompasses several key sections that require detailed information about the applicant's business structure, type of organic activities, and responsible personnel. Applicants must specify their certification classification, which can include categories such as land producer, livestock producer, or processor, among others. The form also necessitates the inclusion of the business's legal name, tax identification numbers, and contact information for responsible parties. Furthermore, it addresses the unique requirements for out-of-state applicants, ensuring compliance with Texas regulations by mandating the appointment of a resident agent. As applicants fill out the ROR 600, they must be mindful of providing accurate and complete information, as any misrepresentation can lead to severe consequences, including denial or revocation of certification. Additionally, the form includes a checklist to assist applicants in compiling all necessary documentation, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness in the application process.
P.O. Box 12847 Austin, Texas 78711 Voice (800) 835-5832 (512) 463-7476
Hearing impaired: (800) 735-2988 www.TexasAgriculture.gov
Texas Department of Agriculture
ROR-600
Organic Certification Application
TODD STAPLES, COMMISSIONER
1TYPE OF APPLICATION
New Business
Change of Ownership - previous account/certificate number:
__________________
2CERTIFICATION CLASSIFICATION (check all that apply)
Land Producer - Complete Section F
Livestock Producer - Complete Section G
Processor (On-Farm) - Complete Section H, #1
Retailer - Complete Section I
Processor Fiber - Complete Section H, #2
Distributor - Complete Section J
Processor (Commercial Food or Feed) - Complete Section H, #3
3BUSINESS TYPE
TDA USE ONLY
A
Corporation
Sole Proprietorship
Client No.
Account No.
SECTION
Limited Liability Co.
Limited Partnership
Date (mm/dd/yyyy)
Initials
General Partnership
4CLIENT INFORMATION
Full legal business name (owner's name if sole proprietor - no aliases)
D.B.A. (if applicable)
Comptroller Taxpayer ID No.(In-state businesses)
Federal ID No. (Out-of-state businesses and nonprofit org.)
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP ONLY
Driver License No.
_________________
TX
State Issued ID No.
_________________ (if DL is not available)
Other_________
1RESPONSIBLE PERSON INSTRUCTIONS
Please list the full legal name (no aliases or nicknames) of the primary person responsible for the business, as
indicated:
•
For a corporation, limited liability company, or cooperative, the president or CEO,
For a limited or general partnership, the managing partner or general manager,
For a sole proprietorship, the owner,
B
For any other type of business, the general manager.
2RESPONSIBLE OFFICER, PARTNER, MANAGER, OR OWNER
Mr.
Mrs.
First Name
M.I.
Last Name
Ms.
___
Phone No.
E-mail
(
)
-
Ext.
3RESPONSIBLE PERSON MAILING ADDRESS
Address
City
State
Zip
Organics
Regulatory Division
Revised 9/01/2011
ROR-600 Organic Certification ApplicationPage 2 of 5
Legal Business Name: ______________________________
SECTION C
1PERSON TO CONTACT FOR LICENSE-RELATED MATTERS
Title
Primary Phone
Secondary Phone (optional)
Fax (optional)
E-mail (optional)
Would you prefer to be contacted by E-mail?
Yes
No
2MAILING ADDRESS
SECTION D
1FACILITY INFORMATION
Facility Name
2PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF LOCATION OF LICENSEE, LICENSED ACTIVITIES or EQUIPMENT
Address (No P.O. Box)
County
Directions to Physical Location if address above is difficult to find
SECTION E
1OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS ONLY
An applicant for an Organic Certification whose principal place of business is situated outside the State of Texas must appoint and designate a resident citizen of Texas as said applicant's resident agent with Texas. If the address provided in Section B is out of state, resident agent information is REQUIRED.
Who do you wish to designate as resident agent?
The Texas Secretary of State Other (list below)
Resident Agent Name
Resident Agent Address
Business Phone
ROR-600 Organic Certification ApplicationPage 3 of 5
1LAND PRODUCER (check all that apply)
Fields In Crop Production:
F
Organic acres:
____________
Transitional acres:
Total Organic and Transitional acres:
Fields Not In Crop Production:
Greenhouse/Indoor Production:
Organic Sq. Ft:
Transitional Sq. Ft:
Total Organic and Transitional Sq. Ft: ____________
1LIVESTOCK PRODUCER (Land/Herd information) (check all that apply)
Cattle, Horses:
G
No. of Head
Actual acreage available to livestock:
Goats, Swine, Sheep
Avian Species (Chicken, Turkey, or other Poultry)
Is land/facilities used for livestock production organically certified?
If No, you must apply for certification as a Land Producer with either TDA or a private certifier.
If Yes, what is your organic certification number? ___________________
1PROCESSOR (ON-FARM) (must be certified as an organic producer) (check all that apply)
H
On-Farm Food Processing
On-Farm Feed Processing
On-Farm Milk Processing
2PROCESSOR FIBER
Cotton Ginning
Textile Manufacturing
3PROCESSOR (COMMERCIAL FOOD OR FEED)
Commercial Food Processor
Commercial Feed Processor
1RETAILER
I
Number of stations for in-store processing of organic products:
________
Please note, retailers are exempt from organic certification under the National Organic Program Regulations.
However, if you plan to label products that were made in-store with the 'USDA Organic' seal
or 'Certified
Organic' statement, you are required to become certified under the National Organic Program Regulations.
ROR-600 Organic Certification ApplicationPage 4 of 5
SECTION J
1DISTRIBUTOR
Broker/Trader (check all that apply)
Food Products
Feed Products
Fiber Products
Warehousing/Storage (check all that apply)
Packing/Grading/Sizing (check all that apply)
SECTION K
1PAYMENT
See instructions for applicable fees.
CERTIFICATION IS NOT VALID UNTIL APPROVED BY TDA
Method of Payment (payable to Texas Department of Agriculture)
Check # ________
Cashier's Check # ________
Money Order # ________
Amount remitted
Mail to: Texas Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 12076, Austin, TX 78711-2076
Receipt No.
Date Receipt Issued
SECTION L
1PREVIOUS CERTIFICATIONS
Have you previously applied for organic certification with another certifier?
If Yes:
1.List the name(s) of any organic certifying agent(s) to which application has previously been made:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
2.List year(s) when application(s) was submitted: ______________________________________________
3. Outcome of the application(s) submission:
Approved
Denied
Withdrawn
If applicable, attach:
A.Copy of any certification conditions, notification of noncompliance or denial of certification issued to the applicant
B.Description of actions taken to correct the noncompliance or to meet certification conditions
C.Evidence of such correction
ROR-600 Organic Certification ApplicationPage 5 of 5
SECTION M
1SIGNATURE
The applicant, by and through their personal or agent's signature below (1) certifies that all information provided in connection with this application at any time is true and correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge; (2) acknowledges that any misrepresentation or false statement made by the applicant, or an authorized agent of the applicant, in connection with this application, whether intentional or not, will constitute grounds for denial, revocation, or non-renewal of any license issued pursuant to this application and/or assessment of monetary administrative penalties; and (3) if applying as an individual, further acknowledges that this application may be denied and that any license issued pursuant to this application may be suspended, revoked, or denied renewal due to delinquency in payment of a guaranteed student loan and that any license issued pursuant to this application may be suspended or denied renewal for failure to pay child support. Applicant similarly certifies that such farm or handler has not produced or handled any agricultural product sold or labeled as organically produced except in accordance wi employee) of the applicant, the person signing certifies that he or she is authorized to make the preceding certifications on behalf of the applicant.
Applicant Name
Applicant Signature
Date
/
month
day
year
SECTION N
1CHECKLIST
Please use this checklist to ensure you are sending all of the necessary information and documents. Organic standards require you to keep a copy of your application and all supporting documentation for your files.
Fees (see instructions for assistance with calculating the correct fee)
All applicable supporting documentation:
Land Producer - ROR-607 Producer Organic System Plan
ROR-621 Previous Land Owner/Manager Affidavit for Organic Land Certification (if applicable) ROR-622 Seed and Planting Stock Disclosure (if applicable)
Livestock Producer - ROR-603 Livestock Organic System Plan
ROR-623 Organic Livestock Dry Matter Worksheet (if applicable)
ROR-624 Organic Livestock Outdoor Access Calendar
Processor (Food and Feed) - ROR-606 Processor (Food and Feed) Organic System Plan Processor (Fiber) - ROR-604 Processor (Fiber) Organic System Plan
Distributor - ROR-602 Distributor Organic System Plan Retailer - ROR-608 Retailer Organic System Plan
Please note that an incomplete application will result in processing delays.
This document becomes public record and is subject to disclosure. With few exceptions, you have the right to request and be informed about the information that the State of Texas collects about you. You are entitled to receive and review the information upon request. You also have the right to ask the state agency to correct any information that is determined to be incorrect. (Reference: Government Code, Sections 552.021, 552.023, and 559.004.)
Filling out the Texas ROR 600 form is an important step in applying for organic certification. This form requires specific information about your business and its operations. Make sure to gather all necessary documents and information before you begin, as this will streamline the process and help ensure accuracy.
The Texas ROR-600 form is an application for organic certification issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. This form is essential for businesses seeking to be recognized as organic producers, processors, or retailers. It collects important information about the business and its operations to ensure compliance with organic standards.
Any business involved in organic farming, livestock production, processing, or retailing in Texas must fill out the ROR-600 form. This includes land producers, livestock producers, on-farm processors, retailers, and distributors. If your business engages in any activities related to organic products, this form is necessary.
The form requires various details, including:
Once you have completed the ROR-600 form, you must mail it to the Texas Department of Agriculture at the address provided on the form. Ensure that you include any required supporting documentation and payment for applicable fees. Incomplete applications may result in delays.
Fees vary depending on the type of certification you are applying for. The form includes instructions on how to calculate the correct fee. Payments can be made via check, cashier's check, or money order, payable to the Texas Department of Agriculture. It's important to check the latest fee schedule to ensure you submit the correct amount.
After submission, the Texas Department of Agriculture will review your application. They may contact you for additional information or clarification. Certification is not valid until it has been approved by the department. Keep in mind that the review process can take some time, so it's wise to submit your application well in advance of any deadlines.
Yes, you can apply for certification even if you have been denied in the past. However, you will need to provide information about your previous applications, including the names of certifying agents and the reasons for denial. Additionally, you should include any corrective actions taken to address previous noncompliance issues.
Yes, the ROR-600 form includes a checklist to help you gather all necessary documents before submission. This checklist is crucial to ensure that your application is complete and to avoid any processing delays. Be sure to keep a copy of your application and all supporting documentation for your records.
If your principal place of business is outside Texas, you must designate a resident agent within Texas. This agent will act on your behalf for matters related to your organic certification. The form provides a section for you to include the name and address of your designated resident agent.
You can reach the Texas Department of Agriculture by phone at (800) 835-5832 or (512) 463-7476. For hearing impaired assistance, call (800) 735-2988. Additional information can be found on their website at www.TexasAgriculture.gov.
Inaccurate Information: One of the most common mistakes is providing incorrect details about the business. Ensure that the full legal name, addresses, and identification numbers are accurate. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejections.
Omitting Required Sections: Applicants sometimes forget to complete all necessary sections. Each section is crucial for the review process. Double-check that all applicable areas are filled out, especially the classification and business type.
Improper Signature: The application must be signed by an authorized person. If the signature does not match the name of the individual listed, it may be deemed invalid. Always ensure that the signer is authorized to act on behalf of the business.
Missing Supporting Documents: Failing to include required documentation can result in processing delays. It’s essential to attach all necessary forms and plans that correspond to the type of application being submitted.
Incorrect Payment Method: Submitting the wrong payment type or amount can halt the application process. Review the payment instructions carefully and ensure that the correct fee is included with the application.
Failure to Designate a Resident Agent: For out-of-state applicants, not appointing a resident agent in Texas is a critical error. This designation is required for the application to be processed.
Ignoring the Checklist: The application includes a checklist for a reason. Skipping this step can lead to missing important items. Review the checklist thoroughly before submission to ensure completeness.
The Texas ROR 600 form is essential for those seeking organic certification in Texas. However, several other documents often accompany this application to ensure compliance with organic standards. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the certification process.
Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the organic certification process. Together, they ensure that all aspects of organic production and handling meet the required standards set forth by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Properly completing and submitting these forms is vital for a successful certification outcome.
The Texas ROR-600 form is closely related to the USDA Organic Certification Application. Both documents serve as formal requests for organic certification, allowing producers to demonstrate compliance with organic standards. The USDA application requires detailed information about the applicant's farming practices, similar to the ROR-600, which collects data on land use and production methods. Each form emphasizes the importance of transparency and accuracy, as any discrepancies can lead to denial or revocation of certification.
Another document that parallels the ROR-600 is the Organic System Plan (OSP). The OSP is a comprehensive plan that outlines how an operation will comply with organic regulations. Like the ROR-600, the OSP requires specific details about production practices, inputs, and handling processes. Both documents must be submitted for review and approval, ensuring that the applicant adheres to organic standards throughout their operations.
The ROR-600 also shares similarities with the Livestock Organic System Plan (ROR-603). This specific plan focuses on livestock production, detailing how the operation meets organic requirements for animal husbandry. Both forms require information about the number of animals, their living conditions, and feed sources. The ROR-600 integrates this information within its broader application, making it essential for livestock producers seeking organic certification.
In addition, the Processor Organic System Plan (ROR-606) is akin to the ROR-600, as it addresses the requirements for processing organic products. This document outlines the methods and materials used in processing, ensuring they align with organic standards. Both forms necessitate a thorough understanding of organic practices, as any deviation could jeopardize certification status.
The ROR-600 is also comparable to the Retailer Organic System Plan (ROR-608). While retailers are generally exempt from certification, those wishing to label products as organic must complete this plan. Similar to the ROR-600, it requires detailed information about sourcing and handling organic products. This connection highlights the importance of compliance across the supply chain, from production to retail.
Furthermore, the Distributor Organic System Plan (ROR-602) parallels the ROR-600 in its focus on the distribution of organic products. This document ensures that distributors understand and implement organic handling practices. Both forms emphasize the need for accurate record-keeping and compliance, reinforcing the integrity of organic labeling in the marketplace.
Lastly, the Previous Land Owner/Manager Affidavit (ROR-621) is relevant to the ROR-600, particularly for applicants seeking certification for land previously managed under organic standards. This affidavit verifies the organic history of the land, complementing the information provided in the ROR-600. Both documents work together to establish a clear certification pathway for new applicants, ensuring that organic integrity is maintained throughout the transition.
When filling out the Texas ROR-600 form, it is essential to approach the process carefully. Here are ten tips to help ensure your application is complete and accurate.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smoother application process for your organic certification.
Understanding the Texas ROR-600 form is crucial for anyone seeking organic certification. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are five common misunderstandings:
Clearing up these misconceptions can help streamline the application process and ensure that all necessary information is accurately provided. It is essential to approach the ROR-600 form with a clear understanding of its requirements and implications.
Filling out the Texas ROR-600 form is a critical step for those seeking organic certification. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
Following these guidelines will help facilitate a smoother application process for organic certification in Texas.