Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Quality Upgradation / Certification: Support for Eco-Certification / Organic Certification

Description
The scheme "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Quality Upgradation / Certification: Support for Eco-Certification / Organic Certification" is a Sub-Component of the Scheme "Integrated Coffee Development Project During the Medium Term Framework MTF Period: Development Support to Stakeholders" by the Coffee Board, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This scheme aims to encourage coffee growers to improve quality for higher returns and improve access to high-value specialty markets through the production of eco-certified coffees. An allied objective of this scheme is to encourage small growers to form groups/collectives for taking up eco-certification that will facilitate the creation of common facilities in the future.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• For Organic Certification: 75% of the certification cost spread over 3 years or the Conversion period, whichever is less during the MTF period.
• For Other Eco-Certifications: 75% of the certification cost for one year during the MTF period.
• NOTE: This incentive is provided only as backend support for those who obtain certification of their estates. However, in the case of organic certification, the costs incurred towards certification during in-conversion period are also eligible for support.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicants should be SHGs/collectives of tribal growers who obtain certification of their plantations for various sustainability and quality standards.
2. The applicant can access support only for certification of estates as per Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird friendly/Shade grown coffee standards, or any other certification programs equivalent to the above programs.
3. The applicant claiming support for Eco/organic certification should have been certified as per the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards, even if they are certified as per various international standards like EU Regulation, NOP (National Organic Programme of USA), JAS (Japanese Agriculture Standards), etc.
4. The applicant should obtain the Certificate only from the Certification Agencies accredited by the respective Certification Programmes during the MTF period.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Certification Completion and Documentation
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After obtaining certification by the accredited certification body/agency, the SHG/growers' group of tribal growers shall submit the following documents to the concerned office of the JLO/SLO of the Coffee Board.

Step 2: Step 2: Submission to Coffee Board Office
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The concerned JLO/SLO will scrutinize the documents, carry out field inspection for verification of books and records.

Step 3: Step 3: Review and Verification
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The JLO/SLO shall forward the claim along with the Physical Verification Report and other relevant records to the concerned Deputy Director (Extn)/Joint Director (Extn).

Step 4: Step 4: Approval and Subsidy Disbursement
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The Deputy Director (Extn.)/Joint Director (Extn) after scrutinizing the claim and records and on confirmation about the admissibility of the claim in all respects will release the subsidy amount to the beneficiary.

Required Documents
• Application in the prescribed format (in duplicate).
• Certificate of incorporation/registration, memorandum of article of association/society as Grower Collective/SHG/ Cooperative issued by the authority concerned and Complete list/details of members of the organization.
• Copy of the certificate issued by the Accredited Certification Agency.
• Original invoice towards the cost of certification.
• Copy of the Bank Pass Book containing the details of account number, name of the Bank, branch, IFSC code, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What specific eco-certifications are eligible for support under the "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region"?
A: The scheme supports certifications such as Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, and equivalent programs, ensuring adherence to specific sustainability standards.

Q: Could a collective of tribal growers apply for this scheme individually without forming a group or collective?
A: The scheme necessitates tribal growers to form SHGs or collectives to access support, aiming to promote common facilities and sustainability among growers.

Q: Regarding the subsidy for organic certification, what is the period over which the 75% subsidy is distributed?
A: The subsidy for organic certification, set at 75% of the cost, is allocated over three years or the conversion period, whichever is shorter, within the MTF period.

Q: Are applicants pursuing Eco/organic certification obliged to adhere to specific national standards?
A: Yes, applicants must obtain certification in accordance with NPOP standards, even if they hold certifications from international standards like EU Regulation, NOP, JAS, etc.

Q: What constitutes the documentary requisites for availing this subsidy?
A: Essential documents include prescribed application formats, proof of incorporation/registration, details of members, certification from an accredited agency, original certification cost invoice, and bank account particulars.

Q: What are the steps involved in claiming the subsidy after certification?
A: Submission of requisite documents to the Coffee Board, followed by scrutiny, field inspection, review, and approval by designated authorities culminates in the disbursement of the subsidy.

Q: Is there a provision for amending the scheme's terms during its execution?
A: The Coffee Board retains the authority to amend or modify terms and conditions as deemed necessary for effective execution and scheme objectives without prior notice.

Q: What actions may result in rejection of an application or legal consequences for applicants?
A: Offering rewards, gifts, or coercive measures to influence the subsidy process or furnishing incorrect information may lead to rejection or legal actions against applicants.

Q: How does the Coffee Board ensure fund availability for releasing subsidies?
A: Availability of funds during a specific year determines the release of eligible subsidies to applicants under this scheme.

Q: Can small growers access this scheme without engaging in eco-certification?
A: Small growers are encouraged to partake in eco-certification to access support, fostering quality improvements and entry into high-value markets.

Q: What measures ensure adherence to the stipulated certification programs?
A: Certification must be obtained only from agencies accredited by the respective programs, ensuring compliance with specified sustainability and quality standards.

Q: Are there specific requirements for the formation of SHGs or collectives?
A: The SHGs or collectives should comprise tribal growers and obtain certification for sustainability and quality standards to be eligible for support.

Q: Could applicants avail themselves of the subsidy for certifications not explicitly mentioned in the scheme?
A: Support is limited to certifications meeting or equivalent to the specified Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, or similar programs outlined in the scheme.

Q: What constitutes "backend support" in the context of obtaining certification?
A: The scheme offers backend support by subsidizing a portion of the certification costs for estates, promoting sustainable practices among growers.

Q: Is the 75% subsidy for organic certification subject to any specific conditions?
A: The subsidy is contingent upon the certification period, covering three years or the conversion period, whichever is shorter, during the MTF period.

Q: What actions by applicants might lead to immediate rejection of their applications?
A: Attempts to influence the subsidy process through offers, coercion, or providing incorrect information may result in the rejection of applications.