Review Information Package & SIP Standards
To begin the certification process, review the SIP Information Package and Standards. The certification cycle is from December 1 through November 30 of the following year, so it is very important that you review the requirements and are in compliance as of December 1.
Submit Application
Submit the following to 5915 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422:
- Vineyard Application form
- Signed original Mutual NDA
- Property map marked with acres
- List of vineyard blocks, varieties, and acres
- One time application fee ($500 for members, $1,000 for non-members)
- Fee Worksheet
- Signed original Certification Agreement
Training & Documentation
UPDATE: SIP has moved online!
Within 10 business days of receiving your application, staff will send your log in for the SIP database where you can document the Standards and review the Information Package.
Once you receive your log in, you should review the Standards in their entirety. It is important to be aware of the record keeping and documentation required for eligibility. It is recommended that Requirements be addressed first before moving on to Management Enhancement documentation.
New applicants are required to complete one training session (webinar) early in the year.
Inspection Process
Select an accredited inspector (Information Package) in May. In June, submit Standards and documentation to your chosen inspector. The actual document and/or on site inspection occurs June 1 – July 15.
Advisory Committee Determines Eligibility
The inspector submits reports to be “blinded” by staff. Blinded inspection reports are reviewed and voted on by the Certification Advisory Committee (CAC) in August and eligibility is determined.
Eligibility & Certification
Staff communicates your eligibility status in August-September. Final certification of eligible vineyards is granted upon the submission of the Certification Agreement, payment of the certification fees, and submittal of final pesticide use records.
Renewal
UPDATE: SIP has moved online!
Each year, the applicant must submit a Renewal Application through the online database. Growers will receive various combinations of documentation audits, interviews, and onsite inspections for cycles two and three of certification and will be prompted by program staff on what documentation should be provided. See the Information Package for details.
2013 renewals will submit their application in the new online database. Emails will be sent the week of 11/26/12 with log in information and instructions in how to renew. Renewal applications are due 12/7/12.
For additional information, contact Beth Vukmanic Lopez at 805.466.2288.
