Details
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.
Benefits
Scale of Subsidy
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
- The applicants should be SHGs/collectives of tribal growers who obtain certification of their plantations for various sustainability and quality standards.
- 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.
- 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.
- The applicant should obtain the Certificate only from the Certification Agencies accredited by the respective Certification Programmes during the MTF period.
Application Process
Offline
Procedure for Claiming Subsidy
Step 1: Certification Completion and
Documentation
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: Submission to Coffee Board Office
The concerned JLO/SLO will scrutinize
the documents, carry out field inspection for verification of books and
records.
Step 3: Review and Verification
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: Approval and Subsidy Disbursement
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.
Documents Required
- 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
What specific eco-certifications are
eligible for support under the "Coffee Development Programme in North
Eastern Region"?
The scheme supports certifications
such as Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, and equivalent
programs, ensuring adherence to specific sustainability standards.
Could a collective of tribal growers
apply for this scheme individually without forming a group or collective?
The scheme necessitates tribal
growers to form SHGs or collectives to access support, aiming to promote common
facilities and sustainability among growers.
Regarding the subsidy for organic
certification, what is the period over which the 75% subsidy is distributed?
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.
Are applicants pursuing Eco/organic
certification obliged to adhere to specific national standards?
Yes, applicants must obtain
certification in accordance with NPOP standards, even if they hold
certifications from international standards like EU Regulation, NOP, JAS, etc.
What constitutes the documentary
requisites for availing this subsidy?
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.
What are the steps involved in
claiming the subsidy after certification?
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.
Is there a provision for amending the
scheme's terms during its execution?
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.
What actions may result in rejection
of an application or legal consequences for applicants?
Offering rewards, gifts, or coercive
measures to influence the subsidy process or furnishing incorrect information
may lead to rejection or legal actions against applicants.
How does the Coffee Board ensure fund
availability for releasing subsidies?
Availability of funds during a
specific year determines the release of eligible subsidies to applicants under
this scheme.
Can small growers access this scheme
without engaging in eco-certification?
Small growers are encouraged to
partake in eco-certification to access support, fostering quality improvements
and entry into high-value markets.
What measures ensure adherence to the
stipulated certification programs?
Certification must be obtained only
from agencies accredited by the respective programs, ensuring compliance with
specified sustainability and quality standards.
Are there specific requirements for
the formation of SHGs or collectives?
The SHGs or collectives should
comprise tribal growers and obtain certification for sustainability and quality
standards to be eligible for support.
Could applicants avail themselves of
the subsidy for certifications not explicitly mentioned in the scheme?
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.
What constitutes "backend
support" in the context of obtaining certification?
The scheme offers backend support by
subsidizing a portion of the certification costs for estates, promoting
sustainable practices among growers.
Is the 75% subsidy for organic
certification subject to any specific conditions?
The subsidy is contingent upon the
certification period, covering three years or the conversion period, whichever
is shorter, during the MTF period.
What actions by applicants might lead
to immediate rejection of their applications?
Attempts to influence the subsidy
process through offers, coercion, or providing incorrect information may result
in the rejection of applications.
Sources And References
Guidelines, Application And
Declaration Form CLICK HERE
Grower's Registration (UMANG) CLICKHERE
Contact Us CLICK HERE
