Iowa Code § 190C.6: Regional organic associations.

1. Regional organic associations may be established as provided in this section. A regional organic association must be organized as a corporation under chapter 504 which has certified members, elects its own officers and directors, and is independent from the department.

2. The department may authorize a regional organic association to assist the department in acting as a state certifying agent pursuant to section 190C.3. The regional organic association must be registered with the department. Upon request by the department, a registered regional organic association may do all of the following:

a. Review applications and provide applicants with technical assistance in completing applications. The department may authorize a regional organic association to process applications, including collecting and forwarding applications to the department.

b. Prepare a summary of an application, including materials accompanying the application, for review by the department. A regional organic association may include a recommendation for approval, modification, or disapproval of an application.