Who Qualifies
Processor certification is available to companies that process chile into finished or semi-finished products — including roasted, frozen, canned, dried, powdered, and sauce formats — using certified Hatch-grown chile as the source ingredient. Processors must be able to document a verifiable chain of custody from a certified Hatch Valley grower.
Dues Structure
Annual processor dues are $1 per ton of processed product containing certified Hatch chile, with a minimum of $1,000 per year. Dues are assessed at certification and at each annual renewal based on the prior season's volume.
Requirements
- Certified Hatch chile sourcing. All chile represented under the HATCH seal must be sourced from growers certified by the Hatch Chile Association. Processors must maintain sourcing records available for Association review.
- Labeling compliance. Products carrying the seal must meet the Association's labeling guidelines, including accurate representation of Hatch-grown content and prohibition of misleading origin claims.
- Recordkeeping. Processors must maintain documentation sufficient to verify the volume of certified Hatch chile processed each season. These records support accurate dues assessment and may be audited by the Association.
What Certification Includes
Approved processors receive a license to use the Certified Hatch seal on qualifying products for the duration of the certification year. The seal signals to buyers, retailers, and distributors that the product contains verified Hatch Valley-grown chile — not mislabeled chile from another region.
Annual Renewal
Certification lasts one year. Processors renew annually, update volume figures for dues calculation, and confirm continued compliance with sourcing and labeling requirements.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your processor application through our online portal. You will need basic information about your operation, estimated annual processing volume, and your certified Hatch chile sourcing arrangements.