Hida Beef Brand Promotion Council
Read a wide variety of information about the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Council.
Learn why the brand needed to be promoted and how it was created, view the Agreement and organizational chart, and see an overview of certified retailers.
Need to promote the brand
Supported by a strong demand for beef coupled with recovery from economic stagnation from the first oil crisis around 1980, beef cattle production showed steady gains.
However, internal and external pressures of the liberalization of import of agriculture and livestock grew in 1985 and the beef cattle situation was severe not only within the prefecture but also throughout Japan.
In addition, distribution of beef cattle at that time in the prefecture was changing from distribution of live animals to that of carcasses as Tono Cooperative Meat Corporation started operations to join existing Gifu Agriculture & Stockbreeding Public Corporation and Hida Cooperative Meat Corporation.
To respond to these and other developments, as well as to attempt to establish a long-term, stable system to produce superior beef cattle, relevant agencies began to work together around 1977 to build a beef brand in order to survive the tough competition among industry producers. To improve the lifestyle of people in the prefecture, unify the brands existing in different regions of the prefecture and create brand loyalty, beef cattle were sold at a profit, calf prices stabilized, the revitalization of the region promoted and public consumption of beef increased.
- Stable growth in domestic production required to respond to rising trend in beef demand.
---Secure 70% self-sufficiency in Japan ---
Needed as an important source of protein in the Japanese diet. - Establishing a long-term, stable Wagyu cattle production system.
Promptly work towards improvements in the production and distribution system in the prefecture. - Get an early understanding of the meat production capability tests in the Wagyu beef field
We would like to know as much as possible as soon as possible about the meat production capability of the bull species currently in use due to the increase in carcass shipments to ensure that superior bull and cow groups are maintained and poorer cattle are actively culled to achieve higher carcass rankings and improve uniformity. - Beat the competition with other producers
Each beef brand is being promoted in each of the prefectures.
In order to overcome competition with other producers, improvements must be made to high quality beef (stable quality) production and the distribution mechanism to create a sales system for stable quantities. - Combine producers organizations and distribution organizations
The current system of organization is structured so that distribution of beef cattle takes place under a vertical system from producers to distribution for each business groups, with no gathering across different business groups. Horizontal liaison and coordination are needed in order to ensure the probability of brand beef. - Appearance at a variety of events
Participation in a wide range of events sponsored and promoted by the prefecture promotes the growth of beef cattle farmers and related industries.
Short history of Hida beef brand
In 1977, efforts began in earnest to create a brand for the fattening cattle produced in the prefecture called "Gifu cattle" and secure marketability in order to respond to the need to fix the lineage of Wagyu in Gifu Prefecture.
Around this time, Yoshida Ham Co., Ltd. of Ogaki City was promoting the Hida beef brand to develop local industry, villages, and towns. On May 29, 1984, "Hida beef" became a registered trademark (application was made on August 6, 1979), and the company started expanding and sales of Hida beef centered in the Nagoya and surrounding areas.
Amid these developments, Yoshida Ham Co., Ltd. gave its full assistance in the organization of the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece to unify and promote beef cattle produced in Gifu Prefecture as Hida beef. The prefectural government, Gifu Prefecture Economic Federation, and Yoshida Ham Co., Ltd. were the key players in the decision that "Hida beef" would become a brand name that could be promoted throughout Japan.
Accordingly, on January 23, 1988, Yutaka Oike (chairman of the Gifu Prefecture Economic and Agricultural Cooperative Association), Kaoru Ito (chairman of the Gifu Prefecture Livestock Industry Development Association) and Noboru Matsuoka (chairman of the Gifu Prefecture Meat Industry Co-operative Association) and Kiyoshi Hayashi (president of Gifu Agriculture & Stockbreeding Public Corporation) met at Gifu Prefecture Agricultural Cooperative Hall and founded the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece.
1977
Promoting a fixed system for Wagyu beef
? The traditional method of selection used for Gifu Prefecture Wagyu at the time was based chiefly on appearance (phenotype) with a lack of uniformity in cattle development and body shape. Industry representatives felt it necessary to fix the Gifu Prefecture Wagyu breed lineage and requested Wagyu breed lineage be fixed beginning in FY1978.
(Local names)
All of these breeds were collectively designated the "Gifu cattle."
FY1978～
Project to promote fixed Gifu cattle breed lineage begins
Gifu Prefecture undertakes new Wagyu improvement project "Project to promote fixed Gifu cattle breed lineage" without outside assistance.
The project became a project supported by national government subsidies starting in FY1979.
FY1982
"Shigeka" bull produced in Gifu Prefecture
Shigeka passed the meat production capability tests administered by the project to promote fixed Gifu cattle breed lineage started in FY1978 and went into propagation and use at the Gifu Prefecture Stud Farm (currently Gifu Prefectural Livestock Research Institute Hida Beef Research Department).
Shigeka
| Date of birth: | May 18, 1979 |
|---|---|
| Place of origin: | Kawai-mura, Yoshiki-gun, Gifu Prefecture |
| Pedigree: | father Shige Iwata, maternal grandfather Dai-Ni Fukushika」 |
| Test results: | DG 0.80 kg Marbling +3.7 Rib eye cross-sectional area 50 cm² |
FY1984
Yasufuku bull owned by the prefecture passes meat production capability test
In 1981, Yasufuku, the bull introduced to Gifu Prefecture from Hyogo Prefecture passes the meat production capability test with the highest score to record.
Yasufuku
| Date of birth: | April 1, 1980 |
|---|---|
| Place of origin: | Muraoka-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Pedigree: | father Yasutani Doi, maternal grandfather Yasumi Doi |
| Test results: | DG 0.83kg Marbling +4.1 Rib eye cross-sectional area 49 cm² |
| Breeding: | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual head count: | 288 | 2,383 | 2,201 | 2,485 |
| Percentage (%) | 2.9 | 26.5 | 31.6 | 43.2 |
February 1985
Creating a Gifu Prefecture Wagyu Breeding Guide
To create guidelines for breeding cattle in Gifu, the prefecture consulted Gifu Prefecture Livestock Breeding Improvement Council (Secretariat: Gifu Prefecture Livestock Industry Development Association) in 1984, and the guide was reviewed mainly by the board members of the Beef Cattle Improvement Association. All members of the council agreed on an "Gifu Prefecture Wagyu Breeding Guide" and to establish a beef cattle production plan.
February 19, 1986
Gifu Prefecture Beef Cattle Liaison Council is Formed
As an organization of beef cattle producers, a new "Gifu Prefecture Beef Cattle Liaison Council (Secretariat: Gifu Prefecture Livestock Industry Development Association) was launched, within which a Breeding Subcommittee and Fattening Subcommittee were established.
On the same day, the Fattening Committee reviewed the issue of unifying the "Hida beef" brand name.
(1) Changed unified name from "Gifu beef" to "Hida beef"
(2) Unified standards to establish the "Hida beef" brand
March 18,1986
Consultation at the Brand Promotion Secretariat
Review conducted by officials from the Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture Livestock Industry Development Association, Gifu Prefecture Economic and Agricultural Cooperative Association (hereafter, "Gifu Prefecture Economic Federation"), and the Gifu Prefecture Meat Industry Co-operative Association (hereafter, "Gifu Meat Federation").
(1) Organization of committees, shipping systems, and Definition of Hida beef
(2) Assessing actual distribution
(3) Collecting the opinions of related groups and organizations
March 24, 1986
Beef sales questionnaire
Conducted a beef sales questionnaire for meat stores in Gifu Prefecture.
Surveys concerned with branding of Hida beef
| Surveys conducted: | 303 |
|---|---|
| Answered: | 116 |
| Answer rate: | 38.3% |
| Survey results (excerpted): |
Meat stores displaying the name "Wagyu beef" 40% Meat stores displaying the name "Hida beef" 30% Percent agreeing that Wagyu names should be unified 81% |
May 16,1986
Survey of promotion of brand in each prefecture
Surveys were conducted in all 47 prefectures to assess the status of beef cattle brand unification and promotion in each prefecture.
Brand beef in other prefectures
June 17,1986
Meeting of the Fattening Subcommittee of the Gifu Prefecture Beef Cattle Liaison Council
A meeting of the Fattening Subcommittee of the Gifu Prefecture Beef Cattle Liaison Council is held to discuss the Hida beef branding.
July 3,1986
First Secretariat Meeting of the Committee to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece
Related organizations from producer through distribution hold a secretariat meeting of the Committee to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece.
Reviews the council organization, and a draft of council terms and conditions
July 7,1986
Hida Beef as Gift to the Imperial Family
Gifu Prefecture governor Yousuke Uematsu presents Hida Beef to the Imperial Family
September 19,1986
Hida Beef Carcass Fair
To develop new markets and beat competitors in the industry, an informal meeting with market participants was held in conjunction with First Hida Beef Carcass Fair at Yokohama.
Hida beef exhibitions and advertisement
September 26,1986
Appearance at Hida Invitation Fair
Participated in the Gifu Sightseeing Salon & Hida Invitation Fair held in Tokyo.
Hida beef PR activities expanded
Introduced Hida agricultural specialties, with Hida beef available for tasting in the local specialty corner.
October 11-12,1986
Appearance at Hida Future Festival 110
Participated in Hida Future Festival 110 ? Hida Taste Festival -held in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture.
Hida beef was available for tasting and sale in order to advertise and promote the brand to the people in the Hida region and to tourists.
October 25-26,1986
Appearance at Agricultural Festival
Participated in the Second Agricultural Festival held at and in the environs of the Gifu Arena.
Gifu Meat Federation was the key organization promoting Hida beef to prefecture residents, offering opportunities to taste and purchase Hida beef.
November 1-2,1986
Appearance at Gifu Meat Fair '86
Participated in Gifu Meat Fair '86 organized by Gifu Meat Federation in Gifu City.
The theme zone featured a panel exhibition of the production process of Hida Beef from cattle raising through distribution and consumption, that consisted of commentary employing photos and charts coupled with a consultation corner and survey regarding meat that targeted housewives.
The exhibition and sales zone offered opportunities to taste and purchase Hida beef.
November 15,1986
Appearance at Gifu Prefecture Livestock Expo ? Carcass Division
Participated in the 38th Gifu Prefecture Livestock Expo ? Carcass Division, held at the Regional Wholesale Meat Market in Gifu City.
Held the Hida Beef and Beef Festival to secure higher regard for the Hida beef brand and position Gifu as a superior beef cattle producing area, thereby solidifying a position in beef production, consumption and distribution.
Purchasers of superior meat carcasses were gifted a championship flag and a letter of recommendation from the Gifu Prefecture Governor to promote the superiority of the Hida beef name along with the sale of beef cattle at the Gifu Prefecture Livestock Expo.
Many carcasses for sale were superior grade, with a high 45% of which earning high quality grades.
December 1,1986
Meat distribution survey
A survey of current and future distribution and consumption trends was conducted in the Yokohama Central Wholesale Market established in the Kanto region in FY1987 to investigate the state of meat distribution in new wholesale meat markets outside the prefecture.
December 1-3,1986
Appearance at Gifu Prefecture Livestock Expo ? Live Cattle Division
Held at the Seki Livestock Distribution Center, the 38th Gifu Prefecture Livestock Expo ? Live Cattle Division featured competition from among the best 88 head of Hida beef cattle hailing from every region in the prefecture.
December 6-8,1986
Appearance at the Beef Cattle Expo sponsored by the Kinki-Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Association
Participated in the 34th Beef Cattle Expo sponsored by the Kinki-Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Association held in Shiga Prefecture. 12 head from Gifu Prefecture competed, all calves were produced in the prefecture.
Of the 12 head from Gifu Prefecture that competed, all of which were calves produced in the prefecture, 3 head were awarded honors.
2 head of beef calves that were produced in Gifu but were exhibited from other prefectures also won honors and served to promote the excellence of Hida beef both in and outside the prefecture.
February 10, 1987
Second Secretariat Meeting of the Committee to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece
Related organizations from producers through distribution hold second secretariat meeting of the Committee to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece.
Reviews the council organization and a draft of council terms and conditions
February 20,1987
Committee to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece
A meeting of the Committee to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece is attended by future members of the council.
A meeting of promoters (to establish the council on March 3rd) is held and draft for an establishment meeting is reviewed.
February 26,1987
Joint meeting of the Breeding Subcommittee and Fattening Subcommittee of the Beef Cattle Liaison Council
A joint meeting of the Breeding Subcommittee and Fattening Subcommittee of the Gifu Prefecture Beef Cattle Liaison Council deliberates promotion of the Hida beef brand.
Approved participation in the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece and donations.
March 19,1987
Meeting to review promotion of the Hida regional brand
Representatives for Hida regional producers discuss promoting the Hida beef brand with municipalities, agricultural cooperatives, distribution organizations and other vested interests.
August 19,1987
Meeting to review promotion of the Hida regional brand
Hida regional municipalities exchange views with agricultural cooperatives, economic federations and prefecture offices.Review of the definition of Hida beef
September 3-7,1987
Appearance at the 5th All-Japan National Wagyu Cattle Expo
Participated in the 5th All-Japan National Wagyu Cattle Expo held in Shimane Prefecture.
Of the 9 head from Gifu Prefecture that competed, 8 head were awarded honors.In a competition among castrated fattening cattle based on quality of meat, Hida beef defended itself against brand beef from every region in Japan and gained a nationwide reputation for winning a brilliant second place to the sponsoring prefecture.
September 17,1987
Appearance at Hida/Mino Invitation Fair
Participated in the Hida/Mino Invitation Fair held in Tokyo to deepen awareness of people living in large cities of the goodness of Hida/Mino products.
Invite people to enjoy a taste of Hida beef
October 24-25,1987
Appearance at Agricultural Festival
Participated in the Third Agricultural Festival held at and in the environs of the Gifu Arena.
Related parties played a key role in promoting Hida beef to prefecture residents, offering opportunities to taste and purchase Hida beef.
November 20,1987
Meeting to review promotion of the Hida regional brand
Hida regional municipalities exchange views with agricultural cooperatives, economic federations and prefecture offices.
Agreeing on the basic definition of Hida beef
Appearance at Gifu Prefecture Livestock Expo ? Carcass Division
Participated in the 39th Gifu Prefecture Livestock Expo ? Carcass Division, held at the Regional Wholesale Meat Market in Gifu City.
Held the Hida Beef and Beef Festival again this fiscal year to secure higher regard for the Hida beef brand and solidify a position in beef production, consumption and distribution.
Purchasers of superior meat carcasses were gifted a championship flag and a letter of recommendation from the Gifu Prefecture Governor to promote the superiority of the Hida beef name along with the sale of beef cattle at the Gifu Prefecture Livestock Expo.
Many carcasses for sale were superior grade, with a record high 63% earning high quality grades.
November 26-27,1987
Appearance at the Beef Cattle Expo sponsored by the Kinki-Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Association
Participated in the 35th Beef Cattle Expo sponsored by the Kinki-Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Association held in Fukui Prefecture.
Of the 12 head from Gifu Prefecture that competed, all of which were produced in the prefecture, 4 head were awarded honors and served to promote the excellence of Hida beef both in and outside the prefecture.
December 21,1987
Third Secretariat Meeting of the Committee to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece
Related organizations from producers through distribution hold third secretariat meeting of the Committee to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece.
Reviews the council organization, council terms and conditions (draft), executive committee regulations (draft), a FY1987 business plan and budget (draft), and more.
January 23, 1988
A meeting of promoters for the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece
A meeting of promoters to Establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece is held.
Establishment meeting for the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece
Gifu Prefecture Beef Cattle Liaison Council and 10 other organizations establish the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece at the Agricultural Cooperative Hall in Usaminami, Gifu City.
Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece Terms and Conditions
FY1987 Business Plan and Budget
FY1987 Approval for contributions and collection method is received.
Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece Executive Committee
Established the Executive Committee of the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Conferece.
Deliberated the FY1987 Business Plan
In particular, a tournament for Hida Beef Production Promotion.
Hida beef label packaging and stickers
Hida Beef Cattle Fair
Agreement
- Article 1
- This council promotes the organization of all individuals and groups involved in the process of raising to consumption of beef cattle in Gifu Prefecture and promoting recognizable beef cattle brands in order to produce an exceptional beef brand that satisfies consumers, stabilizes the beef cattle business, promotes and popularizes the sale of the Hida Beef brand product and contributes to the revitalization of cattle beef in Gifu Prefecture.
(Name)
- Article 2
-
This council shall be called the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Council (hereafter, the Promotion Council). It may also be called the Gifu Prefecture Hida Beef Brand Promotion Council.
(Definitions and Labelling)
- Article 3
-
"Hida Beef" as used in this Agreement refers to Gifu Prefecture, the location where Hida Beef cattle have been in production the longest. Beef fattened for at least 14 months by a producer certified and registered in the farmer accreditation system of the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Council must come from a black-haired Japanese Wagyu cattle breed, and the meat quality must be rated grade 3, 4 or 5 by The Japan Meat Grading Association. When the Promotion Council ensures all these conditions are met, the meat is certified as Hida Beef.
When the graded meat is certified as Hida beef, a Hida beef label (hereafter, "label") is issued that clearly lists the meat grade, name and address of the producer, an individual identification number and the certification date.
Labelling at the point of purchase shall consist of this label or a sticker on the package.
Guidelines to handling packaging stickers are set forth in a separate document.
(Duties)
- Article 4
-
This council shall undertake the following duties to achieve the purpose set forth in Article 1.
(1) Tasks related to branding.
(2) Tasks needed to actively cooperate with prefectural measures to promote revitalization of cattle beef.
(3) Tasks to promote consumption and expand sales channels of Hida Beef brand products.
(4) Tasks to promote and educate the public about the Hida Beef brand and provide instruction in the technical skill and conduct research to achieve higher beef quality and uniformity.
(5) Tasks related to surveys and research into Hida Beef brand product distribution.
(6) Tasks to promote consumption and expanding sales channels of non-Hida Beef brand Japanese Wagyu produced in the prefecture.
(7) Tasks related to information exchange and cooperation among Council members.
(8) Tasks necessary to achieve other goals.
(Members)
- Article 5
-
This Promotion Council consists of all groups listed in a separate document who agree to the Purpose described in Article 1 and who are involved in the process spanning from the production to distribution of Hida Beef.
(Secretariat)
- Article 6
-
The secretariat of this Promotion Council is located in the Stockraising Sales Section of the Stockraising Department at the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Association headquarters in Gifu Prefecture (hereafter, "Gifu NFACA").
2 The department head in charge of stockraising at Gifu NFACA serves as the secretariat manager responsible for all secretariat affairs and appropriates tasks.
(Executives)
- Article 7
-
This council appoints a president, vice-president and auditor.
2. The president is selected from among the officers, and he or she appoints up to 3 vice-presidents and 2 auditors.
3 The president manages general council affairs and represents the council.
4 The vice-president assists the president and performs the duties of the president in the event that the president can no longer do so.
5 The auditor inspects council tasks.
6 Executives selected from among representatives of the organizations listed in a separate document serve for 2 years.
(Honorary President)
- Article 8
-
This council may select an honorary president.
The honorary president shall be a person who receives approval of the executive meeting.
(Meetings)
- Article 9
-
The meetings of this Promotion Council shall be a General Meeting and Executive Meeting.
2 The general meeting shall consist of council members who deliberate the following items:
(1) Enacting, revising and abolishing the Agreement
(2) Project planning, income and expenditure budget, and methods of assessment and collection of expenses
(3) Project reports and settlement of balances
(4) Selection of executives
(5) Other items the president deems necessary
3 The president serves as chair of the general meeting and executive meeting.
(Board)
- Article 10
-
The president shall assign persons recommended by the organizations and other groups that make up the council to smoothly conduct Promotion Council affairs and establish a Board.
2 The regulations of the Board shall be set forth elsewhere.
(Expenses)
- Article 11
-
Expenses required for projects and tasks undertaken by this Promotion Council shall be allocated using charges and other sources of income.
(Accounting fiscal year)
- Article 12
-
The accounting fiscal year used for this Promotion Council shall be from April 1st to March 31st of the following year.
(Procedure for illegal activity)
- Article 13
- Persons violating laws and regulations in the production, distribution and sale of Hida Beef such as The Law for Special Measures Concerning the Management and Relay of Information for Individual Identification of Cattle (The Beef Traceability Law), Act on Standardization and Proper Quality Labeling of Agricultural and Forestry Products (JAS laws) or Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations (premium labelling law) may be subject to loss of retailer certification status or other punitive measures by the Promotion Council. The exact nature of punitive measures shall be determined upon deliberation at an Executive Meeting of the Promotion Council.
(Other)
- Article 14
-
The president may set forth necessary items in another document in addition to the items set forth in this Agreement.
(Appendix)
This Agreement enters into effect on January 23, 1988.
Partial revision, July 11, 1988.
Partial revision, June 21, 1999.
Partial revision, June 19, 2000.
Partial revision, July 12, 2001.
Partial revision, December 1, 2002.
Partial revision, July 15, 2003.
Partial revision, July 11, 2007.
Partial revision, July 17, 2009.
Partial revision, August 2, 2010.
Partial revision, June 21, 2011.
Partial revision, August 1, 2012.
Partial revision, August 2, 2013.
Partial revision, August 12, 2014.
Attachments Gifu Prefecture Beef Cattle Association
Gifu Livestock Industry Development Association
Gifu Prefecture Central Union of Agricultural Cooperative Association
National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Association headquarters in Gifu Prefecture
Gifu Prefecture Meat Industry Co-operative Association
Gifu Prefecture Cooperative of Domestic Livestock Dealers
Hida Meat Agricultural Cooperative Association
Gifu Agriculture & Stockbreeding Public Corporation
Yoshida Ham Co., Ltd.
Overview of Certified Retailers
Certified Hida Beef Retailers: How to Become Certified
Qualifications
Retailer must meet one of the following conditions:
(1) Sell 5 or more Hida Beef head (Class 5) per year at a butcher's shop that sells Hida Beef.
(2) Sell 5 or more Hida Beef head (Class 5) per year at a meat processor or wholesaler that sells Hida Beef.
(3) Purchase 5 or more units of cut Hida Beef (Class 5) per year from a vendor or vendors listed in (2) aboveand sell approximately 5 or more Hida Beef head (Class 5) per year.
Retailer Certification Process
Retailers who want to become certified outlets and meet the certification criteria (The number of head sold shall be the number of head purchased from a wholesale company from January through December.) submit a certification application to the wholesale company by the end of January following the year in which they meet requirements. The application is reviewed by a certification board, and the chairman of the board approves certifications.
Certified Hida Beef Restaurant: How to Become Certified
Qualifications
Restaurants must meet one of the following conditions:
(1) Be a dining establishment that features mainly meat dishes and purchases approximately 3 or more Hida Beef head (Class 5) per year from a certified Hida Beef retailer, and is a restaurant deemed capable of promoting the reputation and image of Hida Beef.
(2) Purchase Hida Beef from a certified Hida Beef retailer and be a dining establishment that consistently use only Hida Beef Grade 5, and is a restaurant deemed capable of promoting the reputation and image of Hida Beef.
Restaurant Certification Process
Restaurants who want to become certified restaurants and meet the certification criteria (The number of head purchased shall be the number of head purchased from a wholesale company from January through December.) submit a certification application to the wholesale company by the end of January following the year in which they meet requirements. The application is reviewed by a certification board, and the chairman of the board approves certifications.
Certification Fees
Each retailer or restaurant shall pay a one-time registration fee of JPY 30,000 at the time of registration and JPY 20,000 in fiscal year expenses the first year, and pay fiscal year expenses of JPY 10,000 each year starting the following fiscal year.
A retailer or a restaurant to cancel its certification status shall receive a refund of the JPY 30,000 registration fee upon return of the proof of certification and certification plaque.
