How to Become Certified Organic: A Comprehensive Guide

Organic certification is a process that verifies that agricultural products are produced and handled according to organic standards. This certification is backed by a rigorous system that ensures the integrity of the USDA organic label. To become certified organic, farms and businesses must follow a specific procedure that involves adopting organic practices, selecting a certifying agent, submitting an application, undergoing an inspection, and maintaining compliance.

Key Facts

  1. Adopt Organic Practices: The first step is to adopt organic practices on your farm or business. This includes using organic methods for planting, growing, and handling your products.
  2. Select a USDA-Accredited Certifying Agent: Choose a certifying agent that is accredited by the USDA. These certifying agents are responsible for verifying that your practices comply with USDA organic regulations.
  3. Submit Application and Fees: Once you have selected a certifying agent, you need to submit an application and pay the required fees to the certifying agent.
  4. On-Site Inspection: An inspector will conduct an on-site inspection of your operation to ensure that you are following organic practices. This inspection will cover various aspects such as fields, soil conditions, crop health, livestock conditions, and processing facilities.
  5. Review and Certification: The certifying agent will review your application, the inspector’s report, and other relevant documents to determine if you comply with USDA organic regulations. If you meet the requirements, the certifying agent will issue an organic certificate.
  6. Annual Review and Inspection: To maintain your organic certification, your farm or business will go through an annual review and inspection process. This ensures that you continue to meet the organic standards.

It’s important to note that there may be costs associated with organic certification, including application fees, annual renewal fees, assessment on production or sales, and inspection fees. The actual certification costs can vary depending on the certifying agent and the size and complexity of your operation.

Steps to Organic Certification

Adopt Organic Practices

The initial step towards organic certification is to adopt organic practices on your farm or business. This entails employing organic methods for planting, growing, and handling your products. Organic practices prioritize the use of natural inputs, such as compost and manure, and avoid the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Additionally, organic farming emphasizes soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable resource management.

Select a USDA-Accredited Certifying Agent

Once you have adopted organic practices, you need to select a certifying agent accredited by the USDA. These certifying agents are responsible for verifying that your practices comply with USDA organic regulations. They conduct on-site inspections, review your application and supporting documents, and issue organic certificates to qualified operations.

Submit Application and Fees

After selecting a certifying agent, you must submit an application and pay the required fees. The application typically includes detailed information about your farming or handling operation, including your organic practices, production methods, and facilities. The fees associated with organic certification vary depending on the certifying agent and the size and complexity of your operation.

On-Site Inspection

An inspector from the certifying agent will conduct an on-site inspection of your operation to verify compliance with organic standards. The inspection covers various aspects of your operation, such as fields, soil conditions, crop health, livestock conditions, and processing facilities. The inspector will assess your practices, review your records, and collect samples for testing if necessary.

Review and Certification

The certifying agent will review your application, the inspector’s report, and other relevant documents to determine if you comply with USDA organic regulations. This review process ensures that your operation meets the organic standards and that your products can be labeled as organic. If you meet the requirements, the certifying agent will issue an organic certificate.

Annual Review and Inspection

To maintain your organic certification, your farm or business will undergo an annual review and inspection process. This ensures that you continue to meet the organic standards and that your practices remain compliant with USDA regulations. The annual review may include a document review, an on-site inspection, or both.

Conclusion

Organic certification is a comprehensive process that involves adopting organic practices, selecting a certifying agent, submitting an application, undergoing an inspection, and maintaining compliance. This rigorous system ensures the integrity of the USDA organic label and provides consumers with confidence in the organic products they purchase.

References

  1. Becoming a Certified Operation | Agricultural Marketing Service (https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/becoming-certified)
  2. Organic 101: Five Steps to Organic Certification | USDA (https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/10/10/organic-101-five-steps-organic-certification)
  3. Organic Certification and Accreditation | Agricultural Marketing Service (https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification)

FAQs

1. What is USDA organic certification?

USDA organic certification is a process that verifies that agricultural products are produced and handled according to USDA organic standards. This certification ensures that organic products meet specific requirements for growing, handling, and processing.

2. Why should I become USDA certified organic?