Certification Procedure for Crop Organic Labeling

Obtaining Organic Certification in the US: A Step-by-Step Guide

For farmers, processors, and retailers aiming to market their products as organic in the United States, adhering to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards is crucial. These standards govern production, processing, and labeling to use the term "organic" or display the USDA organic seal.

Key Requirements for Organic Certification

To comply with the NOP, several key requirements must be met. These include using USDA Certified Organic seeds, avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, genetically engineered organisms, and sewage sludge. Land used for organic crop planting must have had no prohibited substances applied for at least three years prior. Crop rotation and soil fertility practices that maintain or improve soil organic matter are also essential. Organic livestock must be fed 100% organic feed, with no antibiotics or synthetic hormones, and have outdoor access. Organic processing facilities must avoid contact with non-organic substances, and organic products must contain at least 95% organic ingredients (95% rule). Annual inspections, often unannounced, cover all aspects of production and handling from soil management to product labeling.

Steps to Obtain Certification

Application: Submit a detailed organic system plan and application to a USDA-accredited third-party certifier.
Review: The certifier reviews the application to ensure compliance with NOP standards.
On-site Inspection: An inspector conducts an on-site audit of all practices, facilities, and record-keeping.
Certification Decision: The certifier evaluates all information and, if compliant, issues the organic certificate.
Annual Renewal: Certification requires an annual review and inspection to maintain organic status.

Record-Keeping Procedures

Maintaining detailed, accurate records documenting all activities and transactions related to organic production is essential. These records must enable traceability to preserve the identity and organic integrity of products. They are required to be kept for a minimum of five years, must not be altered, and operators must provide timely responses to certifier requests.

Role of Third-Party Certifiers

Certification is conducted by USDA-accredited independent certifying agents, such as CCOF, Oregon Tilth, or Quality Assurance International. Certifiers review applications, conduct inspections, verify compliance, and issue organic certificates. They also perform annual unannounced inspections and monitor compliance. They act as the neutral party ensuring operators meet USDA organic regulations without conflicts of interest; they generally do not provide consulting services but may refer clients to consulting firms.

Contact Information for Certifying Agents

Pat Graham at OCIA Michigan Chapter, 23654 E. Weidman Rd, Rosebush, MI 48878, can be contacted at 989-433-0197 or [email protected].
Betty Kananen at Global Organic Alliance, Inc., P.O. Box 530, Bellefontaine, OH 43311, can be contacted at 937-593-1123 or [email protected].
Dan Ruesink at OCIA Michigan, 5708 Brazee Rd, Adrian, MI 49221, can be contacted at 517-400-3764 or [email protected].
Steve Sears at Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA), 9665 Kline Road, West Salem, OH 44287, can be contacted at 419-853-4060 or [email protected].
Cathy Halinski at Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery, 1824 66th St, Fennville, MI 49428, can be contacted at 269-686-6474 or through evergreenlanefarm.com.
Leslie Zuck at Certified Organic, 406 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Centre Hall, PA 16838, can be contacted at 814-364-1344 or [email protected].
Cissy Bowman at Indiana Certified Organic, 8364 SSR 39, Clayton, IN 46118, can be contacted at 317-539-4317 or [email protected].
Karen Kinstetter at OCIA Illinois and Northeast Wisconsin, N5364 Hemlock Lane, Kewaunee, WI 54216, can be contacted at 920-388-4369 or [email protected].

Additional Resources

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) specializes in the review of substances for use in organic production, processing, and handling.
The ATTRA Publication provides documentation forms for organic crop and livestock producers at:
The Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) can be contacted internationally at 6400 Cornhusker Hwy, Suite 125, Lincoln, NE 68507-3160, or at 402-477-2323 or ocia.org.
The OFFER Program at The Ohio State University provides resources for organic farmers.
It is important for farmers to maintain complete records concerning the production, harvesting, and handling of all products that are or that are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic.
In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, establishing the National Organic Program (NOP) and developing national standards.
By October 2002, all organic farmers, processors, handlers, and certifiers had to be in full compliance with the regulation.

In summary, organic certification in the US involves strict adherence to USDA organic standards, thorough documentation, annual inspections by accredited third-party certifiers, and ongoing compliance to maintain certification. If you market less than $5,000 annually, you will not need to obtain certification, but you will still have to follow the federal standards for organic production and handling.

In the realm of organic farming, soil health and maintenance are critical aspects, as they are essential for the growth of organic crops and the well-being of livestock.
Adhering to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) requirements goes beyond merely using USDA Certified Organic seeds; farming practices should also promote agriculture that nurtures soil health and organic matter, ensuring the sustainability of home-and-garden environments.
Organic livestock play a vital role in maintaining a sustainable agriculture lifestyle, as they need to be fed organic feed, free of synthetic hormones and antibiotics, and given outdoor access for healthy growth, thus contributing to a holistic organic farming and home-and-garden ethos.