Purpose of Organic Certification

• Organic certification addresses a growing worldwide demand for organic food while such certification was not necessary in the early days of the organic movement.
• When small farmers would sell their produce directly at farmers’ markets,
• As organics have grown in popularity, more and more consumers are purchasing organic food through traditional channels, such as supermarkets.

Third-party Certification

• Study organic standards, which cover in specific detail what is and is not allowed for every aspect of farming, including storage, transport, and sale.
• Compliance – farm facilities and production methods must comply with standards, which may involve modifying facilities, sourcing and changing suppliers, etc.

Process of Certification

a) Documentation: Detailing farm history and current set-up, usually including results of soil and water tests.

b) Planning: A written annual production plan must be submitted, detailing everything from seed to sale: seed sources, field and crop locations, fertilization and pest control activities, harvest methods, storage locations, etc.

c) Inspection: Annual on-farm inspections are required, with a physical tour, examination of records, and an oral interview.

d) Fee: An annual inspection/certification fee (currently starting at $400–$2,000/year, in the US and Canada, depending on the agency and the size of the operation).

e) Record-keeping: Written, day-to-day farming and marketing records, covering all activities, must be available for inspection at any time.