Choosing to become Certified Organic allows producers to access the Organic market, the fastest-growing sector of U.S. agriculture. Becoming Certified Organic supports a producer by:
- Increasing Consumer Trust
- Allowing Producers to Earn Higher Prices for their Products
- Improving On-Farm Management Practices and Record Keeping
- Improving Human & Ecosystem Health
While the Organic Certification process is unique to each producer, there are a few basic steps that all producers must undergo in order to achieve Certification:
- Connect with an Accredited Certification Agency
- Develop and implement an Organic System Plan
- Receive an Organic Inspection
- Undergo Organic Inspection Review Process
- Receive & Maintain Organic Certification
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. NOFA NJ is a Core Partner and the NJ lead organization for TOPP.
With TOPP, producers transitioning to organic will find support through the transition and certification process. Mentorship, workshops, webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production, the certification process, market opportunities, and more. Learn more about TOPP at OrganicTransition.org
Farms interested in Organic Certification should consider reaching out to Accredited Certification Agencies (ACAs) in their region. Below is a list of ACAs headquartered in the Northeastern U.S. View a full list of ACAs on the USDA Organic Integrity Database
USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program – OCCSP provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification. Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope. More Info
Producers can also access OCCSP funding with help from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. More Info
NRCS Organic Transition Initiative – OTI supports conservation activities and practices required for organic certification and may provide foregone income reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period. Flexible education and training activities can include field days, working alongside organic experts and more. Producers can work with NRCS field staff, approved technical service providers, and other approved organic partners to implement approved conservation practices aligned with the NOP Organic Standards. More Info
The Organic Integrity Database is a certified organic operations database that contains up-to-date and accurate information about operations that may and may not sell as organic, deterring fraud, increases supply chain transparency for buyers and sellers, and promotes market visibility for organic operations. More Info
Are you interested in becoming an organic inspector, reviewer, or another staff role with an Organic Certifier? Organic inspectors and certification staff work for independent Accredited Certification Agencies, which are overseen by the USDA.
Inspectors are required to have a Certificate of Completion from an Independent Organic Inspector Association (IOIA) training course or equivalent. See one example of inspector qualifications and expectations Here
In addition to achieving USDA Organic Certification, producers may opt to obtain “add-on” certifications that demonstrate a greater commitment to Organic practices and ecological stewardship: