Organic farming is based on the development of biological diversity and the maintenance and replenishment of soil fertility. Organic stewardship of the land fosters healthy soils, clean water and diverse, vibrant ecosystems. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.
Organic certification is an ongoing process that requires dedication. Getting certified means making a long-term commitment to the organic process and it can be time consuming. For example, did you know that in order to become certified organic you must comply years in advance in some cases? It's true. National Organic Program standards state that organic crops must be grown on land that has been free of prohibited pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers for three years proceeding growth.
Who can become Organic Certified:
A commercial producer of organic crops or livestock such as a farmer or livestock producer. A processor of organic foods, feed, fibers or textiles. A handler of organic products, for example a broker, packer, wholesaler or distributor. A retailer who specializes in organic products or organic food.
How to Apply for Organic Certification
To receive a copy of the application and forms for organic certification contact our Chapter Administrator, Tammy Esser for more information. She can be reached at info@northeastwiorganic.com or by telephone at 920-250-5264.
Once your Organic Certification materials have been received, it will be reviewed for initial compliance to any and all regulations/programs for which you have applied to ensure capability of compliance. OCIA will then communicate the results of this Pre-Inspection review to the chapter administrator, who will then begin the next step, Inspection.
The next step in your Organic Certification Application is the Inspection. An inspection will be scheduled with a certified organic inspector. An authorized representative of your operation must be available to answer questions during the inspection. The inspection is conducted in order to ensure that your application information is truthful and accurate. Your inspector will need to see your operations and will want to verify that zero prohibited substances have come into contact with your product. Before the inspection ends, your inspector will conduct an exit-interview with you. During the exit interview, the inspector will inform you about concerns or problems and answer any questions you may have.
Once the organic inspection has taken place the inspector will write a report based on his or her findings. A copy of the inspection report will also be sent to you. The Certification Decision Team will review your file, complete with the application information and inspection report. This review verifies that your operation is in compliance with certification requirements.
If your operation is found to be in compliance, OCIA will send you a Certificate of Organic Certification. This certificate will list your certified products, as well as the specific certification program(s) that your products are certified under. A letter and checklist will accompany your certificate and will give guidance on what can be done to improve your organic operation, including any necessary deadlines for response to findings of Non-compliance. Annual update forms and inspections are required to maintain your organic certifications.
Organic certification is an ongoing process that requires dedication. Getting certified means making a long-term commitment to the organic process and it can be time consuming. For example, did you know that in order to become certified organic you must comply years in advance in some cases? It's true. National Organic Program standards state that organic crops must be grown on land that has been free of prohibited pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers for three years proceeding growth.
Who can become Organic Certified:
A commercial producer of organic crops or livestock such as a farmer or livestock producer. A processor of organic foods, feed, fibers or textiles. A handler of organic products, for example a broker, packer, wholesaler or distributor. A retailer who specializes in organic products or organic food.
How to Apply for Organic Certification
To receive a copy of the application and forms for organic certification contact our Chapter Administrator, Tammy Esser for more information. She can be reached at info@northeastwiorganic.com or by telephone at 920-250-5264.
Once your Organic Certification materials have been received, it will be reviewed for initial compliance to any and all regulations/programs for which you have applied to ensure capability of compliance. OCIA will then communicate the results of this Pre-Inspection review to the chapter administrator, who will then begin the next step, Inspection.
The next step in your Organic Certification Application is the Inspection. An inspection will be scheduled with a certified organic inspector. An authorized representative of your operation must be available to answer questions during the inspection. The inspection is conducted in order to ensure that your application information is truthful and accurate. Your inspector will need to see your operations and will want to verify that zero prohibited substances have come into contact with your product. Before the inspection ends, your inspector will conduct an exit-interview with you. During the exit interview, the inspector will inform you about concerns or problems and answer any questions you may have.
Once the organic inspection has taken place the inspector will write a report based on his or her findings. A copy of the inspection report will also be sent to you. The Certification Decision Team will review your file, complete with the application information and inspection report. This review verifies that your operation is in compliance with certification requirements.
If your operation is found to be in compliance, OCIA will send you a Certificate of Organic Certification. This certificate will list your certified products, as well as the specific certification program(s) that your products are certified under. A letter and checklist will accompany your certificate and will give guidance on what can be done to improve your organic operation, including any necessary deadlines for response to findings of Non-compliance. Annual update forms and inspections are required to maintain your organic certifications.
