The operator obtains and reads the National Organic Standards, and conducts a self-assessment to see if the operation meets these requirements in terms of land history, production practices, materials used and recordkeeping procedures. In many cases, some practices and systems need to be modified to comply. Once an operation complies, the operator then selects an […]
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Is organic certification automatically recognized in other states?
All U.S. states and USDA-accredited certifiers accept certifications issued by USDA accredited or recognized certification programs. Foreign governments and international certification bodies have similar organic standards but may insist on additional certification to confirm operators who export organic products meet their standards. Some U.S. certifiers offer this additional service.
How much does certification cost?
Each certification body is required to establish and publish fee schedules that are applied fairly to all applicants. Fees vary considerably from agency to agency, and depend on the size and type of organic operation to be certified. Some state departments of agriculture are offering a significant reimbursement under a federal cost-share program.
How can I contact an organic certifier?
You may visit the website www.tnocd.net
What does it mean to be ‘certified organic’?
Certified organic means that the food has been grown and handled according to the National Organic Program Standards and inspected by independent state or private organizations. Periodic unannounced inspections are also conducted. Certification includes annual inspection of all farm fields and facilities, farm activity records, plus periodic testing of soil, water and produce to ensure […]
Can animals be converted to organic production at the same time as the land?
Yes. Livestock operations may convert animals with the land on which they are pastured.
What sources of poultry are acceptable for organic poultry products?
Poultry must be managed organically from the second day of life.
What are acceptable sources of animals used for organic meat production?
Slaughter animals can come from any breeding stock that has been organically managed from the last third of gestation.
Must an entire farm be converted, or can a farm make the transition field by field?
A farm can be converted field by field. However, to be certified, a field must have distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zones to protect it from runoff and unintended contamination from adjoining land. The farm also needs to have facilities and record keeping in place to ensure and document that organic and non-organic crops are […]
How long does it take to transition land farmed conventionally to organic status?
In order to be eligible for organic certification, land must have had no prohibited materials applied to it for three years immediately preceding harvest.