About Certification
Here you can learn about the timeline, cost and expectations.
Feel free to call us at (805) 684-6494 or email info@occert.com for more information.
At Organic Certifiers, we understand that organic certification can be challenging as a first time pursuit. That is why each client is assigned a Certification Specialist (CS) to guide you through the certification process. Our clients may contact their CS at any time with questions or concerns regarding their organic certification. We believe that the client-to-representative relationship, combined with quick response time and sensible paperwork, is the cornerstone of our business.
What are the scopes?
Crop Producers
Plants that are grown to be harvested.
Grower groups are within this scope.
Livestock/Dairy Operations
Animals that can be used for food or in the production of food,
fiber, or feed.
Handlers/Processors
Processed, often multi-ingredient, products (includes cosmetics). Brand Name Owners, Brokers & distributors are within this scope.
Wild crops
Plants from a growing site that is not cultivated.
Steps to Certification
Step 1
Submit OC Inquiry Form to Organic Certifiers to receive Estimate & Application.
Step 2
Submit completed application documents & deposit to Organic Certifiers.
Step 3
Organic Certifiers reviews your application and pairs you with a Certification Specialist on our team.
Step 4
An inspector visits your site(s) and writes up an Inspection Report. Find inspection resources here.
Step 5
Our Final Review Board reviews the Inspection Report and supporting documents to verify compliance with the USDA National Organic Program Standards.
Step 6
Organic Certifiers sends you the Notice of Decision which may contain a list of requests to be resolved within 30 days of issuance (if any). Resolution of the requests (if any) will confirm your ability to comply with the National Organic Program. Pay the final invoice and receive your Organic Certificate! You will need to renew each year to stay active in the program.
How long does the process take?
APPROX. 2-3 MONTHS
The certification process takes approximately 2-3 months to complete from the time you submit a complete Application Package and have paid your initial invoice. The speed of the process can be affected by how complete the application is when submitted, how complex your organic operation is, and/or how quickly you respond to requests for information during the review process.
We also offer expedited service to complete certification in approximately 4-6 weeks for an additional fee. Please contact us for more information about our prices.
Annual Renewal
CERTIFICATION IS RENEWED ANNUALLY
Organic Certification is ongoing and must be renewed annually. Your renewal or anniversary date will be displayed on your certificate. We will send you courtesy reminders when it is time to begin the process over again.
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In order to initiate the renewal of organic certification, you will need to complete these two tasks:
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Complete Annual Update Summary form indicating whether or not there are any changes to your operation.
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Submit payment for the next certification cycle.
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Your Certification Specialist will be available to answer questions you may have about your renewal. If you decide you do not want to renew, you will need to complete a Voluntary Surrender form to properly exit the National Organic Program and avoid adverse penalties.
Unannounced Inspections
ALL CLIENTS ARE SUBJECT TO UNANNOUNCED INSPECTIONS
As a friendly reminder, Organic Certifiers is required by the National Organic Program to randomly select operators for unannounced inspections and pull samples for residue analysis throughout the year.