Our Mission

Organic Certifiers (OC) was founded on the principle of creating simple and easy solutions for organic certification.  We take pride in providing a “sound and sensible” approach while guiding our clients through the certification process. Each client at OC is assigned a client representative, qualified to answer questions or concerns about certification.  OC practices sensible paperwork, quick response time, and strong client relationships. OC a family business invested in your success.

Our History

Organic Certifiers was established by the Siple family in Ventura County, California. Susan and Randolph Siple started OC from observing the frustrations of achieving certification. With the combination of their experience as organic farmers and private practice lawyers, Susan and Randolph knew they would make the perfect certification team. In 1996, they commenced OC and began certifying local organic farmers using a common sense approach.

In 2002, OC was one of the first certification agencies to become accredited to the USDA NOP (National Organic Program) standard. OC began to steadily grow and gain respect in the organic community. Today, OC has grown to be California’s 3rd largest certification agency. OC continues to approach organic certification with a focus on “sound and sensible” by offering reasonable information requests, quick response time, and forming one-on-one relationships between OC representatives and clients.

Accreditation

Organic Certifiers is USDA, ISO 17065 and has been certifying the organic community since 1996. Our company was one of the first accredited by the USDA in early 2002.

Testimonials

Meet the Certification Team!

Why is organics important to you?

Organics is important to me because I have seen first-hand how conventional agriculture works and it is frightening. I also care what goes into what I consume as you “are what you eat”.  Lastly, raising my kids have given organics renewed priority as you want your little monsters to grow up to be healthy and capable young adults.

What is your organic background?

I have been employed in organic certification since before the National Organic Program took effect. I enjoy working with clients and helping them with all of their certification needs. I take pride in my work and it is always humbling and empowering to hear positive feedback from clients in need. I am fluent in Spanish and enjoy helping all of the Latin American clients.

What are your hobbies?

My 3 kids take up most of my spare time but I enjoy playing wheelchair rugby and when I get a chance, fishing and scuba diving.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

My favorite animal is the Silverback Gorilla. I love this animal because he eats organic and is a gentle giant.

Why is organics important to you?

As a farmer growing vegetables organically in the late 80s, early 90’s, it was very evident then that our customers were enjoying the increasing availability of farm fresh, non-conventionally grown produce. I never imagined then however that an organic produce section would ever be in a regular store. In only 25 years what big changes have been made!

What is your organic background?

I grew up in Long Beach, California. After high school I went to Long Beach City College, Santa Barbara City College, and UC Santa Barbara, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography/ Environmental Studies. After college, I traveled to Lesotho, South Africa (during Apartheid) and worked on a dam project for subsistence agriculture.

In my early adult years I worked for the US Forest Service as a Wilderness Patrol Ranger (Mt Baldy & San Gabriel Canyon) and was also a YAC field leader who managed crews (maintaining the Los Padres firebreaks and local Santa Barbara recreational trails).

I later received certification as a Wastewater Treatment Operator and worked at the El Estero WW Treatment Facility in Santa Barbara.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy hiking most. We have an RV now and I like traveling in that vehicle with our two dogs.I love Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

A Dolphin: They are very smart & talk a lot. They move in herds and their predators are few. Their food is plentiful, and they are always SMILING.

Why is organics important to you?

I believe organic is the future. Organics nurture the planet we live in and help increase biodiversity, thus increasing the Earth’s natural ability to renew itself with out damaging the soils and environment in which our food comes from. We’ve only got one earth so we need to take care of it. I take pride in being apart of an industry that is beneficial to the world we live in.

What is your organic background?

I have been a certification agent for 6 years, and I love what I do. I have also had IOIA training. I enjoy assisting clients through certification and educating them on the importance of their efforts to maintain organic integrity.

What are your hobbies?

I am a bibliophile. I LOVE to read and have an almost photographic memory for what I have read. Other than that my kids’ hobbies are my hobbies. I have a trumpet player, a soccer player, and 2 girl scouts. They take up most of my free time. I am also a teen youth minister for my church.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a Siberian tiger. Or a dolphin. Probably a dolphin. Since Siberian tigers are almost extinct. Both are very beautiful and possess qualities I admire.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics is important to me because it supports a greater cause in food integrity and I care about the food that nourishes my body. Organics can also help decrease the gap between consumers and farmers by creating awareness of where their food is coming from and how it was grown or prepared.

What is your organic background?

I graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in June 2015 with a major in Food Marketing and Agribusiness Management and minor in Multicultural Leadership Studies. While in college I undertook an internship with the USDA-Food Safety Inspection Service in Washington D.C. where I engaged in food sourcing and food safety. On my return I did a proposal for bringing greater awareness of our food sources and farmers in California. I then presented my proposal in Sacramento, CA. I now continue to support farmers markets and actively seek organic products.

What are your hobbies?

I love working with horses on the weekends, whether it’s riding or caring for them it brings me ultimate peace. I also swim, run at the beach, dance, bake creative cakes, and make arts and craft projects.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I were an animal I would be an Andalusian horse because they are strong, beautiful, and intelligent. They are peaceful out at pasture, yet helpful around the ranch.

Why is organics important to you?

The health of our planet’s people, soils, and ecological balance is important to me. Organic producers are accountable for achieving and maintaining high standards in each component of their organic operation, from soil management and animal welfare, to equipment cleaning materials and pest control practices.

What is your organic background?

I attended California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communication. The foundation of my education has been about bridging the gap between food producers and food consumers. Organic farming was a ‘hot topic’ in many of my courses as it continues to be a growing sector within the industry. I am grateful that the knowledge and experience I gained at Cal Poly has carried over into my career at Organic Certifiers.

What are your hobbies?

I like all things outdoors: hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, camping, beach volleyball. I also enjoy cooking and baking, although, I am still learning.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal, I would choose to be a lion. Lions live in close family groups and the females tend to do the majority of the hunting. They are known for their strength and courage. If you mess with a lion, you have to deal with the whole pride!

Why is organics important to you?

I’m a huge advocate of being healthy, active and consuming good nutritious food to nourish our bodies. Organics is just the beginning. Organics contain less pesticides, chemicals and other unhealthy additives than conventional produce and products. Which means with organic food, we input a lot more healthy nutrition into our great human bodies to be healthy and to be active.

What is your organic background?

I started getting involved in organics around 2014. That was when I had a change in lifestyle and also started working for my previous organic certifying employer. I had very little background on organics prior, but gained so much once I started working for organics company.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy being active and just being outside. From going to the gym, hiking, swimming, boxing, CrossFit, cycling, shopping, finding different coffee shops.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would choose to be an eagle. Because they have some qualities that I lack in and some that I already have. They’re known to have intuition, creativity, balance and grace. Their vision is sharp which gives them the ability to see the hidden truth and spiritual principles.

Why is organics important to you?

The organic certification process is important to me because it creates an exceptional level of integrity and accountability in the food supply. This allows consumers to make better-informed decisions about the products they buy for their families. I am proud to be a part of a company that is committed to ensuring the quality of food production across the globe.

What is your organic background?

After spending many summers on my family’s organic dairy, I attended California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and earned my Bachelor of Science in Dairy Manufacturing with a minor in Agribusiness. After working as a licensed pasteurizer for the Cal Poly Creamery and studying California dairy exports, I focused on the National Organic Program and the potential for growth in organic agriculture.

What are your hobbies?

I love going on adventures! Nothing beats watching the sunset from my seat next to a campfire and sleeping under the stars.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a Kodiak bear so I could live in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, dine on fresh salmon and berries, and admire the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis with my cubs.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics is important to me because I believe in the practice of integrating cultural, biological, mechanical means that foster cycling of resources to promote ecological balance and to conserve biodiversity. I believe in providing good healthy food to consumers that can fight off diseases and illnesses, not to create diseases.

What is your organic Background?

Graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors in Food Science and concentration in Culinology. I have been involved in the food industry since 2009 and organic food industry since 2011.

 What are your hobbies?

I enjoy to cooking, gardening, shopping, and staying physically fit (outdoor activities)

 If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Something tropical, with bright colors; a little fish in the Caribbean or little bird in the rain-forest.

 Why is organics important to you?

Organic agriculture is important to me because my family is a part of the organic community here in California. My involvement within the industry through my family’s operation has shown me that working hard and giving back to the environment through organic practices, does give producers something in return. As a producer, you receive the satisfaction of knowing that the products you’re producing are produced in the way nature intended by using no pesticides, GMO’s or products that harm the environment. My family has been a part of the California dairy industry for almost the past 100 years and I want to do everything I can to make sure that my family will be around for the next 100. Organics is the way I can help do that because it is an opportunity to change my way of life that works to preserve the environment for generations to come.

 What is your organic background?

I graduated June 2013 from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo with a major of Dairy Science and a minor in Agribusiness. While at Cal Poly, I wrote a review of literature for my senior project that explored that differences, benefits and drawbacks of both organic and conventional dairy farming. I was born and raised on my family’s dairy farm in Northern California that recently transitioned into organic production. I also interned at an organic dairy farm in Point Reyes, CA where I learned a lot about organic dairy farming practices and the National Organic Program.

 What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include playing the piano, cooking/baking, snowboarding, spending time outside on my family’s dairy (when I get the chance), and spending time with my family and friends

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal, I would want to be a dolphin. They are very enthusiastic and playful animals, kind of like myself, and they travel all across the oceans and explore tons of beautiful places.

Why is organics important to you?

Organics are important to me because they are an integral step in creating a sustainable food system that brings knowledgeable consumers and farmers together.

What is your organic background ?

I graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Soil and Water Studies. As a student, I worked for a year at the school’s Russell Ranch faculty under the LTRAS (Long Term Research in Agriculture Sustainability) Program as well as an intern and then Junior Specialist in the Horwath Soil Lab working on Nitrogen Cycling in Siliviculture and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are reading and hanging out with my boyfriend and cats.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Mantis Shrimp because they are beautiful and deadly.

Why is organics important to you? 

Since working here at Organic Certifiers, I have gained so much knowledge about the organic industry. Prior to my experience here, I was ignorant to the food I was eating.  Once I gained my new found knowledge about organic food I knew I could not go back to eating the way I did previously. Food is our fuel and it is important that people have organic choices to maintain a healthy diet not plagued with pesticides and synthetic ingredients. I like being a small part of helping make this planet a better place. Working here has been a gift that will help not only myself but my families food choices moving forward.

What is your organic background? 

I graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. I have worked at Organic Certifiers since 2011. I began my organic journey doing administrative work, and as my love for the industry grew, I wanted to play a larger role in organics. I wanted to learn more about the organic industry and be a more integral part of our clients’ operations. Becoming a certification specialist has been the best role I have had with Organic Certifiers.

What are your hobbies?

Hiking, going to the beach, wine tasting, watching movies. I am a big foodie and love trying new restaurants and foods. I am so incredibly lucky to live in an area where I can do all of my favorite things.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a Swan, this way I could go from the water to the sky at my leisure. They are also very beautiful and sophisticated. Swans maintain the same partner for life and the male swan helps around the nest which sounds good to me!

Why is organics important to you?

Since becoming a Mom my interest in organics has started to focus more on how important it is for the younger generations to eat wholesome food to prevent major health problems in the future.

 What is your organic background?

I majored in General Biology at Cal State San Marcos. I have IOIA certification and have worked on organic farms in Costa Rica, Italy and Ireland.

What are your hobbies?

Hobbies: In my spare time I like to run. My husband and I are also in the beginning stages of building a farm house on our 9 acre property in Bonsall, CA

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would be a blue whale. Long life, largest animal on earth, graceful and awesome.

Why is organics important to you?

Born and raised in France, I studied languages (English, German, French), Administration, and Imports – Exports.  I moved to the United States 23 years ago and dove into the organic world in 2002, right when the National Organic Program went into effect.  I have always had a close relationship with nature, hiking the wilderness, gardening, being healthy and eating healthy. Well, the “healthy eating” part came in later in my life when I discovered the benefits of eating organic food and the impact it has on your health and the environment.

What is your organic background?

I am proud to be part of this industry and to have contributed for years to helping  crop producers and processors to achieve organic certification. It is a great feeling to be surrounded daily with clients who  support bettering our planet… I have a fascinating job .

What are your hobbies?

As I said earlier, being healthy is an important part of my life.  When not working on clients’ files,  I am most likely running, SUPing, windsurfing, sailing, snowskiing, hiking, swimming, working out at the gym, gardening. I also volunteer with park cleanups.  I love photography which I really got into 3 years ago.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I were an animal, it would be a bird. Able to fly over lakes ,oceans, forests, mountains, traveling continents, observing.