Certified Organic - Easy Steps to Achieving & Maintaining Organic Certification

1. Should You Get Certified Organic?
2. Organic Certification Costs
3. First Steps to Organic Certification
4. Achieve Organic Certification

5. Maintain Organic Certification
6. Certification Concerns & Problems
7. State Organic Certification Considerations & Requirements

Should You Get Certified Organic?

Before you officially go organic, there's a lot to consider. For example, is organic right for you? Is getting certified necessary and will it help your business?

• Is Certification Right for You?
• Is Organic Certification Right for Your Farm?
• What Products Can Be Certified Organic?
• Do You Have Enough Pasture for Organic Livestock?

• Can Restaurants be Certified?
• Can Retail Operations be Certified?
• Who Certifies Organic Textiles?

Organic Certification Costs

Organic certification costs can be expensive, but there are ways to go organic, even if you're short on funds. Plus, there are also helpful organizations willing to lend a hand with certification start-up costs.

• The Organic Cost Share Program
• Get Help Paying for EBT Equipment

First Steps to Organic Certification

After you decide to get certified organic - what's next? Here are the first steps on the path to organic certification success.

• Get a Copy of the NOP Program Handbook
• Find an Accredited Certifying Agent
• Create Your Organic System Plan

Achieve Organic Certification

Easy tips about how to actually get certified organic and some answers about how the certification process works.

• What Does it Mean to be Certified?
• Step-by-Step Organic Certification

Maintain Organic Certification

You've achieved organic certification. Congratulations! That said, the organic path doesn't end here. There are many challenges you may face when it comes to maintaining your organic standing. Find out what comes after you become certified.

• Use Organic Labels Correctly
• Stay Current with the National List
• Keep Excellent Records

Certification Concerns & Problems

Even if you think you've got certification under control, some common organic certification questions and concerns may pop up.

• Common Mistakes Made by Certification Applicants
• Trouble Locating Organic Seed Stock?
• 11 FAQ About Organic Exemption

• How Water Affects Organic Certification
• Is My Farm Exempt from Certification?
• Certification Facts for Handlers

State Organic Certification Considerations & Requirements

States must follow national rules for organic certification, but some states initiate their own state-specific policies as well.

• California State Organic Program Requirements
• USDA State Crop Progress Reports