According to the USDA, the National Organic Program and the Organic Foods Production Act were created so customers who buy organic foods can be confident the foods are produced and certified according to specific national organic standards. To get certified in organic growing, the certification process involves following rules set aside by the USDA and the National Organic Standards Board, or NOSB, and documenting that the rules are followed. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose an area in your yard for an organic garden. This is the area where you will grow vegetables or raise animals according to organic methods. Do not use pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or water with an untested water supply that may contain contaminants in the area for three years. You can apply immediately to the program if the area meets this first requirement.
2. Go to the USDA website to find out get your product certified as organic (see Resources). You'll then be able to find a certifying agent for your state. Once you locate the proper agent, obtain a certification packet from that office by writing or calling.
3. Look through the packet and read carefully. If you believe you meet the criteria for organic production, complete the application form and send back to the certification office with the application fee, if required. An agent will be assigned to you.
4. Prepare for inspection and potential certification by following the procedures outlined in your informational packet. Once the inspector visits and makes the report, he will send that report to a certification board. You can use the agent as a source of information. His job is to help you become certified; however, the agent must abide by the strict rules of the certification process. The decision of the board may be certification, denial of application, noncompliance or request for more information. Your certification agent will help you interpret the report and make adjustments to your plan, if needed, and submit an amended report.
5. Market your product as organic once you are approved by the certification board. The record-keeping and compliance rules remain in place as long as you wish to keep your certification.
Tags: agent will, certification board, certification process, certified organic, National Organic, USDA National