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Steps to Organic Certification

CCOF will help you every step of the way. Our application asks all the right questions and we have support resources to ensure you can create a compliant plan.

Still need some convincing?

Why Get Certified Organic?

Organic is good for farmers, consumers, and retailers. The Organic Seal is internationally recognized and gives producers the credit they deserve for contentious practices. Becoming certified creates trust, transparency, and a healthier world.

Why Organic?

An Original in the Organic Movement

  • With a deep dedication to service, we have highly trained staff to meet the specialized needs of all types and sizes of operations. When you have questions, we are ready to answer them with clear and concise answers.

  • As the largest certification agency in North America, CCOF has the capacity to work with diverse operation of all shapes and sizes. Our many years of experience have created strong systems to serve our clients and meet the organic regulations.

  • CCOF stands out in the field of certification through our many client services and benefits:

    • Excellent service throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Plus, Canada Organic Regime (COR), & ISO 65 accreditation to ensure international market acceptance.
    • Competitive pricing and financial aid.
    • Expedited Certification and Rush Review services to meet your deadlines and provide timely service.
    • Food Safety Services to ensure your operation reaches Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) food safety benchmarks.
    • Easy-to-understand forms that guide you through the certification process.
    • Member communications to keep you informed of important standards changes and industry news.
    • Advocacy at the NOP and NOSB provides an effective voice for our members to influence regulation and rule making.
    • Member promotion locally, nationally, and internationally through our print and online directories, Certified Organic magazine, and at events.
    • A wide range of benefits, including political advocacy, education programs, and more. We support the marketplace you depend on by providing educational services and expanding support and acceptance of organic foods and agriculture.

  • CCOF has online tools that make certification simpler. MyCCOF: Online Certification Tool provides easy access to monitor your certification and renewals, access key documents, and track the inspection and certification process. CCOF Certificate Portal enables you to track all of your CCOF-certified suppliers in one place.

  • CCOF serves clients throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We certify the entire range of organic operations – large and small – including food processors, farms, livestock operations, retail stores, and personal care products.

With a deep dedication to service, we have highly trained staff to meet the specialized needs of all types and sizes of operations. When you have questions, we are ready to answer them with clear and concise answers.

  • All of the fees listed on this page are in USD. Operations in Mexico may consult www.sat.gob.mx to determine the current exchange rate.

    Your total cost of certification in the first year will come from three main fees:

    1. Application Fee: A onetime $350 fee, paid when you apply.
    2. Annual Inspection Fee: Inspection costs vary annually because they are billed hourly and include travel costs. An inspection cost estimate is included in all first-year fee estimates, which you will receive when your application is accepted. See the CCOF Certification Services Program Manual for current hourly inspection fees.
    3. Annual Certification Fee: This fee is based on the Organic Production Value (OPV) of your CCOF certified operation. Review the table below to determine your annual fee. Farm and livestock operations should deduct the cost of certified organic seed and/or feed from organic sales to arrive at their fee category. Processors and handlers should deduct the cost of certified organic ingredients and/or products from organic sales to arrive at their fee category. This ensures that you only pay for the cost of certifying your value-added process, not the value of the ingredients for which certification has already been paid.

    Note that financial aid may be available to your operation. See this page for details and to apply for aid.

  • CCOF offers additional services, including international standards verification or certification for the EU, UK, Switzerland, Japan, Korea and Taiwan; certification of additional processing facilities; midyear additions of acreage or products; and completion of export documents. More information about additional fees can be found in the CCOF Certification Services Program Manual.

  • In a hurry? CCOF offers an Expedited Certification program and Rush Review of new products, labels, and materials for operations that are capable of compliance but are short on time.

    Expedited Fees:

    • New certification applicants and annual inspections (with or without new land, facilities, etc.); includes application fee: $2,525
    • Addition of a new facility to your existing certification; includes facility fee: $2,000
    • New acreage at a CCOF-certified farming operation: $1,300

    Rush Fees:

    • 2 business days: $400 per item
    • 5 business days: $200 per item

  • This program distributes funds allocated through the National Farm Bill. Operations must be certified and apply for reimbursement of eligible funds during the application window. Funds for this program must be approved with every new Farm Bill.

    Organic Certification Cost Share Program

All of the fees listed on this page are in USD. Operations in Mexico may consult www.sat.gob.mx to determine the current exchange rate.

Your total cost of certification in the first year will come from three main fees:

  1. Application Fee: A onetime $350 fee, paid when you apply.
  2. Annual Inspection Fee: Inspection costs vary annually because they are billed hourly and include travel costs. An inspection cost estimate is included in all first-year fee estimates, which you will receive when your application is accepted. See the CCOF Certification Services Program Manual for current hourly inspection fees.
  3. Annual Certification Fee: This fee is based on the Organic Production Value (OPV) of your CCOF certified operation. Review the table below to determine your annual fee. Farm and livestock operations should deduct the cost of certified organic seed and/or feed from organic sales to arrive at their fee category. Processors and handlers should deduct the cost of certified organic ingredients and/or products from organic sales to arrive at their fee category. This ensures that you only pay for the cost of certifying your value-added process, not the value of the ingredients for which certification has already been paid.

Note that financial aid may be available to your operation. See this page for details and to apply for aid.

Steps to Certification

1. Submit application—your Organic System Plan (OSP)

The CCOF certification application, called an Organic System Plan (OSP), guides you through the required organic standards and helps you describe your organic practices. Your application includes a one-time $350 application fee. Certification typically requires 12 weeks or longer. Need certification fast? We can help with our Expedited Certification Program. This program guarantees expedited processing of your application and the following steps.

2. CCOF reviews application and OSP

A CCOF certification specialist will review your application to assess whether you are ready to move forward with organic certification, and will let you know if anything is missing or if you need to provide more clarification. We will arrange your onsite inspection and determine your annual certification fee once your OSP has been reviewed and accepted.

3. Inspection

The purpose of the inspection is to verify that what is detailed in your OSP is happening in practice. This is where your hard work pays off. All certified operations are inspected a minimum of once per year to ensure the integrity of your production. The inspector will submit your inspection report to the CCOF office for final review.

4. CCOF reviews inspection report

CCOF certification specialists will review the inspection report alongside your OSP for compliance and accuracy. Our staff will let you know of any issues or requests for further information.

5. Certification decision

Upon successful completion of the review process, you will receive a letter from CCOF informing you of your certification status and any requirements for ongoing certification.

6. Annual renewal contract and inspection

Each year your certification will be renewed and annual certification fees are due. To remain certified in good standing, every operation must be re-inspected annually and continue to update CCOF of any OSP changes, new labels, or other changes to your operation. Inspection costs are billed separately following your annual inspection. We will continue to help you maintain and expand your certification and business as long as you remain certified by CCOF.
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