California’s State Organic Program (SOP) is facing a funding shortfall and is considering substantial increases to the annual registration fees paid by organic operations.
California is the only state with a State Organic Program. In other states, comparable organic enforcement functions are handled through the federally funded National Organic Program (NOP), rather than a producer-funded state program.
The California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC), which advises the SOP, has advanced a proposed fee structure for public input. CCOF encourages all California organic farmers and CDFA-registered processing operations to share their feedback during the SOP’s November virtual listening sessions or directly via email to CDFA_Organic@cdfa.ca.gov.
Proposed Fee Increases
Under the proposal, SOP registration fees would increase based on an operation’s gross sales. The proposal remains subject to public input and could change.
Farming operations:
- $0 to $1 million: 10% increase
- $1,000,001 to $5 million: 30% increase
- $5,000,001+: 40% increase
CDFA-registered processing operations:*
- $0–$1 million: $500
- $1 million–$10 million: $1,000
- Over $10 million: $2,000
* These proposed processing fees do not apply to organic processing and handling operations registered through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Make Your Voice Heard
Your experience is important in shaping the future of the State Organic Program. CCOF encourages California members to speak up about:
- How higher fees would affect your operation.
- What you value and find challenging about the State Organic Program.
- What costs, paperwork, or changes you would like to see.
- Do you think it is important for California to maintain a separate State Organic Program (when other states are regulated by the federally funded National Organic Program)? Why or why not?
Participate in a Virtual Listening Session
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Join the virtual listening session
Meeting ID: 165 482 4778 | Passcode: SOPLS1126!
Phone: (833) 435-1820 | Passcode: 0386453576
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 3:30–5:30 p.m. | Spanish only
Join the Spanish-language listening session
Meeting ID: 165 350 2239 | Passcode: SOPLS1126!
Phone: (833) 435-1820 | Passcode: 2317959437
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 7:45–9:45 a.m.
Join the virtual listening session
Meeting ID: 165 888 8554 | Passcode: SOPLS1126!
Phone: (833) 435-1820 | Passcode: 0386453576
Can’t Attend? Send Written Feedback
Email the State Organic Program directly at CDFA_Organic@cdfa.ca.gov.
If you have questions, would like more information, or would like support sharing your feedback, contact CCOF Policy Manager Laetitia Benador at Lbenador@ccof.org. We are here to support you!
