Processor or Handler

How do organic inspections work?

The purpose of an organic inspection is to confirm that your operation meets the NOP standards and regulations both before it is certified and every year after as long as it remains certified. Inspectors do this by confirming that what you say in your application, called an Organic System Plan (OSP), is what you are doing in practice.

An excellent, low-cost resource titled Preparing for Organic Inspection, which includes checklists and other resources, is available from NCAT's Sustainable Agriculture Project.

Organic Food Production

Organic Food Production - It's Easier Than You Think

The organic market is expanding at a rapid rate, and buyers demand more organic products than can be supplied domestically.

Processors and co-packers have a unique business opportunity to get into the organic market and help convert raw goods to shelf-ready food products to meet the demand and increase profitability.

Can I update my online organic directory profile?

We want to help our certified members grow their businesses, and in doing so the organic marketplace. One way we promote our members is by maintaining a searchable online directory of our certified operations. Those looking to find organic products or services can search by keyword, location, or sales method, including Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farmers' markets, wholesale, export, and more.

Are organic claims allowed on my website or marketing?

We review websites and marketing of CCOF certified operations to ensure that organic claims are truthful and not misleading about the status of organic and nonorganic products. We look for any use of the word “organic” as well as the CCOF logo or USDA seal. Learn more about what CCOF looks for on a website and marketing to help you design a compliant website and prevent consumer confusion.

Uncertified Handler Affidavit

This form applies to uncertified storage facilities used by CCOF operations to store unsealed product or product in permeable packaging. It also applies to uncertified brokers, traders, wholesalers, or distributors that provide organic products to CCOF certified operations. It is not required for uncertified handlers supplying organic product in sealed, impermeable containers with final retail labeling that identifies the organic status and original certified producer.

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