Certification and Registration
USDA ORGANIC Certification
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USDA ORGANIC U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Certification
In the United States, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) is responsible for establishing regulations for organic agricultural products produced in the United States or imported and sold in the country. The organic regulations developed under the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) were implemented in 2002.According to statistics, US organic food sales exceeded USD 55 billion in 2020 and continue to grow. More than 15% of all fruits and vegetables sold in the United States are organic.
In addition to establishing requirements for the cultivation, processing, and handling of organic agricultural products, NOP also sets labeling requirements for these products. Labeling requirements are based on the percentage of organic ingredients contained in the product. For agricultural products intended for human consumption, the use of the term “organic” requires certification.
What is USDA ORGANIC Certification?
“Organic” is a labeling term indicating that an agricultural product has been produced through cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that promote resource cycling, ecological balance, and biodiversity conservation. Organic certification prohibits the use of sewage sludge, irradiation, genetic engineering, and most synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Unlike other eco-labels, the organic label is supported by a strict set of federal production and processing standards. These standards require products carrying the USDA ORGANIC label to be produced and processed without the use of toxic and synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, genetic engineering, antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, sewage sludge, and irradiation.
Organic certification verifies whether your farm or processing facility complies with USDA organic regulations. After obtaining certification, you can sell, label, and represent your products as organic. These regulations define the specific requirements for using the term “organic” or the USDA organic seal on food, feed, or fiber products.
Product Scope of USDA ORGANIC Certification
USDA organic regulations recognize four categories of organic products:
Crops: Plants that are harvested after cultivation for use as food, livestock feed, fiber, or for improving soil nutrients. Applicants may include farms, vegetable plantations, and other agricultural producers.
Livestock: Animals raised for food consumption or for producing food, fiber, or feed. Applicants may include livestock farms, poultry farms, and other animal production facilities.
Processed Products: Products that have been processed and packaged (such as chopped carrots) or combined, processed, and packaged (such as soup). Applicants may include various food manufacturers and food processing facilities.
Wild Crops: Plants collected from non-cultivated growing areas, such as wild wheat and wildflowers.
How to Apply for USDA ORGANIC Certification
Certifiers are responsible for ensuring that USDA organic products comply with all organic standards. Organic certification involves five basic steps:
1.The farm or business adopts organic practices, selects a USDA-accredited certifying agent, and submits an application and fees to the certifier.
2.The certifier reviews the application to verify whether the applicant’s processes comply with USDA organic regulations.
3.An inspector conducts an on-site inspection of the applicant’s operations.
4.The certifier reviews the application and inspector’s report to determine whether the applicant complies with USDA organic regulations.
5.The certifier issues the organic certificate.
USDA ORGANIC Certification Labels
USDA organic labeling regulations classify products into four categories based on the percentage of organic ingredients contained in the product.
The following are the four ingredient categories:
100% Organic
“100% Organic” refers to products produced and processed using organic methods and organic ingredients (excluding water and salt, but including processing aids). All ingredients in the product must be organically certified. These products must not contain any ingredients listed on the National List of Prohibited Substances. The USDA organic seal may be displayed on the front panel of the product.
Producing 100% organic products is very challenging. Most products in this category are single-ingredient products.
Organic
“Organic” refers to products produced using organic methods and containing at least 95% organic ingredients. The remaining 5% of non-organic ingredients must be non-GMO and must be included in the National List of Allowed Non-Organic Ingredients permitted in certified organic agriculture and processing. Products in this category may display the USDA organic seal on the front panel. Most organic products found in stores belong to this category.
Made with Organic Ingredients
Products labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients” contain 70% to 95% organic ingredients. They may use the wording “Made with Organic —” and list up to three organic ingredients or food groups on the front panel. Unlike “Organic” and “100% Organic,” these products cannot display the USDA organic seal anywhere on the packaging, even if the products are organically certified. The non-organic ingredients in these products must be non-GMO and produced without irradiation or sewage sludge.
Organic Ingredients Used in Products Containing Less Than 70% Organic Ingredients
Products containing less than 70% organic ingredients may use the term “organic” only on the ingredient panel to identify organic ingredients. These products are not permitted to display the USDA organic seal or make organic certification claims on the front panel.
For companies interested in transitioning to organic products, this can be a good starting point because consumers read ingredient lists. Similar to “Made with Organic Ingredients,” this indicates that a company is committed to incorporating organic ingredients into its products.
USDA ORGANIC Standard Requirements
Organic Crop Production Standards
◉ Before harvesting organic crops, the land must not have been treated with any prohibited substances for at least three years.
◉ Soil fertility and crop nutrients must be managed through farming and cultivation practices, crop rotation, and cover crops, supplemented with animal and crop waste and permitted synthetic materials.
◉ Pests, weeds, and diseases must be primarily controlled through management practices, including physical, mechanical, and biological controls. When these practices are insufficient, biological, botanical, or synthetic substances approved on the National List may be used.
◉ Organic seeds and other planting materials must be used whenever available.
◉ Genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge are prohibited.
Livestock and Poultry Standards
Livestock and poultry standards apply to animals used for meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products sold, labeled, or represented as organic. Requirements include:
◉ Dairy animals and animals raised for slaughter must be managed organically from the last third of gestation or no later than the second day after poultry birth.
◉ Non-organic dairy operations have a one-time opportunity to transition non-organic animals into organic production (within 12 months).
◉ Producers must feed livestock 100% organic agricultural feed products but may provide approved vitamin and mineral supplements.
◉ Preventive management practices must be implemented to maintain animal health. Producers must not withhold treatment from sick or injured animals. However, animals treated with prohibited substances cannot be sold as organic products.
◉ Ruminants must graze on pasture throughout the entire grazing season, but no less than 120 days. These animals must obtain at least 30% of their feed, or dry matter intake, from pasture.
◉ All organic livestock and poultry must have year-round access to the outdoors. Animals may only be temporarily confined due to documented environmental or health reasons.
Processing Standards
◉ All non-agricultural ingredients, whether synthetic or non-synthetic, must comply with the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
◉ In multi-ingredient products labeled as “organic,” all agricultural ingredients must be organically produced unless the ingredient is not commercially available in organic form and is listed under Section 205.606.
◉ Processors must prevent organic products from being mixed with non-organic products and protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances.
Benefits of USDA ORGANIC Certification
◉ Allows the use of the USDA organic seal and organic claims;
◉ Confirms whether farmers comply with national organic standards;
◉ Increases consumer confidence;
◉ Reduces pesticide residues;
◉ Reduces exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria;
◉ Supports environmental health;
◉ Provides farmers with greater economic opportunities through product premiums.
SATISFY provides one-stop USDA ORGANIC certification services for customers, including certification consultation, application assistance, testing coordination, and certification guidance. Please contact SATISFY customer service for more information about USDA ORGANIC certification.
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