About Organic Farming

Steps to certification - the certification agency

A certification co-ordinator will make a preliminary review of the questionnaire, maps, field histories, etc. If the file is not complete, the certification coordinator may reject the file or request further information.

They contact an organic inspector. The inspector reviews the paperwork. Either the inspector or the Producer Association will set up an appointment.

An inspection may take anywhere from 2 - 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the operation. Please set aside ample time for the inspection.

It is in the producers' best interests for the inspector to be thorough and have a good understanding of the operation.

  1. A Certification Committee meets to review the file. They can either:
    • Approve the request for organic certification
    • Approve the request pending implementation of certain conditions or more information needed
    • Deny the request for organic certification, based on their Standards.
  2. The Certification Agency informs the farmer/producer of its decision and issues a Certificate, if approved.
  3. The farmer/producer may then sell their products as Certified Organic. They will receive a Producer Number which should be used on bill of lading and labels. For ocia, producers will also use Transaction Certificates for sale of their products.
  4. If approved with conditions, the farmer/producer should implement any necessary changes as soon as possible. Some conditions may need only be in place by the following year. Others may be required before certification can be granted, and a follow up inspection may be required.