How to Get USDA Certified

Not all organic foods are certified.

If you are a farmer or handler of organic agriculture or food products made with organic ingredients, it is necessary to obtain a certificate through the United States Department of Agriculture. According to the USDA, it isn't necessary to receive a certificate if you produce less than $5,000 in organic food products a year. Before you can become certified, a certifying agent will need to conduct an inspection of your products and how you produce your products.

Instructions

USDA Certificate Process

1. Locate a certifying agent for your state through the USDA. A certifying agent is necessary to see if you're eligible for certification.

2. 

   Farms with profits over $5,000 must have USDA certification.

   Collect information about your products. For example, what types of products are you growing and how much agriculture do you produce annually?

3. Provide your certifying agent with information pertaining to substances (such as pesticides) applied to your products. According to the USDA, you'll need to provide information of "substances applied on your land for the previous three years."

4. 

   Organic fruits require a system plan.

   Provide your certifying agent with an organic system plan. This plan should include information on how you will grow your products, what types of substances will be applied to your products and whether you intend to grow non-organic foods alongside your organic products.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have given the necessary information to your certifying agent, he will review your information and ensure that all information is complying with food handling requirements, such as not using harmful pesticides.

• Once you have been certified, update your food handling information and undergo annual inspections with a certifying agent.

• Keep in mind that certifying agents may perform unannounced testing on your products to ensure that you're complying by USDA standards.

• Don't use prohibited substances on your products that aren't deemed safe by USDA standards.

References

• USDA: National Organic Program

Resources

• USDA: Certifying Agents
• USDA: Certification Laws and Regulations