Organic FAQs:
Does my company need to be certified Organic?
The “Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)” has new regulations that may require your operation to become organic certified. Reach out to [email protected] for additional details.
What is the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule and how do I learn about it?
The SOE rulemaking updates the USDA organic regulations to strengthen oversight of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. The final rule published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2023. The rule was fully implemented on March 19, 2024.
What are the steps to become Organic certified?
- Producer or handler adopts organic practices.
- Producer, handler, crop farm submits application, agreement, & fees to certifying agent.
- Certifying agent reviews application for compliance.
- Inspector conducts onsite inspection.
- Certifying agent reviews the application & inspection to determine compliance.
- Certifying agent issues organic certificate.
- Updates certifying agent annually or as needed.
- The steps above continue for annual renewal.
Do you certify the process or the product?
Both! Organic certification reviews the process and the product recipe and label according to organic regulations.
Can I transfer my existing Organic certificate to PJRFSI?
Absolutely! Request an application on our website or call 248-519-2523 and ask to speak to a program manager in your area.
Can you certify my farm’s dirt?
Soil is included in the overall organic crop certification. Soil certification is not an organic accredited scope. Crop certification requires a three-year transition to organic practices. The farm and products receive a certification once the process is met.
Do Distributors, Importers, and Brokers really have to get certified?
Tough question! If an operation is importing product into the United States of American that takes physical ownership or possession of the product coming into the United States - yes, they need to be certified. Ownership can be owning the product on the ship in transit even! There are exceptions to retail sale and brokers that do not take physical possession and ownership per the regulations. Refer to 205.101 of the regulations and the Frequently Asked Questions.
For crops and processing, how long does it take to get certified if I already have a food safety plan?
Organic Certification is a journey! Certification included an initial review, onsite inspection, and a final review. The food safety plan definitely helps an operation understand process and audit practices for certification.
Do you guys help me get certified?
PJRFSI does not help certify clients. PJRFSI conducts certification practices. Clients are responsible for understanding and reading the Organic Regulations. There are many helpful consultants in the industry that are able to help get you certified.
Can I receive organic product from a foreign supplier?
If the product is certified to the NOP (National Organic Program) or a country that has an equivalency arrangement product can be received. The equivalent countries are the following: EU, Japan, Tiawan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. However, the operation receiving the product into the United States may need to be certified.
How much does Organic certification cost?
As with all other types of certification, costs for Organic certification is dependent on the last years combined annual sales. PJRFSI is happy to offer free certification quotes to give a more custom-tailored answer to this question. Reach out to [email protected] for more information!
Can I use the USDA Organic seal?
Check out this download for more information regarding organic labels. If you have additional questions regarding these guidelines, please contact [email protected] or call us at 248-519-2523.
Can you explain the Organic seal/label guidelines?
Check out this download for more information regarding organic labels. If you have additional questions regarding these guidelines, please contact [email protected] or call us at 248-519-2523.
Which certification scopes are available?
PJRFSI is accredited to certify processing, handling, and crop scopes. PJRFSI is not accredited to livestock or wild crop.
Can GMOs be used in organic products?
No, GMO's cannot be used in organic products.