Organic Certification Guidelines Q&A 

Written and designed by staff at the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. This product was 

developed with support from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic 

Program 

Q: Who develops the organic standards?

A: National standards for organically-produced agricultural products are created by the National Organic 

Program (NOP) with input from the National Organic Standards Board and the public. The NOP is a regulatory 

program housed within the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 

authorized USDA to establish the NOP and develop organic regulations. 

Q: How do I participate in the NOP rule-making process? 

A: The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a Federal Advisory Committee comprised of fifteen 

members. These members represent sectors of the organic community (ex: farmers/growers, 

environmentalists/resource conservationists, consumer/public interest advocates, etc.). The NOSB meets two 

times a year in a public forum to discuss issues regarding organic standards and materials review. These 

meetings invite both advance written and in-person oral public comments to gain perspective on 

recommendations. Final recommendations are submitted to the NOP. 

Q: Who certifies my operation?

A: The USDA is responsible for accrediting organic certifiers. Certifiers interested in becoming a USDAAccredited Certifying Agent (ACA) must apply to the NOP for accreditation. The accreditation process is 

relatively similar to that of organic certification for farmers and processors. Following approval, ACA 

accreditation is valid for 5 years; at the end of this period the ACA must renew their accreditation. 

Q: How do I apply for certification? 

A: The certification process is an annual process that generally involves the following steps. 

1. Farmers, handlers and processors interested in becoming certified must submit an application, 

known as an Organic System Plan (OSP) to an accredited certifying agent (ACA). The OSP 

describes your operation’s organic practices relative to the organic standards. 

2. The ACA reviews your application to assess if anything is missing or needs further clarification. If it is 

complete, your application is assigned to an inspector. 

3. An on-site inspection occurs. The purpose of the inspection is to verify that what is reported in your 

OSP matches what’s happening in practice. The inspector will be looking to verify this through 

records, visiting all production sites and viewing all livestock (if applicable). 

4. The ACA will review the inspection report and notify the producer of any issues or request further 

information. 

5. Following the resolution of any issues, you will receive notification and an organic certificate from 

your ACA. 

6. Certification must be renewed annually. This includes updating your certifier of any changes to the 

OSP and an annual inspection and certification fee. 
Written and designed by staff at the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. This product was 

developed with support from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic 

Program 

Q: How frequently will my operation be inspected?

A: Following the initial organic inspection, your operation will be inspected annually. This annual visit will include 

the on-site inspection of each production unit, facility, and site that produces or handles organic products and 

that is included in your operation. 

Q: Is my certifier allowed to make an unannounced visit or inspection of my facility?

A: Yes, the NOP standards state that additional inspections may be announced or unannounced at the 

discretion of the certifying agent or as required by the Administrator or State organic program's governing State 

official. 

Q: Who is my inspector?

A: The organic inspector is an independent contractor or a staff member of the certifier who inspects your 

operation on behalf of the certifier. As defined by the NOP organic standards, organic inspectors are not 

permitted to: 1) make certification decisions, 2) offer consultation or advice to help you overcome identified 

barriers to certification, or 3) accept gifts, favors or payments other than the prescribed fee. 

Q: What happens if an operation violates the USDA organic regulations?

A: If the USDA or your certifying agent suspects that your farm or business is violating the USDA organic 

regulations, USDA or the ACA may investigate and conduct an additional on-site inspection. Penalties, should 

the operation be found to be violating organic regulations, may include suspension or revocation of an 

operation’s organic certificate or financial penalties with a maximum of $11,000 per violation. 

Q: Are there any cost-share or financial aids to help with certification costs?

A: The Farm Bill includes the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The program allows for 

reimbursement funds to be distributed to certified operations for up to 75% of their certification costs, with a 

maximum of $750 per scope. These funds are administered on a state-by-state basis. 

Q: What is residue testing? Will samples be taken of my organic products?

A: The NOP requires ACA’s to perform residue tests (such as pesticides, GMO, antibiotic residues, etc.) on 5% of 

their clients’ certified organic products annually. This requirement was established to maintain and verify 

organic integrity.