What are the requirements for obtaining a USDA organic certification?

In Arizona, in order to obtain a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification, agricultural producers must submit an application to one of the five approved certifying agents in the state. The application will state the crops or livestock that the producer intends to raise, and the specific production and handling practices the producer plans to use to meet USDA organic standards. The application must be accompanied by detailed maps and diagrams of the producer’s production area and documents demonstrating that all production and handling practices meet USDA organic standards. In addition, the producer must also provide evidence of a preventive plan to address potential contamination from non-organic sources. This plan must include maintenance and operation records that demonstrate the producer’s commitment to organic production. Once the application is submitted, the certifying agent will conduct a detailed onsite inspection. The inspector will verify that the producer is following the production and handling practices stated in the application and that the preventive plan is adequate. Depending on the complexity of the operation, the inspector may need to conduct multiple visits. The certifying agent will then issue a certificate confirming that the operation meets all USDA organic standards. The certificate is valid for one year, and then the producer must reapply and go through the same process to maintain certification.

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