What are the requirements for obtaining a USDA organic certification?

In California, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a national organic certification program which requires all organic producers to meet specific standards in order to receive the “Certified Organic” label. To obtain USDA organic certification in California, producers must meet certain criteria. First, all organic producers must maintain an accurate record of all production and handling activities, from the use of seed stock to marketing the final product. The records must be kept for five years and must include the name and address of the producer, the type and quantity of products produced, and identification of the land used for production. In addition, producers must provide evidence that the soil and growing environment have been free of prohibited substances, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, for a minimum of three years prior to applying for certification. Producers must also show that there is a system in place to prevent contamination of organic products with non-organic ingredients or other prohibited substances. Organic producers must comply with the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and provide a detailed organic management plan that outlines the methods and materials used in production, handling and storage. The organic management plan must also include procedures for organic certification. Finally, organic producers must be inspected annually by a third-party certifying organization. The certifying organization will inspect all organic operations, review records, and verify that all program requirements are met. Obtaining USDA organic certification in California requires producers to meet specific criteria. Producers must maintain accurate records, provide evidence of a prohibited substance-free growing environment, comply with the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, and present a detailed organic management plan. In addition, producers must be inspected annually by a third-party certifying organization to ensure that all requirements are met.

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What are the requirements for obtaining a USDA organic certification?

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