What are the requirements for obtaining a USDA organic certification?

To obtain USDA organic certification in Washington, there are several requirements that must be met. In order to be certified, the farm must produce or handle organic agricultural products and have an organic system plan. The organic system plan outlines the practices and procedures the farm or business will use to produce and handle organic products. This plan must be reviewed and approved by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. The farm or business must also follow all applicable federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to food safety and organic production. In addition, the farm must develop a system for preventing contamination of organic products with non-organic items. This is referred to as the “Organic System Plan.” Once the farm has developed the Organic System Plan and received approval from the certifying agent, the farm must be inspected to ensure that all organic production requirements are met. The farm must also be able to provide documentation of organic production and handling practices, such as organic seed purchases, organic feed and fertilizer purchases, organic pest control products, and organic harvest and storage practices. After all of the requirements are met, the farm receives the certification. The certification must be renewed every year and each year the farm must be inspected to ensure the continued use of organic production and handling practices. Once certified, the farm is then eligible to receive USDA organic seal labeling and sell organic products at market.

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