How to Get Certified USDA Organic

Select an accredited organic certifying agency. The USDA contracts out with agencies in most states that will inspect a farm along the USDA's organic certification guidelines. A list of all qualified agencies can be found in the Resources section. Contact the agency to have them send you an organic certification application packet.

Write an organic systems plan for your farm. The organic systems plan will be unique to your particular farm and will detail how are planning to meet all USDA organic guidelines. See the Resources section for a detailed overview of the content that you will need to include in an organic systems plan.

Fill out your application packet, which includes paperwork that varies by certifier. To complete your application packet, regardless of which certifying agency you use, you will have to include a copy of your farm's organic systems plan. Return your application packet to the certifier.

Prepare for your inspection. Once you return your application packet to the certifying agency, they will review it for adherence to USDA standards and completeness. If your application is complete, the agency will send an inspector out to your farm to ensure that you are using USDA approved organic growing methods. Review the methods detailed in your organic systems plan prior to the inspector's arrival and do a self-inspection of your farm to ensure that you are following the policies you have outlined in your plan.

Correct any non-compliance. After the inspection, the inspector will return to his agency and review the notes he took. If the inspector noted anything that is not in compliance with USDA standards, he will write you a citation and give you a set amount of time to correct the problem. Mail documentation that you have addressed any issues of non-compliance (for example, photographs or soil test results) to the inspector once you have corrected the issues mentioned in the citation.