Frequently Asked Questions

Organic is a labeling term for food or other agricultural products that have been produced according to the USDA organic standards. Producers and handlers must meet these standards to use the word “organic” or the USDA organic seal on food, feed, or fiber. The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) maintains and enforces the organic standards and accredits organic certifying agents. These certifiers inspect organic farms and certify individual farms and businesses.

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Any person or business who produces or handles agricultural products is eligible. Just about any agricultural product can be certified organic: crops, livestock, livestock products, processed products, and wild crops. Farms and businesses can produce and handle exclusively organic products, or both organic and non-organic products. Any farm, ranch, or business in the United States can apply for organic certification. Farms and businesses outside of the United States may also be eligible for USDA organic certification.

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Before you can use land to raise organic products, you must stop applying inputs like fertilizers and pesticides that are prohibited in organic production and handling. To complete your transition to organic, your farm or ranch cannot have used any of these substances in the last three years. Some lands, such as fallow or pasture lands, may be certified more quickly if you can show that at least three years have passed since prohibited substances were last used on the land.

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Organic certification costs vary and are often on a sliding scale, based on the size of the operation. Total fees range from a few hundred for small, simple operations to several thousand dollars for larger, more complex operations. Arizona TOPP will provide financial assistance to transitioning producers in the mentorship program. Additionally, USDA offers financial assistance through their Organic Certification Cost Share Program.

The entire certification process varies. It typically takes around 6 months but can take longer depending on the timing of your application and the growing season. The entire certification process must be completed before products can be sold as organic.

Your farm, ranch, or business will be inspected each year to make sure you continue to comply with the organic standards. You may also receive an unannounced inspection at any time.