Organic production and markets are rapidly expanding.  For example, the market research firm Datamonitor projects organic sales in the United States to reach $30.7 billion by 2007.  Farmers interested in producing products they intend to market using the Organic label need to be certified.  The purpose of this FACT sheet is to provide information on certification in Illinois.

Organic Farming

The National Organic Program (NOP) Final Rule defines “organic farming” as an agricultural production system that responds to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.  The NOP goes on to establish the legal requirements for organic certification and is the national standard for certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I certify?

Certification depends first on your commitment to meeting the requirements of the NOP and to organic farming.  Secondly, what are the requirements of your markets and the expectations of your buyers?  Most wholesale markets and processors require certification.  Certification is required if you want to use the terms “organic”, “100 percent organic,” or “made with organic ingredients” and the USDA organic seal.  Producers who market less than $5000 worth of organic products are not required to become certified but you must still adhere to the federal standards for organic production, product labeling and handling, including keeping appropriate records, and you cannot use the USDA seal.

What is the certification process?

Organic certification is the process in which a third party organic certifying agent accredited by the USDA, determines that you meet established operating guidelines know as organic standards. One part of these standards is that you have not used prohibited products for 36 months prior to harvest of an organic crop.  If you conform to those standards and pass inspection, you can receive certification by the agent and can use the USDA logo and the term “organic” to market your products as certified organic.

The first step in certification is to choose and contact a certifying agent and request a copy of the certifiers’ organic standards and an application packet.  The packet will contain an organic farm plan questionnaire that needs to be completed.  It will include farm maps along with crop and input histories.  The certifier reviews your organic farm plan to be certain that it is complete and meets NOP organic standards.  Once the farm plan is complete, an organic inspector inspects all relevant areas of your farm.  The inspector determines if you are operating according to your organic plan and that it is in compliance with organic standards.  The inspector then submits a detailed report to the certifying agency.  The organic farm plan and inspection report are reviewed by a certifier and a decision is made on whether or not to grant certification.  If certification is granted, you can market products as organic and use the seal of the certifier and the USDA’s organic seal.

How do I choose a “certification agent”?

Illinois does not have a state organic certification program, instead certification is through private organizations.  The NOP must accredit these organizations because the certifier's work is an extension of the federal government, licensing producers to use the term “organic.”  As of October 15, 2003 the NOP has accredited 88 certification agencies with 53 of those agencies based in the U.S.  However, not all certifying agents operate in all regions.

When choosing a specific organization, you should consider several factors:

-- Consider the organization’s willingness and ability to answer questions about their certification program.  The NOP rules require that the organization provide this information, but be aware that certifying organizations cannot give advice or consultation on specific practices or products. 

-- Ask the agency about its history in certifying your kind of enterprise.  You want an agency that understands the problems that your type of farming enterprise may encounter. 

-- Consult area organic farmers on the certifying agents that they are using and their experiences in certifying. 

-- Consider the certifier’s stability as a business.  You want to use a certifying agency that has experience and will exist next year.  Find out if the agency has memberships in organizations such as the Organic Trade Association and the Organic Materials Review Institute.

-- Ask questions such as does the agency provide any additional certification services (e.g. Kosher)?  How well do your markets recognize the certifier’s logo?  What are the needs of your buyers?  Some buyers may prefer a specific certifying agent.  Does the agency have additional accreditation (besides that required by NOP) by international certification organizations such as the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (http://www.ifoam.org)?  This additional accreditation of your certification agency can be important if you are planning to market internationally. 

-- Consider the costs of certification.

How much does it cost to certify?

Fees charged for certification depend on the certifying agent, the size and complexity of the farm, and the cost of inspection.  The fees generally include a fee for the application packet, general certification fees, and inspection fees.  Fees can either be based on annual organic sales or number of acres to be certified.  Larger size operations may have to pay a percentage (0.1 to 0.5%) of sales.  The cost of inspection partially depends on how far an inspector has to travel.  Inspection fees can vary considerably beginning at a low of approximately $175.  Get a clear explanation of the fee structure when choosing a certifier.  The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service estimates fees for certification to be $300 to $800 per year.

The 2002 federal farm bill set aside funds for a certification cost-share program.  It allows federal cost-share of 75% of the cost of certification, with a maximum payment of $500.  Contact Kent McFarland, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Marketing and Promotion (Tel: 217-524-9131; Email: kmcfarland@agr.state.il.us) for information.

Certifiers Operating in Illinois

Several organic certifying organizations or agents operate in Illinois, including:

Nanette Rambo                                                            Betty J. Kananen

Certified Organic, Inc.                                    Global Organic Alliance

P.O. Box 1664                                                             P.O. Box 530

Fairfield, IA 52556                                                     Bellefontaine, OH

Tel: 866-581-6428                                                      Tel: 937-593-1232

Email: certifiedorg@netins.net                                   Email: kananen@logan.net

Web: http://www.certifiedorganic.org                        Web: http://www.goa-online.org

Cissy Bowman                                                            Rochelle Bosche

Indiana Certified Organic                                            International Certification Services

8364 S. SR39                                                              301 5th Ave. SE

Clayton, IN 46118                                                       Medina, ND 58467

Tel: 317-539-4317                                                      Tel: 701-486-3578

Fax: 317-539-4319                                                     Fax: 701-486-3580

Email: cvof@iquest.net                                               Email:  rochelle@ics-intl.com

Web: http://members.iquest.net/~cvof/ico/                 Web: http://ics-intl.com

David Engel, Executive Director                                Jon Klingenberg

Midwest Organic Services Assoc. Inc.                       Organic Crop Improvement Assoc.

P.O. Box 344                                                               Illinois Chapter

Viroqua, WI 54665                                                     13138 Witt Ave.

Tel: 608-637-2526                                                      Butler, IL 62015

Fax: 608-637-7032                                                     Tel: 217-594-7356

Email: mosa@mosaorganic.org                                  Email: klingenberg@consolidated.net

Web: http://mosaorganic.org                                       Web: http://www.ocia.org

 Resources for Certification

There are numerous websites with information on certification.  Each certifying agent has a website that you should visit.  Other useful sites include:

USDA National Organic Program                               Appropriate Technology Transfer for

http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/                                   Rural Areas (ATTRA)

                                                                                    http://www.attra.ncat.org

Midwest Organic and Sustainable

Education Service (MOSES)

http://www.mosesorganic.org

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