Finding a Certifier

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) decides which farms and businesses meet organic standards by doing on-site inspections. However, the NOP cannot handle all the inspections itself so it works with selected organizations that make certifying inspections in their own geographic areas. Most USDA-accredited certifier are allowed to certify farms and businesses anywhere in the world. Farmers, ranchers, and processors may choose to work with any USDA-accredited certifying agent.

In Utah, most certifying is done by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. In addition, there are several non-profit organizations that work with the USDA that also have authorization to certify farmers in Utah, including:

• California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
• Oregon Tilth
• Organic Certifiers, Inc.
• Where Food Comes From Organic (WFCFO)
• Washington State Department of Agriculture

When choosing an organic certifying agent, you may want to consider their individual fee structures and their location relative to your farm or business. The USDA hosts the Organic INTEGITY Database where you can look up a certifier nearest to you. The database is updated regularly by the NOP and its accredited certifying agents. It provides the most accurate information about accredited certifying agents.