• Introduction
• List of certified operations
• The organic certification process
• Forms
• Standards - USDA NOP Rule
• Organic Certification Handbook
• NOP Seal
• Fee Schedule and Scale of Sanctions

The organic certification process

For a flow chart of the organic certification process, click here.

The path to organic certification:

1. Contact us for information. We can answer any questions you may have and send you an application packet. You can also download the necessary forms from our website by visiting the Organic Forms page.
2. Send in your completed application (remember to keep a copy for your records). To begin the certification process, you will need to submit the following:
   • Payment
   • Annual agreement
   • Organic questionnaire
   • Any supporting documentation
3. After your application is reviewed by the office staff and found to be complete, it will be sent to your inspector. Your inspector will contact you to schedule the inspection.
4. Both you and MCIA will receive a copy of the Inspection Report. The organic committee will review your file. You will be notified of their findings.
5. If there are major noncompliance issues that must be corrected before certification can occur, you will be given the opportunity to address them.
6. Once your file has been reviewed and accepted by the organic committee, a contract and bill will be sent to you. You need to sign the contract and return it to the office along with any payment due.
7. Within a week of receiving your payment and signed contract, we will issue your organic certificate and add you to our list of certified operations! At this point, you are considered officially certified organic.