Certifying organizations active in California
The University of California cannot verify
all claims made by the certification organizations.
303 Potrero Street, Suite 51, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Telephone: (408) 423-2263 FAX: (408) 423-4528
Contact person: Diane Bowen, Executive Director
CCOF was formed in 1973 to define, develop and
promote
ecological farming practices, organic production and certification
standards
on which distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers could rely.
CCOF is a non-profit association of member growers from
California-based
operations. CCOF also represents its membership in developing public
policy
and public education concerning organic agriculture and industry
standards.
CCOF certifies some processors of organic foods.
CCOF requires that growers keep written records of
production
practices and inputs and submit to field inspections on a yearly basis.
In addition, farm specific membership, inspection and assessments fees
are levied on a yearly basis. Membership and inspection fees are based
on the number of parcels and whether or not the operation is totally
organic.
Assessments are 0.5% of the total gross sales of products sold as
organic.
CCOF will perform pesticide residue tests when indicated or necessary.
Farm Verified Organic, Inc. (FVO)
RR #1, Box 40A, Medina, North Dakota 58467
Telephone: (701) 486-3578 FAX: (701) 486-3580
Contact person: Annie Kirschenmann, Program Manager
FVO currently provides inspection, certification and
educational
services for those in organic agriculture and industry worldwide. Two
types
of certification services are offered: 1) certification of handlers and
processors, and 2) certification of licensees that contract with
organic
growers for the purchase and subsequent marketing of the organic
product.
The relationship between growers and licensees is unique among
certification
agencies. Under a new Cottage Industry Program, small farm and
processing
operations can become FVO licensed and hold their own certification.
The
organization can assist growers with technical information through
their
advisory services and also has a certification management program. FVO
is a for profit corporation working towards becoming a cooperative.
Growers must keep written records on production
practices
and inputs, and participate in farm inspections on a yearly basis.
Inspection
fees apply and under the regular licensing program are the
responsibility
of the licensee. The grower may or may not be expected to share a
portion
of this cost with the licensee. Under the Cottage Industry Program,
growers
are responsible for all fees. In addition, all licensed parties must
pay
a percentage of their actual net sales to FVO. FVO will perform
pesticide
residue tests when indicated or necessary.
3185 Township Road 179, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Telephone: (513) 592-4983 FAX: (513) 593-3831
Contact person: Betty Kananen, Administrative
Director
OR
OCIA-California
Box 200, Ballico, CA 95303 Telephone: (209) 632-6424
Contact person: Bill Reichle
OCIA is farmer-owned and operated with domestic and
international
chapters. Its strict "audit trail" can track product from the
retail shelf back to the field in which it was grown. While OCIA
International
certifies processors and handlers as well as farmers, membership in
OCIA-California,
the California Chapter, is limited to farmers. OCIA is a non-profit
organization.
Growers must keep written documentation of all
production
practices and inputs each year. Yearly farm inspections are mandatory.
Flat fees are levied on a yearly basis for membership and
certification.
Inspection fees also apply and vary depending on farm size and the
complexity
of the operation. In addition, growers using the OCIA trademark are
assessed
0.5% of the total gross sales of OCIA certified product. OCIA will
perform
pesticide residue tests when indicated or necessary.
Organic Growers and Buyers
Association (OGBA)
1405 Silver Lake Road, New Brighton, MN 55112
Telephone: (612) 636-7933 FAX: (612) 636-4135
Contact person: Sue Cristan
OGBA is a corporate non-profit membership
organization
whose original goal was to provide a market link between organic
growers
and buyers for their mutual benefit. While this is still a priority,
OGBA
has expanded to include organic certification and education for
producers,
food handlers and processors of organic commodities throughout the US.
Growers must keep detailed records for production
practices
and inputs each year. Also, yearly farm inspections are required. Soil
tests must be performed at least once every three years. Basic
certification
and inspection fees apply. Inspection fees are dependent on the
operation's
complexity.
Quality Assurance International (QAI)
12526 High Bluff Drive, Site 300, San Diego, CA 92130
Telephone: (619) 792-3531 FAX: (619) 755-8348
Contact person: Griffith McLellan, Director
QAI is an independent for profit organization
dedicated
to documenting the authenticity of organically grown and processed
foods
through certification to meet state and national standards. To be
certified
organic, QAI requires that growers demonstrate an ability to farm
sustainably
using ecologically sound practices while maintaining economic
viability.
Processors must also demonstrate an ability to maintain product
integrity
for all foods grown organically before becoming certified organic with
QAI. QAI certifies those in organic agriculture and industry in the
Western
Hemisphere.
Growers must document all activities relating to the
production
of organic commodities including production practices and material
inputs.
Yearly farm inspections are mandatory. Annual fees are based on the
size
and characteristics of the operation. QAI will perform pesticide
residue
tests when indicated or necessary.
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) NutriClean Organic
Certification
Program
The Ordway Building, One Kaiser Plaza, Suite 901,
Oakland,
CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 832-1415 Fax: (510) 832-0359
Contact person: Eric Engbeck, Director
The Nutriclean Organic Certification Program is
administered
by SCS, a for profit organization that certifies organic producers and
processors worldwide.
Growers must participate in yearly farm inspections
and
keep detailed records of all production practices and inputs. Soil
tests
must be performed annually. NutriClean certification also prohibits the
use of some botanical pesticides. In addition, the company requires
routine
pesticide residue analyses in excess of state and federal law.
Certification
fees are dependent on farm size and characteristics.
