
OCIA International is one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most trusted organic certification agencies. OCIA International is a member owned non-profit committed to environmentally sound stewardship. Whether your operation specializes in production, processing, or handling, we provide the highest quality organic certification services. And others agree. The Cornucopia Institute has consistently rated OCIA International as an exemplary certifier—the highest qualification possible.
Got questions? We've got answers.
What’s new at OCIA?
Challenges in the Organic Certification Process
Transitioning a conventional operation to organic can at times feel like a daunting task filled with insurmountable obstacles. While it’s easy to become discouraged, many of the challenges associated with organic certification can be overcome with planning, ingenuity, and perseverance.
Mother Parkers: Organic Production Aligns with Values
Mother Parkers’ values paired with their customers’ interest in organic products made obtaining organic certification a logical step. The process did come with challenges, however. For Mother Parkers, which markets their products in Canada and the US, understanding equivalency agreements between the countries presented challenges.
USDA Launches Import Certificate Module in Organic INTEGRITY Database
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has expanded the functionality of its Organic INTEGRITY Database (INTEGRITY) by launching a new import certificate module. This new module augments the Trade Partner module, launched in May 2023, and is the second of two recent...
OPERATOR SPOTLIGHT
Every operator’s path to organic certification is different. Learn more about the different paths to organic certification in our “Operator Spotlight” series.
Mother Parkers: Organic Production Aligns with Values
Mother Parkers’ values paired with their customers’ interest in organic products made obtaining organic certification a logical step. The process did come with challenges, however. For Mother Parkers, which markets their products in Canada and the US, understanding equivalency agreements between the countries presented challenges.
10,000 Acres: Kollasch Family Transitions Large Operation to Organic
Matt Kollasch and his father were operating a 10,000-acre conventional farm when they made the decision to transition to organic. The cost of operating conventionally had become unsustainable.
Randy Mosel: chapter support aids organic transition
The loss of his dairy cows led Randy Mosel to transition his operation to organic. “My cows were fed a TMR containing homegrown alfalfa, corn silage, ground corn, and earlage,” Mosel recalled. At the time, Mosel treated his fields with synthetic inputs to control pests and weeds.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about organic agriculture, certification, and OCIA International.
Challenges in the Organic Certification Process
Transitioning a conventional operation to organic can at times feel like a daunting task filled with insurmountable obstacles. While it’s easy to become discouraged, many of the challenges associated with organic certification can be overcome with planning, ingenuity, and perseverance.
Frequently Asked: What is Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)?
The USDA will implement Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) on March 19, 2024. The new regulations will impact all segments of the organic industry. This post addresses common SOE questions.
The Organic Certification Process
All operators seeking initial organic certification must complete a similar six step process regardless of which certification agency they partner with. This process ensures that organic operators remain in compliance with organic regulations and helps maintain the integrity of the organic supply chain.
Let's Connect!
We want to hear from you, regardless of where you are in your organic certification journey.Complete the contact form below, and an OCIA International representative will contact you within two business days.
Ready to begin your transition to organic?
If you’ve already begun the certification process and have a specific question, feel free to reach out to your certification coordinator directly, or call us at +1 (402) 477-2323.
Contact us today! -- OCIA Contact Form
OCIA International main contact form.