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?
Organic Eye recognizes OCIA as certifier upholding the Highest Ethical Standard
Organic Eye publishes "Take Back the Organic Farming Movement". Recognizing OCIA as a certifier Upholding the Highest Ethical Standards. Click below to read the article from Organic Eye Organic Eye
OCIA AGMM Sponsor Opportunities
OCIA International strives to provide transitioning and experienced organic operators with the resources they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive and complex industry. As a non-profit, member-run organization, our goal is to provide our operators with an...
The Communicator: Fall 2024 Edition
The Summer 2024 issue of OCIA’s quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, is now available in English and Spanish.
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.
A First-Generation Farmer Perspective: Alan Wilson
First-generation farmer Alan Wilson shares his experiences and growth as the first person in his family to explore organic farming.
Putting Health First: Askegaard Organic Farm
For couple Mike and Barb Askegaard of Askegaard Organic Farm, organic farming provided a way to balance health in all aspects of their lives- their family, their customers, and the environment. “We decided to certify as organic because we saw the negative effects...
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.
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.
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OCIA International main contact form.