News & Research
Stay up-to-date on the latest from OCIA International, our operators, and the organic industry.News: Updates from the Organic Industry
We’ve compiled the latest news from the organic industry to help you stay up-to-date on industry innovations and regulatory updates.
The USDA National Organic Program Recently recognized OCIA International for our work in Organic Certification, awarding us the 2024 National Program Director’s Award
Organic Certifiers Recognized for Quality Data and Collaboration The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) recognized the work of accredited organic certifiers with awards for extraordinary support of the National Organic Standards. The awards were presented at the...
The Communicator: Winter 2024 Edition
The Winter 2024 issue of OCIA’s quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, is now available in English and Spanish.
2024 Annual General Membership Meeting
2024 AGMM to be held in Council Bluffs, Iowa OCIA International’s 2024 Annual General Membership Meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn & Suites at Ameristar February 7-8 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The two-day event will provide OCIA operators opportunities to...
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...
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.
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.
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.