Steps to Certification
Your certification body will guide you through the process.
1
Research
Producer needs to research organic production methods, organic standards, and the certification process. Thought is given to the organic plan and rotation for fields. Learn more.
2
Contact a certifying Body (CB)
Producer should contact certification bodies to inquire about their services and pricing. Producer chooses a certifying body. Visit our transition resources page for a list of certifiers.
3
Application Package
CB sends application package to producer. Producer fills out the application package and organic management plan to the best of their ability. Usually a retainer fee needs to be sent with the package. Learn more.
4
Preliminary evaluation
CB will review the application package and follow up if any other information is required or if there are any issues that need to be resolved.
5
Inspection
The CB will contract an organic inspector to conduct an on-farm inspection and produce an inspection report. Learn more.
6
Inspection Report
CB reviews the inspection report submitted by the inspector. CB determines if the producer is in compliance with the Canada Organic Standards. Producer will be contacted if any additional information is required or if there are any non-compliances that need to be remedied.
7
Certification Status
CB notifies producer of their certification status.
8
Organic Certificate
Producer receives organic certificate. Each year, the producer has to apply to re-certify and go through the annual inspection. Learn more.
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Record Keeping
Maintaining organic certification requires regular record keeping. This includes sales records, storage and harvest records, seed search affidavits, and more. Learn more.