ORGANIC CERTIFICATION IN ILLINOIS
John Masiunas, Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, and Andy Larson
University of Illinois, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
Organic production and markets are rapidly expanding. For example, the market research
firm Datamonitor projects organic sales in the United States to reach $30.7 billion by
2007. Farmers interested in producing products they intend to market using the Organic
label need to be certified. The purpose of this FACT sheet is to provide information on
certification in Illinois.
Organic Farming
The National Organic Program (NOP) Final Rule defines “organic farming” as an
agricultural production system that responds to site-specific conditions by integrating
cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote
ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. The NOP goes on to establish the legal
requirements for organic certification and is the national standard for certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I certify?
Certification depends first on your commitment to meeting the requirements of the NOP
and to organic farming. Secondly, what are the requirements of your markets and the
expectations of your buyers? Most wholesale markets and processors require
certification. Certification is required if you want to use the terms “organic”, “100
percent organic,” or “made with organic ingredients” and the USDA organic seal.
Producers who market less than $5000 worth of organic products are not required to
become certified but you must still adhere to the federal standards for organic production,
product labeling and handling, including keeping appropriate records, and you cannot use
the USDA seal.
What is the certification process?
Organic certification is the process in which a third party organic certifying agent
accredited by the USDA, determines that you meet established operating guidelines know
as organic standards. One part of these standards is that you have not used prohibited
products for 36 months prior to harvest of an organic crop. If you conform to those
standards and pass inspection, you can receive certification by the agent and can use the
USDA logo and the term “organic” to market your products as certified organic.
The first step in certification is to choose and contact a certifying agent and request a
copy of the certifiers’ organic standards and an application packet. The packet will
contain an organic farm plan questionnaire that needs to be completed. It will include
farm maps along with crop and input histories. The certifier reviews your organic farm
plan to be certain that it is complete and meets NOP organic standards. Once the farm
plan is complete, an organic inspector inspects all relevant areas of your farm. The
inspector determines if you are operating according to your organic plan and that it is in
compliance with organic standards. The inspector then submits a detailed report to the
certifying agency. The organic farm plan and inspection report are reviewed by a
certifier and a decision is made on whether or not to grant certification. If certification is
granted, you can market products as organic and use the seal of the certifier and the
USDA’s organic seal.
How do I choose a “certification agent”?
Illinois does not have a state organic certification program, instead certification is
through private organizations. The NOP must accredit these organizations because the
certifier's work is an extension of the federal government, licensing producers to use the
term “organic.” As of October 15, 2003 the NOP has accredited 88 certification agencies
with 53 of those agencies based in the U.S. However, not all certifying agents operate in
all regions.
When choosing a specific organization, you should consider several factors:
-- Consider the organization’s willingness and ability to answer questions about their
certification program. The NOP rules require that the organization provide this
information, but be aware that certifying organizations cannot give advice or consultation
on specific practices or products.
-- Ask the agency about its history in certifying your kind of enterprise. You want an
agency that understands the problems that your type of farming enterprise may encounter.
-- Consult area organic farmers on the certifying agents that they are using and their
experiences in certifying.
-- Consider the certifier’s stability as a business. You want to use a certifying agency that
has experience and will exist next year. Find out if the agency has memberships in
organizations such as the Organic Trade Association and the Organic Materials Review
Institute.
-- Ask questions such as does the agency provide any additional certification services
(e.g. Kosher)? How well do your markets recognize the certifier’s logo? What are the
needs of your buyers? Some buyers may prefer a specific certifying agent. Does the
agency have additional accreditation (besides that required by NOP) by international
certification organizations such as the International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements (http://www.ifoam.org)? This additional accreditation of your certification
agency can be important if you are planning to market internationally.
-- Consider the costs of certification.
How much does it cost to certify?
Fees charged for certification depend on the certifying agent, the size and complexity of
the farm, and the cost of inspection. The fees generally include a fee for the application
packet, general certification fees, and inspection fees. Fees can either be based on annual
organic sales or number of acres to be certified. Larger size operations may have to pay a
percentage (0.1 to 0.5%) of sales. The cost of inspection partially depends on how far an
inspector has to travel. Inspection fees can vary considerably beginning at a low of
approximately $175. Get a clear explanation of the fee structure when choosing a
certifier. The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service estimates fees for
certification to be $300 to $800 per year.
The 2002 federal farm bill set aside funds for a certification cost-share program. It
allows federal cost-share of 75% of the cost of certification, with a maximum payment of
$500. Contact Bob Reese, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Marketing and
Promotion (Tel: 217 782 6775; Email: breese@agr.state.il.us) for information.
Certifiers Operating in Illinois
Several organic certifying organizations or agents operate in Illinois, including:
Nanette Rambo
Certified Organic, Inc.
500 First Street
Keosauqua, IA 52565
Tel: 866-581-6428
Email: certifiedorg@netins.net
Web: http://www.certifiedorginc.org
Betty J. Kananen
Global Organic Alliance
P.O. Box 530
Bellefontaine, OH 43311-0530
Tel: 937-593-1232
Email:globalorganicalliance@hughes.net
Web: http://www.goa-online.org
Cissy Bowman
Indiana Certified Organic
8364 S. SR39
Clayton, IN 46118
Tel: 317-539-4317
Fax: 317-539-2739
Email: icoinfo@earthlink.net
Web: http://www.indianacertifiedorganic.com
Rochelle Bosche
International Certification Services
301 5th Street SE
Medina, ND 58467
Tel: 701-486-3578
Fax: 701-486-3580
Email:
Web: http://ics-intl.com
David Engel, Executive Director
Midwest Organic Services Assoc. Inc.
P.O. Box 821
Viroqua, WI 54665
Tel: 608-637-2526
Fax: 608-637-7032
Email: mosa@mosaorganic.org
Web: http://mosaorganic.org
Karen Kinstetter
Organic Crop Improvement Assoc.
Illinois #1 and Wisconsin #2
N5364 Hemlock Lane
Kewanee, WI 54216
Tel: 920-388-4369
Email: kkinstetter@itol.com
Web: http://www.ocia.org
Resources for Certification
There are numerous websites with information on certification. Each certifying agent has
a website that you should visit. Other useful sites include:
USDA National Organic Program
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/
Midwest Organic and Sustainable
Education Service (MOSES)
http://www.mosesorganic.org
Appropriate Technology Transfer for
Rural Areas (ATTRA)
http://www.attra.ncat.org