Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic agricultural products.

In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, including seed suppliers, farmers, [food] processors, retailers and restaurants. Requirements vary from country to country, and generally involve a set of production standards for growing, storage, processing, packaging and shipping that include:

no human sewage sludge fertilizer used in cultivation of plants or feed of animals[1] avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs not on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (e.g. fertilizer, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc.), genetically modified organisms, irradiation, and the use of biosolids; use of farmland that has been free from prohibited synthetic chemicals for a number of years (often, three or more); keeping detailed written production and sales records (audit trail); maintaining strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products; undergoing periodic on-site inspections.

In some countries, certification is overseen by the government, and commercial use of the term organic is legally restricted. Certified organic producers are also subject to the same agricultural, food safety and other government regulationsthat apply to non-certified producers.

Purpose of certification Organic certification addresses a growing worldwide demand for organic food. It is intended to assure quality and prevent fraud, and to promote commerce. While such certification was not necessary in the early days of the organic movement, when small farmers would sell their produce directly atfarmers' markets, as organics have grown in popularity, more and more consumers are purchasing organic food through traditional channels, such as supermarkets. As such, consumers must rely on third-party regulatory certification. For organic producers, certification identifies suppliers of products approved for use in certified operations. For consumers, "certified organic" serves as a product assurance, similar to "low fat", "100% whole wheat", or "no artificial preservatives".

Certification is essentially aimed at regulating and facilitating the sale of organic products to consumers. Individual certification bodies have their own service marks, which can act as branding to consumersa certifier may promote the high consumer recognition value of its logo as a marketing advantage to producers

More Nutritious?

Organic foods are certainly not more nutritious [12]. The nutrient content of plants is determined primarily by heredity.

Safer? Pesticides level is minimal

Special Healing Powers? Many offbeat practitioners recommend organically grown foods as part of their alleged treatment regimens.

Better for the Environment? Many buyers of "organic" foods believe that the extra money they pay will ultimately benefit the environment by encouraging more farmers to use "organic" method

Is Organic Certification Required for Retail Operations? Retailers who sell organic goods are not required to obtain organic certification. National Organic Program (NOP) standards considers retailers, including retail food establishments, exempt from certification, even if they sell organic agricultural products.

Exemption from certification does not mean exempt from responsibility. According to NOP policy, retailers who sell organic goods are still 100% responsible for verifying and maintaining the organic integrity of those products. While certification is not required by law, a retailer may apply for voluntarily organic certification. Currently there are no set standards for retailer certification in place, so voluntary organic certification can be tricky business. Many organic advocates believe that specific and clear regulations for retailers must be developed as soon as possible. However, until that time, retailers who are interested in voluntary certification should speak with their local accredited certifying agent.

there is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic sealon the label or some form of copy boasting that the product is 100 percent organic or made with organic ingredients. But what's behind the label? How do products become certified organic? In 2002, the USDA established standards for organic products. Meeting these standards is the core of the organic certification process -- a process producers must complete before labeling a product as organic. The standards apply regardless of whether the product is from the United States or another country. USDA-approved state, non-profit and private agencies called certifiers enforce standards. The USDA's standards require that farmers produce organic foods with methods that maximize soil health, conserve water and reduce air pollution. Certified organic farms cannot use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or hormones. But farmers aren't the only ones who must comply with organic standards. Companies that process and handle organic foods and products must meet government rules to become certified. This makes the entire process from planting, to processing, to delivering certified organic. Restaurants and supermarkets that serve and sell organic products are not required to have organic certification. 1. Do Organic Handlers Need to be Certified Organic? All organic handlers who handle operations, or portions of operations, that produce or handle agricultural products that are going to be labeled and sold as "100 percent organic," "organic," or "made with organic ingredients" must be certified by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Handlers who sell less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products are not required to be officially certified, but they still must abide by organic policy in order to label products as organic.

2. Do You Have to be Certified Organic to Handle Packaged Organic Goods? Handlers who handle organic pre-packaged organic products do not need to be certified organic. For example, a handler may acts as a go-between for an organic packer and retailer, getting bagged carrots from farm to store. This type of handler, who handles only pre-packaged carrots, wouldn't have to be certified. Organic product must remain packaged if handled by a non-certified party. Handlers must also prevent the product from coming into contact with prohibited substances under the NOP National List.

3. If a Label Says "Made With Organic Ingredients" is Certification Required? If you process or handle a food product that is labeled with the term, "Made With Organic Ingredients then the product must be certified organic. Without USDA organic certification, food products cannot claim any sort of organic relationship.

4. What Cleaners and Pest Controls Can be Used in a Certified Organic Facility? A certified organic facility, or a facility that handles organic products partially must adhere to strict cleaning and pest control methods. The Generic Materials and Brand Name Products Lists from the Organic Materials Review Institute and the National List, discuss cleaners andpest controls that can and cannot be used around organic products. In general, organic products must not be exposed to forbidden substances and you should clean with organic cleaning products that meet NOP organic requirements. Before creating a facility cleaning plan make sure your plan suits both NOP regulations and local health and safety codes.

As a farmer, retailer or other business, gaining USDA organic certification status is a savvy and ethical business move. However, it's not enough to simply claim "organic." You must make sure that your product is carrying the certified USDA Organic Seal.

Am I Eligible for USDA Organic Certification? The best way to find out if your farm or product is eligible for USDA organic certification is to contact a reputable organic certifying agent. An organic certification agent is an agent who is accredited by the National Organic Program (NOP). Choosing the right organic certification agent is a big deal as your agent will help you with the planning process, inspect your product and in the end, license you to use the term "organic" to sell your product

How to Apply for USDA Organic Certification If you've taken the time and initiative to ensure that your processing or distribution process is truly organic, then the actual process of gaining USDA organic certification is fairly straightforward. While variations apply due to specific circumstances, USDA organic certification can normally be divided into three phases. Organic certification includes the application process, the company and product inspection and certification. 1. The Application Process: If you're planning tomarket your product as "organic" you must get certified by a National Organic Program (NOP) accredited agent. First choose your organic certification agent. Obtain and fill out your agent's application forms and turn them in. After the agent reviews your application and decides that you're in compliance with NOP regulations and standards, your agent will schedule a site inspection. 2. The Inspection: A reputable organic certification agent will always schedule an on-site visit to inspect your organic production and handling site. The inspection is conducted in order to ensure that your application information is truthful and accurate. Your inspector will need to see your operations and will want to verify that zero prohibited substances have come into contact with your product.

Before the inspection ends, your inspector will conduct an exit-interview with you. During the exit interview, the inspector will inform you about concerns or problems and answer any questions you may have. 3. Certification: After your inspection takes place, your inspector will write a report based on his or her findings. The report, applicant file and exit interview are again reviewed to ensure National Organic Program (NOP) compliance. If your organic certification agent has zero concerns and all fees have been paid, you'll be allowed to label your product or company as USDA Certified Organic. If there are minor concerns you may be certified if you agree to solve the concerns within an appropriate timeframe. If your agent feels that you are not fully NOP compliant you won't be certified until you make the necessary changes to become NOP compliant. How Long Does Organic Certification Last? Your organic certification will remain valid indefinitely if there are no problems. The only way your certification will end is if you voluntarily surrender certification or if your certification is suspended or revoked by the certifying agent, the State Organic Program's governing State official, or the Administrator for violation of the Act or NOP regulations.

Organic Certification Agencies in India FoodCert India Pvt. Ltd. Address: Plot No.452, Panchavati Colony, Road No.10, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500 034 Phone: 91 40 23313547, 23310013 Fax: 91 40 23313048 Email: foodcert@foodcert.in, srihari@foodcert.in Website: www.foodcert.in

Vedic Organic Certification Agency Address: Plot No. 54, Ushodaya Enclave, Mythrinagar, Miyanagar, Hyderabad 500 050 Andhra Pradesh, India Contact Person: Dr. M. Usha Mobile: 91 9290450666, Phone: 91 40 65276784, Fax: 91 40 23045338 Email: voca_org@yahoo.com; info@vediccertification.com Website: http://www.vediccertification.com/

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