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?
The Communicator: Spring 2024 Edition
A new issue of OCIA International's quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, is available now! You can access the English PDF HERE, and the Spanish PDF HERE. Both versions are also readable below.Spring Communicator -- EnglishSpring...
OCIA Research and Education awards scholarships and grants
OCIA Research and Education awards first round of 2024 scholarships and grants for those working with organic and sustainable agriculture.
The Communicator: Spring 2024 Edition
A new issue of OCIA International's quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, is available now! You can access the English PDF HERE, and the Spanish PDF HERE. Both versions are also readable below.Spring Communicator -- EnglishSpring...
The Communicator: Spring 2024 Edition
A new issue of OCIA International's quarterly newsletter, The Communicator, is available now! You can access the English PDF HERE, and the Spanish PDF HERE. Both versions are also readable below.Spring Communicator -- EnglishSpring...
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...
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.
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.
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.
Randy Mosel: chapter support aids organic transition
The loss of his dairy cows led Randy Mosel to transition his operation to organic. “My cows were fed a TMR containing homegrown alfalfa, corn silage, ground corn, and earlage,” Mosel recalled. At the time, Mosel treated his fields with synthetic inputs to control pests and weeds.
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.
Contact us today! -- OCIA Contact Form
OCIA International main contact form.