How to Apply

Those interested in pursuing organic certification should first contact the ISDA Organic Program to get more information, check program capacity, and to receive an estimate for certification. Once this process has been completed, interested operations are welcome to apply for organic certification during our open registration period from November 1 – February 28. First time applicants must submit an application, application fee, and a complete Organic System Plan (OSP) for Handlers and Processors (including an Organic Product Profile for each multi-ingredient product handled or produced).

Once certified, continuing applicants must submit an application, application fee, and an updated Organic System Plan each year by their anniversary/renewal date. Renewal packets are also mailed out by the end of February each year to operations currently certified organic by the ISDA.

All of the necessary documents are available below. If you wish to apply for organic certification for crops or livestock production, please visit the applicable page(s).

Please contact us for further questions or to request printed copies. 

Application Materials

Application for Organic CertificationPDFDOC
Organic System Plan for Handlers (OSP)PDFDOC
Organic Product Profile (OPP)PDF
Private Label ApplicationPDFDOC

Supplemental Materials

Handler Inspection ChecklistDOC
OSP – Slaughterhouse SupplementPDFDOC
OSP – Supplier List SupplementPDFDOC
Private Label Arrangement FormPDFDOC
Material Review Request FormPDFDOC
Handling Non-Organic Input Ingredient DeclarationPDFDOC

USDA Guide for Organic Processors

This publication is intended primarily as a guide for farmers who wish to add value to their organic crops through processing.

USDA Organic Recordkeeping

Guides, Templates, and Other Resources

USDA Labeling Organic Products

This page provides an overview of key requirements and the various labeling categories allowed under the USDA organic regulations.