Organic Certification Program

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s Organic Certification Program is an accredited certifying agent of the USDA’s National Organic Program. ISDA has been serving the state’s organic community since 1990, when the Idaho legislatures passed the Organic Food Products Law (Title 22, Chapter 11, Idaho Code). In 2002, ISDA became one of the nation’s first accredited certifying agencies. Today we certify over 270 operations.

According to the USDA, organic is a labeling term that indicates that an agricultural product has been produced by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Use of sewage sludge, irradiation, genetic engineering, and most synthetic fertilizers or pesticides is prohibited.

Organic certification (PDF) verifies that your farm or handling facility located anywhere in the world complies with the USDA organic regulations and allows you to sell, label, and represent your products as organic. These regulations describe the specific standards required for you to use the word “organic” or the USDA organic seal on food, feed, or fiber products.

1. Contact the ISDA to speak with one of our staff about your operation and to check on certification availability.  208-332-8680. You may be put on a wait-list and invited to apply later in the year.
2. ISDA will send you an estimate and more information about the certification process.
3. Click on the scope(s) of certification you wish to pursue (crop, livestock, or handler/processor) to find the applicable forms.
4. Once you receive an invitation to apply, submit an Application, Organic System Plan(s), and application fee.
5. The application materials are reviewed by ISDA.
6. An on-site inspection is scheduled and conducted.
7. Inspection report and supporting documents are reviewed by ISDA.
8. Decision of certification is made.

Becoming certified organic helps farmers:

• Receive premium prices for their products
• Access local, regional, and international markets
• Protect natural resources
• Support local economies
• Access additional funding and technical assistance programs

(per USDA NOP webpage)

• Application Fee is based on annual gross organic sales.
• Inspection Fee is based on the inspector’s time and travel.
  • Rate: $50.00 per hour and $0.625 per mile; or the cost of a contract inspector.

Please contact the ISDA for a customized fee estimate. On average, operations receive their organic certificates within three months of applying.

Notice: Repeal/Discontinuation of Idaho Organic Registration for Operations with Annual Sales of Less Than $5,000 in Gross Organic Sales pursuant to 7CFR Part §205.101

The following ISDA Organic Logos are only for use by entities that are certified organic by ISDA and want to affix a logo to their label(s) in accordance with 7 CFR §205.303 and §205.304.

ISDA - Certified Organic Logo

• • Color
  • Black and White
  • 2007 ISDA Certified Organic Logo

Idaho's diverse landscape and innovative people produce a wide variety of high-quality organic crops and livestock. The USDA Organic Integrity Database will assist you in locating organic products, producers, and handlers that provide the quality and service for which Idaho is known. In addition, the National Organic Program maintains a list of certified organic operations located throughout the world.

USDA Organic Integrity Database

At this time ISDA is only utilizing staff inspectors. However, in the future this may change. Please check back each year to see if ISDA has changed its practices.

USDA Organic Cost Share is administered by local USDA FSA Offices in Idaho.

Here's a link to that agency's website for USDA Organic Cost Share

Locate your local FSA office at the following link:  FSA Service Center Locator

If you need a receipt or another item from ISDA as your certifying agent, please send an email to ISDA at organics@isda.idaho.gov with your producer name, and the cost share period you need documentation for.