Certification News

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Marzo 5, 2024

USDA National Organic Program’s (NOP’s) complaint portal is migrating to a new URL. The old URL will no longer function after March 8, 2024. Please...
Marzo 5, 2024

Como parte de la Regla para el fortalecimiento de la Regulación Orgánica (SOE), los certificados orgánicos del Programa Nacional Orgánico (NOP) del...
Febrero 26, 2024

El Fortalecimiento de la Regulación Orgánica (SOE) del Programa Nacional Orgánico del USDA requiere que todas las importaciones orgánicas a los...
Febrero 20, 2024

Imagen CCOF ha actualizado varias formas del Plan de Sistema Orgánico (OSP) para asegurarse qu
Febrero 5, 2024

La fecha del 19 de marzo de 2024 para el cumplimiento de la regulación para el Fortalecimiento de la Regulación Orgánica está a la vuelta de la...
Febrero 5, 2024

La Regla para el Fortalecimiento de la Regulación Orgánica USDA es un cambio significativo para la comunidad orgánica y CCOF está aquí para ayudarle...
Enero 16, 2024

Imagen La fecha del 19 de marzo de 2024 para el cumplimiento de la regulación para el Fortalec
Enero 10, 2024

El cambio está en el aire  La comunidad orgánica está trabajando diligentemente para cumplir con la nueva Regla de Fortalecimiento de la Regulación...
Noviembre 28, 2023

Imagen Garantizar un acceso equitativo a la certificación orgánica es una prioridad par
Octubre 30, 2023

Jamie Carr, CCOF's new Inspection Operations Director
Septiembre 25, 2023

Mientras la comunidad orgánica se prepara para la fecha límite del 19 de marzo 2024 para la implementación de la regla del Fortalecimiento a la...
Septiembre 18, 2023

¡Es la hora de pasar a la acción!  La Norma del Fortalecimiento a la Regulación Orgánica del USDA NOP está creando un cambio significativo en la...
Agosto 15, 2023

Certified operations play a vital role at every step along the organic supply chain. The organic integrity of the products they produce, handle, or...
Agosto 7, 2023

CCOF ha evaluado algunas aclaraciones con respecto a las regulaciones orgánicas de México, lo cual ha resultado en cambios al Programa de...
Julio 10, 2023

In response to severe winter storms and resulting flooding and storm-related damage in early 2023, the USDA approved a temporary variance...
Julio 3, 2023

We have expanded our handler certification review team to include more Certification Service Specialists so that we can increase service. Now, our...
Junio 20, 2023

La regla del fortalecimiento a la regulación orgánica (SOE por sus siglas en inglés) del Programa Orgánico Nacional del USDA plantea cambios...
Junio 6, 2023

Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rulemaking by the USDA National Organic Program requires that many uncertified operations achieve organic...
Mayo 31, 2023

While many components of the new Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule (SOE) impact operations handling organic products, operations growing organic...
Mayo 12, 2023

La oficina de CCOF permanecerá cerrada por una reunión con todo el personal del 15 al 19 de mayo. La mayor parte del personal no estará disponible y...
Abril 17, 2023

We hope you have had a chance to review CCOF’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement Overview! If not, please do and reach out to us with questions....
Marzo 6, 2023

Canadá y México han firmado un Memorando de Entendimiento que reconoce los dos sistemas regulatorios orgánicos como equivalentes. El acuerdo es la...
Diciembre 19, 2022

CCOF evaluates inspection billing rates periodically to ensure we can provide excellent service, pay our inspectors competitive rates, and keep up...
Diciembre 19, 2022

On December 14, 2022, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) added the following materials to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances...
Octubre 24, 2022

CCOF has received clarification regarding the import of organic products into Mexico. All products with organic claims crossing the border to Mexico...
Octubre 24, 2022

Cada año, las operaciones certificadas deben enviar su contrato de renovación de certificación anual y pagar sus tarifas de certificación para el...
Octubre 3, 2022

Las operaciones que exportan a Canadá desde los Estados Unidos o México se deben inscribir en el programa GMA Canadá de CCOF. Este programa incluye...
Septiembre 27, 2022

CCOF is streamlining our approach to materials that do not contact organic products in processing/handling facilities. This includes equipment...
Septiembre 27, 2022

Gracias a los miembros de CCOF por elegir a CCOF como su certificadora. Esperamos otro año para crecer el movimiento orgánico con usted. En 2019...
Agosto 8, 2022

Effective July 13, 2022, National Organic Program (NOP) import certificates are required for all shipments from India. In addition, TraceNet...
Julio 12, 2022

The 2022 University of California, Davis OIV Wine Marketing Program kicks off next month and runs from July 18 through 22. The program is open to all...
Julio 12, 2022

The USDA has ended the U.S.–India Recognition Arrangement. After July 12, 2022, all imports from India to be represented as organic in the United...
Mayo 2, 2022

On March 23rd, 2022, the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a final rule to add two new substances to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited...
Abril 18, 2022

Searching for the right food safety program? CCOF offers both PrimusGFS and GLOBALG.A.P. services. Keep reading to find out which of CCOF offerings...
Abril 12, 2022

The National Organic Program has officially published the long-awaited Origin of Livestock Final Rule to the Federal Register! This rule has been...
Marzo 29, 2022

On February 28, 2022, the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a final rule to remove the following substances from the National List of Allowed and...
Marzo 28, 2022

Global demand for USDA organic products continues to increase, and the pandemic has only accelerated this trend. As the nation's largest organic...
Marzo 25, 2022

The Policy Team and Certification staff are gearing up for the release of proposed changes to the National Organic Program (NOP). While the official...
Marzo 25, 2022

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) released an official proposed rule for Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). The proposed changes will...
Marzo 21, 2022

Las granjas certificadas orgánicas trabajan duro desde la siembra hasta la cosecha para producir cultivos orgánicos. Con tanta inversión a lo largo...
Febrero 9, 2022

We have increased the number of Handler/Processor Certification Service Specialists (CSSs) to ensure that we can best meet the needs of our certified...
Enero 18, 2022

Despite many industry-wide challenges, CCOF’s certified dairies are demonstrating their strong compliance with organic standards through several...
Enero 10, 2022

CCOF is excited to announce that we are offering the Regenerative Organic Certified™ (ROC™) program in partnership with the Regenerative Organic...
Diciembre 7, 2021

CCOF mantiene sus tarifas competitivas cobrando modestas cuotas administrativas por servicios adicionales, como la adición o transferencia de...
Diciembre 7, 2021

A reminder for operations exporting organic products to Mexico:  Mexico’s import regulation affecting organic exports to Mexico takes effect January...
Noviembre 15, 2021

CCOF is pleased to announce the addition of PrimusGFS to our food safety certification services for the organic sector. Effective immediately, CCOF...
Noviembre 2, 2021

CCOF is now accepting applications from licensed cannabis operations in the state of California for the new OCal comparable-to-organic program.
Noviembre 2, 2021

CCOF is pleased to announce the addition of PrimusGFS to our food safety certification services for the organic sector. Effective immediately, CCOF...
Octubre 4, 2021

CCOF ha actualizado varias formas del Plan del Sistema Orgánico (OSP) de Productor. CCOF recomienda que todos los productores certificados por CCOF...
Septiembre 27, 2021

Gracias a los miembros de CCOF por elegir a CCOF como su certificadora. Esperamos otro año de crecer el movimiento orgánico con usted. ...
Septiembre 21, 2021

By January 1, 2022, all organic products sold in Korea must comply with two new label requirements:
Septiembre 20, 2021

CCOF is now accepting applications from licensed cannabis operations in the state of California for the new OCal comparable-to-organic program. A...
Agosto 16, 2021

CCOF now supports California operations producing cannabis and cannabis manufactured products with a comparable-to-organic program. OCal...
Agosto 16, 2021

If you co-pack products for multiple brands, you may want a limited client profile, which lists only specific brands to protect the identity of the...
Agosto 3, 2021

Effective July 30, 2021, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) State Organic Program (SOP) issued a stop use notice for the...
Julio 26, 2021

On June 25, 2021, the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a final rule to add three substances to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited...
Julio 6, 2021

The Organic Trade Association’s groundbreaking fraud prevention program is getting robust interest from organic businesses as the organic sector...
Julio 6, 2021

The 2021 University of California, Davis OIV Wine Marketing Program kicks off this month from July 19 through 23. Learn from industry experts how to...
Junio 28, 2021

The USDA is ending the U.S.–India Recognition Arrangement. Organic suppliers in India currently certified by APEDA-accredited certifiers must apply...
Junio 28, 2021

In response to requests made by CCOF and other certifiers on behalf of their members experiencing drought, the USDA approved a temporary variance...
Junio 28, 2021

All virtual inspections (inspections with no on-site component) will end July 1. Exceptions may be allowed with authorization from CCOF. Hybrid...
Junio 21, 2021

El 26 de junio de 2021 entra en vigor un reglamento de importación mexicano que afecta a los productos orgánicos. Este reglamento establece que los...
Junio 21, 2021

On June 16, 2021, Mexico’s agriculture secretariat (SADER) extended the deadline for its import regulation affecting organic exports to Mexico. View...
Junio 21, 2021

We are excited to offer 2-day rush service when you need a fast review. Be sure to send the Rush Review Request along with your update. Remember...
Abril 20, 2021

All imported products have some risk of treatment at U.S. borders and ports. Some imported products are at higher risk of being treated upon entry...
Abril 13, 2021

We’ve removed the requirement for a signature on our Inspection Exit Interview Forms. The use of a signature was developed by CCOF, outside of the...
Abril 5, 2021

CCOF has updated multiple handler and processor Organic System Plan (OSP) forms. We encourage all CCOF-certified handlers and processors to use the...
Abril 5, 2021

A recent farmer- and rancher-led climate change solutions report from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) highlights the...
Abril 4, 2021

CCOF has updated multiple handler and processor Organic System Plan (OSP) forms. We encourage all CCOF-certified handlers and processors to use the...
Marzo 31, 2021

Are you wondering what information to send to CCOF, and when to send it? You’re not alone. Read through our FAQ “What types of information should I...
Marzo 22, 2021

In December 2020, state regulators in California and Washington discovered that a fertilizer product that was being packaged and sold in a bundle...
Enero 19, 2021

If your operation is sourcing NOP-certified organic ingredients or products from India, you will need to ensure that your supplier or seller is...
Enero 11, 2021

On December 4, 2020, CCOF published a notification of a statewide quarantine and stop use notice issued by the California Department of Food and...
Enero 11, 2021

As of January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) officially exited the European Union (EU), completing a long transition period known colloquially as "...
Enero 11, 2021

Every year, certified operations are required to submit an annual certification renewal contract and pay certification fees for the next year. In...
Diciembre 15, 2020

Effective January 1, 2021, the one-time administrative fee for adding a new product or service will increase to $100 per item. Each individual...
Diciembre 14, 2020

Thank you for your continued commitment to organic production during these unprecedented times. Due to the ongoing pandemic, some 2020 annual...
Diciembre 4, 2020

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program (FMIP) issued a statewide quarantine and stop use...
Octubre 26, 2020

Every year, certified operations are required to submit an annual certification renewal contract and pay certification fees for the next year. In...
Octubre 26, 2020

Cada año, las operaciones certificadas deben presentar su contrato de renovación de certificación anual y pagar sus tarifas de certificación para el...
Octubre 7, 2020

On November 5, 2020 the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a final rule to allow organic processors to use non-organic tamarind seed gum in...
Septiembre 28, 2020

The USDA recently announced the launch of a hub designed to assist local and regional food producers as USDA and its partners develop, share, and...
Septiembre 21, 2020

Due to ongoing impacts from the west coast wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to accept 2-day Rush requests until further notice. We...
Septiembre 21, 2020

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has released an official proposed rule for Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). The proposed changes are...
Agosto 11, 2020

MyCCOF: Materials Search in Spanish has been improved to include translations for material scopes, classifications, and restrictions. You can access...
Agosto 11, 2020

MyCCOF: La búsqueda de materiales en español ha sido actualizada para incluir traducciones de los alcances, clasificaciones, y restricciones de...
Agosto 4, 2020

The United States and Canada announced the expansion of their organic equivalency arrangements with Japan to include livestock products, effective...
Julio 21, 2020

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the 2018 Farm Bill) legalized hemp and hemp derivatives with <0.3% dry weight THC content....
Junio 29, 2020

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has clarified their import policy for USDA certified organic products traded under the United States-...
Junio 23, 2020

La certificación orgánica es parte integral del sistema agroalimentario, un servicio esencial. Durante una pandemia de salud pública con órdenes...
Junio 16, 2020

The United States and Taiwan have signed a new organic equivalence arrangement, effective May 30, 2020. This equivalency allows USDA National Organic...
Junio 16, 2020

The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration released...
Junio 8, 2020

La FDA ha anunciado cierta flexibilidad temporal en los requisitos de etiquetado debido a la escasez de ingredientes en la cadena de proveedores....
Junio 8, 2020

Organic certification is part of the critical infrastructure of food and agriculture, an essential service. During a public health pandemic with...
Junio 3, 2020

The FDA has announced some temporary flexibility in labeling requirements due to shortages of ingredients in the supply chain. CCOF may also allow...
Junio 2, 2020

Para continuar certificando a nuestros clientes bajo los estándares orgánicos, CCOF está procediendo con las inspecciones orgánicas con...
Junio 2, 2020

To continue to certify clients to the organic standards, CCOF is proceeding with organic inspections with modifications to protect the safety of our...
Junio 2, 2020

As a reminder, as of May 27, 2020, you will notice some changes to terms within MyCCOF. A table of previous terms and their new names is listed below...
Junio 2, 2020

Mientras nos hemos adaptado a nuestro nuevo entorno laboral, nos complace anunciar que podemos nuevamente aceptar solicitudes de revisión urgente de...
Mayo 18, 2020

As the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to create travel restrictions which may impact organic certification, the...
Mayo 18, 2020

CCOF thanks and congratulates John Trinterud for his 19 years as an outstanding organic inspector and mentor. Trinterud, who currently lives with...
Mayo 4, 2020

We know that this is a challenging time for everyone, especially businesses and food producers. Contact your Certification Service Specialist or ...
Mayo 4, 2020

The 2018 Farm Bill called for technological enhancements to improve the ability of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic...
Mayo 4, 2020

As a reminder, starting May 27, 2020, you will notice some changes to terms within MyCCOF. A table of current terms and their new names is listed...
Abril 28, 2020

In CCOF's recent blog post, “We are Essential: Pivoting to Stay Afloat,” Jamie Collins, of Serendipity Farms described a number of innovative ways...
Abril 28, 2020

Starting May 27, 2020, you will notice some changes to terms within MyCCOF. A table of current terms and their new names is listed below. You will...
Abril 28, 2020

Organic certification and food safety certification are part of the critical infrastructure of food and agriculture, an essential service....
Abril 7, 2020

For these and other Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcements and guidance for food producers, please visit the FDA’s webpage on Food Safety...
Abril 7, 2020

The Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA) and the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) are collaborating to develop an industry-wide...
Marzo 24, 2020

Effective today, all CCOF organic inspections occurring in the United States are postponed with the exception of those necessary for new...
Marzo 24, 2020

Review our FAQ on cleaners and sanitizers and the EPA list and search for materials on MyCCOF Materials Search. If you find the material you would...
Marzo 16, 2020

Read the most recent update from March 23, 2020. Estamos llevando un seguimiento activo sobre las novedades de la enfermedad Coronavirus 2019 (COVID...
Marzo 12, 2020

Read the most recent update from March 23, 2020. We are actively monitoring developments with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pivoting as...
Marzo 9, 2020

As of March 1, 2020, only action items that require a direct response are available in MyCCOF Action Item Tracker (Tracker). This change has been...
Enero 13, 2020

As the shortened days and long nights of winter begin to lighten, organic producers are spending time with family, poring over seed catalogs,...
Diciembre 9, 2019

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) released an interim final rule for U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program that became effective October...
Noviembre 4, 2019

The National Organic Program (NOP) section 205.204 requires that producers search for organic strawberry planting stock (i.e., crowns, plugs, etc.)...
Noviembre 4, 2019

To meet service needs and keep up with the cost of doing business, we are making modest adjustments to annual certification fees. The Crop/Livestock...
Octubre 21, 2019

Get yourself or your staff up to speed on maintaining your Organic System Plan (OSP) as quickly as possible with CCOF’s OSP Walk-Through Service....
Octubre 21, 2019

Every year, certified operations are required to submit an annual certification renewal contract and pay certification fees for the next year. In...
Septiembre 3, 2019

Your CCOF organic certificate client profile will now list all facility locations that we inspect as part of your organic certification. For any...
Julio 8, 2019

To ensure continued consumer trust in the integrity of the organic label, CCOF constantly looks for ways to address fraud. One method we began in...
Julio 8, 2019

With the production season getting into full swing, it’s important for organic producers to keep an eye on the food safety ball to ensure all your...
Julio 1, 2019

On April 30, 2019, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service published an amendment to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National...
Junio 6, 2019

Jenny Tucker, the deputy administrator of the USDA National Organic Program, released a policy memo on June 3, 2019 regarding land use history...
Mayo 28, 2019

MyCCOF Action Item Tracker has been updated to improve your experience in the tool. For additional guidance on using Action Item Tracker, please read...
Abril 22, 2019

Dear CCOF Member, Transparency. Respect. The democratic process. We read these values out loud at every CCOF governance meeting, staff meeting,...
Marzo 4, 2019

On December 27, 2018 the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a final rule to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.  The...
Febrero 25, 2019

Hemp has a long history of use in the United States and around the world. However, it has been illegal to grow in the United States for decades...
Enero 28, 2019

The National Organic Program requires that producers search for organic strawberry starts prior to using non-organic starts. CCOF is aware that...
Enero 28, 2019

We have taken the opportunity to reflect on our role and relationship with our certified members as major fires appear to occur more frequently and...
Noviembre 5, 2018

Tarifa Anual de Certificación  Para satisfacer las necesidades de servicio y mantenerse al día con los costos crecientes, estamos haciendo ajustes...
Noviembre 5, 2018

Annual Certification Fees  To meet service needs and keep up with rising costs, we are making minor adjustments to the annual certification fees....
Octubre 23, 2018

In June we learned that Stellar Certification Services—the organic certification arm of the Biodynamic certifier, Demeter USA—would surrender its...
Octubre 23, 2018

Every year, certified operations are required to submit an annual certification renewal contract and pay certification fees for the next year. In...
Octubre 23, 2018

Over the last year, CCOF has worked with importers, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), and others to strengthen the integrity of organic...
Agosto 6, 2018

Many areas of Colorado are facing extreme drought conditions, leading to adverse impacts on the ability to graze livestock. In response to a request...
Julio 16, 2018

The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program is now open for 2018 applications!   You are eligible for a 75 percent reimbursement of your ...
Julio 16, 2018

All members can generate a current Compliance Report in MyCCOF at any time to clarify any outstanding items and deadlines. Now, after two years of...
Julio 16, 2018

Based on member feedback, we have updated the names of several areas of MyCCOF to be more intuitive.   Examples include: “Track a CCOF Supplier...
Julio 2, 2018

To support organic integrity and ensure compliance with the National Organic Standards pasture rule for ruminant animals, CCOF is introducing a new...
Julio 2, 2018

Due to the strict regulations of organic products in Taiwan, National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic exports to Taiwan may be subject to...
Junio 11, 2018

If you process products for a Private Label Owner or use a CCOF Certified Co-Packer to process your certified organic products, take a look at our...
Mayo 29, 2018

CCOF-certified importers should be prepared to provide detailed information during inspections to ensure that they meet the expectations of NOP...
Abril 16, 2018

Has CCOF asked you for information recently? You can save time by responding directly to our request via the MyCCOF tool Action Item Tracker! Read...
Abril 10, 2018

Without the additional oversight provided by the certification process, uncertified handlers are a source of potential fraud in the organic supply...
Abril 10, 2018

As organic operations and the internet have matured, we are now faced with many businesses that have a website or whose entire sales and marketing...
Abril 10, 2018

CCOF recognizes and thanks Dr. Joseph Montecalvo upon his retirement from 24 years of organic inspections. A professor of food science at California...
Febrero 26, 2018

During material re-reviews, CCOF may not be able to determine the status of a material. Often this is because the manufacturer is unresponsive or the...
Febrero 11, 2018

The appearance of MyCCOF has been updated to improve your experience. This includes easier to find buttons for items like your Compliance Report and...
Enero 18, 2018

We are pleased to see CCOF-certified members working together and producing excellent organic products. We are pleased to announce that, in the last...
Enero 18, 2018

Service providers such as nut hullers and coolers are a critical part of the organic supply chain, ensuring that organic producers have certified...
Enero 18, 2018

CCOF spends many hours investigating complaints and following up on residue results from third parties, such as the USDA, the California Department...
Octubre 9, 2017

Effective July 2017, the CCOF Certification Services Program Manual and annual renewal contract has been updated to include the following:
Septiembre 5, 2017

This is advance notification of an update that will print in our next magazine. Additionally, an action item will appear for all potentially affected...
Agosto 7, 2017

Effective August 9, 2017, the fee for adding a new product or service will increase to $75 per item. The fee for use of CCOF’s name and seal on a non...
Julio 17, 2017

The vast majority of CCOF operations are timely and responsive. Unfortunately, some operations fail to respond to minor requests or arrange payment...
Julio 17, 2017

As various states decriminalize or approve both medicinal or recreational cannabis, CCOF Certification Services is frequently asked to help ensure...
Julio 10, 2017

Costco Wholesale has released their updated Produce Food Safety Audit Expectations, and there are changes that will affect the CCOF-certified...
Junio 19, 2017

As part of the ongoing efforts of the European Union (EU) to improve organic integrity, they have implemented a new electronic system for tracking...
Junio 5, 2017

To ensure consumer confidence in organic livestock production, CCOF Certification Services is working with other certifiers, including Oregon Tilth,...
Mayo 22, 2017

  The berry harvest has started in earnest here on the Central Coast, and some distributors and buyers are asking producers for evidence of a...
Mayo 15, 2017

This notice has been replaced by the policy announced on April 19, 2021. Learn more. On May 11, 2017, CCOF Certification Services notified handlers...
Mayo 15, 2017

To all CCOF-certified dairy producers,   We appreciate the incredibly hard work and dedication it takes to operate an organic dairy.    Many of...
Abril 7, 2017

In 2016 the National Organic Program (NOP) issued final guidance 5020 on natural resources, commonly called biodiversity.
Febrero 23, 2017

Los Servicios de Certificación de CCOF (CCOF CS) deben asegurar que cada operación certificada sea inspeccionada al menos anualmente. Con el alto...
Febrero 7, 2017

This year, CCOF is working with clients, the National Organic Program (NOP), and others to improve organic standards in a variety of ways. In...
Enero 23, 2017

Organic import (export) certificates are often required to accompany shipments of organic products to and from nations where the United States...
Enero 23, 2017

Los certificados de importación son un requisito común cuando el Programa Nacional Orgánico (NOP) del USDA tiene un acuerdo de equivalencia de...
Enero 17, 2017

CCOF Certification Services (CCOF CS) must ensure that every certified operation is inspected at least annually. With the high numbers of inspections...
Noviembre 7, 2016

We’re excited to announce that our latest MyCCOF tool, Action Item Tracker (beta) is available for your use today! This new tool gives you direct...
Octubre 17, 2016

Soon MyCCOF will have a revolutionary new tool, available as your home page when you first log in. The new “Dashboard” includes a variety of helpful...
Octubre 5, 2016

To keep up with service needs and rising costs, and to keep to a more regular pattern of smaller increases to fees, we are making minor adjustments...
Octubre 5, 2016

Every year, certified operations are required to submit an annual certification renewal contract and pay certification fees for the next year. In...
Octubre 5, 2016

We work hard to provide all CCOF certified clients with cost effective and timely service. The vast majority of CCOF operations meet organic...
Octubre 5, 2016

CCOF Certification Services is delighted to announce that former employee April Crittenden will return to CCOF as our new director of farm programs...
Octubre 5, 2016

Operations are not always aware of their options and responsibilities when they suspect that contamination or commingling may have occurred at their...
Septiembre 12, 2016

Food safety continues to be a hot topic for consumers and producers alike. The passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and recent release...
Agosto 24, 2016

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the actions it is taking to address a recent federal court ruling that invalidated the...
Mayo 16, 2016

We’re giving MyCCOF a makeover! Get ready for a fresh new look when you log in to MyCCOF on May 25. We’re committed to making your organic...
Abril 6, 2016

In recent years we have seen an increase in the number and complexity of container-based agricultural production systems. These production systems...
Abril 6, 2016

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) OIM program is a registration and approval program that requires fertilizers and other soil...
Enero 15, 2016

CCOF Certification Services has been working hard throughout 2015 to evolve our systems. We’re excited to announce the planned launch of a variety of...
Enero 15, 2016

Updated: April 11, 2016 Field evaluations are required by the National Organic Program (NOP) for all certifiers. As a result, CCOF implemented a...
Enero 15, 2016

The NOP is launching a new database for certified organic operations’ data, called the Organic INTEGRITY Database. The database provides updated...
Enero 15, 2016

Our staff are always excited to see our certified members at the various trade shows and conferences we attend each year. Meeting up at events can be...
Enero 15, 2016

On September 11, 2015 the USDA National Organic Program released a Policy Memo updating the status of electrolyzed water under the USDA NOP...
Noviembre 14, 2015

Are you interested in accessing international markets? The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) recently announced a new initiative to support and...
Octubre 1, 2015

Every year certified operations are required to submit an annual certification renewal contract and pay certification fees for the next year. In...
Octubre 1, 2015

Organic agriculture and processing has continued to grow rapidly throughout 2015, resulting in record-breaking numbers of new operations and new...
Octubre 1, 2015

Farmers, do you send your fruit or other products to coolers or storage where it may be treated with an allowed material such as CO2 (marketed as...
Octubre 1, 2015

To keep up with service needs and rising costs, and to create a more regular pattern of smaller increases to fees, we are adjusting both...
Agosto 31, 2015

El 21 de agosto de 2015, CCOF fue reconocido por el gobierno mexicano como un organismo de certificación aprobado bajo los recientemente...
Agosto 31, 2015

On August 21, 2015, CCOF was recognized by the Mexican government as an approved certification body under the recently implemented Mexican Organic...
Julio 17, 2015

On July 9, 2015, the United States and Switzerland officially signed an organic standards equivalence arrangement, allowing product produced in...
Julio 17, 2015

On January 22, 2014, the National Organic Program (NOP) published guidance 5031 “Certification Requirements for Handling Unpackaged Organic Products...
Julio 17, 2015

CCOF annual certification fees are based on your Organic Production Value (OPV). Feedback from livestock operations, particularly dairies, has...
Julio 17, 2015

CCOF has improved our available sample forms with new online Google templates, found at www.ccof.org/documents. You can also make maintaining...
Julio 17, 2015

Operations are required to update their Organic System Plan (OSP) regarding changes that can affect their compliance, such as new land managed by the...
Julio 17, 2015

We are very pleased to announce that CCOF has significantly upgraded our phone system to better serve you. As a result, all CCOF extensions have...
Mayo 13, 2015

CCOF has recently revised important sections of the CCOF Certification Program Manual. These changes include the following:
Mayo 13, 2015

CCOF’s five-person inspection operations team works together to manage CCOF’s 4,000 inspections annually. Inspection supervisors work with inspectors...
Mayo 13, 2015

CCOF is proud to welcome our newest Associate Inspection Supervisor Jamie Carr to the team! Jamie Carr has worked with CCOF for several years as an...
Mayo 13, 2015

Effective June 1, 2015, CCOF will require that orchards and other crops no longer utilize intensive grazing within 90 days of harvest of a crop where...
Mayo 13, 2015

Did you know that in addition to regional staff located throughout California, CCOF has representatives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Ashville, North...
Mayo 4, 2015

We recently compiled our labeling resources and logo information in to one easy-to-find location. Our new Labeling and Logos page includes key...
Mayo 4, 2015

The Mexican government recently published a notice of proposed extension for full implementation of the Mexican standards. The proposed extension...
Mayo 4, 2015

El gobierno de México recientemente publicó una noticia de propuesta prórroga para la implementación completa de los estándares orgánicos mexicanos....
Mayo 4, 2015

¿No está seguro de cómo mantener sus registros? ¿Está buscando ejemplos o plantillas para registros? Nuestra página de recursos en español contiene...
Abril 21, 2015

To support the needs of CCOF clients who wish to clearly communicate to consumers that organic products are not only non-GMO but also farmed...
Abril 21, 2015

To save you time and money, your Materials List in MyCCOF is now grouped by type of material, instead of only being grouped by scope. This means that...
Abril 21, 2015

We are pleased to introduce Luis Lopez, CCOF’s new representative in Mexico. Lopez is representing CCOF throughout the accreditation and approval...
Abril 21, 2015

Tenemos el placer de presentar a Luis López, el nuevo representante en México de CCOF. Luis está representando a CCOF durante el proceso de...
Abril 21, 2015

¡Con el crecimiento de la comunidad y mercado orgánico, así también crecen los servicios en español de CCOF! Ahora ofrecemos servicios en español...
Abril 21, 2015

As the organic industry grows, so do CCOF’s services in Spanish! We now provide services in Spanish for processor and handler operations. Check out...
Marzo 30, 2015

Not sure what you should keep for your records? Looking for examples and templates of different record keeping documents? CCOF has a page for...
Marzo 23, 2015

Spring has arrived and Farmers’ Market season is ramping up. In preparation for the season CCOF has updated our Farmers’ Market Best Practices...
Febrero 17, 2015

The Chinese organic market continues to grow and demand more diverse organic products, however re-certification to the Chinese organic standard is...
Febrero 9, 2015

Need a new certificate or want to check when your latest OSP update will be completed? MyCCOF is available anytime you need it, and offers various...
Febrero 9, 2015

Your Materials List is now grouped by type of material, instead of only being grouped by scope. For example, all fertilizers will be in one section,...
Febrero 9, 2015

We’re excited to announce the three winners of a free inspection for 2015! Each of these operations will receive one free inspection in 2015:  ...
Enero 5, 2015

CCOF continúa trabajando para obtener la aprobación como una organización de certificación orgánica bajo las nuevas regulaciones de Mexico con Luis...
Enero 5, 2015

CCOF’s work to obtain approval as a certification body under the new Mexican organic standards continues with the selection of CCOF local...
Octubre 20, 2014

Read this post in English. Cada año, usted está obligado a presentar el contrato anual de continuación de certificación y pagar su cuota de...
Octubre 20, 2014

Información en Español Every year, you are required to submit the annual Continuation of Certification contract and pay your certification fee. In...
Octubre 14, 2014

CCOF is diligently working to meet the needs of CCOF clients in Mexico and those who sell products to Mexico. Mexico’s organic standards are moving...
Octubre 14, 2014

On August 14, 2014, the National Organic Program (NOP) published instruction 4012 “Use of Brand or Company Names Containing the Word ‘Organic’.” This...
Octubre 13, 2014

On April 25, 2014 the National Organic Program released a proposed guidance document regarding Substances Used in Postharvest Handling of Organic...
Septiembre 11, 2014

The Organic Trade Association (OTA), a membership-based association with the mission to promote and protect organic trade, recently launched an...
Agosto 25, 2014

NOP requirements state that all certified operations must maintain detailed records. These records must fully disclose all activities and...
Julio 28, 2014

Many CCOF operations submit add acreage information to CCOF immediately prior to harvest or during inspection. It’s never too early to add...
Julio 14, 2014

Deciding what materials are allowed and not allowed, and what restrictions might apply can be a difficult and daunting task. CCOF understands this,...
Julio 14, 2014

One of the key challenges for organic farmers and processors is ensuring that your practices comply with NOP requirements. CCOF understands this...
Julio 7, 2014

As of July 1, 2014 organic processed products certified in the United States or Korea can now be exported and labeled as organic in either country....
Junio 26, 2014

Many CCOF operations are enrolled in a program they do not need. CCOF is saving 600+ operations $125 each during the 2015 renewal by processing this...
Junio 26, 2014

CCOF has recently revised important sections of the CCOF Certification Program Manual. These changes include the following:
Junio 26, 2014

As described in our blog post “CCOF Focused on Moving Organic Forward”, CCOF will be expanding GMO testing within the Periodic Residue Testing...
Junio 26, 2014

Did you know that all certified CCOF operations remain certified until their certification is formally withdrawn, suspended, or revoked? Did you know...
Junio 23, 2014

The Chinese market is proving to be a challenging one for U.S. organic produce to enter. Chinese consumers are demanding more U.S. organic product,...
Junio 16, 2014

On Friday, June 13, the National Organic Program announced that the Agricultural Marketing Service and Korea are finalizing an equivalency...
Junio 2, 2014

Final guidance regarding products in the “Made with Organic***” category was finalized May 2, 2014. The guidance addresses a variety of labeling...
Junio 2, 2014

Did you know CCOF’s own farmers’ market best practices guidelines are a great resource for addressing labeling, signage, and other practices at...
Junio 2, 2014

The Chinese standard does not allow equivalence agreements with other countries for organic products, meaning U.S. operations wishing to send their...
Abril 10, 2014

Updated May 14, 2014: On February 13, 2014, the National Organic Program (NOP) released Instruction Document 4009: Who Needs to be Certified, and...
Abril 8, 2014

U.S.–Japan Equivalency Agreement Effective January 1, 2014 The U.S.–Japan Equivalency Agreement is now effective! Organic products certified in...
Abril 8, 2014

The CCOF materials revolution continued in January 2014 with a bold new offering free for all CCOF-certified members.
Enero 22, 2014

We at CCOF are concerned about the potential effects of the current severe drought on organic livestock operations in California and elsewhere. To...
Enero 15, 2014

As concerns about Asian citrus psyllid have increased, we are making an effort to update our process for addressing mandated applications of...
Enero 8, 2014

En Español - Finalización de los Acuerdos Orgánicos de Mexico.
Enero 8, 2014

After several years with no changes, we are modifying our inspection fees to keep up with rising costs and ensure excellent service. Effective...
Noviembre 6, 2013

The USDA has published Final Rules that, effective November 3, 2013, update the USDA organic regulations. These three changes are about materials...
Octubre 18, 2013

After at least two extensions for processed organic products entering Korea, it has become clear that the Korean government will enforce its...
Octubre 18, 2013

Great News! Just recently, the USDA National Organic Program and the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (MAFF) signed a bilateral...
Octubre 18, 2013

We have made some substantial changes to our Certification Services Program Manual. These changes affect all CCOF clients, and you will be asked on...
Octubre 7, 2013

For most operations, your onsite CCOF inspection is one day out of the year. We know that this day can be stressful and takes your focus away from...
Octubre 7, 2013

Food Safety Certification for Your Organic Operation Many farmers and processors are already being asked to be certified to food safety standards by...
Julio 11, 2013

Food safety continues to be a hot topic for consumers and producers alike. The passing of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and recent release...
Julio 11, 2013

On February 28, 2013, the National Organic Program (NOP) issued Guidance Document NOP 5029, "Seeds, Annual Seedlings, and Planting Stock in Organic...
Junio 14, 2013

In the last six months CCOF has been in an ongoing dialogue with the National Organic Program (NOP) and USDA about issues we see in the certification...
Marzo 14, 2013

UPDATE: THIS IS AN UPDATE TO THE VERSION PUBLISHED IN OUR E-NEWSLETTER ON 3/11/13 On February 28, the NOP issued a final guidance on Seeds, Annual...
Enero 28, 2013

In October 2012 CCOF notified clients that all package labels for organic products must state "Certified Organic by CCOF" BELOW the name and contact...
Enero 23, 2013

Recently, the NOP issued final rules and instructions to certifiers that provide important improvements to certification and require certifiers to...
Enero 23, 2013

In an effort to improve our materials we have revised all CCOF program and standards manuals. In particular, all clients are strongly encouraged to...
Diciembre 11, 2012

CCOF now offers extended services to any client who chooses to enroll in the Extended Services Program. We offer a suite of additional services...
Diciembre 11, 2012

Every year, you are required to submit the annual Continuation of Certification contract and pay your certification fee. In mid-November, we will...
Diciembre 11, 2012

Drought conditions across the United States have had serious impacts on organic livestock producers, both in terms of the ability to graze on...
Diciembre 11, 2012

Sodium (Chilean) nitrate is currently allowed for use only so long as it is not more than 20% of the crops total nitrogen needs. This material is...
Diciembre 11, 2012

Earlier this year, the National Organic Program published a final rule renewing over 200 listings on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited...
Diciembre 11, 2012

2012 has been a year of change for the export regulations between the U.S. and the EU for organic products. In 2012, the EU and U.S. signed an...
Diciembre 11, 2012

On June 12, 2012, the TTB announced that a copy of the organic certificate is no longer required to accompany any Certificate of Label Approval (...
Diciembre 11, 2012

A recently released NOP notice may require you to take action! Please review the labeling changes carefully and contact us at ccof@ccof.org or (831)...
Agosto 6, 2012

This image appears in the CCOF Certification Program Manual. It helps you understand the certification process and what to expect each year. While we...
Agosto 6, 2012

One of the most common sources of frustration for certified operations is being issued Notices of Noncompliance for minor paperwork issues, such as...
Agosto 6, 2012

Did you know that every time you send an update or request to CCOF, we create an inbox item, assign it a due date, and track how quickly it’s...
Agosto 6, 2012

CCOF is scanning all client files and eliminating our use of paper records. Our client files equate to a length of more than two football fields and...
Agosto 6, 2012

Too often in the certification process we don’t get the opportunity to tell you how much all of us at CCOF appreciate your hard work producing...
Abril 26, 2012

Improvements for Materials Tracking and Approvals Continue: We have heard loud and clear that one of our clients’ biggest frustrations with the...
Abril 26, 2012

Please be aware that effective March 5, 2012, CCOF has modified “CCOF Manual One: A Guide to CCOF Certification” to more clearly define “clients” and...
Abril 26, 2012

CCOF EU Standards and GMA Program Webinar: April 19, 2012. Learn about the new agreement, market opportunities, how to save time and money within the...
Abril 18, 2012

To serve client needs and ensure the resources needed to provide timely service, CCOF has implemented new Rush Review services for OSP updates,...
Abril 18, 2012

The National Organic Program (NOP) recently announced an important clarification to the use of chlorine in organic production systems. This may...
Abril 18, 2012

Over the last year, CCOF has created computerized records for all inputs used by our clients. These records allow us to improve organization and...
Abril 18, 2012

Quebec recently announced that effective January 1, 2012, it will adopt the Canadian Organic Standards and harmonize labeling requirements between...
Abril 18, 2012

In the last several months CCOF has worked with our clients, other certifiers, and the National Organic Program to improve our approach to the U.S.-...
Abril 18, 2012

Two new documents have been created to help CCOF clients understand the certification process. What to Expect After Your Inspection: Clarifies the...
Abril 18, 2012

In the spring 2011 issue of Certified Organic we discussed new instructions from the NOP regarding the release of noncompliance information and...
Abril 13, 2012

CCOF was formally listed in the Official Journal for the European Union as an Equivalent Certifier on December 6, 2011. Under this listing, effective...
Abril 13, 2012

More Money Available for Certification Cost Share! CCOF is excited to announce that the 2012 Certification Cost Share Program, which will cover 75...