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What is the Organic System Plan (OSP)?

The organic certification application is called an Organic System Plan (OSP). A complete OSP is required by the National Organic Program (NOP). The OSP is a detailed description of the practices and procedures used by your operation to produce organic goods. Operations must update their OSP as changes occur.

CCOF has developed a straightforward, comprehensive OSP as part of our organic certification application. The OSP leads you through the organic standards, and addresses common production questions and concerns.

What is the renewal process?

CCOF Organic Certification Renewal occurs every year in January. Clients are sent an Annual Renewal Contract and an invoice for the annual certification program fees in November, which are both due January 1 of the following year.

The Annual Certification Renewal Contract requires the following information to be submitted to CCOF:

What MUST be on my certified organic product label?

Each organic ingredient must be identified as "Organic" on the ingredient statement of products labeled as "Organic," or "Made with Organic (specified ingredients)."

The certifying agent must be identified by name ("California Certified Organic Farmers" or “CCOF”) on the information panel, beneath the name of the handler or distributor, and preceded by the statement, "Certified organic by...", or a similar phrase.

For more details visit our labeling and logos page!

 

What non-organic ingredients can I use in my product labeled “Made with Organic (specific ingredients)?”

Products labeled “Made with organic…” may contain up to 30% non-organic ingredients. Non-organic ingredients must either be agricultural or on section 205.605 of the National List.

What non-organic ingredients/materials can I use in or on my organic processed product?

The National List is the definitive source for allowed materials. However, several agencies and organizations create comprehensive lists of brand name products and ingredients that may be used in organic processing. Among them are the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. All materials must be approved by CCOF before use.

What resources are available regarding GMOs and organic production?

You can find wealth of resources about these topics from both the USDA National Organic Program and CCOF’s strategic partner, the Organic Trade Association, on our Organic is Non-GMO & More page.

What resources are available to help me with my certification and recordkeeping?

Recordkeeping and organization are important aspects of certification, so we've created helpful documents and sample forms to assist our clients with these challenges.

What standards does CCOF certify to?

CCOF is proud to offer a variety of certifications and verifications to our clients, including USDA National Organic Program (NOP) (7 CFR Part 205) certification for growers, livestock, handler/processors, retailers, etc.

CCOF also provides certification to the Canadian Organic Regime (COR) standards for operations located in Canada, and international market verification and certification for various foreign markets. Visit out our International Programs pages for additional information!

What type of changes require an update to my California State Organic Program (SOP) registration?

An amendment to an existing registration is required when an operation has one or more of the following changes to their registration:

What types of information should I send to CCOF?

This list details the most common situations that require you to send information or documentation to CCOF, and what type of information you'll need to send. Read through this list and contact your Certification Service Specialist with additional questions. 
 
I want to change something in my Organic System Plan (OSP), what should I send?
Update your OSP forms and send them to CCOF for review and approval.  Your current OSP is always visible on MyCCOF, www.ccof.org/myccof.

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2155 Delaware Avenue, Suite 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
T: (831) 423-2263  |  F: (831) 423-4528  |  ccof@ccof.org