Washington State Organic Standards Feed for Chickens
WSDA Organic Program
What is organic?
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 allows a farm or processing facility to sell, label, and represent their products with an organic claim.
The National Organic Program (NOP) is a regulatory program housed within the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The NOP is responsible for developing national standards for organically-produced agricultural products. These standards assure consumers that products with an organic claim meet consistent, uniform requirements. In order to sell, label, or represent products as organic, operations must follow all of the specifications set out by the USDA organic regulations, including being certified by a USDA accredited certification agency.
WSDA Organic Program
WSDA Organic Program is accredited as a certification agent by USDA. As a certification agent of the National Organic Program, WSDA Organic Program's role is to inspect and certify organic operations; verifying that they are meeting the requirements of USDA organic standards. WSDA strives to provide quality services to our stake holders: the certified operations we work with, new applicants considering organic certification, the manufacturers that provide compliant input materials, and the consumers that support the organic industry.
Organic Cost Share Program
We are pleased to announce the availability of organic cost share funding for Washington State businesses. Apply today and don't miss out on this opportunity to receive a refund of your annual certification fees. Please read this section carefully as the process for applying for a cost share reimbursement has changed compared to last year.
What is the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)?
The OCCSP is part of the US Farm Bill. The program reimburses certified operations for up to 50% of their annual certification fees, with a maximum of $500 per certification scope. For this cost share cycle, refunds are available for qualifying fees paid between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022.
What scopes and fees qualify for cost share?
Certified operations are eligible for up to a $500 refund per certification scope. Certification scopes include: crop, livestock, wild crop, and processing or handling. The following WSDA Organic Certification fees qualify for a cost share refund: new application fee, renewal application fee, annual inspection fee, site application fees, land assessment fees, new product fees, new scope fees. Late fees and fees for additional inspections to determine compliance are not eligible for reimbursement.
What is WSDA's role?
The OCCSP is administered by USDA but the funds are released to State Departments of Agriculture, such as WSDA, and local FSA offices to distribute. As your certifier and a State Agency, WSDA is in a unique position to both calculate your eligible fees and process your refund, making the process as simple as possible. Please note, WSDA has received funds to reimburse Washington State businesses. If you are certified by WSDA but your business is located in another state you should contact either your state department of agriculture or your local FSA office for instructions on how to apply.
How do I apply?
The application process is quick and simple. Follow the instructions in the Cost Share Application Form. A separate form must be completed for each certification number seeking reimbursement. Applications will be prioritized in the order received. We strongly encourage you to apply by email to avoid potential delays. The deadline for applications is Novemeber 15, 2022. Any applicants must have a valid Statewide Vendor Number before applying for reimbursement.
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program is in place to support organic businesses like yours and we look forward processing your application and refund. If you have questions please feel free to email or call our office. You can also find additional information on USDA's website.
Limited Ability to Accept New Applications
WSDA Organic Program is currently experiencing staff shortages. To allow our resources to catch up with the demand for services, WSDA Organic Program is limiting the number of new applications for certification. Effective May 15, 2021 and continuing through 2022, we are unable to accept new company applications for organic certification.
Exceptions may be possible if:
- You are an existing WSDA organic operation, looking to expand the scope of your certification or add a new auxiliary business, or
- You are a new applicant purchasing or transferring ownership of an existing or recently certified WSDA organic operation.
If you believe one of these exceptions applies to your business, please contact us to determine if we are able to accept your new application.
WSDA continues to welcome organic or transitional site applications, product applications, or any other updates from existing certified operations.
Need to locate another USDA certifier?
To find another USDA accredited certification agency that may be able to assist your business, visit USDA's certifier database.
Does my business need organic certification?
All crops or products that are sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be certified unless the operation is exempt or excluded from certification.
Examples of exempt and excluded operations include:
- Operations that gross less than $5,000 annually from organic products.
- Retail food establishments.
- Handlers that produce products with less than 70% organic ingredients.
- Handlers that produce products with organic claims limited to the information panel, or ingredient list only.
Check out USDA's factsheet Do I Need To Be Certified Organic? to for more details about what activities require certification and what activities are exempt from certification. Our Labeling Crops at Farmers Markets also provides helpful information on the differences in claims allowed by certified producers compared to claims by an exempt farm.
WSDA Organic Program is Hiring
WSDA Organic Program is looking to hire new organic inspectors and reviewers.
Inspectors
Organic inspectors are regionally located throughout the state and are responsible for on-site inspections of organic businesses. During an on-site inspection an inspector will make observations, conduct interviews, audit records, and collect samples. After the on-site inspection an inspector will compile their observations and evidence into a detailed report which is submitted to the organic program for review. Inspectors do not provide consultation services and are not responsible for making certification decisions. Priority is given to inspector applicants currently located in Central or Eastern Washington and those willing to relocate to Central or Eastern Washington.
Reviewers
Organic reviewers are located throughout the state, either in our main Olympia office or remotely at home offices. Reviewers are responsible for making the final certification decisions. They review the information collected by the inspector along with application materials and supplemental information submitted by the organic business. Reviewers are responsible for ensuring organic businesses comply with the organic standards and working with them to correct any identified non-compliances.
All positions offer
- Competitive salary, benefits, and retirement
- Flexibility in schedules and paid time off
- Training & profession development opportunities
Ideal qualifications
- Degree involving major study in agriculture, food science, or related field
- Two years of professional level experience in organic certification, crop production, or post harvest handling and processing
- Demonstrated knowledge of agricultural production and handling methods
- Proven record of excellent communication skills - verbally and in writing
- International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) certification in Crops or Handling, or ability to complete certification within first year
- Bilingual Spanish/English speakers are highly encouraged to apply
More information
If you would like more information, or are interested in applying for either an inspector or reviewer position, please send an email to Brenda Book, WSDA Organic Program Manager, at bbook@agr.wa.gov.
Forms and other Resources
For your convenience, WSDA Organic Program maintains a webpage that includes all of the forms and applications necessary to apply for an maintain your organic certification. Additionally WSDA Organic Program, has compiled a collection of factsheets, guides, and other resources which we consider to be useful for both potential new applicants and currently certified businesses.
Source: https://agr.wa.gov/organic
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