What are the criteria for organic certification?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 80 countries have developed national organic standards, requiring producers to follow specific rules for certification. This process is a rigorous, holistic approach to farming that verifies agricultural products are produced without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms, but what are the criteria for organic certification specifically?

Quick Summary

Organic certification requires adherence to strict guidelines covering production methods, prohibited inputs, animal welfare, and traceability. The process involves creating a comprehensive plan, undergoing site inspections, and maintaining detailed records to ensure compliance with national standards.

Key Points

Comprehensive Plan: Operations must submit a detailed Organic System Plan (OSP) to a certifying agent, outlining all practices, inputs, and procedures used.
Chemical Avoidance: Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and routine antibiotics are strictly prohibited in organic production.
Conversion Period: Farmland must undergo a multi-year transition (typically three years) where no prohibited substances are applied before organic crops can be harvested.
Rigorous Inspections: Annual on-site inspections and thorough record-keeping audits are mandatory for maintaining certification by an accredited certifying agent.
Animal Welfare: Organic livestock standards mandate access to pasture, organic feed, and humane living conditions tailored to the species.
Traceability: Products must be traceable from the field or animal's origin to the final sale to prevent commingling with non-organic items.
Labeling Compliance: Specific labeling requirements depend on the percentage of organic ingredients, with higher percentages allowing for stronger marketing claims and seals.

The Foundational Principles of Organic Agriculture

Organic agriculture is a holistic system promoting ecosystem health. Guided by principles like Health, Ecology, Fairness, and Care, it emphasizes regenerative and sustainable practices rather than just avoiding synthetic chemicals.

The Certification Process Step-by-Step

Obtaining organic certification is a rigorous process ensuring compliance with national and international standards. It involves planning, inspection, and documentation.

1. Develop an Organic System Plan (OSP)

The OSP is a key document detailing an operation's practices, input use, record-keeping, and methods for improving soil fertility.

2. Complete the Conversion Period

A transition period is necessary before certification. For crops, this is typically three years after prohibited substances were last used. Livestock have varying conversion periods based on species and product type.

3. Undergo Inspection and Audit

Following OSP approval, an annual on-site inspection verifies practices against the plan and standards. Inspectors review records, observe operations, and may collect samples for testing.

4. Maintain Detailed Records

Thorough record-keeping is vital for maintaining certification. Operators must document activities, inputs, harvests, and sales to ensure traceability.

Criteria for Organic Crop Production

Organic crop guidelines prioritize ecological balance and soil health.

Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient Management

Practices like crop rotation and cover crops maintain soil organic matter. Approved natural materials like compost are used instead of synthetic fertilizers.

Prohibited Substances

Synthetic fertilizers and most synthetic pesticides are prohibited, as are GMOs.

Pest, Weed, and Disease Management

Primary control methods are biological, mechanical, and physical. Permitted natural substances are used only when necessary.

Criteria for Organic Livestock Production

Standards focus on animal welfare, health, and outdoor access.

Organic Feed and Living Conditions

Animals must receive 100% certified organic feed and have access to pasture and shelter.

Health Care Practices

Preventative care is emphasized. Antibiotics for growth promotion or routine prevention are prohibited.

Criteria for Organic Processing and Handling

Specific rules prevent contamination and maintain organic integrity during processing.

Preventing Commingling and Contamination

Strict procedures separate organic and non-certified products. Equipment must be cleaned thoroughly.

Approved Ingredients and Additives

Approved ingredients and processing aids, such as those on the USDA's National List, must be used. Products must be labeled according to organic content.

Comparison of Major Organic Standards

Organic standards vary globally. Here's a look at USDA and EU regulations.


Aspect	USDA Organic	EU Organic
Governing Body	USDA's National Organic Program (NOP)	European Commission, governed by Regulation (EU) 2018/848
Labeling (%)	"100% Organic," "Organic" (95%+), "Made with Organic" (70%+)	Uses the "Euro-leaf" logo; products must meet EU standard
Antibiotic Use	Prohibited in livestock production.	Prohibited for routine prevention; requires a double withdrawal period if used.
Origin of Animals	Strict rules for sourcing organic livestock from birth or specific transition periods.	Also has stringent rules on the origin and breeding stock for organic animals.
Flavoring	Rules restrict non-organic flavors, requiring organic alternatives when commercially available.	Restricted to natural flavors originating from ingredients already mentioned in the product name.
Import Rules	Requires certification by a USDA-accredited agent, or an equivalency agreement.	Requires certification by EU-recognized bodies, or an equivalency agreement.

Conclusion

Meeting organic certification criteria demands a comprehensive shift in practices and a commitment to health, ecology, fairness, and care. This process, involving OSPs, conversion periods, and inspections, results in certified products that build consumer trust and support a sustainable food system. Certification is a testament to an operator’s commitment to sustainable, regenerative agriculture and a legally protected guarantee for consumers. For more information, visit the USDA National Organic Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

An OSP is a detailed, written document required for organic certification that describes all the practices, materials, and procedures used in an operation to comply with organic standards.

Yes, certification can cover specific crops, livestock, or processed products. However, the certifying agent must be aware of the entire operation to ensure no cross-contamination occurs.

The conversion period is typically three years, during which no prohibited substances can be applied to the land. For some products like perennials or specific pasture, the period can differ.

No. Organic farms can only use approved natural fertilizers, such as compost and green manure. The use of synthetic fertilizers is strictly prohibited.

The routine, preventative use of antibiotics is prohibited. Animals must be treated if they become sick, but the waiting period before products can be sold as organic is extended or the animal is removed from organic production entirely, depending on the specific standard.

In the US, "100% Organic" means the product contains only organically produced ingredients. "Organic" (with the seal) means it contains at least 95% organic ingredients, while "Made with Organic" contains at least 70%.

For most producers in regulated markets, using the term "organic" on a product label is a legal claim that requires mandatory third-party certification. Only small-scale producers with minimal organic sales may be exempt from the certification requirement, but they must still follow organic standards.