Organic Program
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The Shasta County Department of Agriculture is a vital link in maintaining the integrity of organic food production, handling, processing and sales.
The federal National Organic Program (NOP) addresses the methods, practices, and substances used in producing and handling crops, livestock, and processed agricultural products. The requirements apply to the way the product is created, not only to the product itself. Any organic production site, processing or handling operation that intends to sell an agricultural product as organic must adhere to the National Organic Standards.
In California, the marketing of organic products begins with REGISTRATION with the Agricultural Commissioner in the county of principle production prior to the first sale of organic product.
Producers of raw organic products must be able to affirm that no prohibited materials have been applied to the growing grounds and plants for three years prior to registration, or used in the production of livestock prior to the last trimester of gestation.
Handlers and processors of organic products must conform to organic handling practices such as protecting organic products from contact with prohibited substances and preventing the commingling of organic with non-organic products.
Registration is straightforward and fees start at $25.00 for annual registration renewal.
Operations that sell less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products are exempted from third party certification (see below) and preparing an organic system plan, but they must operate in compliance with NOP regulations. They may label products as organic.
Operations that sell more than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products are required to operate under an organic system plan approved by an accredited certifying agent. A list of accredited certifiers may be viewed at the National Organic Program website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop.
Click here for information about Organic Registration.
Organic Links
- State of California Organic Website
- National Organic Program (NOP)
- Accredited Certifying Agents
- Organic Materials Review Institute
- Organic Trade Association
- Organic Farming Research Foundation
- Post Harvest Information
- Small Farm Center
- Sustainable Ag Research & Education Program
- Alternative Farming Systems Information