Complete List of Organic Certification Agency in California with Contact Details(25+ Agencies)
December 31, 2024
No Comments
Sanjeet Kumar
9:56 am
In California, there are many agencies that help farmers get organic certification. This is important because it shows that their products are grown without harmful chemicals. So, if you’re curious about how this works, let’s explore some of these certifying agencies together!
Choosing the right organic certifying agency is an important step for anyone interested in organic farming or selling organic products. This decision can shape how consumers view your products and can affect your business’s success. Let’s look at the list of available options.
California Organic certifying agency listed on USDA-Organic Integrity Database
[ASCO] Agricultural Services Certified Organic
[ASCO] Agricultural Services Certified Organic – Agricultural Services Certified Organic (ASCO) helps farms and businesses get certified as organic. They are accredited by the USDA, which means they follow strict rules to ensure that products labeled as organic are truly organic. ASCO supports clients by offering education and guidance throughout the certification process. They also advocate for better organic farming laws to help the whole community. With over 100 years of combined experience, ASCO is dedicated to helping farmers succeed in growing healthy, organic food.
Program
USDA-NOP
Certifier
[ASCO] Agricultural Services Certified Organic
NOP Code
973
Certifier ID
3
Website
www.ascorganic.com
Email Address
ascomail@ascorganic.com
Phone Number
831-449-6365
Contact Name
Katherine Borchard
Headquarters Address
2 Rodgers Road, Salinas, CA 93907
Headquarters State/Province
California
Headquarters Country
United States of America
US Office Locations
CA
International Office Locations
Not Avaialable
US Certified Operation Locations
AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, MD, MO, NC, NV, OR, TX, VA, WA
CCOF Certification Services, LLC is an important organization that helps farms and food businesses get certified as organic. Founded in 1973 in Santa Cruz, California, it was the first of its kind in the United States. CCOF ensures that these businesses follow strict rules set by the USDA to keep organic food safe and healthy. They also support farmers with education and grants, helping them grow their businesses. Today, CCOF certifies over 3,000 operations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Click to read more.
Marin Organic Certified Agriculture, or MOCA, is a special program in Marin County that helps farmers grow food in a natural way. It makes sure that farms follow strict rules set by the USDA to be called “organic.” This means they don’t use harmful chemicals and focus on keeping the soil healthy. MOCA also supports local farmers by promoting their organic products, which helps families in the community. Then, when you buy MOCA-certified food, you know it’s good for you and the environment!
Monterey County Certified Organic (MCCO) is an important organization based in Salinas, California. It helps local farmers and businesses by certifying their products as organic. This means they follow special rules to grow and handle food without harmful chemicals. MCCO has been around since 2002 and works closely with the USDA to ensure everything meets high standards. They focus on crops, wild crops, and processing operations, making sure that consumers can trust the organic label on their food.
Organic Certifiers, Inc. (OC) is a company that helps farms and food businesses get certified as organic. Founded in 2002, it works with the USDA to ensure that products meet strict organic standards. OC has a team of experts who guide clients through the certification process, from application to inspection. They also provide support to maintain compliance each year. With clients in the U.S. and other countries, OC plays a key role in promoting organic farming.
Program
USDA-NOP
Certifier
[OC] Organic Certifiers, Inc.
NOP Code
622
Certifier ID
63
Website
www.organiccertifiers.com
Email Address
info@occert.com
Phone Number
805-684-6494
Contact Name
Lianne Nunes
Headquarters Address
6500 Casitas Pass Rd., Ventura, CA 93001
Headquarters State/Province
California
Headquarters Country
United States of America
US Office Locations
CA
International Office Locations
Not Available
US Certified Operation Locations
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY
International Certified Operation Locations
Canada, China, Colombia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Korea (the Republic of), Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Korea (the Democratic People’s Republic of), Slovenia
[PAO] Primus Auditing Operations (formerly Primus Labs)
Primus Auditing Operations (PAO) is a company that focuses on food safety and quality assurance. It helps farms and food businesses by conducting audits to ensure they meet safety standards. PAO was formerly known as Primus Labs and became a separate entity in 2015. They work with various certification programs, including USDA organic regulations. Their goal is to observe and report on food safety practices, helping to keep food safe for everyone.
Program
USDA-NOP
Certifier
[PAO] Primus Auditing Operations (formerly Primus Labs)
NOP Code
156
Certifier ID
69
Website
www.primusauditingops.com
Email Address
primusorganic@primusauditingops.com
Phone Number
805-623-5563
Contact Name
Jessica Espejo
Headquarters Address
2811 Airpark Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Headquarters State/Province
California
Headquarters Country
United States of America
US Office Locations
CA
International Office Locations
Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico
US Certified Operation Locations
Ar, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI
International Certified Operation Locations
Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, El Salvador
SCS Global Services, Inc. is a company that helps businesses become more environmentally friendly. They have been around since 1984 and focus on certifying and auditing companies to ensure they meet sustainability standards. This means they check if companies are doing the right things for the planet and society. SCS works with many industries, like agriculture, building, and food, to promote better practices. They also help businesses save money and resources while being responsible.
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI
International Certified Operation Locations
United Arab Emirates, Greece, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova (the Republic of), Mexico, Panama, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
The Yolo County Department of Agriculture (YDA) plays a crucial role in managing and supporting agriculture in Yolo County, California. It oversees the safe use of pesticides, ensuring that farmers follow regulations to protect crops and the environment. The department also conducts inspections and provides education on pesticide safety. Yolo County is known for its rich agricultural land, producing a variety of crops like tomatoes, rice, and wine grapes. This department helps maintain the health of these industries while promoting sustainable farming practices.
California Organic certifying agency registered with CDFA-State Organic Program
A Bee Organic
A Bee Organic is a company that focuses on providing organic certification services. They help farmers and retailers ensure their products meet organic standards. This way, customers can trust that what they buy is truly organic. The company aims to make the certification process easier and more accessible for everyone. They also offer education and support to help clients navigate the organic market.
Baystate Organic Certifiers (BOC) is a special organization that helps farms and food businesses get certified as organic. They are recognized by the USDA and focus on making sure that the food we eat is grown and processed in a way that is good for the environment. BOC is based in Massachusetts and works with farms across the Northeast. They provide support and guidance throughout the certification process, making it easier for farmers to meet organic standards. If a farm is certified, they can also get some money back to help with the costs.
Certifier
Baystate Organic Certifiers
Website
www.baystateorganic.org
Email Address
baystateorganic@earthlink.net
Phone Number
774-872-5544
Contact Name
Don Franczyk
Headquarters Address
1220 Cedarwood Circle, N. Dighton, MA 02764
Control Union Certifications
Control Union Certifications helps businesses prove that their products, services, or processes meet specific standards. They focus on sustainability in areas like agriculture, forestry, and textiles. Their certification process is clear and fair, ensuring that everything is checked thoroughly. They also have many accreditations from trusted organizations, which shows they are reliable. This way, companies can gain trust from customers and markets all over the world.
Certifier
Control Union Certifications
Website
certifications.controlunion.com/en
Email Address
organic@controlunion.com
Phone Number
0031-6-206-016-83
Contact Name
Alvaro Martinez
Headquarters Address
Meeuwenlaan 4-6, 8011 BZ, Zwolle, Ad Zwolle, 8000 Netherlands
Ecocert ICO LLC
Ecocert ICO LLC is a well-known organization that helps businesses show they care about the environment. Founded in France in 1991, it now operates in over 130 countries, including the USA. Ecocert provides certifications for organic farming, cosmetics, textiles, and more. They check if companies follow eco-friendly practices and help them improve. By doing this, Ecocert supports a healthier planet and promotes sustainable living.
Certifier
Ecocert ICO LLC
Website
www.ecocertico.com
Email Address
info.ecocertico@ecocert.com
Phone Number
888-337-8246
Contact Name
Leslie Zuck
Headquarters Address
2498 Perry Crossing Way, Suite 210, Plainfield, IN 46168
Global Organic Alliance, Inc
Global Organic Alliance, Inc. (GOA) is a company that helps certify food and fiber as organic. It started in 1997 and has a strong focus on quality and service for its members and consumers. GOA follows specific standards to ensure that products are ethically produced without limiting farmers’ creativity. They are also accredited by the USDA and have been recognized for their commitment to organic certification since 2002. GOA aims to support the organic industry while maintaining high standards.
Certifier
Global Organic Alliance, Inc.
Website
www.goa-online.org
Email Address
goaorg@centurylink.net
Phone Number
937-593-1232
Contact Name
Betty Kananen
Headquarters Address
3185 Township Road 179, Bellefontaine, OH 43311
International Certification Services, Inc
International Certification Services, Inc. is a company that helps businesses by providing certification and inspection services. They focus on making sure that products and services meet high-quality standards. Founded in 2004, they work with many different industries, including food safety and environmental management. Their goal is to protect people and property while ensuring that companies operate efficiently. With offices in the USA and India, they are dedicated to being close to their customers and offering valuable support.
Certifier
International Certification Services, Inc
Website
www.ics-intl.com
Email Address
info@ics-intl.com
Phone Number
701-486-3578
Contact Name
Tara Koenig
Headquarters Address
301 5th Ave SE, Medina, ND 58467
Midwest Organic Services Association
The Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA) is a nonprofit organization based in Viroqua, Wisconsin. It helps farmers and businesses get certified as organic, which means they follow special rules to grow and sell food without harmful chemicals. MOSA started in 1999 and became one of the first agencies accredited by the USDA in 2002. They work with many different types of farms, including those that raise livestock and grow crops. MOSA also offers support for restaurants and food processors to ensure they meet organic standards.
Certifier
Midwest Organic Services Association
Website
www.mosaorganic.org
Email Address
mosa@mosaorganic.org
Phone Number
608-637-2526
Contact Name
Cori Skolaski
Headquarters Address
122 W. Jefferson St., Viroqua, WI 54665
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
The Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) is all about helping farmers grow better crops. They work to make sure seeds are of high quality and free from harmful weeds. This means they check and certify seeds, so farmers can plant them with confidence. MCIA also shares useful information and resources to support farmers in improving their harvests. By focusing on better seeds, they help boost the farming community’s success in Minnesota.
Certifier
Minnesota Crop Improvement Association
Website
www.mnciaorganic.org
Email Address
mncia@mncia.org
Phone Number
612-625-7766
Contact Name
Michelle Menken
Headquarters Address
1900 Hendon Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108
Natural Food Certifiers
Natural Food Certifiers (NFC) is a special organization that helps farms and food companies prove their products are organic and natural. They work with the USDA to make sure these products meet strict rules. When a farm or company gets certified, it means they follow good practices to grow and handle food. This way, consumers can trust that what they buy is healthy and safe. NFC also offers certifications for vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO products, making it easier for everyone to find foods that fit their needs.
Certifier
Natural Food Certifiers
Website
www.nfccertification.com
Email Address
nfccertification@gmail.com
Phone Number
914-319-9040
Contact Name
Reuven Flamer
Headquarters Address
100 Lawrence St., Suite 304, Nanuet, NY 10954
Nature’s International Certification Services
Nature’s International Certification Services (NICS) helps farmers and producers get certified as organic. Founded in 2005, it is based in Viroqua, Wisconsin. NICS works with people across the United States, guiding them through the rules set by the USDA for organic certification. They also help those who are transitioning to organic farming. If someone wants to sell their products in other countries, NICS can assist with that too. They make sure that everyone can understand and follow the certification process easily.
Certifier
Nature’s International Certification Services
Website
www.naturesinternational.com
Email Address
nics@naturesinternational.com
Phone Number
608-637-7080
Contact Name
Christina Fanta
Headquarters Address
224 State Hwy 56, Viroqua, WI 54665
NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC
NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC is a key player in the organic farming community in New York. They help farmers and businesses get certified as organic, which means they follow special rules to grow and sell food. This certification ensures that products are grown without harmful chemicals and with respect for the environment. NOFA-NY has been around since 2002 and works with many different types of farms, from crops to livestock. They also provide support and education to help farmers succeed in organic practices
Certifier
NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC
Website
www.nofany.org/organiccertification
Email Address
certifiedorganic@nofany.org
Phone Number
607-724-9851
Contact Name
Jessica Terry
Headquarters Address
834 Upper Front St., Binghamton, NY 13905
OneCert International Private Limited
OneCert International Private Limited is a global certification agency that focuses on organic and food safety certifications. Founded in 2014, it aims to provide high-quality services to meet international standards. The company is known for its commitment to training staff and ensuring customer satisfaction. OneCert also collaborates with other organizations to enhance its certification offerings in various markets around the world. They work hard to maintain integrity and continuously improve their quality systems.
Certifier
OneCert International Private Limited
Website
www.onecertasia.in
Email Address
sandeep@onecertasia.com
Phone Number
-2587
Contact Name
Sandeep Bhargava
Headquarters Address
H-8 Mansarovar Industrial Area, Jaipur, 302020, India
Oregon Department of Agriculture
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is like a big helper for farmers in Oregon. It makes sure that the food we eat is safe and that farms can grow healthy crops. The ODA was created in 1931 to bring together different farming programs. It has many teams working on things like animal health, food safety, and helping farmers sell their products. The director of the ODA is chosen by the governor, and they work with a board to make farming better in Oregon.
Certifier
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Website
www.oregon.gov/ODA/CID
Email Address
certification@oda.state.or.us
Phone Number
503-986-4620
Contact Name
Susanna L. Pearlstein
Headquarters Address
635 Capitol St., NE, Salem, OR 97301
Oregon Tilth Certified Organic
Oregon Tilth Certified Organic is a well-known organization that helps farmers and food producers grow and sell organic products. Founded in the 1970s, it started as a group of farmers who wanted to promote sustainable farming practices. Today, Oregon Tilth not only certifies organic farms but also educates people about organic methods. They ensure that what you buy is truly organic, so you can trust the food you eat. This organization plays a big role in supporting healthy farming and protecting the environment.
Certifier
Oregon Tilth Certified Organic
Website
www.tilth.org
Email Address
organic@tilth.org
Phone Number
503-378-0690
Contact Name
Connie Karr
Headquarters Address
2525 SE 3rd St., Corvallis, OR 97333
Organic Crop Improvement Association
The Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) is a special group that helps farmers grow food in a natural way. Founded in 1985, it started when farmers wanted to share ideas and improve their crops without using harmful chemicals. OCIA is a non-profit organization that provides education and certifies farms to ensure they follow organic practices. It has members not just in the U.S., but also in places like Canada and Peru. By working together, OCIA helps farmers connect and promote healthy, organic food for everyone.
Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) is a special group that helps farmers and businesses grow and sell organic products. They started in 1997 to support local farmers and make sure their food is healthy and safe. PCO checks farms and businesses to ensure they follow strict organic rules set by the USDA. If they pass the inspection, they get a certificate that allows them to label their products as organic. This means the food is made without harmful chemicals, which is better for people and the planet.
Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd. is a leading certification body in North America. They help farmers, processors, and traders get certified for organic products. This means they check if these products meet strict organic standards. Pro-Cert is known for its friendly service and expert team, which includes scientists and agricultural specialists. They are recognized globally, allowing certified products to reach markets around the world.
RR#3, 475 Valley Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 3J6
Quality Assurance International
Quality Assurance International (QAI) is a company that helps businesses prove their products are truly organic. Founded in 1989 and based in San Diego, California, QAI works with farms and food producers to ensure they follow strict organic rules set by the USDA. They check everything from the farm to the store, making sure no harmful chemicals are used. QAI is also recognized around the world, helping companies meet organic standards in places like Canada and Europe. This way, consumers can trust that what they’re buying is genuinely organic.
4370 La Jolla Village Dr., Ste. 300, San Diego, CA 92122
Quality Certification Services
Quality Certification Services help businesses and individuals prove they meet certain quality standards. These certifications show that a company has a good system for managing quality, which means they can deliver better products or services. For people, certifications can demonstrate their skills in quality management. Then, when companies get certified, it helps them stand out from competitors and gain trust from customers. Overall, quality certification is like a badge that shows commitment to excellence.
5700 SW 34th St., Suite 349, Gainesville, FL 32608
Washington State Department of Agriculture
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is like a helpful friend for farmers in Washington. It started in 1913 and works hard to make sure that the state’s farms are safe and productive. WSDA helps farmers grow over 300 different crops, including apples and blueberries, which are really important for the state. They also check that food is safe and healthy for everyone. Plus, they support new ideas in farming to keep things fresh and exciting. So, whether it’s about growing food or keeping it safe, WSDA is always there to lend a hand!
How to Choose Organic Certifying Agency in California
Choosing the right organic certifying agency in California can seem a bit tricky, but it’s really not that hard! Let’s simplify it so you can find the best one for your needs.
What Do Certifying Agencies Do?
First, let’s understand what these agencies do. Certifying agencies are groups that check if farms and food processing places follow the organic rules set by the USDA. They help make sure that what you buy is really organic. In California, some popular certifying agencies are California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and local ones like the Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.
Think About Your Needs
Next, consider what you need from a certifying agency. Here are some questions to help you think:
What do you grow or process? Some agencies focus on specific crops or products.
How close is the agency to your farm? It’s usually easier to work with someone nearby for inspections and help.
What are their fees? Certification costs can change, so it’s good to know how much you might pay.
Check Their Accreditation
Then, make sure the agency is accredited. This means they have been approved by the USDA to certify organic farms. You can find a list of accredited agencies on the USDA’s website. This step is super important because only accredited agencies can give out official organic certificates.
Read Reviews and Ask Around
Also, look for reviews or ask other organic farmers about their experiences with different agencies. Hearing from others can give you great tips on how easy or hard the certification process might be.
Contact the Agencies
Once you have a few agencies in mind, reach out to them. Ask about their certification process, what documents you need, and how long it usually takes. This will help you see how friendly and helpful they are.
Make Your Choice
Finally, after gathering all this information, you can make a smart choice! Pick an agency that feels right for you based on your needs, their reputation, and how comfortable you feel talking to them.
