Certified Organic
1
Certified Organic
Issue
The organic food industry has seen growth in the double digits for the past few years. While
food has always served as a notable staple for culture and socialization, the quality and origin of
the food prepped, cooked, and served for every meal have gradually become increasingly
prominent on the minds of consumers worldwide. In a world where technology allows for
greater possibilities and understanding, families can be a bit more selective and to make more
deliberate diet decisions. These healthier food choices are showing up in three out of four
conventional grocery stores. This essay will look at the following information about the certified
organic food industry:
• What does it mean legally to be certified organic?
• Why does the USDA have to regulate the organic food industry?
• What is the cost to become a certified organic food producer?
• How does the USDA ensure ongoing compliance?
When examining the business of organic food production, it is important to understand
that the organic food movement isn’t a new trend. “By the 1970s, increased environmental
awareness and consumer demand fueled the growth of the organic industry” (SARE, 2012).
Rules (Discussion)
The regulation of the organic industry resulted from the need for an established baseline
regarding what “organic” meant. The Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) was enacted under
Certified Organic
2
Title 21 of the 1990 Farm Bill. This provision was to establish a uniform national standard of
the production and handling of organic food. The act authorized the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) to set and regulate the standards. This
division of the USDA also oversees the mandatory certification of organic food production. The
cost for certification is not a set amount. There are many factors that add to the cost for
certification, such as size of your operation, the state where it is located and any complication
that may require further testing and analysis. On average it ranges from a few hundred for a
simple farm to several thousand for a larger more complex operation. There is an initial
application fee, an annual renewal fee, and inspection fees. Those producers who get certified
