Organic certification is not a guarantee of the quality or purity of a product. Rather, it is evidence of the farm or facility’s adherence to a prescribed system of agriculture and food production that involves building and enhancing the soil naturally, protecting the environment, treating animals humanely and avoiding synthetic substances.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards describe the specific requirements that must be verified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent before products can be labeled USDA organic. Overall, organic operations must demonstrate that they are protecting natural resources, conserving biodiversity and using only approved substances.

To become USDA certified organic, an operation must apply to a USDA-accredited certifying agent. The Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) is available to guide Virginia producers through the certification process. Contact the Office of Domestic Marketing and Promotions for assistance.

Organic Certification Resources

• Virginia Organic Certification Cost Share Program (pdf) and COV W-9 (pdf)
• FAQs on Organic Certification in Virginia (pdf)
• List of Organic Certifying Agents
• USDA Organic Agriculture
• USDA Organic Standards
• USDA Become Certified Organic

• Organic Farmers’ Guide to the Conservation Reserve Program Field Border Buffer Initiative