ORGANIC CERTIFICATION FAQ
Plain Answers to Your Organic Questions
Getting Started
The basics of USDA organic certification, from land rules to your first application.
What is USDA organic certification?
Proof, checked every year by a USDA accredited certifier, that your farm or business follows the National Organic Program rules. It lets you sell and label products as organic.
Do I need to be certified to sell organic?
Yes, if you sell more than $5,000 of organic products a year. Smaller operations can be exempt, but they still follow the rules and cannot use the USDA organic seal.
Is my land eligible?
For crops, no prohibited substances can have been used on the land for the 36 months before harvest.
What if my land is still in transition?
You cannot sell or label crops as organic until the 36 months are done. Use that time to build your records and your plan, so you can apply the day your land qualifies.
What is an Organic System Plan (OSP)?
Your written plan for how you follow the organic rules. Your certifier reviews it, and your inspector checks that you follow it.
Does my whole operation need to be certified?
No. You can certify part of it, as long as organic and non organic are kept separate and documented.
What can be certified?
Crops, wild crops, and handled or processed products, like packed produce, roasted coffee, and packaged foods.
Cost, Certifiers, and Inspection
What it takes, what it costs, and what happens on inspection day.
What is a certifier?
A USDA accredited agency that reviews your plan, sends the inspector, and makes the certification decision. You choose one and pay them directly.
How long does certification take?
Often about 3 to 4 months from a complete application. Many certifiers offer faster review for an extra fee.
What does it cost?
It depends on your certifier and your size. Expect an application fee, a yearly fee, inspection costs, and sometimes a fee based on sales.
Can I get help paying for it?
Yes. USDA organic cost share can pay back up to 75 percent of your certification costs, up to $750 per scope each year. Apply through your local Farm Service Agency office.
How often do I renew?
Every year, with an updated plan, your fees, and an inspection.
What happens at an inspection?
An inspector walks your operation, checks it against your plan, and reviews your records. They may take samples. Your certifier makes the decision afterward.
What should I have ready for the inspector?
Your plan, your map, and your records: inputs, seeds, harvest, sales, and cleaning.
What if I get a noncompliance notice?
Check the deadline first. Respond on time with the cause, the fix, and proof that it is fixed. We help operations respond and get back on track.
Working With Kona Organic
What we do, who we help, and how to start.
What does an organic certification consultant do?
We write your Organic System Plan, set up your records, prepare you for inspection, and handle your certifier paperwork, so you can focus on growing and selling.
Is Kona Organic a certifier?
No. We are consultants. Your USDA accredited certifier reviews your plan and makes the certification decision. We help you get ready and stay ready.
Do you inspect the operations you consult for?
No. We never inspect an operation we consult for, and your certifier always makes the certification decision.
Who do you work with?
Farms, processors, handlers, co-packers, food brands, importers, and exporters of every size.
Do you work outside Hawaiʻi?
Yes. We work with farms and food businesses anywhere in the world, by video call, email, and shared documents.
Do you help with Demeter Biodynamic or GAP?
Yes. Organic is our focus, and we also help with Demeter Biodynamic certification and GAP food safety audits.
Can you help after I am certified?
Yes. We manage renewals and plan updates, answer certifier questions, and help fix noncompliances.
How do I get started?
Book a free 15 minute call, or email konaorganicinfo@gmail.com. We will talk through where you stand and what you need.
Start here: Take the free readiness quiz • See our services • How organic certification works