Q: Are there any exemptions for organic certification? A: According to the National Organic Program (NOP) you may be exempt from organic certification if your annual sales of organic products are less than $5000 a year. You must still create and submit an organic handling plan for approval, and any of the ingredients you sell […]

Q: Are GMOs (genetically modified organisms) allowed in certified organic products? A: GMOs are prohibited in USDA organic (certified organic) products and agriculture. Organic cows cannot be fed GMO corn. Lecithin from GMO sources cannot be added to an organic product. In USDA certified organic products, up to 5% of non-organic agricultural ingredients may be […]

Q: What are the different levels of organic certification? A: Under the National Organic Program, in the US, there are three levels of organic certification:  100% Organic, Organic, Made with Organic. 100% Organic: 100% of ingredients must be grown, harvested, and processed under organic standards. Organic: 95% or more of ingredients must be grown, harvested, and processed […]

Q: Is there a difference between certified organic and USDA organic? A: It depends on where you are. In the US, certified organic and USDA organic are the same thing. To legally sell a product as certified organic in the US, the farm or producer must go through USDA organic certification through a certified third-party […]