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NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC
NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC is a subsidiary company of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization. The NOFA-NY, LLC is operated in the same nonprofit manner as the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc., and is supported entirely by farmer fees. The day to day activities of the program are coordinated by paid certification office personnel. Trained inspectors are hired to visit the farms. Many experienced volunteers assist in farm file reviews and overall program management.
Who Should Be Certified?
Crop & Dairy Farms and Handlers that have more than $5,000 in gross organic sales per year and are marketing their products as Organic, are required to become certified organic to be in compliance with the USDA's National Organic Program rules. Operations that sell less than $5,000 in gross organic sales per year and are marketing products as "Organic" are exempt from certification, but must still abide by the Final Rule if they wish to continue marketing products as organic.
The USDA regulates organizations that certify crops, producers and handlers as organic. NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC has accreditation from the USDA to provide this service and is also ISO 65 accredited. Organizations who meet the USDA's requirements are listed in the Federal Register and on the USDA's website.
A copy of the current National Organic Program Standards along with a current copy of the organization's Policy Manual, are required when applying for Certification. The NOP Rule can be found in its entirety on-line on the USDA's website at: www.ams.usda.gov/nop
Organic agriculture is an approach to farming that seeks to maintain and improve the productivity of the land by encouraging and enhancing natural biological processes.
The foundation for healthy plants and animals is healthy soil. Great attention is paid to nurturing the soil by the use of composts, cover crops, rock minerals and natural fertilizers. Plant disease and pests are controlled through the use of crop rotations, resistant varieties, cultivation, biological pest controls and botanical controls. Animal health is maintained with wholesome food, adequate shelter, access to the outdoors and preventive health plans.
The use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides are prohibited in certified organic production.
As an organic farm certified by NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC you are encouraged to use our custom logo on your products. Our logo and program are well recognized in the marketplace.
As an organic farm certified by NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC you are included in our promotional efforts. We supply many copies of the listing of Certified Farms/Processors to interested consumers, restaurants & wholesalers each year. We regularly send press releases directed towards increasing consumer awareness of locally produced Certified Organic products.
Read More about...
Organic
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Bi-Annual Update from NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC.
Handling Operation Certification
NYS Ag & Mkts Certification Fee Reimbursement Form
Organic Certification Forms (PDF files)
2008 Certification Guidance Manual
2008 Certification Policy Manual
