Welcome to the California Department of Food and Agriculture

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Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I go about registering with the State Organic Program?

Go to your local county ag commissioner's office and ask for Organic Registration Application. Ask the county to issue a pesticide use report for the land you plan on farming organically and then fill out the application. Submit the completed application to the county office.

Do I have to be certified?

That depends on how much money you gross from organic sales. If over $5,000 in estimated or actual sales, your operation requires certification by an independent third party U.S.D.A. accredited agency, in addition to registration. An exemption to certification is a retail food store that does process on site and only sells to the consuming public.

I have less than $5,000 in sales, or estimated sales, can I still get certified?

Yes, and to be able to use your product in a processed product labeled organic, your product must be certified.

Back to Organic Program