Transforming organic farming and food through sustainable and high standards.
Labels, whether at the grocery store or clothing store, can be confusing. It’s hard to know which labels mean something and which labels are simply marketing. The organic label is the only label with an entire system ensuring authenticity. No other label has as many checks and balances.
At the highest level, “organic” means an agricultural product is grown without synthetic pesticides, hormones, certain antibiotics and no genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Growing practices of organic products must improve soil quality and natural resources. To ensure the organic label is honest to the consumer, there is an entire network of inspectors, fact checkers, researchers and a government agency holding the label accountable.
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is federal regulation ensuring every product labeled as “organic” meets the standard. Organic has three layers of oversight. The Office of the Inspector General oversees the National Organic Program (NOP), part of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.
The NOP manages and audits third-party certifiers (like Oregon Tilth Certified Organic) and certifiers audit the organic farms and businesses. Bi-annually, the NOP considers comments and recommendations from all levels of the organic industry—farms, processors, scientists, environmentalists, businesses, advocacy groups and consumers. This system is constantly improving to protect the consumer.
Organic Certification allows a farm or processing facility to sell, label and represent products as organic. To receive the organic certification status, an operation must meet all the standards and requirements of the label. The organic label provides consumers with transparency in the marketplace.
As a leading nonprofit organic certifier, Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) provides over 45 years of hard-earned credibility for businesses that want to be sustainable leaders. We’ve built a reputation for integrity, quality and dependability. Our various certification services help demonstrate a commitment to the highest global standards in biologically sound and socially equitable food and agriculture. Oregon Tilth (OTCO) certifies more than just food crops.
We certify things with an agricultural origin.
We certify things with an agricultural origin.
“We certify things to standards by working with amazing people, an efficient process and a strong organic community throughout the United States and Mexico.”
- Connie Karr, Certification Director, Oregon TilthFrom supporting farm businesses to building organic supply chains, our team of specialists support our clients’ success in transforming food and agriculture. We empower our clients by providing a sustainable client service delivery model led by our Certification Director. Our team structure is unique and purposeful. Each team is staffed with highly qualified personnel that support the clients’ day-to-day needs. Our quality and accreditation team provides exceptional support and structure by working with clients and staff on technical needs. Our inspections department ensures our integrity by examining records that document organic- compliant practices. Everything we do is to protect, ensure and further the organic label.
