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What is organic food? Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled ‘organic,’ a government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

https://www.nal.usda.gov/legacy/afsic/organic-productionorganic-food-information-access-tools


  • Organic Certification

    The NJDA does not certify operations for organic certification. There are over a dozen accredited certification agents currently working within New Jersey to certify organic producers (farmers) and handlers (food processors). A listing of accredited certification agents can be found here (click on “Organic Certifier Locator“): https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/certifying-agents

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  • Organic Hotline

    Thinking about organic certification? Do you have questions about the requirements within the organic regulations or about the general certification process? The NJDA can help. Our Organic Hotline is answered by our former Supervisor of Organic Certification. Direct you questions concerning organic matters to the NJDA Organic Hotline: (609) 913-6505 or e-mail: erich.bremer@ag.nj.gov.

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  • Organic Resources

    The National Organic Program, USDA

    NOP is a federal regulatory program that develops and enforces consistent national standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the United States. NOP also accredits third-party organizations to certify that farms and businesses meet the national organic standard.  https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program

    NOP Handbook - https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/handbook

    The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey

    Since the 1990s, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has supported the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ) in their mission of organic agriculture outreach, education, and most specifically, certification.  Prior to the National Organic Program, NOFA-NJ issued certifications under their own set of standards.  In December of 2000, the USDA published the National Organic Program regulations, and all certifying agents whom wished to continue their certification mission had to apply to the USDA for National Organic Program Accreditation.  The NOFA-NJ Certification Program became accredited by the USDA to perform organic certifications of crop, livestock, wild crafting, and handling operations during the first round of accreditations in 2002.

    The Organic Materials Review Institute

    OMRI (https://www.omri.org/) supports organic integrity by developing clear information and guidance about materials, so that producers know which products are appropriate for organic operations. OMRI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an independent review of products, such as fertilizers, pest controls, livestock health care products, and numerous other inputs that are intended for use in certified organic production and processing. When companies apply, OMRI reviews their products against the organic standards. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed® and appear on the OMRI Products Lists©. OMRI also provides technical support and training for professionals in the organic industry.

    National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), State Office, New Jersey

    Working with Conservation Partners In New Jersey, NRCS natural resource conservationists, soil scientists, planners, agronomists, biologists, and engineers work in partnership with New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts and other local, state and federal partners to:
    • Promote wise land use
    • Reduce erosion and improve soil health
    • Improve water quality
    • Restore wetlands
    • Improve wildlife habitat
    • Promote energy conservation
    • Inventory resources and management activities to advise land managers on their actions.
    • Work with livestock producers on proper grazing and manure management. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/nj/home/

    NRCS EQIP Organic Initiative

    The National Organic Initiative, funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), is a voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. NRCS can help organic producers improve their operations or help producers transition to organic using a conservation plan tailored to their needs.

    https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcs143_008224

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  • The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey

    Since the 1990s, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has supported the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ) in their mission of organic agriculture outreach, education, and most specifically, certification.  Prior to the National Organic Program, NOFA-NJ issued certifications under their own set of standards.  In December of 2000, the USDA published the National Organic Program regulations, and all certifying agents whom wished to continue their certification mission had to apply to the USDA for National Organic Program Accreditation.  The NOFA-NJ Certification Program became accredited by the USDA to perform organic certifications of crop, livestock, wild crafting, and handling operations during the first round of accreditations in 2002.

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