Transitioning to Certified Organic

Curious About Going Organic?

Let Us Help You Make the Transition!

Are you interested in transitioning to organic, but don’t know if it’s a good fit for you or your businesses? Do you want to learn more, but are not sure where to start? Transitioning to organic can be both rewarding and challenging, and we at OEFFA are here to help! OEFFA has dedicated transition staff, resources, and services to help guide you through the process step by step.

Services

Phone Assistance:

We are happy to talk about your operation, prior land use, transition timeline, and transition questions. If you’re confused about something in the Organic System Plan (OSP), we can talk you through it over the phone.

Transitional Verification:

Our skilled certification staff can thoroughly review your completed OSP during your transition period to help you prepare for your first year’s application to be certified organic. This service costs $250, and $150 of that fee can then be deducted from your first year’s application through OEFFA.

On-Farm Readiness Review:

Transitional on-farm readiness reviews are offered on a fee-for-service basis for those operators wanting extra assurance that they are on the right track. An OEFFA organic educator with inspection experience will conduct a mock inspection, answer questions, and offer observations and suggestions specific to the farm or business. This is a great way to become more comfortable with the inspection portion of the certification process, gain expert insight into organic practices, and build knowledge of the certification process.

Don’t let transition or certification be harder than it needs to be!

Contact an OEFFA Sustainable Agriculture Educator at (614) 421-2022, agricultureeducators@oeffa.org, or by mail at 41 Croswell Rd., Columbus, OH 43214.

Resources

Please read on for a number of other resources to help you transition. We’re also glad to send you paper or digital copies of application packets, sample recordkeeping forms, or templates for documenting that your inputs are allowed for use in organic production (even early on in your transition process) so you can get a sense of the requirements, records, and paperwork.

Organic Transition Flowchart

This flowchart guides you through how to approach and time your transition to organic. View or download an electronic version here.

Organic Transition Guide

This guide will walk you step-by-step through the transition process. It explains the organic standards, methods organic farmers use to produce high quality organic food, and the certification process. Download an electronic version of the guide for free below or purchase a printed copy by phone or mail.

Organic Transition Workbook

This workbook uses a whole farm planning process to walk you through developing an organic management system, and ultimately an Organic System Plan that will prepare you to apply for certification. Download an electronic version of the workbook for free below or purchase a printed copy by phone or mail.