Northeast Organic Farming Association
of New Hampshire
A Voice for Organic Agriculture in NH
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New Hampshire
Organic Certification Support
Organic Certification is available to every farm in New Hampshire.
There are several Accredited Certifying Agencies (ACA) that certify farms and processors in the state, therefore organic certification of NH Farms is available to all farms interested in organic certification.
There are 4 choices of scopes that can be certified in the US:
crops, wild crops, livestock, and processing/handling.
NOFA-NH offers technical assistance and mentorship through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) to support farms preparing to transition to organic production. As a transitioning producer you will receive free mentoring from an experienced organic producer. Mentors and transitioning producers will work together to set goals for the mentorship year and will form a strong network of organic producers across the region.
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Want to learn more about Organic Facts, Read this Organic Facts Document.
When Choosing an ACA for your certification
There are currently 75 certifying agents accredited by the National Organic Program (NOP). Eight of these certify farms in New Hampshire. When looking for an ACA be sure the one you choose is USDA-accredited for all scopes for which you are seeking organic certification.
Current Accredited Certifying Agency's for New Hampshire
MA, USA
774-872-5544
France
office.international@ecocert.com
888-337-8246
ME, USA
207-568-6030
OR, USA
503-378-0690
PA, USA
814-422-0251
CA, USA
858-792-3531
CA, USA
510-452-8000
VT, USA (Limited Services in NH)
802-434-3821
All ACA's certify organic operations to the USDA Organic Regulations. Some ACA's have specific guidelines for organic certification of specialty crops, such as mushrooms, cranberries, low-bush blueberries, and sea vegetables. In the following link to the USDA Organic Integrity Database, click on a specific ACA name, then click on Accredited Scopes. The good news is that you will now be able to have your complete operation certified by one ACA. If you have livestock or wanted to add value-added products to your operation, you can now be certified for livestock and/or processing/handling by the same ACA.
Things to consider when choosing an ACA.
Visit the ACA's website, which is an excellent place to read about individual ACA policies, procedures and fees.
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Make sure the ACA certifies all scopes you are seeking.
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Find out if the ACA has specific guidelines for specialty crops you produce. This may be found in their Certification/Practice Manuals.
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ACA’s post a fee schedule on their website. Understand the certification/inspection fees you will be charged.
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You may want to talk to other certified organic farmers to hear how they like the ACA with whom they are certified.
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Call the ACA to be sure any input products you are currently using or plan to use are approved for use in certified organic operations. Look for an OMRI seal on the label or check out omri.org for a guide to materials allowed in organic production.
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Each ACA offers various services that could include:
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online submission and renewal
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​incremental payments
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inclusion of multiple scopes with one payment​
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support staff for all applicants throughout the year
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deadlines for applying for your scope
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additional fees
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Once you have decided on an ACA, contact them to set up an account. Be sure to allow yourself ample time to prepare your Organic System Plan (OSP) for submission. This will require more time in the first year of application.
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Start preparing your OSP documents. The OSP will ask specific questions about your operation. Be as detailed as possible. Additional documents include farm/field maps, a list of products to be certified, input inventory list, etc. As you are completing the OSP, these additional documents will be requested, if needed, depending on your operation.
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Submit your OSP and accompanying documents, and make your payment.
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The ACA will review your OSP for complete information and assess your information for compliance. You may be contacted to provide additional information.
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An Inspector will contact you to set an inspection date.
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Complete the inspection. The inspector will look at your fields, borders, buildings and equipment, and review your records. Allow ample time for the inspection.
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The inspector does not make the certification decision. Any missing information, issues or concerns will be discussed with you during the Exit Interview.
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The ACA reviews the OSP, accompanying documents, and the inspection report in order to make the certification decision.
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Once you receive your Organic Certificate, contact the Farm Service Agency to get the paperwork for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Don’t wait! This can reimburse you 75% of your fees up to $750 for each scope. This money is given out first come, first served. It’s super easy. All certified organic producers are eligible.
NOFA-NH has knowledgeable staff available to talk about certification, inspection and offer technical assistance to any farmers needing help with this process.
Contact Teresa@nofanh.org and/or sign up for the free TOPP Mentorship program for assistance.
Reach our office
at 603-224-5022 or email info@nofanh.org.
Compare fee schedules
All ACAs publicly post their fee schedules on their websites. Certification fees may be based on gross organic sales, acreage, or greenhouse square footage. There may be a one-time initial certification fee. Adding a second scope may increase your fees. There may be a late fee if your application is not submitted by the ACA’s deadline date. The inspection fee may be separate from the certification fee or if the inspection fee is more than estimated, you may be billed for the remainder. Calculate your fees and check with the ACA on fees when you make your initial phone call.
Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Certification fees partially offset by the federally funded Organic Certification Cost Share Program, administered in NH by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Cost share is available per scope, up to $750 or ¾ of the certification cost for that scope. The FSA has an October deadline for applying. Don’t wait as this is funded as a first come, first served program.
Notify FSA at 603-224-7941 so they mail you the information.
FSA County offices can be located at:
Transitioning to Organic
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NOFA-NH offers programs and resources to help farmers through the organic certification transition process: the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).
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Through TOPP, NOFA-NH runs a mentorship program to support transitioning farmers for a year or more and offers technical assistance to transitioning and already certified producers.
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STAY CONNECTED
Stay connected in the organic community.
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NOFA-NH offers many ways to stay connected in every season.
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On-Farm workshops are happening during the summer and fall.
Winter brings our Winter Conference, Bulk Order and many virtual events.
Spring opens up more programs with our organic gardening series.
Check out our Fun on the Farm events for family to experience farms first-hand.
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The Farmers Organic Roundtable is ongoing throughout the year on the Third Thursday of each month and a great way to connect with organic farmers, get technical assistance, and build community.
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Organic certification is part of what organic is all about. Join in the community to help build a movement around organic that supports all aspects of the meaning of being an organic producer and eater.
Together, we can build organic community in NH.
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NOFA-NH is continuing to advocate for the organic farming community,
to seek feedback, and to provide support for organic farmers.