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Organic Registration
The County Agricultural Commissioner registers organic growers to ensure compliance with the California Organic Foods Act of 1990. The goal of the Organic Foods Act is to protect producers, handlers, processors, sellers and consumers of organic food sold in California by assuring that foods represented as organic are actually organically grown. Any business that distributes products advertised as "organic" must register with California's Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) or the Department of Health Services and comply with certain requirements to ensure the product is produced in a manner meeting organic criteria. Any store selling a product advertised as "organic" must also have recorded proof of registration of that product.
- Register as an organic farmer.
- To learn more please review our Organic Process document (PDF)
- CDFA Organic Registration Database (PDF)
To complete a new application or to renew your organic registration through the CDFA online organic certification program, select the green "Start New/Renewal/Amendment Organic Registration" button. If you have questions or need assistance getting started, contact our office at 707-253-4357.
What is Organics?
Organics is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. The principle guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. Organic producers, food handlers and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people.
Additional Resources
For more information about the organic program, visit:
- California Organic Program
- California Organic Products Act 2003 (PDF)
- National Organic Program
- National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
- Organic System Plan (OSP) Templates for Certifiers
- California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch: Organic Food Processors
- Organic Materials Review Institute