The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) decides which farms and businesses meet organic standards by doing on-site inspections. However, the NOP cannot handle all the inspections itself, so it works with selected organizations that make certifying inspections in their own geographic areas. Most USDA-accredited certifiers are allowed to certify farms and businesses anywhere in the world. Farmers, ranchers, and processors may choose to work with any USDA-accredited certifying agent.

In Nevada, most certifying is done by the California Certified Organic Farmers, or CCOF. In addition, there are several non-profit organizations that work with the USDA that also have authorization to certify farmers in Nevada including:

When choosing an organic certifying agent, you may want to consider their individual fee structures and their location relative to your farm or business. The USDA hosts the Organic INTEGITY Database where you can look up a certifier nearest to you. The database is updated regularly by the NOP and its accredited certifying agents. It provides the most accurate information about accredited certifying agents.

Understanding organic regulations 

The National Organic Program (NOP)

The NOP is the 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 standards. These certifiers and USDA work together to enforce the standards, ensuring a level playing field for producers and protecting consumer confidence in the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal.

About the Organic Standards

Allowed and Prohibited Substances

Guidance & Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents & Certified Operations

USDA Oversight of Organic Products

National Organic Program (NOP) Handbook: Guidance & Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents & Certified Operations - The NOP Handbook applies to those who own, manage, or certify organic operations and provides guidance and instructions that can assist in complying with the USDA organic regulations.

Organic Production and Handling Standards The Act that established the NOP and its authority to enforce agricultural products sold, labeled, or represented as “organic” within the U.S.

USDA Organic Regulations - This site includes the regulations of organic standards under the Code of Federal Regulations

Labeling organic products - This page provides an overview of key requirements and the various labeling categories allowed under the USDA organic regulations. Organic product labels must be reviewed and approved by a USDA-accredited certifying agent before being used in the marketplace.


Publications based on the organics standards code

Publications created by Northeast Organic Farming Association – Vermont - NOFA-VT

Maintaining Organic Certification
Maintaining organic certification requires ongoing commitment, documentation, and dedication to organic practices. Every year, the certified organic farm or facility must pay to go through a review and inspection process. The farmer should continuously update the organic system plan (OSP) and any modified practices. They will also review the farmer responses to any corrections of minor noncompliance issues previously identified by the certifying agent.

A certifier will review your updated OSP, production, harvesting, and handling records, and other certification materials annually. The actual organic operation will also undergo an inspection to ensure organic regulations are being maintained. If the certifier determines the operation is still organic compliant, the farm will be issued an updated certificate.

Resources

  1. USDA publication, Organic Documentation forms that are required for record-keeping
  2. USDA publication, Documentation Forms for Organic Crop and Livestock Producers, which explains how records are kept and other requirements.
 
Desert Farming Initiative 2025, Understanding Organic Regulations and Finding a Certifier, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno

Extension Associated Contacts

Tatum Gogna
Tatum Gogna
Jill Moe
Jill Moe
 

Also of Interest:

 
Effect of ultraviolet light, organic acids, and bacteriophage on Salmonella populations in ground beef Yeh, Y., de Moura, F., Van de Broek, K., de Mello, A.S. 2018, Meat Science
Non-Chemical Weed Control for Small Acreage Farmers in Nevada
Many small acreage farming operations are organic-based or strongly prefer weed management recommendations that preclude the use of conventional herbicides. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide basic information and resources on non-chemical weed control options for these...
 Davison, J. and Newton, J. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
composting bag
Composting Yard and Vegetable Wastes
Composting is an effective way to take organic materials from landfills and use them to improve soil health. This fact sheet covers the reasons for composting and the basics of getting compost started.
 Donaldson, S., and Hefner, Melody 2009, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-16
Marketing Farmers’ Markets: Ideas for Market Vendors & Managers in Nevada
In 1994, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) began tracking the number of farmers’ markets nationwide. At the start there were 1,755 farmers’ markets across the country; in 2008 there were 4,685, an increase of nearly 168 percent (USDA-A...
 Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Gatzke, H. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-10
Why Customers Shop at Farmers Markets in Nevada
Farmers markets are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional grocery stores for consumers. In the decade between 1998 and 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA- AMS) estimated that the number of farmers markets in the U.S. incre...
 Cowee, M., Curtis, K., and Gatzke, H. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-32