ORGANIC MARKETING

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program as a Certifying Agent for the scopes of Crops, Wild Crops, Livestock, and Handling Operations.

KDA currently certifies only entities located within the state of Kentucky.

GETTING STARTED

To begin the organic certification process, please review the “Forms & Documents” list on the right hand side of the page.  Start with the “Organic Application” then complete the appropriate Organic System Plan (OSP); “Crop/Farm”...

INPUT APPROVAL

KDA recognizes the following material review organizations:

• Organic Material Review Institute(OMRI)
• Washington State Department of Agriculture
• Pennsylvania Certified Organic (List available to clients on request)

Operations certified by KDA may utilize inputs or products which are approved by the above listed material review organizations in accordance with any restrictions required by the regulations.  Products not appearing on any of these lists should be reviewed by KDA prior to use, please use the Input Review Request Form located under Forms & Documents in the right column.

USDA ORGANIC UPDATES

Please see links below regarding the latest updates posted by USDA:

• Ion Exchange
• Shilajit Update
• Shitake Mushroom Extension
• Shitake Mushroom Update
• 10/23/19 Final Rule Change and Updates Letter to Producers
• Organic Survey
• National List Additions for Livestock and Handling - Effective July 26, 2021
• NOP Final Rule Change 3/14/2022
• NOP Final Rule Change 3/28/2022
• NOP Final Rule Change 4/5/2022
• NOP Final Rule Change 11/14/2022

• National Organic Program Handbook
• USDA National Organic Program
• Organic Association of Kentucky
• USDA NOP: Importing Organic Products to the U.S.
• USDA NOP: Exporting Organic Products from the U.S.
• USDA NOP: International Trade Partners

• USDA NOP: What is Organic Certification
• USDA NOP: Do I Need To Be Certified Organic?
• USDA organic regulations: 7 CFR Section 205 includes all USDA organic standards, including prohibited practices, requirements, and the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Materials.
• USDA List of Certified Operations Database
• eOrganic

• ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
• ATTRA: Guide to Organic Livestock Production
• ATTRA: Guide to Organic Processing
• ATTRA: Guide to Organic Certification
• Organic Materials Review Institute
• Washington State Dept. Of Ag Organic Program Materials List
• Certification of Organic Production, Processing, or Handling Operations (302 KAR 40:010)