Standards & Program Manuals
- NOFA-NY Policy Manual – policies regarding certification for our producers.
- The official USDA National Organic Program (NOP) handbook gives guidance on the standards for organic certification, and comprehensive instructions on compliance with those standards.
- Up-to-date NOP regulations.
- The Strengthening Organic Enforcement Regulations give guidance on the effect of this rule on certified operations.
- We offer Organic Plus Trust Grass Fed Certification. OPT is the certification required to ship 100% grass-fed milk in commercial markets.
- The NOFA-NY Certified Organic 100% Grass Fed Certification Manual outlines the standards required to obtain additional certification outside the NOP Organic Program for food products sourced from pasture. All NOFA-NY certified organic livestock operations are eligible to enroll in this added certification program.
Additional Guidance
The USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program has been defunded for 2025, meaning there is no federal funding available to help organic farmers and handlers cover their certification costs this year. Congress excluded funding for this program in the recent Farm Bill extension, leaving organic producers without cost share assistance. Take Action today to urge your congressional representatives to restore this important funding in the Farm Bill!
USDA Organic Certification Made Simple is a multi-part video series, farmers discuss their firsthand experiences with obtaining organic certification—and why they decided to pursue it. Small video segments show viewers how the USDA organic regulations translate to practices on the ground by following a direct market farmer on his journey through the organic certification process. The video also provides a step-by-step overview of organic production requirements and the process of organic certification—by farmers, for farmers.
USDA Organic Integrity Database is a searchable database that helps you find a specific certified organic farm or business with specific characteristics. To find NOFA-NY certified producers simply select NOFA-NY from the certifier drop down tab. Listings come from USDA-Accredited Certifying Agents.
National Resources Conservation Service provides financial and technical assistance to help agricultural producers on biodiversity and resource conservation.
Organic Seed Resources explains the NOP requirements for using organic seeds, the procedure for documenting your seed search if you are unable to find the type of seed you need, and provides contact information for companies selling organic seed.