What is QAI's mission?

QAI is COMMITTED to:

Verifying organic integrity
Certifying to the federal standard under the National Organic Program (NOP)
Certifying organic growers, processors, traders and distributors in an
efficient, timely manner
Providing a comprehensive step-by-step application process
Providing technical support for expeditious certification renewal
Fostering sustainable agriculture and a sustainable environment

What is organic?

An organic production system is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act and the National Organic Program (NOP) to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

Source: USDA - National Organic Program 2001

What does “certified organic” mean?

In the United States, “certified organic” means that a non-profit, state or private certification organization, accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has verified that products labeled as “organic” meet strictly defined organic standards, as specified by the NOP.

Why is "certification" important?

Certification is important for consumers, industry and the regulatory community for a variety of reasons.
The National Organic Program requires certification of agricultural products
making an organic label claim
Assures organic integrity from seed to shelf
Provides for product differentiation
Makes a statement about a product's value
Protects consumers from fraud
Boosts consumer confidence

Who sets the guidelines that govern Quality Assurance International (QAI) as an accredited organization of the United States Department of Agriculture?

In short, QAI certifies to the USDA NOP guidelines. QAI does not develop the guidelines.

QAI strictly follows guidelines established by the National Organic Program (NOP), the federal regulation that ensures all USDA requirements are met. As part of its accreditation, QAI updates programs and policies as needed to ensure ongoing compliance with NOP guidelines. Guidelines are available at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/NOPhome.html.

More information on the role of accredited organizations is available at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Q&A.html.

What is the National Organic Standard (NOS)?

The National Organic Standard (NOS) is a federal regulation created by the USDA and administered by the National Organic Program (NOP) to:
Develop and implement national standards governing the marketing of
agricultural products as organically produced
Facilitate commerce in fresh and processed food that is organically produced
Ensure consumers that such products meet consistent standards

Can QAI develop and adapt organic guidelines as needed?

As an independent certification organization, it is beyond the scope of QAI’s mission to develop additional guidelines that are governed by the USDA. Since the USDA develops the NOP guidelines—QAI is required to follow those federal mandates.

When the USDA makes a change to NOP guidelines, QAI then changes its procedures in accordance with our accreditation by the government.

Does QAI certify beyond the NOP guidelines so that companies can go above and beyond the federal requirements?

Based on QAI’s accreditation, the USDA does not allow us to offer additional certification services to companies that are above and beyond the NOP guidelines.

Why do companies work with QAI as an organic certification agency?

QAI is a licensed, independent certification organization as designated by the USDA.

QAI can provide international certifications to increase international access for its clients.

65% of certified organic products on U.S. store shelves are certified by QAI.
The study, entitled “Market Retail Study 2005,” was conducted by the
marketing research firm Treger Consulting.
More than 16 years of experience in organic certification
Staffed by experienced technical professionals, with combined organic
experience of over 75 years.
Uses inspectors who are trained by the Independent Organic Inspectors
Association (IOIA), and other industry recognized training

What are some of QAI's major accreditations?

As an accredited certifying agent under the USDA’s National Organic Program, QAI has numerous accreditations both domestically and internationally:
USDA's National Organic Program (NOP)
ISO 65 from USDA (Washington, D.C.)
Conseil des Appellations Agroalimentaires du Québec (Québec, Canada)
JAS and MAFF export arrangement (Japan)
IFOAM (International Federation of Agriculture Movements)

In what international markets does QAI certify?

QAI is organized to serve clients worldwide, through its affiliation with global strategic partners and offices throughout the world. Our staff specialists have expertise in organic regulations established in the EU, Japan, Canada, Korea, and Latin America.

What types of operations does QAI certify?

Producers
Processors
Retailers
Traders
Private Label
Distributors
Restaurants
Personal Care Products
Dietary Supplements
Livestock
Honey
Maple Syrup
Poultry and Eggs
Sea Vegetables
Dairy
Mushrooms
Hydroponics
Greenhouses

What does QAI’s certification process entail?

QAI's Organic Certification Program is a five-step process:

More specific guidelines are available at
http://www.qai-inc.com/pdfs/QAI_Policies.pdf

How much does it cost to be certified?

The fee for QAI’s organic certification depends on various factors (e.g., size of operation, location, etc.). A fee schedule is provided with the QAI application for organic certification; however, the actual single fixed fee is determined upon review of each application.

Who has received QAI certification?

A list of QAI certified clients can be found at http://www.qai-inc.com/4_0_0_0.php.

How long does the certification process take?

Generally, the process takes about eight to ten weeks from application and all data required for review. QAI also offers various levels of rush services.

Does QAI offer organic consultation?

Under the USDA organic regulations, certifiers are not able to be consultants. A list of organic consulting firms is available from QAI upon request, or view the current QAI Organic Consultant List.

How often does a company have to get inspected?

The USDA NOP regulation requires an annual inspection.

What is QAI’s position on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

The National Organic Program does NOT allow the use of GMOs in organic production. However, because organic certification is a process standard, there can be no guarantee that a product is “GMO free.”

Does QAI offer a certification that designates products “GMO Free”? What does GMO free mean?

Through an alliance with Genetic ID, QAI can provide certification to the Cert-ID GMO standard