An organic production system is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act and the National Organic Program 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?

"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.

Why is "certification" important?

Provides for product differentiation
Ensures product's value
Protects consumers from fraud
Boosts consumer confidence
The National Organic Program REQUIRES certification of agricultural
products making an organic label claim
Assures Organic Integrity from seed to shelf

What is the National Organic Program (NOP)?

The National Organic Program (NOP) is a federal regulation created by the USDA to:

Develop and implement national standards governing the marketing of
agricultural products as organically produced
Facilitates commerce in fresh and processed food that is organically
produced
Ensures consumers that such products meet consistent standards

What is QAI's mission statement?

QAI is COMMITTED to:

Verifying organic integrity to meet strict standards
Certifying organic growers, processors, traders and distributors in an
efficient, timely manner
Certifying to the federal standard under the National Organic Program (NOP)
Ease of client certification through a streamlined step-by-step application
process
Providing superior, professional assistance and support for expeditious
certification renewal
Fostering sustainable agriculture / a sustainable environment
Promoting a healthy planet

Why should I select QAI as my organic certification agency?

A private, professional business corporation
One of the predominant international certification firms
A GLOBAL LEADER in organic certification with operations throughout the
world: United States, Canada, Latin America, Japan
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.
Experienced in organic certification for more than 16 years
Staffed by experienced, progressive professionals
Uses inspectors who are trained by the International Organic Inspector's
Association (IOIA), and other industry recognized training
Competitive/single fixed fees with no percentage of sales taken

Numerous accreditations 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)

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

To 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.

As an accredited certifying agent under the USDA’s National Organic Program, QAI is also accredited by the USDA for ISO 65 compliance, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan for JAS compliance, the Conseil des Appellations Agroalimentaires du Québec (Canada), and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).

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.

How long does the certification process take?

Generally, the process takes about eight to ten weeks from receipt of payment 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 do I 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 product is “GMO free.”

How can I get an application from QAI?

For additional information, please email us or contact us by phone at 858.792.3531.