Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://agr.wa.gov/organic.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Helpdesk phone:

(360) 902-1805, organic@agr.wa.gov

Subject matter expert contact information:

Brenda Book, (360) 902-2090

bbook@agr.wa.gov

Organic Producer Certification: Crop and/or Livestock

Description/Purpose

To verify the crops and livestock products that are sold, labeled, and represented as organic were produced in compliance with USDA Organic Regulations.

Triggers and activities which would require this certification

Selling, labeling, or representing crop or livestock products as "organic."

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

The new application fee for all new businesses is $375, due with the new application. There is an inspection fee for each inspection. The inspection fee is based on the sum of the types of production activities at inspection: $375 for crop producers, $250 for livestock producers, and $100 for wild crop producers. A renewal fee, due each year on March 1, is based on the gross annual income received from organic activities in the previous year.

Application Information

The application is called 'New Application for Organic Certification' is online and can be accessed at https://agr.wa.gov/departments/organic/new-applicant-info/apply-for-certification.

All required forms and fees listed on the new application are required to accept the application. Complete information is available at https://agr.wa.gov/departments/organic/new-applicant-info/apply-for-certification, or by calling our program at 360-902-1805.

  • The application packet is evaluated for compliance with the USDA Organic Regulations. (7 CFR Part 205).
  • An inspection prior to certification is required. The inspection report will be sent to the Olympia office.
    • A certification specialist will review the report and determine if the operation qualifies for organic status.

Application packet and forms may be sent by email to organic@agr.wa.gov.

The fee form and check must be sent hardcopy to:

   Washington State Dept. of Agriculture
   Attn: Organic Program
   PO Box 42591 (US mail)
   1111 Washington St SE (Private courier)
   Olympia, WA 98504-2560

Certificates don't expire unless an operation surrenders certification or the agency suspends or revokes certification. In order to remain in compliance and avoid suspension, an operation must renew certification annually (Due March 1). Per USDA Guidance, an updated certificate is issued annually for compliant operations.

USDA organic regulations include provisions to appeal certification decisions.

Legal authority
Contacts
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Organic Program
1111 Washington Street SE
PO Box 42560
Olympia WA 98504-2560
Email: organic@agr.wa.gov
Website: https://agr.wa.gov/organic
Telephone: (360) 902-1805
Triggering Questions
  • Are you a producer selling, labeling, or representing crops or livestock products as "organic" or wishing to do so?
* Credential details last updated 6/28/2022
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