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Faq: What Is Organic? FAQ: WHAT IS ORGANIC? What is organic? What is the National Organic Program (NOP)? An organic production system is managed in The National Organic Program (NOP) is a federal accordance with the Organic Foods Production regulatory program created by the USDA and Act and the National Organic Program to respond implemented in 2002 to: to site‐-specific conditions by integrating cultural, > Develop and implement national standards biological and mechanical practices that foster governing the marketing of agricultural products cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and as organically produced conserve biodiversity. > Facilitate commerce in fresh and processed food Source: USDA National Organic Program 2001 that is organically produced > Ensure consumers that such products meet What does “certified organic” mean? consistent standards “Certified organic” means that a nonprofit, state or private certification organization, accredited by the Who sets the guidelines that govern United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Quality Assurance International (QAI) as an has verified that products labeled as “organic” meet accredited organization of the United States strictly defined organic standards. Department of Agriculture? QAI certifies to the USDA National Organic Why is certification important? Program (NOP) guidelines. QAI does not develop The National Organic Program requires certification of the guidelines. agricultural products making an organic label claim. In QAI strictly follows guidelines established by the addition, certification: NOP, the federal regulation that ensures all USDA > Provides product differentiation requirements are met. As part of its accreditation, QAI updates programs and policies as needed to > Enhances product’s value ensure ongoing compliance with NOP guidelines. > Protects consumers from fraud Guidelines and information on the role of accredited > Boosts consumer confidence organizations are available on the NOP website. > Assures organic integrity from seed to shelf What are some of QAI’s accreditations? What types of products does QAI certify? QAI is committed to the highest quality standards for > Private label organic certification and has demonstrated this by > Personal care products achieving the following accreditations: > Dietary supplements > United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) > Processed products • National Organic Program (NOP) > Agricultural commodities > Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) > Livestock and livestock products • Canadian Organic Regime (COR) > Honey > Committee on Accreditation for Evaluation of > Maple syrup Quality (CAEQ) > Poultry and eggs • Mexico Organics Product Law Standard (LPO) > Sea vegetables • Quebec Organic Reference Standards > Dairy • ISO/IEC 17065 > Mushrooms > American National Standards Institute (ANSI) > Hemp and hemp-derived CBD products • ISO/IEC 17065 > DEKRA To what international markets does • ISO 14001 QAI certify? QAI serves clients worldwide through its affiliation What types of operations does QAI certify? with global strategic partners and offices throughout > Producers, growers, greenhouses and the world. QAI certification to the NOP or COR bioponics facilities standards can allow for products to be exported to other international markets via equivalency > Processors and manufacturers agreements. These international markets include > Retailers and restaurants Canada, the EU, Great Britain, Mexico, Latin America, > Traders and distributors Japan, Canada, Korea and Taiwan. Does QAI offer organic consultation? Who has received QAI certification? Under the USDA organic regulations, certifiers are not A list of QAI-certified clients and products can able to be consultants. A list of organic consulting be found in the online directory of certified clients firms is available from QAI upon request, or you can and products. view the current QAI Organic Consultant List online. What does QAI’s certification process entail? How much does it cost to be certified? Obtaining organic certification through QAI is a five‐ The fee for QAI’s organic certification depends on step process: various factors (e.g. size of operation, location). A fee schedule is provided with the QAI application for 1. Application organic certification. The actual single fixed fee is To kick off the process, complete determined upon review of each application. the application forms and submit supporting documentation. This helps How long does the certification process take? us understand your products, organic practices and operation scope. Let us Generally, the process takes about eight to ten weeks know if you want other certifications from receipt of payment and all data required for such as gluten ‐free or non‐ GMO. review. QAI also offers various levels of rush services. 2. Inspection How often do inspections occur? QAI verifies the information on your application and conducts an on‐site The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulation inspection to confirm your practices requires annual inspections. are consistent with organic regulations. When you are certified, annual on‐site inspections will continue to be required. 3. Review A QAI technical reviewer evaluates the inspection report. If deviations or inconsistencies are noted, non‐ compliances are issued. 4. Resolution QAI will notify you of non‐compliances and your company will have the opportunity to provide a timely resolution. 5. Certification After successfully completing your inspection and technical review, you will receive an official, numbered certificate and will be able to use the organic mark! QUALITY ASSURANCE INTERNATIONAL (QAI) An NSF International Company | 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92122 T +1 858 792 3531 | E [email protected] | www.qai-inc.com LQA-191-1220.
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