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Organic

Under the National Organic Program (NOP) products sold as organic in the United States must be certified by a USDA-NOP accredited certification agency. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is a USDA-accredited certification agency that certifies producers and processors in the state of Colorado.

The CDA verifies that the requirements of organic production and handling practices meet the national standards. Food and other agricultural products that have been produced following the USDA organic regulations carry the Organic label and may also display the USDA Organic seal.
 
***NEW***: The CDA is currently accepting new applications for organic certification of all scopes. Please contact cda.organic@state.co.us for more information and to obtain an application.
 
For all questions related to transitioning to organic and assistance navigating the organic certification process, please contact Maclaine Sorden at
(720) 402-8579 or maclaine.sorden@state.co.us.  If you would rather provide us a brief overview of your operation and have someone reach out
to you, please complete this General Interest Form and we will be in touch within a few days. Thanks!

USDA Organic Cost Share Program is being operated by the USDA Farm Service Agency. The USDA Cost Share Program has information about the program.

Complaints against certified and non-certified parties should be forwarded to the Compliance Office at the National Organic Program.

Organic Resources

USDA/National Organic Program

National Organic Program Homepage: Provides links to all parts of the NOP website.

National Organic Program Handbook: Provides guidance and instructions to assist operations and certifiers to comply with USDA-NOP regulations.

USDA Organic Topics: Connects you with USDA programs, services and educational materials that can be helpful in your organic farm or business.

 

Organic Production

E Organic:  Factsheets, publications, and webinars providing information covering all aspects of organic agriculture.
 
ATTRA (National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service):  Organic Farming publications and information on pest control, organic certification, soils and fertilizer, crops, livestock, inputs, marketing and more.

 

Marketing Resources

CDA Markets Division:  Markets Division has a variety of programs including Colorado Market Maker, Colorado Proud, access to International Markets and information on Specialty Crop grants to help organic operations.  

In addition Markets can assist with GAP and GHP:  Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices.  The CDA is an in-state partner with the USDA for the USDA Fresh Produce Audit Verification Program

USDA - Economic Research Service:  Organic Market overview, organic trade and policy, and reports.

 

International Trade-Importing and Exporting Organic Products

National Organic Program Trade Partners:  Information on exporting organic products to countries with international trade arrangements for USDA certified organic products.

 

Food Labeling

Food and Drug Administration: General Food Labeling Guidelines

 

Contact the Organic Program