Organic Program Overview
Producers and handlers of raw agricultural products wishing to sell their products as organic are required to register with the county agricultural commissioner prior to the first sale of product, and then annually renew their registration with the secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture. County agricultural commissioners also process registrations for retail establishments involved in the handling or processing of organic products as required by the California Organic Products Act of 2003.

County inspectors conduct producer and handler audits and perform inspections at retailers and farmer’s markets to ensure compliance with the law. They may respond to complaints or conduct investigations in cooperation with the State.

A copy of the California Organic Products Act of 2003, California Organic Retail Practices, text of the regulations for the National Organic Program, as well as a list of certifiers operating in California and other related information can be obtained by logging on to the California Department of Food and Agriculture website at California Organic (http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/organic.html).

Further information about the National Organic Program as well as a copy of the final rule can be obtained by logging on to (http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/indexNet.htm)

Definition of "ORGANIC"
The National Organic Standards Board has also agreed upon a definition of the term organic. That definition, which follows, was drawn up in April 1995.

"Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Organic' is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act.

"The principal guidelines for organic production are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water. Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people."