Organics

The mission of the Texas Department of Agriculture Organic Certification Program is to ensure the integrity of organic agriculture products produced and manufactured in Texas by providing certification services to Texas producers and agribusinesses.

As an accredited Certifying Agent by the United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program, the TDA Organic Certification Program has the authority to certify organic producers as well as processors, distributors and retailers of organic agricultural products. To be certified, an operation must comply with organic production and handling regulations established by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).

The program's purposes are simultaneously to develop Texas' agricultural economy and to provide consumers with the most abundant and diverse food and fiber supply possible. The program helps Texas farmers diversify their operations and capture a larger share of a growing premium market, and it helps ensure the authenticity of the organic marketing claim.

Please click on the links under Resources to learn more about organic agriculture. These publications provide useful information such as how to obtain organic certification through the TDA Organic Certification Program, answers to frequently asked questions about organic agriculture production and handling, and a fee calculator for new applicants.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Learn more and register for upcoming events presented by Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance.

http://ohbaonline.org/register

Attention: To read more about the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule, which took effect March 20, 2023, click here. The new regulations have an implementation (compliance) date of March 19, 2024.

Thinking of Transitioning to Organics? Transition to Organic Partnership Program.

Click here to estimate your cost of Organic Certification.

New Applicants: Please read this guidance on form submission. Note: The time necessary to complete the submission of a NEW application for Organic certification; i.e. initial receipt of fee payment and documentation until the issuance of a completed organic certificate is approximately 90 to 120 days.

LIVESTOCK CERTIFICATION ONLY: TDA is currently not accepting any new applications for organic LIVESTOCK certification. To locate other accredited organic certifiers you can use the USDA Organic Certifier Locator tool on the USDA website.

Ready to apply for Organic Certification? Please email our Organic Team at Organic@TexasAgriculture.gov. Please include the following information, so that we may provide you with the specific forms for your operation:

1. Please detail if you are a crop producer and/or handling organic product.

2. Contact information for the applicant.

3. Facility name including address and operation website (if applicable).

4. For crop producers include acreage and crop type(s) being requested for certification.

5. For handlers include a brief description of handling/processing activities.