18 CCOF Certified Organic Magazine - Spring 2008
Understanding CertificationQ: How do I export?A: The CCOF Global Market Access Program(GMA) assists growers and processorslooking to directly export organic crops andproducts to an international market as wellas operations who sell products to buyerswho may export.The GMA program requires that additionalquestions are asked at the time of yourannual inspection. The GMA inspectioncovers differences and additions requiredby foreign governments and standards suchas Japan or the European Union, Quebecor the International Federation of OrganicMovements (IFOAM) that are distinct fromthe USDA National Organic Program (NOP)requirements. During your annual inspectionCCOF will review your operation to allrelevant international standards based onthe planned or potential markets you haveidentified. CCOF clients who enroll in theGMA are educated on international organiccertification standards and receive supportfrom CCOF certification staff. CCOF Manual<strong>Three</strong> outlines in detail the requirementsfor entering the GMA program as well asproviding comparison charts for inputs,management and processing. Manual <strong>Three</strong>is available online at www.ccof.org/pdf/CCOFman3.pdf .CCOF’s GMA program is strongly recommendedfor any operation that sells to aforeign country either directly or indirectly.To join send a letter to CCOF requestingenrollment along with a check for $150.As with our regular certification service, anexpedited GMA service and inspection arealso available.Q: Where can I get information on andassistance with understanding whatmaterials and inputs are allowed inorganic production? Can CCOF help?A: As an accredited certification agencyCCOF is not allowed to make specific productor management recommendations; wecan point you to resources that will helpanswer your questions.Your first point of reference shouldalways be the “National List” of allowedand prohibited substances developed bythe NOP. In general, natural substancesare permitted unless they are specificallybanned (e.g. arsenic, lead salts, etc.) andsynthetic substances are prohibited unlessspecifically allowed. This list is included inCCOF Manual Two: USDA National OrganicProgram Standards and can be downloadedat www.ccof.org/standards.php .The National List identifies generic materials,not specific formulations of finishedor branded products. For this reason, theOrganic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)and the Washington State Departmentof Agriculture(WSDA) publish“materials lists”that evaluate formulated, brand nameproducts against NOP standards for organiccompliance. The OMRI list can be found atwww.omri.org/OMRI_products_list.html.If you do not have Internet access you canrequest a hard copy by writing P.O. Box11558, Eugene, OR 97440 or calling (541)343-7600. The WSDA list can be found atwww.agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Organic/MaterialsLists.htm or by calling (360)902-1805. Please note, while these listsidentify a material’s compatibility with organicproduction, do not apply any of theseproducts without prior notice of approvalfrom CCOF (see below).Keep your OSP up to date: Before applyingnew inputs or materials, always notifyCCOF by updating your Organic System<strong>Plan</strong> (OSP), using specific brand names andcomplete formulations. This is a very importantstep and must be completed. Even ifyou think you have verified that the materialis permitted for use in organic systems, allmaterials must be disclosed and approvedin the context of your operation and OSP.Always confirm inputs with CCOF.CCOF Materials Review Process: CCOFcan determine whether a material thatdoes not appear on the OMRI or WSDAlists is allowed on a case by case basis.Download the “Material Review Request”at www.ccof.org/forms.php. Complete theform and attach a label, MSDS, or otherdocumentation that shows 100% of activeand inert ingredients. This service is free ofcharge for CCOF certified clients. Requestscan also be mailed or faxed to CCOF, 2155Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060, fax.(831) 423-4528.Consultants – If you do not have time to doyour own research or, if having done yourown research, you still need advice, considercontacting an agricultural consultant.Although CCOF cannot provide consultingassistance, we maintain a list of organicconsultants and agricultural advisors whocan assist you. This list can be found onlineat www.ccof.org/consultants.php. Pleasenote, consultants are listed as a courtesy byCCOF. Listing does not imply endorsementor recommendation by CCOF.Below are some helpful sources ofinformation:CCOF Certified Organic Magazine- Back editions of thismagazine contain detailedinformation oncertification and includehelpful articleson organic standardsand compliance. Pastarticles can be accessed through ouronline magazine archive at www.ccof.org/archives.php. This magazine, alongwith periodic email updates, is providedfree of charge to all CCOF certifiedand supporting members.The University of California’sWestern Region Organic FarmingCompliance Handbook is also avery good resource fororganic farmers andagricultural professionals.The handbook,along with other useful publications,can be found at www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Organic/pubs.htm.ATTRA (Appropriate TechnologyTransfer for Rural Agriculture) -ATTRA’s NationalSustainable AgricultureInformation Service isa USDA funded technicalassistance andinformation provider for sustainableagriculture. Individuals can access freeliterature regarding aspects of organicfarming such as production transition,certification, pest management, soilconservation, livestock, and more.Technical assistance is provided viathe web www.attra.ncat.org/ or phoneat (800) 346-9140 or (800) 411-3222(Español).OFRF (Organic Farming ResearchFoundation) - Provides valuableinformation ongrants, researchresults andfarming issues- www.ofrf.org, (831) 426-6606Material Safety Data Sheets -www.greenbook.netCCOF Certified Organic Magazine - Spring 200819
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