#3
Certification News 2026 A N O R GA NI C CO MMUN I TY BUL L ETI N SINC E 1 974
S t r e a m l i n i n g C e r t i f i c at i o n w i t h C a r e CCOF Completes Certification Workflow Efficiency Assessment In August 2026, CCOF successfully completed an in-depth review of our certification workflows in partnership with a consulting team. The improvements identified will help us reduce delays, eliminate unnecessary steps, and improve communication between you and our certification team. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to making organic certification as accessible and responsive as possible—without compromising the integrity and rigor that CCOF certification represents.
What Comes Next
CCOF is Streamlining Certification with Care Through the Organic System Plan (OSP) Project
CCOF Customer Service Principles
CCOF has spent the last two years reimagining our own Farm OSP with one goal in mind: making it easier for you to apply, update, and maintain your organic certification. The result? A Farm OSP that is 50% shorter, with clearer language, fewer repetitive questions, and a format informed directly by farmer feedback. We’ve completed a successful grower pilot and are carefully evaluating feedback to ensure smooth implementation when we release the forms to all members. While CCOF is not transitioning to the voluntary Common OSP recently announced by USDA, we share USDA’s goal of making organic certification more consistent and efficient across the industry. And we’re not done yet. Similar streamlining efforts are now underway for Handler certification, with Livestock planned for next year, helping us continue our commitment to a certification process that is both rigorous and user-friendly.
We are now moving into the next phase: selecting and configuring updated technology systems to support the improved workflows identified through this review. We will keep you informed as those upgrades roll out.
CCOF Website Improvements – Find the Forms & Answers You Need! It’s now easier to find information on our New OSP Forms page, Updated FAQ page, and Enhanced Resource Library. Check it out at ccof.org.
Scan the QR code on pages 3, 5, or 7 to access all the resources listed!
In fall 2026, CCOF launched new Customer Service Principles developed by a cross-functional working group of customer service leaders and informed by feedback you delivered in our Annual Member Survey and client listening sessions.
When you choose CCOF as your certifier, you can expect us to: •
Show up with care and make it easy to reach us in the way that works best for you.
•
Be responsive and serve your needs efficiently.
•
Communicate clearly about requirements, timelines, and next steps in easy-tounderstand language.
•
Partner with you by building mutual trust through respectful, solution-oriented support.
•
Stay accountable to our service standards, maintain transparency, and keep improving how we serve you.
CCOF is not just a certifier, but a trusted partner in making organic the everyday way we eat, grow, and live.
#3
Certi fication News
2026
Page 2
F R O M F I EL D TO FO RK , WE’RE G ROWI N G A FUTU RE ...
What happens when grapes get stepped on? They let o ut a l it t l e w i n e.
Inspection Reports Now Available in Spanish CCOF is committed to delivering high-quality certification services in English and Spanish. We have updated our systems so that all inspection reports are delivered in your preferred language. Inspection reports are sent following your inspection and are available in MyCCOF at any time.
Supplier List and Product Forms Updated for Handler/Processor Operations
CCOF’s International Labeling Guidelines Updates
We have updated our OSP supplier list forms (H2.0A and H2.6) and Product Application. Consider switching to the new forms for faster updates and inspections.
When you design labels for export outside of the U.S., check out CCOF’s International Labeling Guide. We update this resource any time there are changes or clarifications to international labeling requirements.
What to Expect After You Become Certified Newly certified? Learn about OSP updates, ongoing inspections, and renewals in our blog.
Recent updates include clarifying that the JAS seal is required on both retail and non-retail labels for products sold in Japan, and that alcohol sold as “Organic” in Japan must be certified under the terms of the U.S.Japan Organic Equivalency and bear the JAS organic seal. The equivalency allows wines labeled “Made with Organic Grapes” to continue to be exported outside of the equivalency, without a TM-11 USDA Export Certificate, JAS seal, or JAS-certified importer. If the labels for these wines include the CCOF logo, you will need to switch to a new version of the CCOF logo that does not include the words “Certified Organic.” Additionally, Korea now allows wines certified to the USDA NOP “Made with Organic Grapes” standard to be exported to Korea under the U.S./South Korea equivalence arrangement. Wine may contain sulfur dioxide and may be labeled as either “Made with Organic Grapes” or “Organic Wine” for export to Korea.
OSP Forms for Wineries Now Available in Spanish Wineries can now use the specific OSP forms for wineries in Spanish. Review the V2.0 Bodega Orgánica, V2.1 Aprobación de vinos y etiquetas, y Acceso al Mercado Global (GMA) Solicitud para Vino and submit them to inbox@ccof.org.
Update to Email Information Displayed in the Organic Integrity Database (OID) To strengthen data security and reduce the risk of phishing attempts, CCOF updated how member email addresses are displayed in the USDA Organic Integrity Database (OID) and on NOP organic certificates. You have the option to provide a public-facing email address of your choice to be displayed in the OID and on your organic certificate. You can add or update this at any time through your MyCCOF account. Email inbox@ccof. org or call the CCOF office for assistance.
#3
2026
Certi fication News
Page 3
...WHERE O RG A NI C I S THE NO RM!
F U N D ING Opportunities Food production is challenging, essential work. CCOF is thankful to be able to provide our community with a wide array of financial assistance opportunities to help make life easier.
Scan the QR code below to access all applications!
CCOF Certification Financial Assistance
CCOF Foundation Hardship Assistance Fund
CCOF offers financial assistance to food producers who are facing emergency hardship, schools, nonprofits, previously incarcerated individuals, veterans, and beginning U.S. and Mexico producers.
The CCOF Foundation offers direct financial support to certified organic farmers and ranchers in California who have experienced climate-related hardship. This includes funding administered in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. Eligible hardships include extreme weather and other climate-related events. The CCOF Foundation Hardship Assistance Fund accepts applications until December 11. Apply here or email grants@ccof.org with questions.
USDA Cost Share Program USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has officially reopened the Organic Certification Cost Share Program and is now accepting applications for Program Years 2025 and 2026. Eligible certified organic operations may receive reimbursement for 75% of eligible certification costs, up to $750 per certification scope (crops, livestock, wild crops, and processing/handling). Operations can apply through their local USDA FSA county office or, in participating states, through their state department of agriculture. Applications are due by December 31, 2026.
CCOF Foundation Future Organic Farmers Grant
CCOF Foundation Grants for Organic Transition Organic Transition grants provide financial support and technical assistance to California farmers and ranchers who want to shift into organic production. The amount granted is $10,000 per year for three years, for a total of $30,000. There may be the opportunity for eligible transitioning farmers to qualify for an additional $1,000 per transitioning acre up to 30 acres for soil building practices.
Future Organic Farmers provides $5,000 scholarships to students and early career farmers for organic-focused studies in college or vocational programs. The grant will open for applications in March 2027.
Alerts Phishing Scam Targeting USDA Certified Organic Operations CCOF has been informed by clients that fraudulent emails have been sent to contacts listed in USDA’s OID claiming to be from the USDA. CCOF members should also be on alert for emails from fake senders impersonating CCOF Board or Staff. If you receive a suspicious email, do not click any links, respond, or provide information. Verify the sender’s address by checking what appears between brackets [ ] or angle brackets < > in your email program. Authentic emails from USDA, AMS, and NOP will come from usda.gov. CCOF email addresses always end in @ccof.org.
You can access all resource links and more in this corner!
SCAN!
#3
2026
Certi fication News
Page 4
F R O M F I EL D TO FO RK , WE’RE G ROWI N G A FUTU RE ...
Resources FIND THE RESOURCES YOU NEED FOR SU CCE S S !
• OFRF Organic Research Hub • The CCOF Resource Library • Weekly Organic Certification Office Hour • CCOF Applicant Help Desk • How to Use MyCCOF videos • Steps to Certification videos (Handler and Producer versions) • Free Webinars Available on YouTube • Practical Guidance on Cover Cropping for Water Conservation • USDA Organic Integrity Database (OID) Search Instructions
Marketing Resources: • Organic Marketing Toolkit • Update your listing in the CCOF Directory • CAFF Free Marketing Office Hours
How To Submit Feedback and Complaints CCOF is committed to continuous improvement. This portal provides an opportunity to submit a complaint or allegation with regard to the misuse of the CCOF name/ seal. This portal also allows us to receive feedback from our clients about our services. We take all feedback, complimentary or constructive, with utmost regard to the needs of our clients and the integrity of our services.
Ou r C e r t i f i c a t i o n P r o g r a m s CCOF offers many certifications and add-on programs for your operation. We work closely with you through each stage of the certification process. Every client has a dedicated service specialist, and we answer the phone.
Call (831) 423-2263, email your inquiry to getcertified@ccof.org, log into MyCCOF, or scan the QR code on the next page to get started. Organic Certification Organic certification for farmers, processors, handlers, retailers, brokers, and livestock operations.
CCOF Certified Transitional Program Farming new ground? Don’t wait until the end of the threeyear transition time—start your transition to organic today to ensure success and compliance with organic standards. We offer lower annual fees to support you through the transition period.
Food Safety Services - GLOBALG.A.P. and PrimusGFS v3.2 Want to produce safe, organic produce while still protecting the environment? Are your buyers requiring a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked food safety certification, or requesting third-party audit reports prior to approving a sale? Do you need to bring your operation into compliance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? CCOF is accredited to offer GLOBALG.A.P. IFA, PHA, and HPSS standards, and PrimusGFS v3.2.
Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program The OPT’s Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program™ sets the standard for grass-fed, organic dairy and meat production.
International Programs Exporting organic? Located in Canada or Mexico? We have several programs to meet your needs.
Regenerative Organic Certified® CCOF offers the Regenerative Organic Certified® program in partnership with the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA). Build on organic regulations with three Regenerative Organic Certified® pillars: Soil Health, Farmer and Worker Fairness, and Animal Welfare.
CDFA OCal Cannabis Certification CCOF supports California licensed commercial cannabis operations with a comparable-to-organic program.
#3
2026
Certi fication News
Page 5
...WHERE O RG A NI C I S THE NO RM!
As k a n O r g a n i c E x p e r t WI T H C H I EF CE RTI F I CATI O N O F F I CE R A PRIL VAS QU EZ
“I received an updated organic certificate, but it doesn’t show an expiration date. How do I know if it’s still valid?” Great question—and one we hear often! Organic certificates issued under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) do not have expiration dates. This can feel unusual since other certifications do expire, but NOP organic certification works differently by design.
• Certifiers issue updated certificates regularly (typically annually) to reflect any changes or confirm continued compliance. • Certificates include an issue date and an anniversary date (when your annual update is due), rather than an expiration date.
Instead of expiring, your organic certification remains in effect continuously so long as your operation continues certification and has not been suspended or revoked.
This approach is set by the USDA—not individual certifiers— and helps ensure that organic certification reflects ongoing compliance rather than a fixed end date.
Here’s what that means in practice:
If someone reviewing your certificate is expecting an expiration date, you can let them know that “NOP certificates cannot expire” and instead remain valid unless the certification status changes.
• Your certificate is valid until it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
If you ever need help explaining this to customers, suppliers, or auditors, you can share this NOP resource that clarifies this, and we’re also happy to support. Just reach out! Do you have a question for our organic expert? Email gdenker@ccof.org
Why do cows h av e h o o v e s instead of feet? Because they la c t o s e.
SCAN! You can access all resource links and more in this corner!
#3
Certi fication News
2026
Page 6
F R O M F I EL D TO FO RK , WE’RE G ROWI N G A FUTU RE ...
Client Anniversaries: Big thanks to all the clients who have chosen CCOF as a longtime partner in their organic certification journeys:
Congratulations on 50 years with CCOF:
Middle East - Soli’s Baking Co., Inc.
Commercial Lynks, Inc.
Middleton Farm
Mycological Natural Products
Condor’s Hope Ranch
Mimi’s Organic Farms
Oceanview Farms, LLC
Coracao Confections, Inc. dba CaCoCo
Mitsui Ranch Preserve
Oils Of Paicines
Dairy Manufacturers, Inc.
Monarca Berries S. de R.L. de C.V.
P & K Farms
David Arthur Vineyards
Monte Vista Farming Company, LLC
Pacific Ag Commodities Corporation
David Bogas dba KDJ Farms, LLC
Monterey Wine Company, LLC
Congratulations on 30 years with CCOF:
Payne Farm
Day Star Organic Farm, LLC
Muesli Munch, LLC
Purity Organics
Dean Johnston’s Farm
Naked Dates Farm LLC
Refco Farms, LLC
DePalo Foods, Inc. dba DePalo Bakery
Nutricost Manufacturing, LLC
Bayliss Botanicals, LLC
Rick Nicholas/H & R Citrus/ Nicholas Family Farms
Dixon Ridge Farms
Oz Farm, LLC dba Oz Farm
Dogali Vineyard
Palio Coffee
Dotti Brothers Dairy, LLC
PetDine LLC
Doud and Associates, Inc. dba Pacific Coast Produce
Petit Pot, Inc.
LaRocca Vineyards
Cal Poly Organic Farm Campisi Ranch Grimmway Enterprises Inc - Bakersfield Region dba Grimmway Farms Grimmway Farms - Handler Division Park Farming Organics Sierra Orchards TKP Farms, Inc. Traditional Medicinals Wild Rose Farm dba Box Of Rain Yount Mill Vineyards
Congratulations on 20 years with CCOF: Adastra Vineyards American Cooling, Inc. (Salinas) Beberian Family Farms Berrymex S. de R.L. de C.V. Blue Ridge Farms Casa Sanchez Foods Chinchiolo Stemilt California Coastal Valley Farms Coffee Works, LLC Cultivo Coffee LLC dba Joebella Coffee Roasters Diamond HB Organics, Inc. Diener Ranch Dierke’s Enterprises Ellis Ranch Equator Coffees, LLC Far West Fungi Fillmore Farms Fresh Innovations Of California, LLC FreshPoint Central California Garon Foods, Inc. George E. DeLallo Co. Inc. Grape Harvester, Inc.
Rodriguez Bros. Ranch, LLC San Francisco Soup Company dba Ladle & Leaf Santa Ana Ranch, Inc. Scheidel Ranch Staglin Family Partners, Ltd. The Plug Connection, LLC Tournour Vineyards Val-Mar Farms Organics dba Country Sweet Produce Wild Ridge Organics Wine Country Cuisine
Congratulations on 10 years with CCOF: 24 Carrot Farm LLC Adventure Coffee Roasting Agrícola Gonzmonther S.P.R. de R.L. Agrícola Los Picachos de Tapalpa S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V. Agro Exportadora Jr S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V. Agroexport de Sonora S.A. de C.V. Agrytropical Supply S.A. de C.V. dba Agrytropical Aguilares SPR de RL Allied Avocados and Citrus, Inc. Alpine Fresh, Inc. Alturas Ranches, LLC
Lawrence Wine Estates - Highway Lawrence Wine Estates Linda Falls Vineyard Lawrence Wine Estates - Trailside Manzanita Manor Organics Mariani-Stonebarger dba Maristone Mark Wyatt Martin Family Farms Martori Farms A dba Of Eagle Produce, LLC
Rancho Los Serranos
Fellowship of Friends dba Mountain Sweet Orchard
Rancho Manzana
Feral Heart Farm
Roadrunner Tree Farm
Fishel Organic Farm LLC Fragrance Manufacturing, Inc. dba FMI
Robert H. Mackey & Sons, Inc. dba Canyon Creek Ranch
Front Porch Farm, LLC
Rockside Ranch
Frutymora Mazamitla S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V.
Rosenson Wine Creations, Inc. dba Coquelicot Estate Vineyard
Ganfer Sociedad Agrícola S.A. de C.V.
Russian River Vineyards, LLC
Gilbert Orchards, Inc.
SeaSnax, Inc.
Gopal’s Inc. dba Gopal’s Healthfoods
Sensient Natural Ingredients, LLC
Gopher Glen
Silveira Jerstein Dairy
Green Chef Corporation dba Green Chef
Sinto Gourmet, LLC
Green Farms California, LLC. dba Worldwide Produce
Southwestern Date Growers LP
Griffin Family Farms, LLC Grupo Agrícola Dareyza S.P.R. de R.L. Guillen Berry Farms, LLC dba Guillen Berry Farms Haig’s Delicacies Ham Produce Company
Rene Larranaga
Smith River Ranch Strong Roots dba Open Circle Seeds Sunrise Pasture - Poultry Farm Sykes & Sykes Inc. dba Altar-Cross Farms T.M. Duche Nut Co., Inc. Temecula Farm The Coffee Roastery
ASA Farms
Humble Tea, Inc. dba Tea Drops
Associated Feed & Supply Co.
Idalou Egg Ranch LP
Triple B Corporation dba Charlie’s Produce - Los Angeles
B&G Foods North America, Inc. - Yuma, AZ Facility
Integradora de Invernaderos Michoacanos, S.A. de C.V.
Bains Farming LP
J & G Farming, Inc.
Barrel Ten Quarter Circle, Inc.- Napa
J. Marchini & Son, Inc. dba J. Marchini Farms
BEE-OCH, LLC
Berrytepec, S.P.R. de R.L.
Lavender Ridge Vineyard, Inc.
Fang Farms
Trident Lightning Farms
Jack D. Mendrin and Frances W. Mendrin Living Trust/ Dave J. Mendrin, Inc.
Keithly-Williams Seeds
Rancho Camino Real S. de R.L. de C.V.
Anna’s Organic Farms
Bergman Family Vineyards, LLC
JR Organics
Rancho Berryland S.P.R. de R.L.
Hoover Corn dba Steve Hoover
Holzapfel & Holzapfel, A Joint Venture
Jack Neal & Son/Pelosi River Run
F&S Produce West dba F&S Fresh Foods
Productores los Agraciados S. de P.R. de R.L.
Alujo S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V.
Handley Cellars
Jack Neal & Son/Neal Family 3, 4
Empaques Valle Del Sol Frutas y Legumbres S.A.
Productora Fresal S.P.R. de R.L.
Harrison Farms Family Partnership dba Antelope Organics
Bel Lavoro, LLC dba Bel Lavoro Olive Orchards, Steep Echo
Jack Neal & Son/Martha’s
Element Bars
Best Agri-Marketing, Inc. Blackjack Farms De la Costa Central, Inc. Brunos Breads, LLC dba Organic Bread of Heaven Buckeye Ridge Ranch Buena Vista Organic California Valley Land Company dba Woolf Family Trust No. 1 dba Woolf Enterprises
Jack Neal & Son, Inc./ Chafen Rutherford Java Estate Roastery, Inc. JCG Farms Johnson’s Little Buckhorn Kara Care LLC Kennedy Rice Mill Kern Delta Company Kingsburg Citrus Organic K-30 Kirschenman Enterprises, Inc. Kuntz Chicken Ranch, Inc. Lawrence Wine Estates - Bale Lane Lemon Canyon Ranch
Carinalli Dairy
LG Organic Farms
Central Milling/Keith Giusto Bakery Supply
Lodi Vintners
Charapan Organicos S.P.R. de R.L. de C.V.
Lookingglass Organic Farm Maan Farms Corporation
Chetwyn Farm
Marie and Glenn Nader
Chris Twisselman
McDaniel Bros. LLC dba Airpark
Citrusburns Farm
Menezes Bros, Inc.
The Dojo, LLC
Urth Caffe Van Groningen & Sons, Inc. Vitalis Organic Seeds/Enza Zaden México S.A. de C.V. dba/ Vitalis Semillas Orgánicas WellMore Holdings Whole Foods Market - Mid Atlantic Distribution Center Whole Foods Market - Pacific Northwest Distribution Center Whole Foods Market - Richmond Distribution Center Whole Foods Market - Rocky Mountain Distribution Center Whole Foods Market - South Distribution Center Whole Foods Market - South Pacific Distribution Center Woodspur Farming, LLC Zoller Farms
#3
Certi fication News
2026
Page 7
...WHERE O RG A NI C I S THE NO RM!
Renew Your Certification All CCOF-certified operations should have received a new National Organic Program (NOP) organic certificate in January 2026. As a courtesy to our clients, CCOF sends new NOP organic certificates every January, plus whenever there is a change to your operation that warrants a certificate change, such as adding a new scope to your certification. You can access your Organic Certificate anytime at MyCCOF and the USDA Organic Integrity Database. Are you continuing to partner with us for your organic certification in 2027? Your annual renewal package will arrive in early November. To maintain certification for the upcoming year, complete a renewal contract and pay your annual certification fees by January 1. Renewing on time helps ensure inspections stay cost-effective for everyone.
Complete your contract and payment online (www. ccof.org/renew) through MyCCOF, by mail, or by phone at (831) 423-2263.
Renewal Timeline • November 2026: Renewal contracts and invoices sent by email/ mail. • January 1, 2027: All renewal contracts and annual payments due. • February 15, 2027: Last day to withdraw from certification without accruing 2027 certification fees. • Late fees are issued to operations that have not renewed or surrendered by February 15th.
Upcoming o f f i c e c l o su r e s Please note that CCOF’s office will be closed in observation of the following days. Veterans’ Day Wednesday, November 11 Thanksgiving Thursday & Friday, November 26-27 Christmas & New Year December 24-January 1
Happy holidays!
Updates to CCOF Certification Fees: To support long-term sustainability and continue delivering high-quality service, CCOF will implement a 6% increase in annual certification fees for 2027.
Our team continues to prioritize exceptional customer service and personalized support. If you have questions about the upcoming fee adjustment, please contact us. You can find information about cost share and other financial assistance opportunities in this issue.
By making modest updates each year, we aim to provide greater financial clarity and stability for our members.
Why did the DJ make a bad fa r m e r ? He kept dro p ping t h e b e e t s!
Newspaper Pro ductio n Senior Editor Gaea Denker Production Manager Violet Batcha Editor Nikki Behar Art Direction/Design Christina Adams Content CCOF Certification Team Special Appreciation to the CCOF Board and Committees
Thank you for reading the New C C OF N e w s p a p e r ! Do you have thoughts, feedback, suggestions, or comments on this publication?
We’d love to hear from you!
Email our Senior Editor: Gaea Denker at gdenker@ccof.org
You can access all resource links and more in this corner!
SCAN!
Certification News
a newspaper for CCOF members
What’s inside: • Updates that affect your organic certification • Answers to your questions about organic • Funding opportunities • Educational resources
CCOF
87 7 C E DA R STREET, SUIT E 24 8 , SAN TA C R U Z , CA 9 50 60 ( 831) 423-2263 · FAX (83 1) 42 3 -452 8 CCOF@CCO F.ORG · WWW.CCOF.ORG
NO N - PR OF IT OR G A N IZATION U. S . P OSTAG E PA ID PE R M IT #26 2 SA N TA C R U Z , CA
Certification News is published annually by CCOF and serves CCOF’s diverse membership base and others in the organic community, including consumers and affiliated businesses. Letters to the publisher should be sent to marketing@ccof.org. CCOF reserves the right to edit or omit submissions and letters received. For more information, contact CCOF, Inc. at marketing@ccof.org. ISSN 1940-8870
© CCOF 2026