Oregon can certify organic growers

USDA has announced that the Oregon Dept. of Ag. is now able to offer organic certification. ODA has become an accredited certifying agent for the Nat’l. Organic Program. ODA inspectors can begin inspecting organic production and handling operations to certify they meet USDA standards. Oregon becomes the 16th state to offer certification under the NOP. Those interested in getting certified can apply anytime before the April 1, 2010 deadline, to be on the inspection schedule through the coming year. Producers and handlers will need to apply to ODA every year for certification. Many of the inquiries about the ODA certification program are coming from companies that were certified by the Washington St. Dept. of Ag. WSDA is phasing out its organic certification services in Oregon. ODA will focus on crops in the first year and will not conduct organic livestock certification or certify organic wild crops, such as wild mushrooms. Organic production represents a small percentage of overall ag production in Oregon, but it continues to grow. According to the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture, which is conducted every 5 years, organic production sales in Oregon increased nearly 900%, from about $9.9 million in 2002 to $88 million in 2007. More than 92,000 acres are now planted for organic production.