Steps to Certification

1. Download an application packet for handlers or for producers

If you would prefer a paper application packet, contact MOSA by phone or email.

2.  Submit your Organic System Plan(s), supporting information and fees

You can submit your forms by email or by mail. The necessary base certification fees and inspection deposit (fee schedule is in the MOSA Program Manual) can be paid by check or credit card.

3. Initial review

A certification specialist reviews your application. You are contacted with the results of the review which may call for additional information to be submitted before inspection.

4. Inspection

When the initial review is completed, we assign your file to an inspector, who contacts you to schedule an inspection. The inspector’s report is submitted to MOSA. You receive a copy and a bill for inspection cost beyond the deposit that you submitted with your application. You have an opportunity to give feedback on the inspection report

5. Final review

Your file, along with any comments you make concerning the inspection findings, is reviewed by our certification staff.  Additional information may be needed before a certification decision can be made.  A certification decision may include conditions of changes needed.  Once certification is granted, you receive your certificate and you may sell your products as certified organic.

Certification is an annual process. You will be provided with update forms and application deadlines.

MOSA is committed to making the process of certification as clear, open and transparent as possible.  We welcome your questions at every step along the way.  Please contact our friendly staff if you want to know more about requirements or acceptable products and practices.