Organic Certification Advice
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) is growing rapidly in a market worth over $70B. Producers and sellers who bring products to this or other global markets need to ensure they’re certified to the right organic scheme to take advantage of this opportunity.
The requirements for products to carry an ‘organic’ label vary by country and by the certification scheme. Schemes define what production methods and ingredients can be used, as well as what goes on your food label.
Navigating this process can feel onerous if you’re new to it – but expert help is here. The sustainable food experts at NSF can guide you every step of the way to ensure you meet your goal as quickly and efficiently as possible – so you can bring your food products to market safely, with compliance, and without delay.
NSF can help ensure your inputs, record keeping, and other checkpoints are in place and ready to be audited. We can help you in many ways, including:
Organic certification Gap Assessment
Our sustainable food experts will assess any gaps in your plan or processes that could impact the granting of organic certification. The assessment will be supported by either a virtual or on-site facility visit depending on your unique business model.
Organic System Plan (OSP) development
In the US, the Organic System Plan (OSP) is a critical part of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Certification process.
It is both the application process for certification, and it documents the policies and procedures to ensure organic integrity.
NSF’s experts will help you complete the OSP and identify where concerns or gaps may exist. This does not replace a full gap assessment but can help you identify any obvious omissions in the information you present in the OSP.
Organic Fraud Prevention Plan (OFPP) development
To comply with the USDA NOP requirements, you’ll need an Organic Fraud Prevention Plan.
NSF experts can assist you with the production of your plan or can offer feedback on your existing plan.
Depending on your needs, we can conduct a risk assessment, advise you on mitigation plan development, and offer you training as required.
Resources
Why Sustainability Still Matters – From Boardrooms to Grocery Aisles
ArticleJustin Brown, NSF's Senior Manager of Sustainability, explains why sustainability remains a vital and current issue for today’s consumer goods-oriented businesses, despite changing regulatory landscapes for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) globally.
Sustainable and Safe: Striking the Right Balance Between Sustainable Practices, Innovation and Ensuring Food Safety
ArticleThis article is an extract from the session delivered at the 2025 GFSI Conference in Dublin Ireland by Alison Friel, Director of Technical Services, NSF.
Sustainability vs. Affordability: Is It Possible to Have Both?
BrochureAs economic pressures rise, the food industry faces a critical challenge: how to stay committed to sustainability while remaining competitive. Explore expert insights on balancing affordability and environmental responsibility in today’s cost-sensitive world.
How NSF Can Help You
