Organic Program

Certification Forms Fees Cost Share Montana Organic Program
Policy Manual USDA
National Organic Program Montana Code Annotated:
Organic Certification Administrative Rules of Montana:
Organic Certification

Organic Program Goals

The program is an accredited USDA certifier of organic producers and handlers under the USDA National Organic Program.

1. Provide professional, efficient and objective organic certification services to producers and handlers.
2. Facilitate the growth and success of organic agriculture in Montana.
3. Protect consumers by monitoring and enforcing compliance with state and federal laws governing organic production, handling and product labeling.

The program facilitates international marketing of organic products with Canada, the European Union, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Switzerland.

Resources & Information Links

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) offers resources to make organic certification more accessible, affordable, and attainable. These resources help farms and businesses understand the USDA organic standards, certification process, and inspections in more depth. To receive regular updates from the USDA NOP, subscribe to the USDA Organic Insider.

Webinars

Webinars on the latest in organic farming practices and research are available through eXtension.org, a part of the cooperative university extension system.

Links

• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP)
• USDA Organic Insider Archives
• USDA Organic Insider: Subscribe to the USDA Organic Insider, a newsletter that informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services.
• UOrganic Materials Review Institute (OMRI): OMRI supports organic integrity by developing clear information and guidance about materials, so that producers know which products are appropriate for organic operations.
• USDA Organic Labeling: USDA organic products have strict production and labeling requirements.
• Organic 101 from the USDA Blog: Posts tagged Organic 101 from the official USDA blog.
• Submit your business information to the MDA Ag Business Directory to receive updates from MDA business development staff on ag marketing and sales opportunities for you to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montana Organic Commodity Advisory Council

The eight-member Montana Organic Commodity Advisory Committee advises the department on the operation of the state's Organic Certification Program. Under Montana administrative rules, the department director serves on the committee, along with certified organic producers, a certified organic handler, and a consumer representative.

Board Members