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What Activities You Can Do And Still Be Compliant With Your Organic Crop Certification
Summary: Organic crop certification includes basic handling activities like washing, drying, and packing crops produced on your farm. If you process both organic and non-organic products (except for packaging), you may need handler certification. You can pack and label your own organic products as long as it’s described in your Organic System Plan (OSP).
What activities are included under crop certification?
Organic crop certification covers basic handling and post-harvest activities done on the farm where the crops are produced. These activities are not considered separate processing but are part of maintaining the organic integrity of your crops.
Common activities covered:
- Washing
- Drying
- Storing
- Sorting
- Ensiling (fermenting for storage, like silage)
- Packing
- Packaging
- Labeling
These are allowed under crop certification as long as they are conducted on-farm and the crops are grown on that farm.
Can I pack and label my own products?
Yes. Farms may pack and label their own organic products:
- Under their own brand or
- For another brand
This is permitted as long as:
- The activity is clearly described in your Organic System Plan (OSP)
- You maintain proper records for traceability and compliance
👉 Tip: Always update your OSP before adding new packing or labeling activities.
What if I process both organic and non-organic products?
If your farm handles both organic and non-organic processed products, you must apply for handler certification, unless you\’re only doing packaging.
- Only packaging non-organic products? → Crop certification is enough
- Doing any other processing of non-organic products? → You’ll need handler certification to remain compliant
Is seed cleaning considered a processing activity?
No. On-farm seed cleaning is considered a part of harvest, not processing.
However, if you are a split operation seed producer (growing both organic and non-organic seed), you must:
- Describe your contamination prevention measures in your Organic System Plan
- Keep clear separation and records
- You do not need handler certification for seed cleaning
Summary: Do you need crop or handler certification?
| Activity | Crop Certification | Handler Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Washing, drying, storing, packing, labeling | ✅ | ❌ |
| Packing for other brands | ✅ (with OSP detail) | ❌ |
| Processing non-organic products | ❌ | ✅ |
| On-farm seed cleaning | ✅ | ❌ |
Click here to learn more about Activities Not Covered by Organic Crop Certification.
Still unsure what certification you need?
📞 Contact Oregon Tilth — Our certification specialists can help you determine the right certification path based on your farm’s operations.
👉 Apply for Certification or Contact Us to get started.