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What To Know About Labeling Farm Products for Organic Certification
Summary: Organic farm products—whether sold at farmers’ markets, in retail packages, or in bulk for wholesale—must follow USDA National Organic Program (NOP) labeling requirements. Use of the USDA Organic seal and Oregon Tilth logo is allowed with restrictions. Transitional products must never be labeled as organic. Proper labeling and record keeping ensure traceability and compliance.
Labeling Organic Farm Products for Retail Sale
Can I use the USDA Organic seal on my farm products?
Yes. If your farm is certified organic, you may use the USDA Organic seal and the Oregon Tilth logo on your retail packaging. However:
- The certifier logo must be smaller than the USDA Organic seal
- Only verifiable organic claims are allowed (e.g., “100% organic carrots”)
What’s required on labels for packaged retail products?
- “Certified organic by Oregon Tilth” must appear below your business name/address on the information panel
- Ingredient statement is required if the product has multiple ingredients
- Each organic ingredient must be clearly labeled as organic
What about unpackaged retail products, like at a farmers’ market?
- Labeling is not required
- You may display organic claims or the USDA/OTCO seals with OTCO approval
- This applies to signage, bins, crates, or price tags for loose produce
Need help with labeling?
Review our Organic Labeling and Composition Guide for design rules, claim types, and sample formats.
Note: Oregon Tilth does not review labels for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other agencies with labeling requirements.
Labeling Organic Farm Products for Wholesale (Non-Retail)
Do bulk boxes or storage containers need labels?
Yes. All containers used for storing or shipping products labeled “100% organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic [ingredient]” must include a label — even if they are not intended for retail.
What must be on a wholesale label?
- Product name clearly marked as organic
- Lot number, batch ID, or other traceable code
- Optional: USDA seal, Oregon Tilth logo, handling instructions
Why is traceability required for non-retail containers?
Each container must link to your records. This supports audit trails and trace-back audits during inspections. Your records must show:
- Who handled the product last (certified operation)
- Matching information for sales, harvest, packaging, and shipping
Labeling Transitional Farm Products
Can I label transitional crops as organic?
No. During the organic transition period, you may not use the word “organic” in any form on your products, signage, or marketing.
What if I’m enrolled in Oregon Tilth’s Certified Transitional program?
You may use the Oregon Tilth Certified Transitional logo following OTCO’s transitional labeling requirements:
- Product must be clearly labeled as “transitional”
- Do not use “organic” anywhere on the front panel or associated signage
- Label must not mislead consumers into thinking the product is organic
Do I need certification to label a product as “transitional”?
No. Certification is not required to use the word “transitional,” but use of OTCO’s Certified Transitional logo does require enrollment in our transitional program and label approval.
Best Practices
- Always submit labels for OTCO approval before printing
- Keep records of label versions and approvals
- Ensure your product traceability system supports all label claims
- Avoid using unapproved seals or claims on any part of your label or marketing