Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions – Oregon Tilth Certification Services and Trademark Use
Summary: If you’re certified through Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO), you are required to agree to and follow our Terms & Conditions – Certification Services and Trademark Use. This document explains your rights and responsibilities, how we maintain organic integrity, and how you can legally use the OTCO certification mark.
What Are the Oregon Tilth Terms and Conditions?
The Terms & Conditions – Certification Services and Trademark Use is a legally binding agreement between you (the certified operation) and Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO). It is a required document that outlines the rules, expectations, and policies that guide your organic certification.
This document covers:
- How to maintain certification
- Fees and billing policies
- Inspection procedures
- Reporting requirements
- Correct use of the OTCO and USDA Organic seals
- Consequences of non-compliance
- Appeals and dispute resolution
Why Are the Terms & Conditions Important?
Understanding and agreeing to these terms ensures that:
- Your certification remains valid and in good standing
- Your operation meets USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards
- You avoid misuse of the OTCO logo or USDA seal
- You are protected through clear appeal and review processes
These terms help safeguard the integrity of the organic label, which benefits both certified operations and the broader organic market.
When Do You Agree to the Terms?
You agree to the Terms & Conditions when:
- You apply for certification or recertification
- You sign the certification agreement
- You use the OTCO certification mark on products or marketing materials
It’s important to review this document anytime you update your Organic System Plan or make changes to your certified operation.
Where to Find the Terms & Conditions
You can download the most current version of the document here:
- English: Terms and Conditions PDF
- Spanish (Español): Términos y Condiciones PDF
These files are also available on the Forms & Documents section of our website.
How to Stay Compliant
Here are 4 simple tips to stay in compliance:
- Review the Terms annually. Bookmark the document or save a copy.
- Train your team. Make sure employees know what’s required.
- Use logos correctly. Always follow guidelines before printing or publishing.
- Ask for help. If you’re unsure about anything, contact our certification team.
Key Details in the Document
Below are some key sections to pay attention to:
| Section | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Certification Services | Application requirements, inspections, reporting |
| Fees & Payment | How fees are calculated and when payments are due |
| Logo Use | Rules for OTCO and USDA Organic seals |
| Noncompliance | What happens if rules are broken |
| Appeals | Your rights if you disagree with a decision |
Need Help?
Our team is here to support you.
If you have questions about the Terms & Conditions or how to stay compliant:
Email: certification@tilth.org
Phone: 503-378-0690
Forms & Docs: Visit Forms & Documents Page