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In general, you can use — following all guidelines — the USDA organic seal and the seal of the certifying agent on your certified organic product’s label.

However, the certifier seal may not be larger than the USDA organic seal. The label may include verifiable organic claims (e.g., the percentage of organic content).

What do I need to do for packaged, labeled organic products for retail sale?

The label must identify the organic certifier in the information panel, right below the information identifying the farm, manufacturer or distributor. Phrasing should be, “Certified organic by Oregon Tilth” or something similar.

If the packaged product has more than one ingredient, an ingredient statement is required with each organic ingredient identified as organic for the consumer.

What do I need to do for unpackaged organic products for retail sale?

Unpackaged organic products on display — such as produce at a farmers’ market — are not required to display any information. You can display organic claims and use the USDA organic seal and/or the certifier seal by obtaining our approval.

Does Oregon Tilth have a labeling guide?

Yes. Check out our Organic Labeling and Composition Guide for a breakdown of different organic claims and label design requirements.

Does Oregon Tilth review other labels with federal requirements?

No. We do not review labels for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other agencies with labeling requirements.

Do non-retail containers need labels (like boxes used for shipping bulk products)?

Yes. Any container used for shipment or storage of raw or processed farm products represented as “100 percent organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic (ingredients or food groups)” must have a label, even if the container is not meant for retail sale.

What needs to be on non-retail container labels?

Labels must include the production lot number (if applicable) and clearly identify the product as organic. You can choose to add more information on the outside of the non-retail container. This may include the USDA organic seal, your certifier’s name or logo, and any special handling instructions.

What is required for recordkeeping and traceability of non-retail labels?

Each container must have a lot number, shipping ID, or other unique code that links it to your records. These records must show the last certified organic operation that handled the product, called an audit trail. At inspection, the inspectors will trace the product back through the supply chain, called a traceback audit.   

Do you have a guide or examples for non-retail labeling?

Check out the USDA’s Retail and Wholesale Labeling for Farms guide for examples of wholesale (non-retail) labels.

During the transition process to organic, all agricultural products must not be labeled, sold or represented using the word “organic” in any form.

What if I participate in Oregon Tilth’s transitional certification program?

Participants are able to use an OTCO Certified Transitional logo, following our guidelines. Products must be identified as transitional on product labels and may not use the word “organic” to modify the front label, signage, or all other marketing. The product must not imply that the product is organic in any way. Certification is not required to label a product as “transitional.”