Organic Ingredients
Looking for organic ingredients? You can find the products produced and processed by CCOF members in oursearchable online organic directory.
The following resource links will help guide you in finding growers, manufacturers, and other sources of organic ingredients, as well as organic suitable ingredients.
Organic Trade Association - The Organic Pages Online: The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based trade association that focuses on the organic business community in North America.
Organic-bio.com: One of the largest international databases concerning biological production
Natural Food Network: Publisher of the annual Certified Organic Food Directory
Non-GMO Report: Information on sourcing non-GMO products
Prepared Foods Wellness Directory: Ingredient listing for the natural products industry
Institute of Food Technologists Healthful Foods Directory: Natural products industry buying guide
606 Organic: Listing of available ingredients that are listed in NOP section §205.606
Natural Sourcing: Supplies over 500 different organic and conventional oils, butters, essential oils, and other cosmeceutical ingredients sourced from reputable manufacturers around the world.
Organic Seed/Planting Stock
理解NOP种子和解放军的规定nting stock can be challenging. We have outlined the regulations specific to seed, planting stock, annual transplants, and commercial availability below. as well as the commercial availability recordkeeping requirements below. CCOF has also developed useful sample forms and anorganic seed and planting stock supplier listas resources to assist you.
Commercial Availability of Seed and Planting Stock
You must use organic seed and planting stock unless organic versions are commercially unavailable, with the exception that organic seed must always be used for production of edible sprouts.
Commercial availabilityis the ability to obtain seeds and/or planting stock in an appropriate form, quality, or quanitty to fulfill an essential function in your organic system and is determined by CCOF during review of the Organic System Plan (OSP). CCOF strictly reviews this process annually to maintain the integrity of organic food production and encourage our members to actively search for organic seed and planting stock.Start your search using ourorganic seed and planting stock supplier list.
If you cannot find the specific organic seed or planting stock in the form, quality, or quantit needed, we recommend trialing organic varieties to show your commitment to meeting this requirement. If a third party such as a buyer or seed distributor determines your seed or planting stock, they must comply with the commercial availability requirement on your behalf.
In particular, we are aware that the availability of organic strawberry planting stock (i.e. crowns) is increasing. Organic strawberry producers must demonstrate diligent ongoing efforts such as: contacting suppliers known to offer organic planting stock, requesting organic from suppliers offering nonorganic planting stock with the desired characteristics, and trialing organic varieties.Start your search using ourorganic strawberry planting stock supplier list.
Commercial Availability Recordkeeping Requirement
You must document your search for organic seed and planting stock. This includes ongoing evidence of active attempts to source organic versions, such as phone call logs, catalogues, letters, trialing records, or other documentation of good faith efforts.
Similar evidence must be provided in the event that organic seed or planting stock does not provide necessary level of quality or meet the desired function. If a third party selects your seed or planting stock, you must be able to demonstrate they are making ongoing efforts on your behalf.
Additional Seed and Planting Stock Requirements
If organic seed and/or planting stock are not commercially available, you may use non-organic versions if they are non-GMO, and either untreated or treated ONLY with allowed substances listed on your OSP Materials List. You must maintain records of the status of all seed and planting stock, including the full brand name of any pelleting, coating, inoculant, or other treatment material used on organic or non-organic seed.
Annual Transplants
Annual transplant (seedlings) MUST be certified organic. You must maintain the supplier's current NOP certificate and purchase invoices showing the organic status.
Production of Planting Stock
Non-organic planting stock grown for sale as planting stock (not to produce a crop) must be managed organically for one year prior to sale as organic. You must document your compliance with this requirement.
Seed and Planting Stock Resources
Choosing organic seed encourages opportunities for organic farmers and marketers by supporting expansion of a thriving organic sector. If growers cannot find specific organic seed in the quality or quantity they require, then trialing other organic varieties should be considered. First, identify the qualities that are sought in organic seed, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, hybrid uniformity, size, color, flavor, or any other market or grower preferences. Then, seek out organic varieties that are available and conduct trials to see if the organic seed can meet your needs.
Looking for organic seed suppliers?
CCOF maintains a comprehensivelist of seed suppliers and regulations.
Websites that contain seed search engines and other helpful resources:
www.organicseedfinder.org
www.seedalliance.org
www.pickacarrot.com
Sample Seed and Planting Stock Records
- Use ourCommercial Availability Search Recordfor tracking organic seed and planting stock searches.
- Use ourSeed and Planting Stock Recordfor verifying organic status of seed/planting stock and any seed treatments.
- Check out ourRecordkeeping Toolspage for more sample records to help keep you organized.
Still need help?See ourseed and planting stock FAQsfor more assistance with organic seed.