CDFA Organic Registration

Producers/Handlers/Processors Organic Registration

Every person engaged in this state in the production or handling of raw agricultural products sold as organic, and retailers that are engaged in the production of products sold as organic, and retailers that are engaged in the processing, as defined by the NOP, of products sold as organic, shall register with the agricultural commissioner in the county of principal operation prior to the first sale of the product. Each registrant must annually renew the registration unless no longer engaged in the activities requiring the registration. Each registrant shall provide a complete copy of its registration to the county agricultural commissioner in any county in which the registrant operates by mail or by completing the online registration form.

Please note if your operation fits any of these descriptions you must register with California Department of Public Health (except for processors and handlers of processed meat, fowl, or dairy products and retailers that are engaged in the processing or handling of products sold as organic): Processing Defined: Cooking, baking, curing, heating, drying, mixing, grinding, churning, separating, extracting, slaughtering, cutting, fermenting, distilling, eviscerating, preserving, dehydrating, freezing, chilling, or otherwise manufacturing and includes the packaging, canning, jarring, or otherwise enclosing food in a container.

All operations are subject to unannouced audits in accordiance with the provisions of Title 3, California Code of Regulations §1391.1.

To complete a new application or to renew your organic registration, click the appropriate link below. If you are experiencing any difficulties or require further assistance please contact your local county agricultural commissioner's office.

Printable Registration Forms

USDA Accredited Certifying Agents (ACA) Registration

Any certification organization that certifies product sold as organic in the State of California shall register with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Each certification organization shall pay to the department an annual registration fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) for each client they have certified in this state up to a maximum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

To complete a new application or to renew your registration, click the appropriate link below. If you are experiencing any difficulties or require further assistance pleace contact the State Organic Program.