Organic Certification Policy Statement

Organic Ingredients employs the services of the Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) organization to oversee all certified organic food ingredients purchased and processed by our company and co-packers. All raw materials coming into and all processes utilized in the production of ingredients are documented and forwarded to OTCO where they are audited. OTCO authorizes that Organic Ingredients has adhered to their strict rules and regulations regarding the production of organic foods in the form of our blanket certification document. OTCO is a fully independent, third party grower and processor certifier that is internationally accredited by IFOAM.

Why a blanket certification? First. In order to produce the volume of ingredients that the natural food industry demands, it is often necessary to contract with many growers to produce just one ingredient. Further, Organic Ingredients' continued support of small rural organic farms requires that we combine the humble crops of a multitude of farmers to meet the production volumes necessary to produce an ingredient on an economical scale. The amount of paperwork that is involved in producing certified organic food ingredients can be quite extensive. Therefore, for ease in approval and shipment, Organic Ingredients utilizes OTCO's blanket certification for organic products sold. Organic Ingredients considers all growers and co-packers that we contract with to be proprietary. In consideration of buyers and consumer concerns, we have established a working relationship with OTCO to sustain organic credibility.

Is my lot of product organic? Though OTCO certifies all products on the blanket organic certificate to be certified organic by way of a full paper trail audit, document review and/or inspection, some customers request that the organic certification be specific to the lot ordered. In these cases, we can provide an OTCO transaction certificate indicating the product name and specific lot number shipped per order.