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Summary
Organic food processing has become big business in recent years, with an increasing number of companies offering organic ingredients, approved-for- organic processing aids and related services. Finding a slaughterhouse, bakery or other facility that can offer custom, certified organic processing for your value-added product is gradually getting easier.
But if you can't find a certified processor in your area, you can still find ways to create value-added, certified organic products for sale as part of your marketing mix. You may be able to rent a facility from a local school or other community group; you may be able to contract for certified processing with a local firm; or you may decide to invest in your own facilities for on-farm certified organic processing.
Remember that in addition to the organic standards, you also need to comply with any and all applicable federal, state and local regulations for public health, food safety, waste management, worker safety, etc.
The NOP Standards provide for four organic label categories based on the level of organic ingredients: 100% organic, 95% organic, 70% organic and less than 70% organic. Each one carries specific labeling requirements. Make sure you have your product label approved by your certifier (and any other relevant state or federal authorities) before you begin using it for sales.
The NOP Standards define handling and processing very broadly. Check with your certifier to find out if you need to fill out an Organic Handling Plan in addition to your Organic Farm Plan.
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