News / Events
HOFA's 18th annual membership meeting
September 26, 2010 - September 26, 2010
Contact:
808-969-7789 toll-free: 1-877-ORG-ISLE (674-4753)
hofa@hawaiiorganic.org
HOFA ceasing certification activities in 2011
July 1, 2010 - October 1, 2011
Contact:
HOFA Hilo office: 969-7789
hofa@hawaiiorganic.org
USDA NOP instructions for changing certifying agents
Requirements
CERTIFICATION
HOFA will be ceasing certification activities in 2011. If your operation is certified by HOFA and you will be seeking a new Certifier, please read the USDA NOP's instruction sheet: Responsibilities of Certified Operations Changing Certifying Agents.
We recommend International Certification Services (ICS) for organic certification in Hawai'i. Visit the ICS home page or programs page for more information on certification services.
International Certification Services, Inc. has been providing organic certification services since 1980. Conceived in 1979 as Farm Verified Organic (FVO), ICS was one of the first organic certification agencies, and still operates its original FVO program, in addition to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) and other programs, such as Food Alliance certification, Canadian Organic Regime (CFIA accredited), and facilitation/compliancy to JAS (Japan), EC 834/2007 (EU equivalency; previously EEC 2092/91) and Bio Suisse (Switzerland).
SCOPES OF CERTIFICATION
a) Organic Crop Certification covers the production of agricultural and horticultural crops.
b) Organic Livestock Certification covers the production of animal products such as meat, eggs, and milk.
c) Organic Handling / Processing Certification covers the production of processed organic foods and businesses participating in the distribution chain.
d) Organic Wild-Crop Certification covers the harvesting of crops that are not actively cultivated.
Apiary Certification covers the production, packing, and processing of bee products.
At this time, there are no official federal standards established for Organic Apiary Production. Until federal standards for honey production are final, commercial apiaries seeking organic certification must comply with requirements and policies based upon the National Organic Standards Board's 2001 final recommendations.
Producers, processors and handlers seeking certification must comply with all requirements and policies relating to the category and type of activity.