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

Visit our facebook and twitter pages for real-time organic news updates

January 1, 2010

Contact:
HOFA on facebook 
HOFA's twitter stream

Home» Certification» Requirements

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).

ICS have expressed respect in the understanding that they will have much to learn about the unique nature of organic agriculture in Hawai’i. To facilitate this, ICS will be integrating local island inspectors and HOFA staff; meaning that you will likely hear and see the same familiar voices and faces on the phone and at inspection. Because we found a sister agency willing to work with us so closely, HOFA began directing first-time applicants to ICS effective July 1, 2010. 
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.