The 100% Certified Organic Grass-Fed certification program establishes an optional additional certification scope to organic operations. The program standards apply to producers of ruminant livestock and to handlers of meat and dairy products derived from ruminant livestock. Baystate Organic Certifiers is accredited by The Organic Plus Trust Inc. to conduct its 100% Grass-Fed certification program in response to membership interest in third-party verification of food products that are sourced from pasture.
Operations wishing to certify their organic dairy, meat, or products as grass-fed that are already certified organic with another accredited agency are also welcome to apply for grass-fed certification with Baystate.
Grass-Fed Certification Forms
For New and Renewing Livestock Operations: Click HERE
For New and Renewing Handling Operations: Click HERE
If you have any questions with the forms or the application process, please contact Jillian Zeigler at jzeigler@baystateorganic.org
Common Questions Regarding the Grass-Fed Certification Program
Q. Who is eligible to apply for the Baystate Organic Certifiers 100% Grass-Fed Certification Program?
A. Operations currently certified organic by Baystate or any accredited certifying agency and operations applying for certification by Baystate Organic Certifiers under the USDA’s National Organic Program.
Q. What types of operations can be certified under the 100% Grass-Fed Certification Program?
A. All producers of ruminant livestock and handlers of meat and dairy products that meet the requirements.
Q. Will my operation need to be inspected in order to be Grass-Fed certified?
A. Yes. The on-site inspection will be conducted annually and occur simultaneously with your organic on-site inspection.
Q. How much will it cost?
A. You will be charged an annual Grass-Fed certification program fee. See current Baystate Organic Certifiers Grass-Fed Fee Sheet.
Q. How do I apply?
A. Complete the forms for livestock operations (HERE) or the forms for handling operations (HERE) and then submit the completed forms, along with the fee, to our office.
Q. Once I am certified, how often do I need to renew my certification?
A. In order to maintain your certification, it must be renewed annually.
Q. What happens if my operation does not comply with the 100% Grass-Fed Standards or program requirements?
A. If your operation is not in compliance, you will be given an opportunity to correct the noncompliance. If correction of the noncompliance is not possible, your application for certification will be denied, or your certification may be suspended. Operations suspended from the grass-fed program may correct the underlying noncompliances and reapply for grass-fed certification at any time.
Q. What are the benefits of becoming certified under the Baystate Organic Certifiers 100% Grass-Fed Certification Program?
A. Successful completion of the certification process means that your operation has been inspected and verified by Baystate Organic Certifiers, an independent third-party certification agency, to meet the requirements of the 100% Grass-Fed Standards. Your certified product can claim that it is certified under the 100% Grass-Fed Certification Program.
