Eligibility Check
If you can answer YES to these questions, you are eligible to submit an application.
If you answer NO or you're unsure, please contact our certification team before applying so we can help you determine if you qualify.
- You are currently certified organic through USDA Organic or COR*
- Your farm is free of “parallel production” (growing/raising the same crop or livestock both organic and non-organic)
- At least 51% of your total farm sales come from certified organic products and/or organically-managed meat sales**
- You avoid systemic confinement of livestock (including any non-organic livestock on the farm)
- Your crops are soil-grown (no hydroponics), and your container-grown production is 1% or less of gross farm income
- You avoid prohibited substances or excluded methods anywhere on the farm (including non-organic acres or livestock)
Answered yes to all? Apply now!
*If your farm makes under $5,000/year and is “registered organic” with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), you may qualify. Contact us before applying so we can confirm.
**If your farm has significant non-organic livestock sales because there are no organic processors reasonably available in your area, eligibility can be nuanced. Please do not self-disqualify based on livestock sales alone.
Recognition for Your High Standards
Real Organic Project add-on certification verifies soil-grown production and strong livestock welfare standards—so farmers and eaters can distinguish farms that meet both the letter and spirit of organic.
Deadline to apply is April 1, 2026! Check your eligibility above and apply today.
How Certification Works
Check Your Eligibility
If you can answer YES to every eligibility question above, submit an application. Jump to eligibility check or, if you’re unsure if you’re eligible, email or request a call now.
Submit Application Review
Submit your application (takes about 20–30 minutes). No additional documentation is needed today. Our farm certification team will review and be in touch with next steps. Apply Now
Farm Visit
If approved, a member of our certification team will schedule a farm visit during your growing season. That means June through October for most farms. (Hawaii, we’re headed your way later in the year, so ahead and apply now)
Stay Certified
Certified farms are re-inspected every five years. While certification is active, enjoy farmer discounts, an international network of like-minded farmers, and increased buyer trust in your products.
Our Standards
The Real Organic Project standards reflect the true nature of organic farming with an emphasis on soil health and environmental sustainability.
FAQs
Here are questions we are often answering. Don’t see what you are curious about? Feel free to reach out.
Contact Us
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How does Real Organic Project certification differentiate your farm?
Our add on certification is for farms that grow their plants in healthy soil and raise their animals humanely and on pasture. We exist to help farmers and eaters differentiate farms that are growing their animals and crops to not only the letter, but also the spirit of the certified organic standards.
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What does “add on” mean?
Real Organic Project operates as an add-on label to certified organic. This means that we only certify farms that are already USDA certified organic.
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How do I complete the Real Organic Project application?
You can click here to complete our online application. Filling out the application takes about 30 minutes, and does not require any additional records or documents. Our staff will respond to your application as soon as possible. Please note: during our travel season (June-October) responses may be slower than usual.
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Are there on-farm inspections for Real Organic Project?
Yes, once your application is approved one of our inspectors will arrange a visit to your farm, during the growing season, to ensure that it meets all of our certification criteria. Like all parts of our certification program, the inspection is completely free for farmers.
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Does it cost money to get Real Organic Project certified?
No, there are no fees to be a Real Organic Project farm. Our add-on certification program is funded by eaters, farmers and private foundations that want to see a certified organic system that embodies integrity, transparency and the spirit of organic farming.
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How many farms are certified by Real Organic Project?
Real Organic Project currently certifies 1000+ farms across the country. We certify highly diversified operations, meat and dairy farms, vegetable farms, grain growers and everything in between.
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Can I provide feedback on the standards?
Yes, at any time! Our 15-member standards board evaluates and votes on the standards every winter. You can complete this form to let us know that you would like to provide comments in writing or in person at the Standards Board meeting in December.
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Is there a label I can use?
Yes, once your farm has completed our application and inspection process you will have the ability to use the Real Organic Project logo on your marketing materials and on any products that we certify.
FAQs
Here are questions we are often answering. Don’t see what you are curious about? Feel free to reach out.
Contact Us
-
How does Real Organic Project certification differentiate your farm?
Our add on certification is for farms that grow their plants in healthy soil and raise their animals humanely and on pasture. We exist to help farmers and eaters differentiate farms that are growing their animals and crops to not only the letter, but also the spirit of the certified organic standards.
-
What does “add on” mean?
Real Organic Project operates as an add-on label to certified organic. This means that we only certify farms that are already USDA certified organic.
-
How do I complete the Real Organic Project application?
You can click here to complete our online application. Filling out the application takes about 30 minutes, and does not require any additional records or documents. Our staff will respond to your application as soon as possible. Please note: during our travel season (June-October) responses may be slower than usual.
-
Are there on-farm inspections for Real Organic Project?
Yes, once your application is approved one of our inspectors will arrange a visit to your farm, during the growing season, to ensure that it meets all of our certification criteria. Like all parts of our certification program, the inspection is completely free for farmers.
-
Does it cost money to get Real Organic Project certified?
No, there are no fees to be a Real Organic Project farm. Our add-on certification program is funded by eaters, farmers and private foundations that want to see a certified organic system that embodies integrity, transparency and the spirit of organic farming.
-
How many farms are certified by Real Organic Project?
Real Organic Project currently certifies 1000+ farms across the country. We certify highly diversified operations, meat and dairy farms, vegetable farms, grain growers and everything in between.
-
Can I provide feedback on the standards?
Yes, at any time! Our 15-member standards board evaluates and votes on the standards every winter. You can complete this form to let us know that you would like to provide comments in writing or in person at the Standards Board meeting in December.
-
Is there a label I can use?
Yes, once your farm has completed our application and inspection process you will have the ability to use the Real Organic Project logo on your marketing materials and on any products that we certify.
Schedule an Appointment
Meet with a Regional Organizer or our Graphic Designer to learn more about the services you can access.
