Certification Forms and Documents
The following documents are available for you to download and use in submitting an application or updating your certification with Nature’s International Certification Services. Keep in mind that an Organics System Plan (OSP) for Crop Production, Field History Sheet, maps, Organic Certification Affirmation, and the appropriate fees must accompany every file. A brief explanation of each section follows.
Right-click and choose "Save target as" to download each document. (The exact wording will differ depending on your browser.)
Certification Manual: Manual developed and provided to persons seeking organic certification with NICS.
NOP Standards: Standards for the National Organic Program.
NICS seal: This seal is for use by NICS certified organic clients to market their products. It is not intended to take the place of the "Certified Organic by" statement.
The following OSP is for operations looking to start crop certification with or transfer to NICS for another agency.
Crop Production OSP - Initial Long Form must be filled out by every applicant the first year.
The following form is for initial certification of livestock with NICS.
These forms are for operations who are currently certified with NICS and are requesting continued certification.
Crop Production OSP - Update Short Form is filled out the years following initial certification.
Crop Production OSP - Update Long Form is filled out every 5 years after the initial certification.
Livestock OSP - Short form is completed each year following initial livestock certification.
The following are additional production options for certification.
Wild Crop Harvesting OSP
Maple Syrup OSP
Greenhouse OSP
Grassfed Livestock OSP
Processor/Handlers will need to complete organic system plan.
Processor/Handler OSP
Organic Product Profile - must be completed for each processed organic product being requested for certification.
Master Products Listing - A listing of all finished products being requested for organic certification
Handler Material Listing - A listing of all sanitation, pest management products, etc. that are used as part of SOP
Excluded Handler Plan Questionnaire - A supplemental form so organic integrity can be verified for handler that provide storage or other handling services for packaged/contained organic products for NICS-certified operations
Private Labeling Agreement Questionnaire - A supplemental form for processing facilities who conduct organic private labeling for their clients.
Every application must send in this affirmation.
Organic Certification Affirmation
Use this fee sheet to figure the amount you must send in with your application. Applications will not be processed without payment.
Fee Sheet - see fee schedule.
The following is a set of record keeping documents for you to use and keep in your files. In some cases you will need to send in certain documents with your file to verify your compliance with the Rule.
Field History sheet - must accompany paperwork submitted by initial applicants or for land that has not been previously certified.
Current Year Field Plan - must be completed for producers who are updating their organic certification (not for first time applicants)
Prior Land Use Declaration Form (PLUD) - must be filled out and sent in when land has not been managed by applicant for at least 3 years
Seed, Seedlings, and Planting Stock form - must be completed with seed information for the growing season including the variety, source, and organic status
Organic Seed/Plant Stock Search form - use to document purchased seeds and organic seed/planting stock search efforts
Crop Input Listing and Livestock Input Listing- excellent for listing all inputs (fertility, pest/disease control, livestock health)
Off-Farm Manure/Bedding Verification - Used to provide information regarding off-farm manure and/or bedding
Compost production record - to track and document compost you make
Verification of adjoining land use - for a neighbor to fill out verifying the use of their land
Neighbor Notification Letter - use to inform your neighbors/utilities of your organic status
Buffer crop usage - to record deposition of buffers
Harvest-Sales Summary - to record harvests and sales of crops
Clean transport affirmation - to record cleanout of truck/transport
Clean Equipment Log - for use when equipment is used on conventional and organic crops
Complaint log - keep track of complaints about your operation
Transaction Certificate Authorization - for use when buyer of organic products requests additional verification
Electronic Signature Authorization - complete so you can submit documentation electronically that would normally require a handwritten signature
