About Us

The Minnesota #1 Chapter of OCIA is one of 18 member chapters and three regional offices worldwide. These people have come together to share their vision of organic farming and uphold an organic standard of excellence. OCIA chapters are the grass roots source of crop improvement information, as farmer members meet regularly to share challenges and solutions in all aspects of farming. OCIA certification is a tool for the improvement of organic foods grown in an environmentally beneficial and sustainable production system. As a nonprofit, member-owned certification agency, OCIA is committed to maintaining the high level of organic integrity of its certified services and products. It is also committed to ensuring that its members can access the global market.

How Do I Get Involved?

Membership dues are $40 per calendar year for OCIA MN #1 and $35 for OCIA International. The Certification Cost begins at $400 for the National Organic Program (NOP) certificate. There is an additional charge for each certificate that you apply for. Members receive notice of workshops, conferences, seminars and meetings year round. The quarterly chapter newsletter, as well as the quarterly OCIA International newsletter (The Communicator), is sent to all members. A subscription to the Organic Broadcaster is given complimentary with your membership dues. Membership also makes one eligible to be involved in the running of the chapter’s affairs by serving on the Board of Directors or being a part of a committee. Chapter members may also become active on the International level in several committee capacities or by running for the Board of Directors. Contact us to apply.

Statement of Purpose

The Organic Crop Improvement Association pledges its dedication to “providing organic crop improvement through professional development of organic farmers and processors, including technical assistance, education information, publications and research”.

How long does it take to get certified?

Upon receiving a packet from OCIA International the answer to this question depends on your timeliness in returning the paperwork to OCIA International or the chapter office. You can also apply online.

OCIA International is accredited by IOAS for the scope of product certification (Registration number 30). Please refer to www.ioas.org for current information. The latest accreditation certificate can be found on the IOAS website here. IOAS accredits/assesses OCIA for ISO/IEC 17065, the Canada Organic Regime (COR), and EU 2018/848 (EU Compliance).

OCIA International can also assist members in verifying their products' compliance to EU/EC 2092/91 regulations, the Japan Agriculture Standards (JAS) and JAS Equivalency.

If interested in joining OCIA MN #1, please contact us and request an application packet. It will be emailed or mailed to you. (Please specify if a livestock questionnaire is also needed.)

Featured Images


Donald DeWeerd and _ posing in front of an OCIA poster.

Donald DeWeerd and _ posing in front of an OCIA poster.
The chapter leadership posing in front of OCIA posters.
Darin Dorn presenting a gift to Donald DeWeerd.
Denise Olson and Donald DeWeerd posing in front of an OCIA poster.
Marty _ and Lorri Ann Hartel taking a picture together.
Donald DeWeerd, Denise Olson, and Glen Kadelbach posing in front of OCIA posters.
Donald DeWeerd, Denise Olson, Lorri Ann Hartel, Glen Kadelbach posing in front of OCIA posters.

Membership makes a difference!

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