SearchWhat the source says
Under 7 CFR 205.100(a), except for exempt operations described in 7 CFR 205.101, an operation or portion of an operation that produces or handles agricultural products intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be certified.
Sources checked August 18, 2026 · This guide summarizes certification, exemption, plan, record, and labeling provisions in 7 CFR Part 205. It does not decide whether a particular operation, product, label, or sales channel qualifies.
Conditions, thresholds, exceptions, and duties
Certification ruleSection 205.100(a) requires certification for operations or portions of operations producing or handling agricultural products intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as 100 percent organic, organic, or made with organic specified ingredients or food groups, except for the exemptions in § 205.101. 7 CFR 205.100(a)
Exempt operationsSection 205.101 describes operations exempt from certification and from submitting an organic system plan for approval, while still requiring compliance with applicable organic production and handling requirements. 7 CFR 205.101
Organic system planThe organic system plan provisions identify the information an operation must submit when certification is required, including practices and substances used in production or handling. 7 CFR 205.201
Labels and recordsPart 205 contains separate production, handling, recordkeeping, and labeling requirements; the label category and product composition matter to the analysis. 7 CFR 205.301–205.311; 205.400–205.406
What this source does not answer
- The cited federal sources do not classify a particular farm's product or labeling category.
- An exemption from certification is not a blanket exemption from every organic production or handling requirement.
- The relevant certifying agent, product composition, handling steps, and current implementation dates must be checked separately.
What to check next
- Which defined term, threshold, date, or exception matches the operation?
- Which state or local source also applies?
- Which records, notices, labels, permits, or agreements are connected to the activity?