What does it take to become certified?
Do your research. Find a certifier that can meet your demands, has experience in the area of certification you need, and shares the same vision and philosophy about organics that you do. ICS offers multiple program choices from which to choose and can offer you the personal contact of a smaller company with the international recognition of a large certifier.

Will my products be accepted in the country I want to market them?
ICS' FVO program has a great reputation worldwide and rarely has difficulty getting our clients' products into various countries. If we have not worked in the particular country you want access to, ICS will let you know in advance and will work diligently to develop the needed partnership to gain that access.

When I have questions, who do I ask?
Each client is partnered with a Customer Care Specialist (CCS) who will be your main contact at ICS. Your CCS will guide you from the application through certification, answering questions as they arise. The CCS will get to know you and your account to make our service quick and professional.

Do you certify operations similar to mine? (Ex. Greenhouse)
ICS certifies many different areas: Field Crops, Orchards, Vineyards, Gardens, Greenhouses, Livestock, Dairy, Apiculture (Honey), Aquaculture, On-farm processing, Warehouses, Contract Services, Handlers, Processor Manufacturers, and Retailers. ICS is constantly expanding the services offered, depending on the needs of the industry. ICS has experience with almost all types of production and has the staff expertise to handle them.

Do I have to pay all the fees up front?
No, new client fees are paid at three different stages for producers and two stages for non-growers in the certification process.
Producers:
1) Application
2) Production Plan Review
3) Certification

Non-Growers:
1) Application and Set-up Installment
2) Production Plan Review Installment

How much does it cost?
Every client's situation is different so we require you to complete a Certification Assessment, allowing us to provide an accurate cost estimate. We do not like surprises and take pride in assuring our clients that they will not have unexpected expenses. We provide a fee for service so you will know what your fees will be up front, with the exception of special technical support when needed.

How long has your company been in the certification business?
ICS has been providing certification services since 1980, and our staff has over 140 years of combined organic experience.

Is ICS accredited by the USDA NOP?
Absolutely. ICS' NOP program was one of the first certifiers in the world to become NOP accredited. ICS  is also accredited to ISO 65, the Canadian Organic Regime (COR), and the IFOAM accreditation program. ICS is able to confirm compliance to EU, Bio-Suisse, and JAS (Japan) organic standards as well.

How long does it take to go through the certification process?
For processors and handlers, it takes an average of 12 weeks from the time we receive the application. The timeframe can be shortened by providing complete documentation in a timely manner. For producers, most certificates are issued by September, provided the producer responds to any conditions within a reasonable timeframe. Our Customer Care Specialists will assist you with the entire process.

Why should I be certified by your company?
Offering certification services since 1980, ICS has built an exceptional reputation for having high quality customer service, a dedication to its clients and a knowledgeable staff. The national and international recognition of the FVO program's seal is what our clients need for their products to be accepted and recognized worldwide. ICS can certify you to a variety of organic programs all under one roof and in one process to serve your various market demands. We have a 24-hour turn around time on most documents.