Top 11 Farm Certifications

Certifications are important for a farm in the job market because they provide proof that a farm and its employees have been trained in specific areas and have met certain standards of excellence. Certification can also help a farm stand out from other farms, as many employers prefer to hire workers who have received certification from an accredited organization or agency. Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the farm is up-to-date on current farming practices, is committed to high quality standards, and has taken steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its workers and animals. Additionally, certifications provide assurance to customers that the products produced by the farm are safe for consumption.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Farms and explains how they can contribute to a farm's career by providing knowledge and credentials to help advance in the agricultural industry.

What are Farm Certifications?

Farm certification is an agricultural practice that involves the evaluation of farm management practices and operations to ensure that they meet certain standards for food safety, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and/or other production criteria. Certification programs are typically administered by government or third-party organizations that audit farms and certify them based on their compliance with established criteria. These criteria may include things like best management practices for soil fertility, water conservation, pest control, animal welfare, energy efficiency, food safety protocols, and more.

The main purpose of farm certification is to help protect consumers and the environment by ensuring that the food they purchase has been produced in a safe and sustainable manner. By requiring farmers to adhere to certain standards in their operations, certification programs provide consumers with assurance that the products they buy have been produced responsibly. Additionally, it helps ensure that farmers are following best practices in order to protect the environment from potential harm caused by irresponsible farming methods.

Farm certification can also help farmers in many ways. It can potentially increase their access to markets where buyers prefer certified products; it can help improve their public image; it can give them access to resources such as technical training or financial assistance; and it can provide them with valuable marketing tools for promoting their products as certified sustainable or humanely-raised. Ultimately, farm certification provides both consumers and producers with assurance that their food is safe and has been produced responsibly.

Pro tip: When considering farm certification, make sure to research the various programs available and select one that aligns with your farming practices and goals. Be sure to read all the criteria for each program and understand what is expected of you prior to committing to a certification.

Related: What does a Farm do?

Top 11 Farm Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Farms today.

1. USDA Organic Certification

USDA Organic Certification is a certification process that verifies that a farm or product meets the standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for organic production and handling. The standards cover soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives.

The process of obtaining USDA Organic Certification can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the size of your operation. The first step is to submit an application to the National Organic Program (NOP), which includes an organic system plan detailing how you will meet the USDA organic standards. After submitting your application, you will be assigned an inspector who will visit your operation to verify that it meets all applicable requirements. Once your inspection is complete and approved, you will receive your official USDA Organic Certification.

The cost of obtaining USDA Organic Certification varies depending on the size of your operation and other factors such as location and complexity of operations. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$3,000 in fees for certification plus additional costs for inspections and record keeping.

2. Non-GMO Project Verified

Non-GMO Project Verified is a certification program that verifies products as being free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It is the only third-party verification for non-GMO food in North America. The program was created to give consumers assurance that the products they are buying are free from GMOs.

To get Non-GMO Project Verified, companies must provide documentation and evidence that their product meets the Non-GMO Project Standard. This includes providing information about their ingredients, production process, and supply chain. Companies must also submit samples of their product for testing to ensure it meets the standard.

The process of getting Non-GMO Project Verified can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on the complexity of the product and its supply chain. Companies must also pay an annual fee to maintain their certification status. The cost of this fee varies depending on the size of the company and the number of products they are certifying.

3. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification is a voluntary certification program that verifies that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored according to the highest standards of food safety. GAP certification helps farmers reduce the risk of contamination from animal waste, water sources, and other potential hazards. It also ensures that produce is handled in a safe manner throughout the entire supply chain.

In order to obtain GAP certification, farmers must complete an application process and demonstrate their commitment to meeting the standards outlined by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This includes documenting their food safety practices and providing evidence of compliance with GAP requirements. The process typically takes about three months to complete.

The cost of obtaining GAP certification varies depending on the size of the farm and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for larger farms or operations that require additional services such as training or consulting. Additionally, some certifying bodies may charge additional fees for auditing or re-certification.

Overall, obtaining GAP certification can be a worthwhile investment for farmers who want to ensure their produce meets the highest standards of food safety and quality assurance.

4. Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) Certification

Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) Certification is a third-party certification program that assesses and verifies animal welfare standards for food production. It is the only certification program in the United States that requires compliance with the highest animal welfare standards, based on scientific research. The AWA certification process is designed to ensure that animals are treated humanely and ethically throughout their lives, from birth to slaughter.

The AWA certification process takes approximately two months to complete. During this time, an auditor will visit your farm or ranch to conduct a detailed assessment of your animal welfare practices. This includes evaluating how you care for your animals, feed them, house them, and handle them during transport and slaughter. The auditor will also review your records to make sure they are accurate and up-to-date. Once the audit is complete, you will receive an official report detailing any areas of improvement needed before you can be certified.

To get Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) Certification, producers must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as farm plans and protocols for animal care and handling. After submitting the application form, producers will be contacted by a representative from Animal Welfare Approved who will arrange an audit of their farm or ranch.

The cost of getting Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) Certification varies depending on the size of the operation being audited but typically ranges from $1,000-$3,000 USD per year for farms or ranches with fewer than 500 animals or $5,000-$7,500 USD per year for larger operations with more than 500 animals.

5. Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Certification

Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) is an alternative certification program for small-scale, direct-market farmers. It is a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides an alternative to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) certification. CNG certification focuses on sustainable practices and peer review rather than expensive third-party inspections.

To become certified, farmers must meet the CNG standards for sustainable and natural farming practices, which include using natural inputs like compost and avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms. Farmers must also provide evidence of their practices through detailed records and photos. The certification process typically takes three to six months to complete depending on the complexity of the farm operation.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the size of the farm operation. For farms with up to 5 acres of production area, there is a one-time application fee of $250 plus a yearly membership fee of $50. Farms with more than 5 acres pay a one-time fee of $500 plus a yearly membership fee of $100.

Overall, Certified Naturally Grown provides an affordable and accessible alternative to organic certification for small-scale farmers who want to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable agriculture practices.

6. American Grassfed Association (AGA) Certification

The American Grassfed Association (AGA) is a nonprofit organization that provides certification and labeling for grass-fed livestock. The AGA certification is the only one of its kind in the United States, and it guarantees that animals have been raised on a diet of 100% forage, with no grain or animal by-products.

It typically takes about six months to get an AGA certification. To get certified, producers must submit an application along with supporting documents such as farm maps, grazing plans, feed records, and veterinary records. Producers must also pay an annual fee based on the number of animals they have in production.

The cost of an AGA certification varies depending on the size of the operation. For small farms with fewer than 50 animals, the cost is $250 per year plus $50 per animal over 50 animals. For larger farms with more than 500 animals, the cost is $1,000 per year plus $20 per animal over 500 animals.

In addition to paying the annual fee, producers must also adhere to strict standards regarding animal welfare and environmental stewardship in order to maintain their certification status. These standards include providing access to fresh water and pasture at all times; providing adequate shelter from extreme weather conditions; allowing animals to express natural behaviors; and minimizing stress during transport and handling.

7. Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Certification

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an independent, non-profit organization that works to promote responsible aquaculture and sustainable seafood production. ASC certification is a voluntary process that assesses and verifies the sustainability of farmed fish and shellfish operations. It takes into account environmental, social, and economic performance criteria in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of aquaculture operations.

The certification process typically takes between 18 months and two years to complete. The time frame for certification depends on the complexity of the operation being assessed and the number of corrective actions required by the certifier before full certification can be granted.

To get certified, farms must first register with ASC, then undergo an initial assessment by an accredited third-party certifier. If all criteria are met during this assessment, farms can then move onto full certification. During this stage, farms must demonstrate compliance with all relevant standards set out by ASC in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the size and complexity of the farm being assessed but generally ranges from $2,000-$10,000 USD per year for small farms up to $50,000+ USD per year for larger operations.

8. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Compliance

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is a law passed by the United States Congress in 2011 that aimed to improve the safety of food products produced and sold in the United States. The FSMA requires food manufacturers, processors, and distributors to adhere to certain standards for food safety. These standards include preventive controls, hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls, supply chain programs, product tracing systems, and recall plans.

Getting FSMA compliance can take anywhere from a few months to several years depending on the size of your business and how much work needs to be done. Generally speaking, small businesses will need less time than larger businesses to become compliant. To get started with FSMA compliance you will need to review the regulations and determine what areas your business needs to address. This may involve hiring a consultant or other professional who can help you assess your current processes and recommend changes that will bring you into compliance with the law.

The cost of becoming FSMA compliant varies widely depending on the size of your business and how much work needs to be done. A small business may be able to do most of the work themselves with minimal costs while larger businesses may require more resources such as consultants or specialized software solutions which can add up quickly. Additionally, some businesses may also need to invest in new equipment or facilities upgrades in order to meet certain requirements outlined by the law.

9. Global Animal Partnership (GAP) 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating System

The Global Animal Partnership (GAP) 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating System is a comprehensive animal welfare certification program that assesses and verifies the welfare of animals raised for food. The program is based on the Five Freedoms, which are five core principles of animal welfare: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behavior; and freedom from fear and distress.

The GAP 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating System provides producers with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare through a third-party audit process. To become certified, producers must meet or exceed the standards set by GAP for each step in the rating system. Each step includes specific requirements related to housing, feed, health care, handling practices, transport, humane slaughter, and other areas.

The process typically takes three to six months depending on the complexity of the operation. Producers interested in participating in the program can contact GAP directly for more information about how to get started. There is an application fee associated with joining GAP’s certification program as well as annual fees for ongoing participation.

10. Rainforest Alliance Certified

Rainforest Alliance Certified is a certification program that promotes sustainable farming and forestry practices. The program works to protect the environment, workers, and communities by setting standards for responsible land management, conservation of natural resources, and social equity.

It typically takes an organization between six months and two years to become Rainforest Alliance Certified. The process begins with an assessment of the organization’s current practices in order to identify areas of improvement. Once these areas are identified, the organization must develop a plan to address them before submitting it for review. After the plan is approved, the organization must implement its strategies in order to meet the standards set by Rainforest Alliance Certified.

The cost of becoming Rainforest Alliance Certified varies depending on the size and scope of the organization's operations. Generally speaking, organizations can expect to pay between $2,000 USD and $20,000 USD for certification fees. This cost includes an initial assessment fee as well as annual renewal fees once certification has been achieved.

Organizations that are interested in becoming Rainforest Alliance Certified should contact their local Rainforest Alliance office or visit their website for more information on how to get started.

11. Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) Standard

The Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) Standard is a certification program that promotes sustainable agricultural practices. It is based on the principles of conservation, environmental protection, and social responsibility. The SAN Standard is a voluntary program that provides guidance to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers in the areas of soil management, water use, biodiversity conservation, pest management, animal welfare, and energy efficiency.

The process of obtaining the SAN Standard certification typically takes between six months to one year. During this time period, an organization will be asked to provide detailed information about its production practices and submit documentation which demonstrates compliance with the standards set forth by the SAN. Additionally, an independent third-party auditor will visit the organization’s farm or ranch to verify its compliance with the standards.

In order to obtain SAN Standard certification, organizations must first apply for it by submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as production records and sustainability plans. After submitting their application materials, organizations will receive an assessment from a qualified third-party auditor who will evaluate their operations against the criteria established by the SAN Standard. If all requirements are met during this assessment process then organizations may be awarded certification status.

The cost of obtaining SAN Standard certification varies depending on factors such as size of operation and complexity of production practices. Generally speaking however, most organizations can expect to pay anywhere from $1-2 thousand dollars for the entire process including application fees and auditing costs.

Do You Really Need a Farm Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals for farming. A farm certificate is a document that certifies an individual's knowledge and skills in agricultural production, management, and marketing. It is often required for those who wish to become a professional farmer or obtain employment in the agricultural industry.

For some, a farm certificate may be necessary in order to gain access to certain resources such as land grants, government loans, or agricultural markets. For others, it may be needed in order to pursue a career as a farm manager or supervisor. In many cases, having a farm certificate can open doors to higher positions within the agricultural industry.

In addition to providing credentials, a farm certificate also serves as recognition of an individual's commitment to the field of agriculture. Having one demonstrates that the individual has taken steps towards becoming knowledgeable about farming practices and has invested time into developing skills for managing resources effectively. This can prove valuable when seeking employment opportunities or when applying for grants and other forms of support from organizations related to agriculture.

Ultimately, whether someone needs a farm certificate will depend on their goals within the field of agriculture. Those who wish to become professional farmers may need one in order to gain access to resources or secure higher positions within the industry. On the other hand, those who are simply interested in learning more about farming practices may not need one unless they intend on taking up farming professionally at some point in their life.

Related: Farm Resume Examples

FAQs About Farm Certifications

1. What is a farm certification?

Answer: A farm certification is a process of verifying that a farm adheres to certain standards and regulations related to sustainability, food safety, environmental management, animal welfare, etc.

2. Why is it important to have a certified farm?

Answer: Having a certified farm ensures that the products produced on the farm meet high standards for quality and safety. It also helps farmers stand out in the marketplace and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable farming practices.

3. How do I know if my farm is certified?

Answer: You can contact your local governing body or certifying organization to determine if your farm has been certified. Alternatively, you can look for the certification logo on product labels or packaging to verify that your products are certified.

4. Are there different levels of certification?

Answer: Yes, there are typically several different levels of certification depending on the type of certification being sought (e.g., organic, fair trade, humanely raised). Each level requires compliance with specific standards and regulations in order to be certified.

5. Does having a certified farm cost money?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require an application fee as well as annual fees for ongoing inspections and audits in order to maintain the certification status.