Beyond the Harvest is a four-part workshop series for established farms exploring value-added food production and organic certification. The series supports farmers in moving from product concept to compliant production, with a strong emphasis on understanding regulatory requirements and preparing value-added operations for organic inspection.
Participants will:
Review foundational information related to product development, including market research, customer positioning, packaging, scalability, startup costs, and sales channels
Learn how state and federal regulations apply to value-added food products, including those made in co-packing operations and shared-use kitchens
Learn the organic certification process from application through inspection and renewal, with practical guidance on Organic System Plans (OSP), managing organic integrity in shared-use facilities, and preparing documentation for inspection
Understand organic labeling categories and rules, including proper use of the USDA Organic seal and common labeling mistakes
By the end of the series, participants will leave with:
A clear understanding of what organic inspectors look for in value-added processing operations
Practical tools and decision frameworks to determine next steps toward compliant value-added production and organic certification
The 4-part series includes:
Validating your Value-Added Product Concept
Manufacturing & Regulatory Compliance
Understanding Organic Certification for Processors
Getting Certification-Ready
All four workshops will be recorded and available on YouTube.
Understanding Organic Certification for Processors
Date: March 18, 2026 Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am Cost: FREE
Event website: https://www.nofamass.org/event/understanding-organic-certification-for-processors/
Organizer: NOFA/Mass and Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center
Organizer website: https://nofamass.org and https://fccdc.org/food_process_center/
Venue: Online
Description:
This session provides a comprehensive introduction to organic certification for value-added processors. Participants will explore what “organic” means as a regulated claim under the National Organic Program, including the distinction between organic ingredients, organic processing practices, and organic labeling. The workshop will clarify who must be certified, who may be exempt, and decision-making tools to help participants assess their certification needs.
The session will also cover organic labeling categories, including “100% Organic,” “Organic,” and “Made with Organic”, and when the USDA Organic seal may be used. Participants will receive an overview of the certification process from choosing a certifier through inspection and annual renewal, along with practical considerations for maintaining organic integrity in shared-use kitchens and co-packing environments.
Getting Certification-Ready
Date: March 25, 2026 Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am Cost: FREE
Event website: https://www.nofamass.org/event/getting-certification-ready/
Organizer: NOFA/Mass and Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center
Organizer website: https://nofamass.org and https://fccdc.org/food_process_center/
Venue: Online
Description:
This session provides a hands-on, detailed guide to preparing for organic certification as a value-added processor. Participants will dive into the Organic System Plan (OSP), including key sections such as ingredient sourcing, production flow, cleaning and sanitation, storage and segregation, and recordkeeping systems. The workshop will also cover ingredient and input approval, including restrictions on non-organic inputs, approved processing aids, and packaging considerations, with practical tools for ensuring compliance.
Participants will learn how to maintain thorough records and traceability from ingredient to finished product, and gain insight into what inspectors look for during an organic inspection. The session will also address typical costs, timelines, and available cost-share programs, while highlighting common pitfalls to avoid.