Certifiers Experience Double Digit Growth

Of the 9,429 new certifications in 2024, 35% of them were granted by just six organic certification agencies with Ecocert, CCOF, and QAI churning out the most new certifications.

How backed up did organic certification agencies get in 2024? I analyzed the data in the USDA Organic Integrity Database to compare the number of first-time organic certifications by year for the past ten years. The chart I created was shocking. It shows an increase of 9,429 new certifications in 2024 – an increase of almost 200% compared to 2023 when 4918 new certifications were granted. The dramatic increase helps to explain slow certification times and complaints of burnout from seasoned organic certification professionals.

A few days ago, we got a call from a specialty wine importer that exports bottles from Spain, France, and Slovenia. They desperately needed organic certification to be able to import Spanish red wine labeled as ‘Made With Organic Grapes’ into the USA.

I called several of the major organic certification agencies that are experienced with wine importers and who also offer quick turnaround on organic certification. None of them had the capacity to expedite a new certification request. Of the organic certification agencies I talked to, the fastest turnaround time for a new applicant was 60 days.