USDA Certification
The USAD stands for United States Department of Agriculture or United States Department of Agriculture. It is the department responsible for providing leadership in the field of
- supply;
- agriculture;
- natural resources;
- rural development;
- nutrition;
- related issues based on public policy, best available science and effective management.
The USDA organic label is backed by a certification system that verifies that farmers or handling facilities located anywhere in the world are compliant with USDA organic regulations.
It follows that the certifications issued by this body are a very relevant recognition.
Now let’s see in detail what it consists of.
Organic certification
Organic certification corresponds to “organic” certification and deals with creating eco-sustainable agriculture that seeks to produce food in perfect harmony with nature, without destabilizing its biorhythms and promoting biodiversity and soil health.
The main purpose is to ensure organic cultivation and processing of coffee by constantly monitoring the environment according to international standards. The checks by the certifiers take place every year and these products to obtain the certification must be traceable from the producer to the consumer.
Organic certification allows a farm or processing plant to sell, label and represent their products as organic. The organic brand offers consumers more choices on the market. The USDA protects consumer options by protecting the organic seal.
What is the USDA certification process?
Certifiers are responsible for making sure USDA organic products meet all organic standards. There are five basic steps for organic certification:
- The farm selects a USDA Accredited Certification Agent and applies for accreditation;
- The certification agent reviews the application to verify that the practices comply with USDA organic regulations;
- An inspector shall carry out an on-site inspection of the applicant’s operations;
- The certification agent reviews the application and inspector’s report to determine if the applicant is compliant with USDA organic regulations;
- The certification agent issues the organic certificate.
And that’s not all, in fact, to maintain organic certification, we undergo an annual review and inspection process every year.
What confers USDA certification?
USDA certification allows the end user to have the guarantee that our green coffee and cocoa are grown:
- without the use of fertilizers – in a soil free of traces for at least five years – or synthetic pesticides;
- fair trade by contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which are harmful to the health of the planet and cause harmful climate change;
- safeguarding the local fauna, especially birds and insects, respecting their natural habitat.
Why use organic products?
Because they are rich in properties useful for health: it provides antioxidants, vitamins and generates many other benefits derived from their consumption and because they are a natural guarantee: using them you will never come into contact with pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers.
