FoodChain ID Acquires Organic Certifiers

FAIRFIELD, Iowa — FoodChain ID, a provider of global certification services, acquired Organic Certifiers, Inc., one of the first certification bodies accredited in the United States for the USDA National Organic Program.

With the acquisition, FoodChain ID and its global entities are now a top five certifier for the USDA National Organic Program by total number of operations, according to the USDA Organic INTEGRITY Database.

Organic food sales in the United States continue to grow, reaching a record value of nearly $62 billion in 2022, according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA). Key drivers for growth are consumer interest in sustainability and the health halo of organic products, OTA reports. To meet the market demand, food growers and manufacturers require certification experts versed in the details of organic certification.

FoodChain ID’s organic certification accredited entities, Bioagricert and Cosmocert, certify over 23,000 organic farms and producers annually across North America, Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia. In addition, FoodChain ID’s teams are supporting supply chain participants with the upcoming enforcement deadline for the USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Final Rule. Designed in response to increasingly complex food supply chains, distributors and other intermediaries must demonstrate compliance with the new USDA Organic Certification regulations by March 19, 2024.

“With over 25 years of experience in global sustainability certifications, FoodChain ID is committed to supporting a safe and transparent food supply,” said Heather Secrist, senior vice president, technical services Americas at FoodChain ID. “The addition of Organic Certifiers, Inc. to the FoodChain ID team deepens our capabilities and reaffirms our commitment to USDA Organic Certification. We’re pleased to add the expertise and operational excellence of the Organic Certifiers team.”

Susan Siple, founder and owner of Organic Certifiers, added, “Organic Certifiers was established by my family in Ventura County, Calif., based on the need for common-sense, client-focused certification services. We approach organic certification with a dedication to forming long-lasting relationships between our team and clients. I’m pleased to know that we will continue that commitment to clients now with FoodChain ID.”

For more information, visit USDA Organic Certification.