Organic Farming

Oregon Tilth is a world leader in organic certification of food providers from soil to store.

Oregon Tilth is a non-profit research and education organization certifying organic farmers, processors, retailers and handlers throughout Oregon, the United States, and internationally.

They are a member-driven organization with chapters throughout the state, and members around the world.

Oregon Tilth's mission is to support organic and sustainable food production practices.

• is a world leader in organic certification of food providers from soil to store, and is noted for the integrity of the Oregon Tilth Certified Organic label (OTCO).
• has chapters throughout the state bringing together consumers and producers to sponsor activities from garden tours to regional events.
• has an active research and education program promoting on-farm and sustainable agriculture research, cooperative development, and farmer breeding programs.
• promotes awareness of biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture through programs, educational materials, position papers, and audio and video tapes.
• publishes In Good Tilth, a regional newsletter covering issues on sustainable and organic agriculture.
• provides speakers for groups and organizations interested in the work of Oregon Tilth or on specific topics such as gardening, alternatives to pesticides, composting, and food safety.
• coordinates conferences, produces events locally, and makes presentations at fairs, educational events, and trade shows throughout the region.
• produces numerous publications and educational materials including the Certification Standards and Procedures Manual, the Transition Document (which details the process of transitioning from chemically intensive agriculture to organic farming), and Generic and Brand Names Materials Lists.
• has a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status and maintains an active fund raising and grants program.

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) is an internationally recognized symbol of organic integrity.

The purpose of organic certification is to ensure the agreed upon conventions of organic agricultural systems are being practiced not only by growers, but also by all the people who handle and process organic food on its journey to the final consumer.

To accomplish this, OTCO provides a system which combines strict production standards, verifiable third party inspections, and legally binding affidavits to protect the producers and buyers of organic products.

OTCO is specifically designed as a certification service for:

• Commercial producers of organic crops and livestock
• Processors of organic foods
• Handlers of organic foods such as packers, brokers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers
• Restaurants that serve certified organically grown and processed foods.