202-3002 32nd Ave, Vernon BC Canada V1T 2L7 info@certifiedorganic.bc.ca

Why accreditation?

Accreditation lends credibility to the organic sector in BC. It ensures certification bodies have strong, compliant programs in place, and assures consumers that the production of organic food products has oversight and follows regulations and standards.

Accreditation vs. certification

Organic BC provides accreditation for certification bodies. Only accredited certification bodies can in turn provide certification to organic operators (farms and businesses) throughout BC.

 

Become accredited Become certified

Organic BC’s role in accreditation

Organic BC is the only designated administrator and accreditor of the British Columbia Certified Organic Program (BCCOP). Working in partnership with the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Organic BC ensures compliance with organic standards by administering the accreditation and auditing process of certification bodies (CBs).

Organic BC is also a designated conformity verification body (CVB) under the oversight of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). As one of only three CVBs recognized by the CFIA, this responsibility involves assessment, monitoring compliance, and recommendation of certification bodies for accreditation under the Canada Organic Regime (COR).

Accreditation programs

Organic BC offers two accreditation programs for certification bodies (CBs): BC Certified Organic Program (BCCOP) and Canada Organic Regime (COR).

The BCCOP & COR programs are open to any resident, business or organization that undertakes to comply with program requirements.

Learn more about our accreditation programs

Accreditation Board

The Organic BC Accreditation Board is the arms-length agency of Organic BC whose purpose is to fulfill the obligations for accreditation as the BC Organic Program administrator and accreditor, and as a CVB under the Canada Organic Regime.

Learn more about our Accreditation Board

Become accredited

Interested in becoming accredited? Organic BC is open to accreditation applications from non-profit certification organizations based in the province of BC.