In order to maintain the integrity of the organic process, it is necessary to establish a chain of custody for the product from the period before planting through the end user. At each step of the product’s journey, careful records must be kept to ensure cross-contamination and unacceptable procedures are not allowed to occur.

Obviously, the first link in the chain of custody is the field. A field must be clean of disallowed substances for a period of three (3) years before being certified as organic. A soil sample is taken to assure that no unacceptable levels of chemical residue remain. The field is carefully inspected, and only after all requirements are met is it granted certification. Of equal importance is the facility where the product will be processed. A processor applying for certification must be able to provide a detailed flowchart for each product it will run organically. It must demonstrate the ability to properly sanitize the facility prior to the introduction of the organic product and maintain the integrity of the product from receiving through shipping. A detailed inspection and implementation of proper organic procedures are accomplished before receipt of organic certificate. Connecting the field and the processor is the bill of lading that is filled out for each load of product delivered to the processing plant at harvest time. At the receiving area, the processor generates a scale ticket for each load, transferring the data from the bill of lading and verifying the details. During the actual processing of the product, samples are taken and tested for quality. A product code is issued detailing the organic nature of the product, and verifying its existence in the plant at a given time. As the product is packed for shipment to cold storage, it is carefully labeled. The label identifies it as organic, and verifies the product code, date, and time produced. A manifest log is maintained to ensure that all products produced and shipped are accounted for as they leave the facility.

When the product arrives at cold storage, documentation of vital statistics such as weight, product, date and time is produced. Data from this documentation can then be cross-referenced with processor manifesting to ensure accuracy. Should it be necessary to repack the product, new receiving, production and manifesting documentation will be issued. The transferring of bulk product to packaging will be verifiable through these records. By maintaining this careful chain of custody, the integrity of the product is assured.