What Oregon Tilth does

Oregon Tilth (OTCO) is a 501(c)-style nonprofit organization founded in 1974 in Corvallis, Oregon, and one of the first USDA-accredited organic certifying agents in the United States (USDA NOP Certificate Number 815). The organization provides comprehensive organic certification services under multiple standards — USDA NOP, Mexico LPO, EU recognition, GOTS for textiles, and NSF/ANSI 305 for personal care — alongside add-on overlay certifications including Salmon-Safe, Bee Better Certified, and OPT Grass-Fed Organic. Its core technology is the MyOTCO client portal, which lets certified operations manage Organic System Plans, certificates, materials lists, and compliance records. Service delivery is organized around six dedicated client service teams (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo) plus a Fiber & Textile team and a Certification Operations team, supported by a remote-distributed workforce across Oregon, Washington, Texas, Florida, Maryland, Hawaii, Kentucky, and a regional office in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico.

The organization generates revenue primarily through recurring annual certification fees scaled by operation type and gross organic sales, supplemented by per-transaction fees for transaction certificates and certificates of inspection ($75–$225), expedited service premiums, and add-on certification assessments. Its customer base spans organic crop and livestock producers, processors/handlers, retailers and foodservice operators, personal care manufacturers, textile operations, and international operations seeking US-Mexico-EU-Japan-Taiwan-Korea equivalency certifications. Beyond certification, Oregon Tilth operates the Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (NW TOPP), a USDA-funded mentorship coalition serving six states; publishes In Good Tilth magazine reaching approximately 9,000 print and 17,000 online readers; delivers farm viability education programs in partnership with Oregon State University; and conducts policy advocacy through coalitions including the Organic Trade Association, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and National Organic Coalition. The organization reports no parent company, no subsidiaries, no public funding rounds, and no M&A activity.

Name

Oregon Tilth

Legal name

Oregon Tilth

Website

https://tilth.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Oregon Tilth is a 51-year-old nonprofit organic certifying agent accredited by USDA NOP, serving crop, livestock, processor, textile, and personal-care operations across the US and seven international markets with subscription certification, transaction certificates, and farmer education programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Organic Certification Services

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Organic Certification Services (AFALAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Geographic Indication & Origin/Authenticity Certification (PDO/PGI, Country-of-Origin) (AFALAMAJ), Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation (BPADANAD)

Keywords

• Organic certification services
• USDA NOP accreditation
• Sustainable agriculture programs
• Organic handler certification
• Food system advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Corvallis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Organic Certification Fees: Annual certification fees based on operation type (farm crop $325, farm livestock $250, farm livestock and crop $575, food business processor/handler $1,000) plus inspection fees. New applicant fee of $300 non-refundable. Fees calculated on previous year's gross organic product sales for renewal.
2. Transaction Certificate Fees: Standard single-shipment requests $75 USD, multi-shipment NOP requests $120 USD, EU COIs $120 USD, GOTS TCs $90 first hour plus $25 per additional half hour, expedited requests $150 USD, same day expedited $225 USD.
3. Add-on Certification Services: Additional certification services including Salmon-Safe ($95 assessment), OPT Grass-Fed Organic ($350 application), Bee Better Certified, GOTS textile certification, and international program certifications (EU, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Taiwan) with associated fees.
4. Expedited Service Fees: Expedited processing services with flat fees in addition to standard certification fees for priority treatment and faster turnaround times.
5. Expedited Application Services: Priority treatment for inspection assignment and scheduling, with commitments for faster review timelines (inspection report within 2 business days, review within 3 business days).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Oregon Tilth (OTCO) is a nonprofit organic certification body that provides USDA National Organic Program accredited certification services for crop, livestock, processor/handler, retail, and wild crop operations. The organization offers add-on certifications including NSF/ANSI 305 (personal care), GOTS (textiles), Salmon-Safe, Bee Better Certified, and OPT Grass-Fed Organic, plus international certification programs for the EU, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, and Transaction Certificate services for trade documentation.

Product overview

Oregon Tilth (OTCO) operates as a leading organic certification body offering a comprehensive suite of certification services built around the USDA National Organic Program as the core product. The certification portfolio includes add-on certifications for specialized needs: Transitional Organic as a stepping-stone for non-organic farms, NSF/ANSI 305 for personal care products, GOTS for fibers and textiles, Salmon-Safe and Bee Better Certified as environmental overlay certifications, and OPT Grass-Fed Organic for livestock. International Programs support export to the EU, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, and Korea through various equivalency arrangements. Supporting infrastructure includes the MyOTCO client portal for managing certifications, Transaction Certificate services for trade documentation, and Expedited Services for priority processing. Education offerings through NW TOPP (Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program) provide free mentorship and technical assistance, while In Good Tilth Magazine serves as a publication reaching 9,000+ print and 17,000+ online readers. The organization also offers Farm Viability Education programs including the Know Your Cost To Grow tool.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Certification Core organic certification services for crop producers, livestock operations, processors, handlers, retailers, restaurants, and wild crop operations seeking USDA NOP compliance. Includes inspection, Organic System Plan review, and annual certification renewal.
• Transitional Organic Certification Certification service assisting farmers transitioning from non-organic to organic production, with a minimum one-year land use documentation requirement as a stepping stone to full USDA NOP certification.
• NSF/ANSI 305 Personal Care Certification Certification for personal care products such as soaps and lotions that contain a minimum of 70% organic ingredients, conducted under the NSF/ANSI 305 standard.
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certification Certification for organic fiber and textile handling and production, covering all phases of textile manufacturing from raw material harvesting through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing.
• Salmon-Safe Certification Overlay certification for organic farmers that protects biodiversity and aquatic habitat through standards addressing riparian area management, irrigation water use, pest management, and erosion control not covered by organic certification.
• Bee Better Certified Certification program identifying farmers and businesses adopting farm management practices that support pollinators, evaluating farms based on habitat quality and pest management strategies.
• OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic Certification for organic farmers and handlers with grass-fed livestock products, emphasizing pasture-based feeding and animal welfare while minimizing grain use. Application fee of $350 with one-year certification validity.
• International Programs (EU, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Korea) Technical assistance and certification services helping clients access export opportunities for raw and processed organic products to international markets through various equivalency arrangements and bilateral agreements.
• Transaction Certificates Official documents confirming organic certification status for trade, including Certificates of Inspection (COIs), TM-11, GB-COI, and NOP Import Certificates for import, export, and voluntary domestic use. Includes expedited and revision services.
• Expedited Certification Services Priority processing option for new applicants providing faster inspection scheduling and accelerated review timelines for urgent certification needs, with inspection reports completed within 2 business days and review within 3 business days.
• Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (NW TOPP) USDA-funded coalition program providing free mentorship, technical assistance, and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic producers in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
• Farm Viability Education (Know Your Cost To Grow) Business acumen programming including the Know Your Cost To Grow online tool, developed in partnership with Oregon State University, helping multi-crop vegetable farmers determine crop-specific costs of production.

Quantifiable outcome

• 82% of consumers purchase certified organic products (2025)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022USDA NOP program establishing partnerships and mentorship opportunities for transitioning organic producers across the US. Oregon Tilth leads Northwest TOPP coalition serving Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Long-term agreement providing training and technical assistance to farmers. Contribution agreement formed in 2010 expanded in 2023 with new national agreement increasing number of organic specialists. Partnership develops organic-focused technical resources and supports farmers accessing conservation programs.
• Organicology ConferenceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Conference co-founded by Oregon Tilth in 2009 bringing together diverse stakeholders in the organic agriculture movement.
• Oregon State University Center for Small Farms and Community Food SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-year partnership developing and delivering innovative tools and trainings supporting farmers with business decisions. Jointly developed Know Your Cost To Grow online program for multi-crop vegetable farmers.
• The Xerces Society for Invertebrate ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to create Bee Better Certified program recognizing farms that adopt pollinator-friendly practices. Oregon Tilth evaluates and certifies farms based on habitat creation and pest management strategies for pollinators.
• Salmon-SafecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing Salmon-Safe certification to organic farmers through overlay standards addressing riparian area management, irrigation water use, pest management, and erosion control not covered by organic certification.
• Organic Plus Trust (OPT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with Earth Claims LLC and OPT to provide OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic certification for organic farmers and handlers maximizing pasture grazing and animal well-being.
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGOTS is the world's leading standard for processing organic fibers. Oregon Tilth certifies all phases of textile production for traceability and compliance with organic standards.
• National Sustainable Agriculture CoalitioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMembership alliance of more than 100 grassroots organizations advancing sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities in the US.
• Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership formed in 2006 to enhance collaboration and consistency among organic certifiers in the US.
• Organic Trade AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliation with OTA to preserve organic integrity and advance the organic sector. Oregon Tilth leadership serves on OTA Board of Directors.
• Oregon Organic CoalitioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliation to preserve organic integrity at state level through coalition advocacy and policy work.
• National Organic CoalitioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliation to preserve organic integrity at federal level through policy advocacy and regulatory engagement.
• Viva FarmsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership offering business technical assistance to farmers in Viva Farms' Farm Business Incubator program, developing business management practices including cash flow analysis and cost of production.
• National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNW TOPP coalition partner providing technical assistance and support for transitioning organic producers.
• PCC Community MarketsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNW TOPP coalition partner supporting regional organic farmers and expanding organic agriculture.
• Alaska Food Policy CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNW TOPP coalition partner for Alaska supporting organic transition programs.
• Oregon State University Center for Small FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNW TOPP coalition partner providing extension support and resources for small farms in Oregon.
• Washington State Department of AgricultureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNW TOPP coalition partner supporting organic transition in Washington state.
• Alaska Division of AgricultureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNW TOPP coalition partner supporting organic agriculture in Alaska.
• Oregon Department of AgricultureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNW TOPP coalition partner supporting organic agriculture in Oregon.
• Tilth AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNW TOPP coalition partner supporting organic agriculture in the Pacific Northwest.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF): CCOF is one of the largest USDA NOP-accredited organic certifiers in the US, offering crop, livestock, and handler certification with associated advocacy and education programs—directly competing with Oregon Tilth for the same farm and processor customer base.
• Quality Assurance International (QAI): QAI is a USDA NOP-accredited organic certifier providing organic, gluten-free, and Kosher certifications to processors, handlers, and retailers globally—a direct competitor to Oregon Tilth in handler and international certification services.
• Oregon Tilth-equivalent: Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA): MOSA is a USDA NOP-accredited organic certifier serving primarily Midwestern farms and processors, directly comparable to Oregon Tilth in scope and certification portfolio.
• Pro-Cert Organic Systems: Pro-Cert is a Canada-based organic certifier with US NOP, EU, and Canadian Organic Regime accreditation, directly comparable to Oregon Tilth's multi-jurisdictional certification offering for cross-border organic producers.
• Ecocert ICO: Ecocert is a France-based global organic certifier covering cosmetics, textiles, food, and farming under multiple international standards—directly comparable to Oregon Tilth in international organic certification scope.

Emerging players

• Certified Naturally Grown (CNG): CNG offers peer-review-based certification for direct-market farmers, an alternative to USDA NOP certification—competing for small-farm certification decisions that Oregon Tilth also targets.

Others

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS sets the leading textile organic standard and works through licensed certification bodies (including Oregon Tilth); adjacent rather than directly competitive since GOTS licenses certifiers but does not itself issue certifications to brands.
• Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA): ACA is the US industry association for USDA NOP-accredited certifiers including Oregon Tilth—a peer ecosystem organization rather than a competitor, but central to industry coordination and policy.
• Organic Trade Association (OTA): OTA is the membership-based business association for the organic sector in North America—not a certifier, but a closely allied organization where Oregon Tilth leadership serves on the Board (Stephanie Jerger is OTA VP of Operations).

Regional players

• USDA National Organic Program (NOP): The USDA NOP sets US organic standards and accredits certifying agents including Oregon Tilth; while not a competitor per se, the regulatory body directly defines Oregon Tilth's addressable services and approval status.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/OregonTilth
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oregon-tilth
• Instagraminstagram.com/oregontilth
• Xx.com/oregontilth

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Oregon Tilth