Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO)
By Pennsylvania Certified Organic
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) dairy certification including USDA organic, grass-fed add-on, costs, and services. Learn about PCO's...
Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) has been certifying organic operations since 1989, growing to become one of the most respected USDA-accredited certifying agents in the country. Based in Pennsylvania, PCO serves dairy producers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
PCO made history in December 2013 by launching the first third-party grass-fed dairy certification program. This pioneering work laid the foundation for the Organic Plus Trust (OPT) Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program, which PCO now offers as an add-on to USDA organic certification.
For organic dairy certification, PCO follows USDA National Organic Program standards: 100% organic feed, pasture access (120+ days, 30% DMI), prohibition of antibiotics and hormones, and detailed record-keeping. Annual inspections verify compliance. PCO's inspectors have deep experience with Northeast dairy systems, seasonal challenges, and regional feed sources.
The OPT Grass-Fed program adds requirements beyond organic: 100% forage-based diet (no grain or grain by-products), extended grazing, and specific prohibited feeds. Certification can be combined with organic inspection, reducing costs and logistics. The program is recognized by major organic dairy processors including Organic Valley and Maple Hill Creamery.
Key Features
- USDA Organic Dairy Certification: Full accreditation as USDA certifying agent. Annual inspections, organic system plan review, and ongoing compliance monitoring. National Organic Program standards.
- OPT Grass-Fed Organic Add-On: 100% forage-based diet certification for organic dairies. Pioneered in 2013, now part of national OPT program. Combined inspection with organic saves cost.
- Regional Expertise: 30+ years certifying Northeast organic operations. Inspectors understand seasonal grazing, regional feed sources, and climate challenges.
- Processor Relationships: Accepted by Organic Valley, Maple Hill Creamery, and other organic dairy processors. Certification opens access to premium grass-fed organic markets.
- Transition Support: Guidance for conventional dairies transitioning to organic. Timeline planning, input sourcing, record-keeping setup.
- Comprehensive Application Materials: Detailed forms, system plans, pasture access records, DMI calculation worksheets. Clear documentation requirements.
Advanced Features
- Combined Organic + Grass-Fed Inspection: Single inspection covers both certifications. Reduces inspector visits and costs. Concurrent 12-month certification terms.
- OPT Standards Compliance: 100% forage from birth. No grain, corn, concentrates, or grain by-products. Vitamins/minerals allowed. Stored forages/hay permitted.
- Pasture Access Documentation: Templates for tracking grazing days, DMI calculations, and pasture rotation. Supports compliance verification.
- Herd List Management: Tracking for all organic animals. Status documentation for additions/removals. Required for certification.
- Handler Certification: For dairy processors using OPT seal. Seal licensing through Earth Claims LLC. Extends grass-fed certification to finished products.
- Educational Resources: Organic dairy webinars, grazing management resources, transition guides. Peer networking through organic farming community.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Organic dairy, Grass-fed organic dairy, Transitioning conventional dairies, Pasture-based operations, Small and mid-size family farms
Competitive Advantages
What sets Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) apart from alternatives:
- Pioneered grass-fed dairy certification in 2013
- 30+ years of organic certification experience
- Regional expertise in Northeast dairy systems
- Combined organic + grass-fed inspections save cost
- Accepted by major organic dairy processors
- Part of national OPT Grass-Fed program
- Deep understanding of seasonal grazing challenges
- Strong organic farming community connections
- Comprehensive documentation and support materials
- Transition guidance for new organic operations
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO):
PCO uses tiered pricing based on gross organic sales. Grass-fed add-on is additional fee. Combined inspection reduces overall cost. OCCSP cost-share available.
Pricing Model: Annual certification fees based on gross sales and inspection time
Contact PCO for detailed fee schedule. Actual costs depend on farm size, complexity, and location.
Pros & Considerations
- Strong organic certifier for Pennsylvania and Northeast
- Full organic certification services
- Regional focus with local understanding
- Education and transition support
- Established reputation
- Certification costs and requirements
- Organic transition is 3-year process
- Regional focus primarily in Northeast
- Must meet all USDA organic standards
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Organic: 36 months for land, 12 months for animals. Grass-Fed: Can add immediately if already organic. Application to certification: 60-90 days.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO):
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO):
- Does PCO serve my geographic area?
- Am I seeking organic only or organic + grass-fed?
- What is my transition timeline for organic certification?
- Which organic dairy processor am I targeting?
- Would combined inspection save significant cost?