OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic
By Organic Plus Trust
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program for dairy. Learn about 100% forage requirements, participating certifiers, costs, and...
The Organic Plus Trust (OPT) Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program launched nationally in February 2019, building on Pennsylvania Certified Organic's pioneering grass-fed dairy certification from 2013. Developed collaboratively by Organic Valley and Maple Hill Creamery—the nation's largest grass-fed organic dairy brands—OPT represents industry consensus on grass-fed organic standards.
OPT certification is an add-on to USDA organic certification, not a replacement. Farms must first be certified organic through a USDA-accredited certifier, then add OPT grass-fed certification through participating certifiers. Currently, PCO (Pennsylvania Certified Organic), CCOF, Baystate Organic Certifiers, NOFA-NY, and Vermont Organic Farmers offer OPT certification.
The core requirement is 100% forage-based diet from birth. Prohibited feeds include grain, grain by-products, corn (except vegetative), concentrates, and food processing by-products. Stored forages, hay, and vitamin/mineral supplements are allowed. Extended grazing requirements go beyond organic minimums.
For handlers (processors) using the OPT seal, licensing is through Earth Claims LLC. This ensures products throughout the supply chain maintain certification integrity. Major brands using OPT include Organic Valley's Grassmilk and Maple Hill's grass-fed organic products.
Key Features
- 100% Forage Diet Requirement: No grain, grain by-products, or concentrates—ever. Diet of grass, forbs, legumes, hay, and stored forages only. Clear distinction from grain-supplemented organic.
- Organic Baseline Required: Must be USDA certified organic first. OPT is an add-on, not standalone. Builds on organic's prohibited substances and pasture requirements.
- Combined Inspection Option: OPT inspection can combine with organic inspection. Single visit for both certifications. Reduces cost and farm disruption.
- Multiple Certifier Options: Available through PCO, CCOF, Baystate, NOFA-NY, Vermont Organic Farmers. Choose certifier based on region and relationship.
- Industry-Developed Standards: Created by Organic Valley and Maple Hill with producer input. Reflects real production practices and market expectations.
- Market Access: Required or preferred for Organic Valley Grassmilk and Maple Hill supply. Opens access to premium grass-fed organic markets.
Advanced Features
- Prohibited Feed List: Specific prohibitions: grain/grain by-products, corn kernel/by-products, cake/meal, concentrates, small grain past vegetative stage, food processing waste.
- Allowed Feed List: Grass, forbs, legumes (pasture or hay), other forages, vitamin/mineral supplements. Clear guidance on compliant feeding.
- Pasture Access Records: Documentation requirements beyond organic. DMI calculations, grazing day tracking, pasture management records.
- Handler Certification: Processors using OPT seal must be licensed through Earth Claims LLC. Supply chain certification integrity.
- 12-Month Certification Term: Annual certification concurrent with organic. Combined renewal simplifies administration.
- Standards Updates: Living document responsive to industry needs. Producer and brand input on standards evolution.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Organic grass-fed dairy, Pasture-based organic dairy, 100% forage-fed operations
Competitive Advantages
What sets OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic apart from alternatives:
- National standard for grass-fed organic dairy
- Developed by industry leaders (Organic Valley, Maple Hill)
- Builds on USDA organic—adds clear grass-fed requirements
- Combined inspection option reduces costs
- Multiple certifier options for regional access
- Market access to premium grass-fed organic brands
- Clear prohibited/allowed feed lists
- Industry-developed, producer-informed standards
- Growing consumer demand for grass-fed organic
- Highest premiums in dairy markets
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic:
OPT certification is additional annual fee on top of organic. Cost reduced if combined with organic inspection. Pricing through participating certifier.
Pricing Model: Add-on fee to organic certification
Pricing varies by certifier. Contact PCO, CCOF, or other participating certifier for specific quotes. Must have current organic certification.
Pros & Considerations
- Combines organic and grass-fed standards
- Premium market positioning
- Growing consumer recognition
- Higher standards than basic organic
- Supports regenerative practices
- More restrictive than standard organic
- Certification costs and audits
- Limited market availability currently
- Requires grass-fed management
Implementation & Setup
How to implement OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Must be certified organic first (36+ months). OPT add-on: 30-60 days after application if practices already comply.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating OPT Certified Grass-Fed Organic:
- Am I currently USDA certified organic?
- Do I feed 100% forage with no grain ever?
- Which participating certifier serves my region?
- Is OPT certification required by my processor?
- Would combined organic + OPT inspection save cost?