Certifications & Verifications
Independent Oversight and Accountability
Independent standards guide how we farm. Norwich Meadows Farm participates in multiple third-party certification & verification programs to ensure that our practices meet rigorous environmental, organic, and food safety standards.
These programs provide structured oversight, annual review, and measurable accountability.
USDA Organic Certification
Norwich Meadows Farm is certified organic under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP).
Organic certification requires compliance with strict federal standards governing soil fertility, pest and disease management, seed sourcing, and prohibited inputs. Synthetic fertilizers, most synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and sewage sludge are not permitted.
Each year, our Organic System Plan is reviewed and our farm is inspected to verify that we meet all organic production and record-keeping requirements.
USDA Organic certification ensures that our growing practices are independently verified and federally regulated.
NOFA-NY Certification
Our organic certification is administered in New York by NOFA-NY (Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York).
NOFA-NY conducts annual inspections and reviews our Organic System Plan to confirm compliance with USDA National Organic Program standards. This includes field inspections, input verification, buffer zone review, and audit of production and handling records.
Certification through NOFA-NY provides localized oversight within the broader federal organic framework.
New York State Grown & Certified
Norwich Meadows Farm participates in the New York State Grown & Certified program, a voluntary state initiative that verifies food safety and environmental stewardship practices.
Farms displaying the New York State Grown & Certified seal are independently inspected for safe food handling practices and participate in state environmental programs designed to protect soil, water, and natural resources.
The designation confirms that the food was grown responsibly and locally—right here in New York State.
2024 New York Soil Health Champion
In 2024, Norwich Meadows Farm was recognized by New York Soil Health as a Soil Health Champion based on measured improvements in soil function and organic matter.
This designation reflects documented progress in soil aggregation, nutrient cycling, and biological activity—supported by soil testing and long-term management practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, compost application, and reduced tillage.
The Soil Health Champion recognition highlights measurable outcomes resulting from sustained soil stewardship.
Accountability Through Verification
Each of these programs operates independently, with its own standards, documentation requirements, and inspection protocols.
Together, they create a framework of oversight that supports transparency, environmental responsibility, and consistent organic production.
Certification does not replace stewardship—it verifies it.