Organic specialty | Science Societies

What is the CCA organic specialization?

As the organic sector continues its 7% annual growth, growers are facing increasingly complex regulatory and agronomic hurdles. This specialty—the first organic certification for crop advisers—is designed to give you the specific expertise needed to lead in this high-demand market.

Key knowledge areas:

Regulatory compliance: Certification, inspection, and rigorous record-keeping.

Inputs and safety: Expert management of allowed substances and post-harvest food safety.

Advanced agronomics: Organic-specific strategies for fertility, irrigation, and integrated pest/weed management. 

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Why earn an organic specialty?

  • Stay on the cutting edge. As organic production changes, you will be exposed to the latest techniques and practices.
  • Advance your career. Open doors to new roles, responsibilities, and leadership opportunities.
  • Be their expert. Staying on top of regulations is a challenge for the producer, but it can be an opportunity for you to stand out.
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Martha Zwonitzer

"The need for certified agronomists within the organic sector will only increase with an increase in demand and acres. This area of specialization needs to go beyond the scope and scale of the traditional CCA."

 

Martha Zwonitzer

Vice President of Agronomy & Grower Engagement
Arable

Charlotte Decock

"Currently, it’s hard to pinpoint what someone knows about organic production... CCAs who complete the certification will have a good base of knowledge, so they can ask the right questions and know where to look for the answers."


Charlotte Decock

Assistant Professor,
California Polytechnic State University

Matthew Grieshop

"If a mistake is made adding a prohibited product on organic acres, producers can lose their organic certification, three years of production, and possibly face stiff penalties."

 

Matthew Grieshop

Director
Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research

About this exam

Candidates are tested on their ability to navigate these specific performance objectives:

  • USDA National Organic Program Regulations
  • Certification, Inspection, and Record Keeping
  • Organic Fertility Management
  • Organic Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Organic Weed Management
  • Organic Pest Bacteria and Fungi Management
  • Organic Invertebrate and Vertebrate Pest Management
  • Organic Irrigation Management
  • Organic Post-Harvest Handling and Food Safety
  • Allowed and Prohibited Substances (Inputs)

Note: Development of this specialty program was funded by a USDA grant. Consequently, eligibility for the 2026 program year is limited to U.S.-based CCAs.

Learn more about CCA exams
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What is CCA certification?

The Organic Specialty is a specialty certification. To qualify, you must first hold an active Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) credential.

After you pass the initial CCA exam, you may register to take the organic specialty exam during the next testing period.

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Want to learn more?

To learn more about organic agriculture and how this certification was created, read our article in Crops & Soils magazine.

Read the article