Common OSP FAQs

Is the Common OSP mandatory?

No. Use of the Common OSP is entirely voluntary for both certifiers and operators.

Does Quick Organics own the Common OSP?

No. The Common OSP is a public document developed collaboratively and intended to be published and maintained by the USDA NOP

Does using the Common OSP force certifiers to change their business?

No. Certifiers retain full authority over accreditation, scope acceptance and certification decisions.

Will existing operations have to redo their OSP?

No. Existing operations are not required to redo their OSP unless a certifier chooses to transition to the Common OSP over time or if the operation would like to use it.

Is there a Common Inspection Checklist?

The Common OSP standardizes information fields. Quick Organics has developed a separate Common Inspection Checklist aligned with this structure. Formal NOP approval may occur in the future

How much does it cost?

The Common OSP itself is free.
Quick Organics charges a subscription fee only for use of digital tools, starting at $150/year and scaled by operation size. This includes the Common OSP, record keeping and activity tracking, document management and more.

How will updates be handled?

Updates will occur collaboratively when regulatory changes or meaningful community feedback warrant them. A paper version will remain publicly available.

Why should I use the Common OSP?

The Common OSP standardizes the certification process, making it easier to understand your requirements and reducing back-and-forth with certifiers. Early testing showed completion time dropped from approximately 40 hours to just 10 hours. It also makes changing certifiers simpler — your OSP structure is recognized across participating agencies, so you do not need to start from scratch.

How do I get started using Quick Organics?

You can sign up here to access the Common OSP through our digital Certification Assistant. Subscriptions start at $150/year and scale by operation size. The Common OSP itself is free and will soon be publicly available — Quick Organics provides the digital tools layered on top, including recordkeeping, digital filing cabinet, activity tracking, and compliance prompts.

What challenges should I expect during implementation?

The most common adjustment is aligning existing documentation with the Common OSP's standardized question format. Operators who previously worked with a different certifier may need to reorganize records. Quick Organics' platform includes guidance prompts to ease this transition, and the modular design means you only complete sections relevant to your operation.

‹ How the Common OSP Works