ACA hosts working groups to ensure consistency in certification and provide clarity to certifiers. Generally, these working groups result in a best practice, accessible on the ACA website, a Lunch & Learn where we share our work with the certification community, and online and/or in-person training to ensure understanding.
Some working groups are sponsored by the National Organic Program and are open to all certifiers. ACA-sponsorsed working groups are open to ACA certifier and inspector members. In special cases, working groups may welcome ACA Associate Members. Our current list of working groups is below.
If you have questions or would like to join an open working group, let us know!
Current Working Groups
Streamlining the Application Process and OSP
Open call for participants until June 17th. This group will focus on the OSP and application process, and focus on delivering suggested ways to streamline certification within the topic area.
Virtual Audits
Focus is creating Virtual Audit Eligibility Assessment Framework
Meets every 2 week, estimated completion August 2026
Mushrooms
To be kicked off in early April. Deliverable will be an analysis of the rule, with a section-by-section Q&A. We hope to have a draft in May, and finalize our work by June.
Pet Food
Kicked off March 2026. Deliverable will be an analysis of the rule, with a section-by-section Q&A. We expect to have a draft in April, and finalize our work by May.
Producer/Grower Groups
In collaboration with EOCC, his group meets monthly and is focused on creating a framework for assessing risk among producer/grower groups. Work expected to wrap up in July 2026
Materials
This working group is perpetual and meets every other Monday from 1:30 – 3pm ET. It includes discussions of both Hot Topics which include issues in the day-to-day certification of materials and the ongoing update of the Materials BP.
Upcoming Working Groups
Streamlining Product Review Process
Expect to launch summer 2026
Streamlining Inspection Process
Expect to launch Fall 2026.
Common OSP Governance
Expect to launch Fall 2026.