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!
Virtual Audits
Kicking off: Early April (will run for ~2mos) Following the introduction of the Virtual Audit Assessment Tool at the recent NOP annual trainings, ACA will reconvene the Virtual Audit Working Group to build on this framework and develop best practices for assessing eligibility for virtual audits. The group will meet every other week for approximately two months beginning the week of April 6.
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.
Non-retail Labeling
Kicking off: Late March (will run for ~2 mos) ACA is launching a working group to develop best practice guidance for non-retail container labeling, helping certifiers, inspectors, and operators navigate common gray areas. Associate members welcome. Click here to register.
Streamlining Annual Review Process
To be kicked off in mid March. Deliverable will be a set of practices certifiers can implement to streamline their annual review processes. We hope to finalize our work in May.
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.
Streamlining Product Review Process
Expect to launch in May.
Streamlining Application Process
Expect to launch in June.
Streamlining Inspection Process
Expect to launch Fall 2026.
Producers/Growers
This group is currently on hold but is accepting new members.
Residue WG
This working group is in the final stages of publishing a BP and worksheet. Members are not being accepted at this time.
Materials WG
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.