What is a USDA Certification?

At Pet Releaf, we’ve always sourced our hemp from USDA Certified Organic farms, but now our entire seed-to-sale process for our CBD Oils and most of our Edibites is USDA Certified Organic as well. This means every step — from planting the seed to bottling the oil — follows the highest organic farming and production standards.
As a pet parent, you can feel confident that the CBD products you give your four-legged friends meet rigorous quality and purity requirements. Achieving USDA Organic certification is no easy feat, it requires passing thorough audits of our farms, facilities, and ingredient sourcing. We’re proud that our transparent farming practices and commitment to clean, safe ingredients have earned us this honorable seal on so many of our products.
About the USDA
USDA stands for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This agency provides leadership in food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and nutrition. Their mission is to support American agriculture while promoting sustainable practices that nourish communities both in the U.S. and around the world.
Founded in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln, the USDA was famously called “The People’s Department” in his final message to Congress.
What Does it Mean to Be USDA Certified Organic?
To achieve USDA Certified Organic status, products must meet strict requirements, including:
- USDA Certified Organic hemp seeds must be used for planting.
- No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides may be used at any stage.
- Hemp must be grown on soil free from prohibited substances for at least three years.
- Farms must practice annual crop rotation to preserve soil nutrients.
- Hemp must be harvested and processed in a USDA Certified Organic facility.
- Certified facilities must have no chemical exposure for a minimum of three years.
- Hemp extraction must be done in facilities that meet organic processing standards, preventing contamination from non-organic substances.
How the USDA Certification Process Works
The USDA Organic certification process is thorough and transparent:
- Application Submission – The business applies through a USDA-accredited certifying agent and pays applicable fees.
- Application Review – The agent reviews the company’s farming and processing practices to confirm compliance.
- On-Site Inspection – An inspector visits the farm or facility to verify organic practices.
- Certification Decision – The certifying agent reviews the inspection report and, if all standards are met, issues an organic certificate.
- Annual Renewal – To maintain certification, companies must undergo yearly reviews and inspections.
Why Choosing USDA Certified Organic Products Matters for Your Pet
When it comes to your pet’s wellness, ingredient quality and sourcing matter. USDA Certified Organic products are held to some of the strictest agricultural and manufacturing standards in the country. Choosing them helps ensure:
- Fewer unwanted additives – Certified organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
- Cleaner ingredients – Every component, from the hemp to the carrier oil, must meet organic requirements.
- Sustainable farming practices – Crop rotation and soil health preservation help protect the environment for future generations.
- Transparent sourcing – Certification requires clear documentation of how and where ingredients are grown, harvested, and processed.
For pets, this means you’re giving them a product made with the same care and integrity you’d want for yourself — free from unnecessary chemicals and produced with the planet in mind.
USDA Certified Organic Pet Releaf Packaging
All of our standard Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD Oils are USDA Certified Organic, along with most of our Edibites!
Our CBD Oils are crafted using USDA Certified Organic full spectrum hemp extract sourced from our trusted organic farming partners. We pair it with USDA Certified Organic MCT coconut oil as the mixing agent. We believe in keeping our ingredient lists simple — always using only the highest-quality, certified organic ingredients so you can feel confident in every drop or chew.
The Importance of USDA Certified Organic for Pet Wellness
By looking for USDA Certified Organic pet products, you’re choosing brands that prioritize accountability and transparency at every step — from how ingredients are grown to how the final product reaches your pet’s bowl. This seal isn’t just about farming practices; it represents a verified commitment to quality, sustainability, and trust, backed by rigorous inspections and ongoing compliance. It tells you that every stage of production meets strict organic standards, giving you peace of mind that you’re supporting your pet’s wellness with products made to the highest benchmarks in the industry. In a market where not all labels tell the full story, the USDA Organic certification helps you shop with confidence, knowing your choices reflect both your pet’s health and your values.