There has been a lot of confusion lately about the new California OCal program. Let’s clear some of those questions up here…
1). Some OCal certifiers are making claims that OCal certification is approved for other states, these certifiers have been contacting some of our members and misleading them. When asked, the California Dept of Food and Agriculture was clear THE OCAL PROGRAM IS NOT APPROVED FOR ANY OTHER STATES OTHER THAN CALIFORNIA. Be careful if you hear otherwise…
2). We see OCal certifiers claiming that OCal certification allows you to call your cannabis certified organic! Again, when asked, the California Department of Food and Agriculture was adamant: It is a federal labeling infraction to call cannabis certified organic, or even organic. BE AWARE of claims calling cannabis certified organic. Mis information can get a cannabis farm or processor into a big bureaucratic mess with state and federal agencies. A certifier might want your business but not be watching out for your best interests by making false labeling claims.
3). The OCal program does bring higher state scrutiny to a farm and being in the OCal program creates higher penalties for infractions than non member farms. There are so many agencies working against farmers, why allow one more state program into your world.
How does the OCal and the Clean Green Certified® Program differ for California cannabis farmers and processors?
1). The Clean Green Certified® Program is the most widely respected cannabis program in the world. Now in our 20th year, we are the longest running, largest, most award winning and most qualified cannabis program globally.
2). The Clean Green Certified® Program has an aggressive brand building and marketing program the OCal program simply does not address at all.
Here at Clean Green Certified® we know as farmers ourselves how important it is to get your product placed into the market at fair market pricing. We work hard for our members in this regard such as key value add-ons like marketing, media mentions (as seen in High Times, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Fast Company), podcasts, interviews, farm videos, and anything we can do to help get our members’ products to market we do our best to help.
3). The Clean Green Certified® Program is always able to provide discounts to small to large groups, something not available under the OCal program. If only a few farmers or processors form a group and work together in the Clean Green Certified process we work hard to give those groups deep discounts.
4). Small Farmer discounts – again not available under the OCal program. Small farmers built the Clean Green Certified® Program and we have never forgotten that. If you are a small farm or processor, contact us to see how we can help get you into the program and for you to grow with the program.
5). Global reach and Global recognition. While the OCal program is limited to California, the Clean Green Certified Program puts your farm or processing facility into the global stage. There is just simply no comparison. Every state, region and country of the Clean Green Program’s reach helps every other state, region and countries building their market.
Go with the proven leader, the Program that works 7 days a week for their members, to help get their products onto the legal marketplace. Build with the Program that will be with you each step of the way. Go with the Clean Green Certified® Program… since 2004.