In the case of crop and livestock producers, (including grazing pasture) gaining Certified Organic status may take up to three years. The Canada Organic Standards outline a minimum of 12 months and up to a 36-month time frame for transitional status. This time frame is determined by the date of the last use of prohibited substances or practice. All initial producers (land) operations must be under the surveillance of a Certification Body for a minimum of 12 months. The 12 months starts from the date the initial certification decision is made. For processing and packing facilities, assuming all goes well, initial certification can take between  3 to 4 months. Organic product must be present for the Inspection.