Consumers are pushing for food and products grown organically, free from synthetic pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. Demand is outpacing production, creating a ripe opportunity for farmers who become certified organic.
Easier marketing with clearly defined USDA organic sealBONUS: Costs of organic certification can be reimbursed through the USDA cost share program.
Our Upper Midwest Organic Resource Directory includes listings for organic certification agencies.
Learn more about organic farming from the USDA.
Many people in the sustainable farming community are at the same place we were a few years ago, farming using organic practices and marketing under sustainable, natural, or no-chemical labels. Like we did, they believe that organic certification is too cumbersome, expensive and of little benefit to their opera­tion. They wonder, “Is there really that much to be gained for all the efforts needed for that piece of paper?” Actually, there is. Read the full story.
An overview of the USDA programs and services available to the public that either directly or indirectly support organic agriculture. Some programs have the specific purpose of assisting organic farmers, ranchers, and handlers, while others may be of interest to a variety of individuals, including those in the organic industry.
Organic farming practices improve soil quality, which supports stronger crops that can handle the stress of extreme weather.
To feed the world and save our environment, experts reporting to the United Nations 2013 Conference on Trade and Development recommend reversing course from high input, unsustainable, modern production methods and adopting organic and agroecological farming practices. See report here.
See more videos of organic farmers here.