Farmers and ranchers decide to pursue organic certification for many personal, financial and environmental reasons. This publication introduces you to the requirements of the USDA National Organic Program and outlines many of the key strategies producers use to make their three-year transition to organic production a successful one. It discusses the practice areas common to… Continue reading Transitioning to Organic Production
Resources Category: Organic Certification
Steps to Organic Certification
Organic Certification doesn’t have to be daunting. Explore the five key steps in the organic certification process.
Recordkeeping Requirements Fact Sheet
Fact sheet on recordkeeping requirement for organic certification
Recordkeeping for Organic Certification
Keeping accurate records is crucial for any business. Find out what types of records are required for organic certification and how they will be evaluated during the certification process.
Do You Need to Be Certified? Assess Your Supply Chain Matrix
Use this matrix to assess whether your operation needs to be certified, particularly pertaining to the new Strengthening of Organic Enforcement rule.
What is Organic Certification
Fact sheet on the basics of organic certification and steps to certify your operation.
DOCUMENTATION FORMS FOR ORGANIC CROP AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
There are three types of documentation that enable accredited certifying agents (certifiers) to verify a producer’s compliance with the National Organic Program (NOP) Regulations: a) The producer’s records of farm/livestock operation activities b) The Organic System Plan (OSP) c) Audit trail documents (e.g., purchase invoices, organic certificates, contracted custom application or harvest records, soil test… Continue reading DOCUMENTATION FORMS FOR ORGANIC CROP AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
Guide to Organic Certification
USDA’s introductory guide to organic certification
Investing in Organic Production: Economics of Transition
Transitioning to organic requires upfront investments in soil building and organic weed management. Organic price premiums may cover some of these initial expenditures, but the returns on these investments are typically delayed until the end of the three-year transition period. This webinar explores the economics of transitioning to organic and report on strategies that are… Continue reading Investing in Organic Production: Economics of Transition
Breaking New Ground: Farmer Perspective on Organic Transition
Breaking New Ground: Farmer Perspectives on Organic Transition, a joint report released by Oregon Tilth and Oregon State University’s Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems, highlights key recommendations for organizations and agencies that can provide support in crop research, infrastructure and market development as well as shaping public policies for transition to organic… Continue reading Breaking New Ground: Farmer Perspective on Organic Transition