Fact sheet offering guidance and resources for choosing an organic certifier.
Resources Category: Transition to Organic
Glossary of Terms for Organic Certification for Handlers
Many organizations, organic certifiers, and even the USDA organic regulations provide glossaries of terms for organic certification, but many of those terms are not relevant to handling operations. In this resource, Glossary of Terms for Organic Certification for Handlers, you will find lists of common words, phrases, terms, and acronyms used in the organic certification… Continue reading Glossary of Terms for Organic Certification for Handlers
Certification Process Overview for Handlers
Obtaining organic certification as a handler or processor can feel like a daunting task. Understanding the certification process from beginning to end can provide confidence in starting the endeavor. In this resource, we detail the full certification process from application to determination, and lay out the players who you will encounter along the way. This… Continue reading Certification Process Overview for Handlers
A Newcomer’s Guide to Organic Regulations for Handlers
Every certified handling operation in the United States is required to comply with the USDA organic regulations. These rules ensure the integrity of the organic supply chain and marketplace, but studying legal terminology and language can induce a headache in even the most savvy reader. In this guide, we will take a plain language tour… Continue reading A Newcomer’s Guide to Organic Regulations for Handlers
OFRF Transitioning to Organic Resources
This resource developed by the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) supports farmers by offering tailored guidance for every stage of the organic journey. It includes certification steps, farmer stories, and educational tools to help producers explore, prepare for, or maintain organic practices—whether certified or not—making it a valuable companion for successful organic transitions.
Webinar: Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Vegetable Farmers
Are you considering the transition to organic farming for your diversified vegetable farm and or interested in improving the return on investment for your organic farm through markets? Join us for an insightful virtual webinar designed to help you understand the economic potential of organic markets and equip you with the tools to evaluate your… Continue reading Webinar: Markets ROI of Organic Transition for Vegetable Farmers
Organic Certification For Livestock
This virtual workshop will cover all the details for you to consider transitioning to certified organic. We cover the history of organic certification, basic livestock requirements, common mistakes, certification pros and cons. Joining the discussion is Sara Dolan from BlueSky Organic Farms who currently produces certified organic chicken eggs. She will discuss their operation, experience,… Continue reading Organic Certification For Livestock
Example Transitional Production Plan (TPP) for Crops
This resource walks the user through an example Transitional Production Plan (TPP) – Crops, with added notes for clarity.
Organic Farming and Certification Considerations for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Farmers
Discover what it takes to achieve organic certification in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Hear directly from a panel of experienced farmers as they share their motivations and offer practical tips for those interested in transitioning to organic practices. This webinar was hosted by Florida Organic Growers, University of Puerto Rico and Virgin… Continue reading Organic Farming and Certification Considerations for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Farmers
FAQs for Transitioning Producers
This FAQ sheet answers the common questions about transitioning to organic for crop and livestock producers.