2-page fact sheet providing a general introduction to the organic certification process, including eligibility, process, and general timeline.
Type: Fact Sheets
11 Steps to Organic Certification for Crops
A 2-page introductory guide that outlines the basic steps to becoming certified organic for crops. This resource is intended for producers new to and/or curious about organic certification.
USDA GAP-Organic Crossover Guide
A 5-page guide explaining the major similarities and differences between the requirements for USDA Organic certification vs USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification.
How to Choose a Certifier Fact Sheet (Organic Association of Kentucky)
Fact sheet offering guidance and resources for choosing an organic certifier.
Cover Crops & Their Benefits (Missouri Organic Association)
Cover crops help address soil degradation to weed pressure and nutrient depletion.
Weed Management on Two Organic Fruit Farms (Marbleseed)
Weed Management on Two Organic Fruit Farms; one in Minnesota and the other in Wisconsin.
Pest Management for Urban Farms (Iowa State University)
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