In 2023, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) was selected as a National Partner for the U.S. Agriculture Department’s (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a key component of USDA’s broad multi-agency push to expand organic agriculture by providing more direct support and technical assistance to producers across the United States. This work is supported through the… Continue reading Organic Trade Association’s TOPP Project Homepage
Type: Websites
Crop-Livestock Integration Resources
To address the need for ICLS resources, OFRF has created a Crop-Livestock Integration series based on interviews with highly experienced organic producers across the US whose farming operations have benefited from integrated crop and livestock production. The series includes four farmer stories, a video presentation, and factsheets on key topics, such as: The Benefits of… Continue reading Crop-Livestock Integration Resources
4 Common Mistakes by First Time Organic Growers
The article covers a few common mistakes that the NOFA/Mass Organic Certification Technical Assistance Provider often sees on first-time applications for organic certification.
Heritage and Landrace Grain Network
Over the course of the last decade, interest in reviving organic heritage grains has increased dramatically. There has been a rise in appreciation of their beauty, nutritional value, genetic diversity, and fascinating histories. The importance of incorporating them into a sustainable crop rotation and their inherent adaptability are additional compelling qualities. As our climate continues… Continue reading Heritage and Landrace Grain Network
Bite by Bite: Organic Certification Made Simple
In this multi-part video series, farmers discuss their firsthand experiences with obtaining organic certification—and why they decided to pursue it. Small video segments show viewers how the USDA organic regulations translate to practices on the ground by following a direct market farmer on his journey through the organic certification process. The video also provides a… Continue reading Bite by Bite: Organic Certification Made Simple
Organic Sound and Sensible Resources: Understanding the Rules, Certification, and Inspections
USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) has put together a resource hub of guides, videos, and other tools that help farms and businesses understand the USDA organic standards, certification process, and inspections in more depth. In this hub of resources is the Sound and Sensible resources, a series of short videos that help to explain the… Continue reading Organic Sound and Sensible Resources: Understanding the Rules, Certification, and Inspections
How to Transition Your Farm, Ranch, or Business to Organic
This USDA National Organic Program (NOP) webpage provides a step-by-step guide on the steps of organic certification and provides additional links to USDA resources for getting certified organic.
What is Active Listening
This article describes 7 active listening techniques, discusses why active listening is important, and shares some ways to improve active listening skills.
The Organic Input Material (OIM) Program
California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Input Material (OIM) Program registers fertilizing materials to be used in organic crop and food production. The program is mandated by the Legislature and supported by the industry. Products claiming to be appropriate for use in organic production are verified to comply with the California Fertilizing Materials Law… Continue reading The Organic Input Material (OIM) Program
Washington State Organic Input Material List
The WSDA Organic Input Material List includes a list of all materials that we have reviewed and approved for use in organic agriculture. This list is typically updated quarterly. Materials on this list have been reviewed by WSDA organic staff and are approved for use in organic agriculture.