Farm's Journey Toward Organic Certification

In the realm of agriculture, organic farming stands out as a sustainable and holistic approach to food production. This method prioritizes natural sources of organic matter and soil nutrients, such as animal manure, green manures, and compost.

When it comes to weed control, organic farmers employ tactics like frequent light tillage, higher seeding rates, mulches, and nurse or cover crops. For disease and pest management, prevention is key through naturally bred disease resistance, crop rotations, and the use of organically approved pesticides, particularly for horticultural crops.

The Agricultural Marketing Service provides timely reports on organic premiums and market outlooks, offering valuable insights for farmers. The National Organic Program (NOP) website is a treasure trove of information about national organic standards, the transition and certification process, and more.

Third-party certification in the organic industry provides independent verification to consumers that farmers are using organic methods. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) offers a series of organic 101 resources, performs organic market analysis, conducts consumer research, and advocates for the industry.

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) specializes in the review of substances for use in organic production, processing, and handling. The USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service collects information on organic costs, premiums, and practices through the census of agriculture.

For farmers who market less than $5,000 annually, following federal standards for organic production and handling allows them to label their product as organic without going through certification. The Farm Service Agency administers the organic certification cost-share program and cost-sharing stewardship programs such as the conservation reserve program (CRP), environmental quality incentives program (EQIP), and more.

Transitioning your land to a certified organic farm over three years involves a shift in crop management to organic practices. This change may lead to improvements in soil health, such as improved humus content and water retention, which could potentially affect yield quantity and quality. While initial yields might vary as the land transitions and synthetic inputs are phased out, long-term benefits in soil structure and sustainability can be expected.

The Organic INTEGRITY Database helps consumers locate organic certifiers or certified organic farms and businesses in their region. Resources on organic farming practices and research can be found at The Ohio State University Organic Food and Farming Education and Research program website. The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) offers educational resources to all growers, including workshops, farm tours, local and commodity chapters, an annual conference, and a beginning farmer program.

Organic livestock producers focus on cultural practices to maintain herd health, including organic feed, excellent sanitation, closed herds, access to outdoor grazing, and preventative health practices. Organic products are sold at a price premium, with premiums varying by product and ranging from 7% to 82% higher than conventional prices for certain items, making organic production profitable.

In summary, organic farming represents a sustainable, holistic approach to agriculture that focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. With a variety of resources available, farmers and consumers alike can make informed decisions about organic production and consumption.