How Does My Farm Become USDA Certified Organic?

Organic production has been growing in popularity for many years. The actual term “organic” is a labeling term used to identify agricultural products that have been grown and processed according to certain standards. These standards incorporate cultural, biological, and mechanical processes that foster cycling of resources, promoting ecological balance, and diversity (National Organic Program). While you often hear of many farmers who choose to follow the practices of organic growing, there are actually regulations which determine whether or not you are allowed to label your product as “organic.”

According to the National Organic Program, all products that are sold, labeled, or represented as organic must meet all requirements in the USDA organic regulations. This program, the USDA National Organic Program, is in place to ensure that there are consistent standards nationally. Certified organic products must become certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent, or third-party certifier.

For small operations, there is an exemption. Operations whose gross agricultural income from organic sales is less than $5,000 do not have to be certified in order to sell, label, or represent their products as organic. They must follow organic practices, and may use the word “organic,” but are not allowed to use the USDA organic seal.

What about the rest of us?  The certification process as a whole can take on average from 3 to 6 months, and the cost can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your certifier and size of farm. The first step is to find an organic certifier. There are many, and a database can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/. Your certifier will help you get started and will be able to answer questions. In order for your land to become certified organic, farm land must have not had any prohibited materials applied to it for three years before becoming certified. Land that has had no prohibited materials applied may become certified immediately.

You will need to develop what is known as an organic systems plan. This plan is a detailed outline that explains how you intend to operate your farm or ranch to satisfy the requirements of the regulations (ams.usda.gov). An important part of this plan is the materials list, where you list out all of the chemical and other inputs that might be used. If you needed to adjust or add to this list, you would need to contact your certifier to make sure the input is approved and not a prohibited substance.  

As far as the types of practices you will need to put into place, organic crop production puts emphasis on land having no prohibited substances added. Soil fertility and crop nutrients are managed through tillage, crop rotations, and cover crops. Supplemental nutrients may be added with animal and crop waste as well as allowed synthetic materials. Crop pests including insects, weeds, and diseases must be controlled using physical, mechanical, and biological controls. If additional tactics are needed, only those that are approved may be used. Many products approved for organic production may have an OMRI label (Organic Materials Review Institute), meaning the product has been reviewed to determine if it is allowed. Pesticides derived from natural materials or living organisms are allowed as long as they do not contain synthetic additives or are not prohibited on the National List (ams.usda.gov). You must only use organic seed or plant stock when available, and the use of any genetically engineered material is prohibited.

While the certification process may seem daunting, Virginia Cooperative Extension is available to help you and provide resources as you work toward your certification.