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Organic Farming


USDA Organic logo With the organic market growing steadily, you may be interested in learning more about organic certification and organic production options. These resources offer guidance in preparing for certification, and in production methods for a range of organic crops and livestock. Many of these publications were developed in response to producer questions, and they deal with issues related to specific products, as well as production methods, marketing, and organic certification requirements.


ATTRA Publications

NOTE: Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Acrobat Reader.

Organic Publications Overview

Guide to ATTRA's Organic Publications Summary [HTML] [PDF/862K]

 

Organic Regulation, Certification, Transition & History

Arsenic in Poultry Litter: Organic Regulations Summary [HTML] [PDF/553K]
Finding Land to Farm: Six Ways to Secure Farmland Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.5M]
Forms, Documents, and Sample Letters for Organic Producers Summary [HTML] [PDF/463K]
National Organic Program Compliance Checklist for Handlers Summary [HTML] [PDF/482K]
National Organic Program Compliance Checklist for Producers Summary [HTML] [PDF/409K]
NCAT's Organic Crops Workbook: A Guide to Sustainable and Allowed Practices Summary [HTML] [PDF/433K]
NCAT's Organic Livestock Workbook: A Guide to Sustainable and Allowed Practices Summary [HTML] [PDF/374K]
Organic Alternatives to Treated Lumber Summary [HTML] [PDF/121K]
Organic Certification Process Summary [HTML] [PDF/455K]
Organic Farm Certification & the National Organic Program Summary [HTML] [PDF/190K]
Organic Field Crops Documentation Forms Summary [HTML] [PDF/241K]
Organic Livestock Documentation Forms Summary [HTML] [PDF/188K]
Organic Market Farm Documentation Forms Summary [HTML] [PDF/601K]
Organic Materials Compliance Summary [HTML] [PDF/555K]
Organic Orchard, Vineyard, and Berry Crop Documentation Forms Summary [HTML] [PDF/121K]
Organic Standards for All Organic Operations: Highlights of the USDA's National Organic Program Regulations Summary [HTML] [PDF/397K]
Organic Standards for Crop Production: Highlights of the USDA's National Organic Program Regulations Summary [HTML] [PDF/455K]
Organic Standards for Handling (Processing): Highlights of the USDA's National Organic Program Regulations Summary [HTML] [PDF/693K]
Organic System Plan (OSP) Templates for Certifiers Summary [HTML] [PDF/546K]
Organic System Plans: Field and Row Crops and Pasture and Range Systems Summary [HTML] [PDF/785K]
Organic System Plans: Livestock Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/740K]
Organic System Plans: Market Farms and Greenhouses Summary [HTML] [PDF/860K]
Preparing for an Organic Inspection: Steps and Checklists Summary [HTML] [PDF/622K]
Record-keeping and Budgeting Workbook for Organic Crop Producers (draft version) Summary [HTML] [PDF/927K]
Sources of "Spraying Prohibited" Signs for Organic Farms Summary [HTML] [PDF/350K]
The Organic Chronicles No. 1: Mysteries of Organic Farming Revealed Summary [HTML] [PDF/2.9M]
The Organic Chronicles No. 1: Mysteries of Organic Farming Revealed (Hmong language version) Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.6M]
Organic Certification for Southern Farmers [HTML]

 

Organic Fruits

Blueberries: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/597K]
Considerations in Organic Apple Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/979K]
Grapes: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.1M]
Low-Spray and Organic Plum Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/117K]
Organic and Low-Spray Apple Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/2M]
Organic and Low-Spray Peach Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/781K]
Organic Culture of Bramble Fruits Summary [HTML] [PDF/548K]
Organic Orchard, Vineyard, and Berry Crop Documentation Forms Summary [HTML] [PDF/121K]
Organic Pear Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/249K]
Strawberries: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/960K]
Tree Fruits: Organic Production Overview Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.5M]

Organic Vegetables, Flowers & Herbs

Cole Crops and Other Brassicas: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/841K]
Garlic: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.3M]
Herb Production in Organic Systems Summary [HTML] [PDF/942K]
Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/990K]
Organic Allium Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/453K]
Organic Asparagus Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/128K]
Organic Field Crops Documentation Forms Summary [HTML] [PDF/241K]
Organic Greenhouse Tomato Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/368K]
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/305K]
Organic Pumpkin and Winter Squash Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/141K]
Organic Tomato Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/541K]
Plug and Transplant Production for Organic Systems Summary [HTML] [PDF/544K]
Resource Guide to Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/507K]
Seed Production and Variety Development for Organic Systems Summary [HTML] [PDF/762K]
Specialty Lettuce and Greens: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/142K]
Suppliers of Seed for Certified Organic Production Summary [HTML] 
Sweet Corn: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.2M]
Sweetpotato: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/655K]

Organic Field Crops

Hops: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/275K]
Organic Alfalfa Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/664K]
Organic Cotton Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/408K]
Organic Crop Production Overview Summary [HTML] [PDF/954K]
Organic Field Corn Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/259K]
Organic Field Crops Documentation Forms Summary [HTML] [PDF/241K]
Organic Rice Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/204K]
Organic Small Grain Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/114K]
Organic Soybean Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/122K]
Organic Tobacco Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/860K]
Peanuts: Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.6M]
Seed Production and Variety Development for Organic Systems Summary [HTML] [PDF/762K]
Suppliers of Seed for Certified Organic Production Summary [HTML] 

Organic Livestock

Considerations in Organic Hog Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/477K]
Dairy Resource List: Organic and Pasture-Based Summary [HTML] [PDF/356K]
NCAT's Organic Livestock Workbook: A Guide to Sustainable and Allowed Practices Summary [HTML] [PDF/374K]
Organic Livestock Documentation Forms Summary [HTML] [PDF/188K]
Organic Livestock Feed Suppliers Database Summary [HTML] 
Organic Poultry Production in the United States Summary [HTML] [PDF/1M]
Organic Poultry Production: Providing Adequate Methionine Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.3M]
Pastures: Going Organic Summary [HTML] [PDF/834K]
Predator Control for Sustainable & Organic Livestock Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/644K]

Organic Control of Pests

Asian Soybean Rust: Notes and Organic Control Options for Farmers Summary [HTML] 
Biointensive Integrated Pest Management Summary [HTML] [PDF/854K]
Bug Vacuums for Organic Crop Protection Summary [HTML] [PDF/517K]
Colorado Potato Beetle: Organic Control Options Summary [HTML] [PDF/122K]
Cucumber Beetles: Organic and Biorational Integrated Pest Management Summary [HTML] [PDF/677K]
Deer Control Options Summary [HTML] [PDF/387K]
Downy Mildew Control in Cucurbits Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.1M]
Farmscaping to Enhance Biological Control Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.4M]
Flea Beetle: Organic Control Options Summary [HTML] [PDF/2.2M]
Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable Aphid Control Summary [HTML] [PDF/248K]
Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable Thrips Control Summary [HTML] [PDF/306K]
Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable Whitefly Control Summary [HTML] [PDF/219K]
Insect IPM in Apples: Kaolin Clay Summary [HTML] [PDF/936K]
Integrated Pest Management for Greenhouse Crops Summary [HTML] [PDF/279K]
Kaolin Clay for Management of Glassy-winged Sharpshooter in Grapes Summary [HTML] [PDF/616K]
Organic Alternatives for Late Blight Control in Potatoes Summary [HTML] [PDF/509K]
Organic Control of White Mold on Soybeans Summary [HTML] [PDF/236K]
Organic IPM Field Guide Summary [HTML] 
Predator Control for Sustainable & Organic Livestock Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/644K]
Sources of "Spraying Prohibited" Signs for Organic Farms Summary [HTML] [PDF/350K]
Squash Bug and Squash Vine Borer: Organic Controls Summary [HTML] [PDF/576K]
Use of Baking Soda as a Fungicide Summary [HTML] [PDF/367K]

 

Organic Soils & Fertilizer Issues

Assessing the Pasture Soil Resource Summary [HTML] [PDF/1.1M]
Manures for Organic Crop Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/381K]
Notes on Compost Teas Summary [HTML] [PDF/2.9M]
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/811K]
Protecting Water Quality on Organic Farms Summary [HTML] [PDF/356K]
Soil Management: National Organic Program Regulations Summary [HTML] [PDF/900K]

 

Organic Marketing

Eco-Labeling available only by calling 1-800-346-9140
Enterprise Budgets and Production Costs for Organic Production Summary [HTML] [PDF/844K]
Green Markets for Farm Products Summary [HTML] [PDF/144K]
Marketing Organic Grains Summary [HTML] [PDF/770K]
Organic Marketing Resources Summary [HTML] [PDF/691K]

 

Links to Organic Farming Information from Other Sources

California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
The homepage for California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) is a good source of information generally. The CCOF handbook can also be downloaded.
California Organic Program
The text of The California Organic Foods Act of 2003 can be downloaded from this site, as well as organic sales reports.
Canadian Organic Growers
Canadian Organic Growers Inc. is Canada's national membership-based education and networking organization representing farmers, gardeners and consumers in all provinces. Articles from past issues of The Canadian Organic Grower magazine and its predecessors are available online.
Center for Environmental Farming Systems - Organic Research Unit
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems conducts organic research and farming systems research, and has a project specific to organic grain production and marketing.
Farm Made: A Guide to On-Farm Processing for Organic Producers
A publication from the Kerr Center that contains information about how organic management can bring many benefits to the farm. One of these is better net income. A major contributing factor to an improved bottom line is the premium that organic commands in most markets. However, as production increases and organic products go mainstream, premiums are likely to decline, and organic farmers are likely to face the same economic pressures as their conventional neighbors. One way to avert this is by adding value to organic crops through on-farm organic processing.



This publication also contains an overview and four example enterprises; Sorghum Syrup; Packaged Fresh Salad Greens; Jams, Jellies, and Spreads; and Table Eggs.
Government of Saskatchewan, Crops - Organics, Canada
The Government of Saskatchewan has some fine publications on organic crop production on the plains.
Guide to US Organic Certifiers
The Rodale Institute and the Organic Farming Research Foundation have collaborated to create an online resource where farmers can find comprehensive profiles of participating organic certifiers, including fee structures, available services and geographic areas served.
How to Go Organic.com
The Organic Trade Association offers this online collection of existing resources for anyone exploring how to transition to organic. Includes sections for producers and processors, as well as regional and national directories and a resource library.
International Organic Inspectors Association
IOIA is a non-profit, professional association of organic farm, livestock, and process inspectors dedicated to verification of organic production practices. The mission of IOIA is to address issues and concerns relevant to organic inspectors, to provide quality inspector training and to promote integrity and consistency in the organic certification process.
Iowa State University - Organic Agriculture
This site includes a calendar of events, research and educational reports, production information, resources, regulations, and other links.
Michigan Department of Agriculture
MDA devotes a section of their Web site to news and information on organic farming.
National Organic Program
The National Organic Program Web site is the place to find and download copies of the Final Rule, learn about current NOSB recommendations, get a history on the National Organic Program, and more.
NC Organic
An organic agriculture internet resource for North Carolina farmers.
Opportunities in Agriculture: Transitioning to Organic Production
A 32-page publication from the Sustainable Agriculture Network provides a detailed overview of organic farming and ranching—from designing profitable rotations and building healthy soil to controlling weeds and pests.
Organic Agriculture at FAO
Sponsored by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Organic Consumers Association
Focuses on pro-organic and anti-GMO activism by building a network of organic consumers.
Organic Farming Research Foundation
Homepage for OFRF (Organic Farming Research Foundation) and its highly visible SCOAR (Scientific Congress for Organic Agriculture Research) Project. Site features the results of OFRF organic farming surveys, a study of land-grant university support for organic research, information on biotechnology, and lots more.
Organic Food Program
The Web site of the Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Food Program.
Organic Price Report (OPR)
The New Farm® Organic Price Report ™ from The Rodale Institute® publicizes weekly price updates of organic prices for a range of goods alongside conventional prices in the same region.
Organic Production and Certification
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Sustainable Agriculture Program
Organic Trade Association
Homepage for the Organic Trade Association (OTA). OTA is the premier organization representing the US organic industry. The site has a large searchable database of organic businesses, including importers, exporters, buyers, suppliers, growers, and others.
planorganic.com
planorganic.com is a commercial site maintained by Jim O'Connor, of Co. Cork, Ireland. A good site for links to an abundance of organic resources, many of them European.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Organic Production Practices
Rutgers University has published a number of organic production budgets for the northeastern states that are available at this site.
Soil and Health Library
"The Soil & Health Library" is an excellent site that keeps many of the classic writings on organic farming—such as Sir Albert Howard's books—accessible to us.
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) disseminates generic and specific (brand name) lists of materials allowed and prohibited for use in the production, processing, and handling of organic food and fiber. It also conducts scientific research and education on the use of materials by the organic industry.
USDA - Economic Research Service - Organic Farming & Marketing
This briefing room site is maintained by the USDA's Economic Research Service. A good site for current statistics.

 

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This page was last updated on: June 16, 2010