United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service Virginia State University Petersburg, VA March 14, 2011 Transitioning to Organic Farming Betsy Rakola, Grants Management Specialist USDA Outreach Conference National Organic Program
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United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
Virginia State UniversityPetersburg, VAMarch 14, 2011
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
Organic production:
A production system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act and regulations to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.
*As defined by federal regulations
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What Does Organic Mean?*
National Organic Program
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
3National Organic Program
Demand outpaces supply• Organic sales grew from $3.5B in 1997 to nearly
$22.2B in 2007• Fruits & vegetables have highest growth rates,
account for 35% of organic farm sales• 2nd largest categories: beverages, dairy, and packaged foods
Market Opportunities
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
4National Organic Program
1. Agricultural products from a system that complies with the organic regulations
2. If gross annual sales are more than $5,000, then the operation must be certified
3. Less than $5,000: certification exemptiona) Still must follow organic regulationsb) May only sell direct
What Can Be Sold as Organic?
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
5National Organic Program
1. Apply & develop an Organic Systems Plan (OSP)
2. Implement the OSP, get OSP
reviewed by certifying agent
3. On-farm inspection
4. Review of inspection report by certifying agent
5. Decision on certification by certifying agent
5 Steps to Certification
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
6National Organic Program
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
7National Organic Program
• View the list at www.ams.usda.gov/NOPACAs• 13 certifying agents currently operate in VA
Find the one that works for you
• Costs in Virginia are typically $800-$1000 per year, or $200-$250 after cost share reimbursement