Organic Farming: A Guide to Getting Your USDA Organic Certification
Organic farming is believed to be great for the environment, support animal welfare, maintain the land and its native ecosystem, and is great for soil fertility. It is also good for the nation's overall health as organic products are believed to be better nutritionally and better tasting. Organic farming also promotes sustainable development practices.
Asides from these general advantages, having an organic farm gives producers a good return on investment. Did you know that in 2022, businesses sold organic products at premiums that ranked as high as 236 percent? The USDA also allocates more funds to farmers and producers who do organic farming than conventional ones.
Starting an organic farm or transitioning into one can be very beneficial. However, it is not a step that can you can take lightly, and to get many of the above benefits, you need a USDA Organic certification. Here's a complete guide to getting your USDA Organic Certification and why this is a step that you should seriously consider.
The USDA Organic Certification
Getting a USDA Organic Certification is a process that involves following strict production, and management, handling, and even labeling standards. Your products must be produced using practices that conserve biodiversity, support ecological balance, and promote the cycling and management of your on-farm resources.
There are four types of this certification:
100% Organic: This usually involves the production of raw vegetables and fruits.
Organic: This involves products using at least 95% organic vegetables and fruits.
Made with Organic Ingredients: This deals with any products that are at least 70% organic foods. This category of food is, however, not allowed to use the USDA Organic label.
Specific Organic Ingredients: These deal with less than 70% organic foods and must specify which percent of the ingredients are organic. This category is also not allowed to use the USDA Organic Label.
USDA Organic Regulations
There are several regulations that you must observe to get the USDA Organic Certification. One of those is that your method of farming must be as natural as possible. There must be no use of what the USDA considers prohibited substances in your crop farming.
Examples of these prohibited substances are synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The USDA also regulates your soil health, the methods and feed you use to raise animals, and how you control pests and weeds. Basically, organic, according to the USDA, also means non-GMO.
Farmers going into organic livestock farming also face similar USDA Organic standards. The main aim is to keep your process as natural as possible. This includes feeding your own poultry and animals organic feed and keeping them hormone and antibiotic free. You must also raise crops and livestock as close to their natural behavior as possible.
The NOP (National Organic Program) program is the national regulatory arm that develops the national standards for organic products and also enforces them.
Why is having a USDA Certification Important?
Many benefits come with getting the USDA Organic Seal for your crop and livestock. Below are some of the advantages that this certification brings.
You Can Refer to Your Products as Certified Organic
While your farm does not need to be certified to sell or even label your products organic, without the USDA Organic Seal, you can't call them certified organic. Customers trust the USDA Organic Seal more than any other organic sell label. This seal is an important reason to go for and get this certification.
You Can Apply for Federal Reimbursement
Farmers with this certification can apply for federal reimbursement programs. There is also funding to replenish your transition cost to organic if you were already running your crops on a conventional farm before changing. Please note that you can only do this when you get the Organic Seal.
Trust from Customers
There has been a recent rise in organic sector and the public's consciousness regarding the health and environmental benefits of organic food. Customers are willing to pay a premium price to put organic products on their tables and use them for events. Getting the USDA Organic Seal certifies your brand and increases your value to consumers.
Steps to Getting Your USDA Organic Certification
Are you ready to get started on your USDA Organic Certifying journey? The benefits outweigh the stresses of the process. Below are some of the steps to get you started:
Know the Federal Standards: You can only get this national certification and seal if you have followed practices and used methods that meet the NOP organic standards. You need a total understanding of what is allowed and what is prohibited.
Audit Your Farm: If you already have a farm in operation, look at what process you need to change in operation and how long this will take. This will give you a cost estimate that you can use to get funding.
Contact A Certifier: Some certifiers could have personal requirements you must also meet. Check with them for the rules, pricing, and approved methods. This is the USDA certifier database to ensure you choose a legitimate and up-to-date professional.
Cost of Getting Your Organic Certification
Getting your organic certification typically costs a one-time fee of around $200 - $400. However, as already mentioned, your certifier could have additional fees. Eventually, you will also need to pay annual renewal and inspection fees.
In Conclusion
Going into organic farming is a process that is time intensive and requires a plan. However, the agricultural benefits are numerous and benefit not only you but the planet as a whole. Getting a USDA certification for organic producers is one way to ensure that you receive full value for your labor and resources.