Organic Farming: A Guide to Getting Your USDA Organic Certification

Organic farming offers numerous benefits such as improving soil fertility, supporting animal welfare, and promoting sustainable development practices. To enjoy these benefits, farmers need to obtain a USDA Organic Certification, which involves adhering to strict production, management, handling, and labeling standards. The certification comes in four types, and the process requires farmers to use natural farming methods, avoid prohibited substances such as synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and raise crops and livestock as close to their natural behavior as possible.

The USDA Organic Seal provides several benefits such as allowing farmers to refer to their products as certified organic, apply for federal reimbursement, and gain customers' trust. To obtain the certification, farmers need to have a thorough understanding of federal standards, audit their farm, and contact a certifier. The cost of obtaining the certification ranges from $200-$400, with additional fees for renewal and inspections. Despite the time and effort required to obtain the certification, organic farming provides numerous benefits that make it worthwhile.