MOSES Organic Fact Sheets

Resources for Organic Certification
Those wishing to market organic products must follow the rules outlined by the National Organic Program and be certified through a licensed third-party certification agency.
The following resources are to help you understand that process.

Guidebook for Organic Certification Newly updated! MOSES FACT SHEET The Guidebook is a 26 page pdf document that answers common questions about organic certification. This is where farmers exploring organic production may want to start.	PDF
The Organic Certification Process MOSES FACT SHEET Outlines the steps you need to take in order to get certified to sell organic products.	PDF
How to Choose a Certification Agency MOSES FACT SHEET Describes what to consider in choosing a certification agency. This fact sheet also includes information on what an organic inspector will look at when performing an annual compliance inspection on your farm.	PDF
Common Mistakes Made by Certification Applicants MOSES FACT SHEET What we have learned from years of working with certified organic farmers, inspectors and certification agencies.	PDF
What is Organic Agriculture? MOSES FACT SHEET Organic production, certification and marketing basics.	PDF

Resources for Transitioning to Organic
It takes three years of organic management before land can be certified organic.
The following fact sheets outline the transition process.

Transitioning to Organic Crop Production MOSES FACT SHEET Offers an outline of issues and timelines for transitioning cropland or pasture to organic production. (2 pages)	PDF
Transitioning to Organic Dairy Production MOSES FACT SHEET Describes the practices for organic dairy production. (2 pages)	PDF
Transitioning to Organic Beef Production MOSES FACT SHEET Describes the practices for organic beef production. (2 pages)	PDF
Transitioning to Organic Vegetable Production MOSES FACT SHEET Cutlines the vegetable production issues and criteria. (2 pages)	PDF
Transitioning to Organic Sheep or Goat Dairy Production MOSES FACT SHEET Describes the practices for organic sheep dairy production (2 pages)	PDF
Transitioning to Organic Sheep or Goat Meat Production MOSES FACT SHEET Describes the practices for organic sheep dairy production (2 pages)	PDF
Organic Egg Production MOSES FACT SHEET Describes the practices for organic egg production (2 pages)	PDF
Organic Poultry Meat Production MOSES FACT SHEET Describes the practices for organic poultry meat production (2 pages)	PDF

Organic Production Aids
As in all farming, there are tricks of the trade that will help you succeed.

Understanding Lot Numbers MOSES FACT SHEET Describes and shows examples of a numeric crop tracking system, which is required in organic production. (2 pages)	PDF
Crop Insurance for Organic Systems MOSES FACT SHEET Find out how to best utilize the federal crop insurance program for your organic operation. (2 pages) For more information and resources about crop insurance, visit the MOSES Crop Insurance for Organic Farmers webpage.	PDF
Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite USDA-Risk Management Agency FACT SHEET (AGR-Lite) is a whole-farm revenue protection plan of insurance. (2 pages)	PDF
Flaming as a Method of Weed Control in Organic Farming Systems Michigan State University FACT SHEET PDF
State of Wisconsin Food Regulations Overview for Farmers and Market Gardeners Wishing to Direct Market Jane Hansen, Price County UWEX PriceDirect Marketing Specialist UW Extension, Price County Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection - Division of Food Safety
Food Regulations overview for Restaurants, Groceries and Other Institutions Wishing to Buy Locally Grown Foods Jane Hansen, PriceDirect Marketing Specialist UW Extension, Price County Departmetn of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Organic Farming Technical Bulletin - Natural Mastitis Treatment (pdf) Organic Valley Dr. Paul Dettloff - Staff Veterinarian

Organic Processing Resources
The following resources are aids for processing resources .

Organic Livestock Feed Processing Basics (4 pages pdf)
MN Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet

Organic Food Processing Basics (4 pages pdf)
MN Department of Agriculture Fact Sheet

Organic Marketing Resources
Organic marketing infrastructures are developing as the industry grows.
The following resources will aid you in making marketing decisions for your organic products.

Marketing Organic Grains MOSES FACT SHEET Describes how to successfully market organic grains. (2 pages)	PDF
Vote With Your Mouth MOSES FACT SHEET Offers talking points to share with others in highlighting the advantages of organic production. (2 pages)	PDF
Upper Midwest Organic Resource Directory MOSES FACT SHEET An online and printable resource offering contact information and short descriptions of marketing agencies, seed suppliers, resource groups, certification agencies, buyers, processors, consultants, publications and events in the Midwest.	PDF
Why Buy Local Foods MOSES FACT SHEET Buy locally and organically grown food! Good reasons abound. Here are a few.	PDF
Smart Meat & Dairy Guide for Parents & Children (4 page pdf) MN DEPT OF AGRICULTURE FACT SHEET	PDF

UW Extension FACT SHEETS: The following fact sheets series 'Direct Marketing in Wisconsin' is a re-working of information first presented as a popular newsletter by UW Extension direct marketing specialist Professosr John Cottingham. The information has been updated and re-presented in a project of the UW Extension Emerging Ag Markets Team. The team's work is supported in part by a USDA grant (Agricultural Entrepreneurship-Wisconsin). For more information on the team's work and Wisconsin's new agricultural markets, visit www.uwex.edu/ces/agmarkets.
Cooperatives - Their Role for Farm Producers
Creating a Winning Display for Your Farm Products
Crop Budgets for Direct Marketers
Direct Marketing Options for Farmers
I'm Right and You're Wrong: Do's and Don'ts in Customer Service
Direct Marketing: Meat
Resources for Direct Marketers in Wisconsin
Risk, Liability and Insurance for Direct Marketers
Selling Directly to Restaurants
Strategies to Attract and Keep Customers
To Your Customer's Door - Direct Delivery
What is Community Supported Agriculture?
What is Organic Agriculture?

Other Resources

Grant Opportunities for Farmers MOSES FACT SHEET Resource sheet, to help farmers find grant support for on-farm research projects, business planning and more. (2 pages)	PDF
NOP Certified Operations in Wisconsin (pdf) Laura Paine, Grazing and Organic Ag Specialist WI Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection
Directory of Minnesota Organic Farms Minnesota Department of Agriculture Meg Moynihan, Organic and Diversification Specialist
Benefits and Grants (for beginning and disadvantaged farmers) Changes to the farm bill offer added benefits for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. The definition of socially disadvantaged includes American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics and women. This 2-page fact sheet highlights the programs available.

MOSES fact sheets have been made possible with funding from the USDA- Risk Management Agency.