Consumers are pushing for food and products grown organically, free from synthetic pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. Demand is outpacing production, creating a ripe opportunity for farmers who become certified organic.
Top 10 reasons to grow organic:
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- Access to robust organic marketplace
- Increased profit potential, partly due to fewer purchased inputs
- Reduced exposure to toxic agricultural chemicals
- Improved soil performance, especially in droughts
- Yields that can equal or surpass non-organic systems
- Better water quality on your farm and the surrounding area
- Increased biodiversity in the soil and on the land, with more beneficial insects, pollinators and wildlife
- More effective planning based on your production records
- Backing of research showing organic’s environmental and health impacts
- Easier marketing with clearly defined USDA organic sealBONUS: Costs of organic certification can be reimbursed through the USDA cost share program.
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Learn more about:
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Go more in-depth
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- How to become certified
- What is allowed in specific types of production
- How to market your organic products
- How to contact national organic agriculture agencies and organizations
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Click here to download or request a printed copy.
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Download a free Fact Sheet:
What is Organic Agriculture? provides a brief overview of farming practices and certification rules. (2 pages)
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How to Choose a Certification Agency & the Organic Certification Process offers questions to ask prospective agencies and fellow farmers to help you choose the best agency for your operation. Also provides details about the process of becoming certified. (2 pages)
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Facts about Organic Agriculture examines common myths about organic farming and counters with the real facts. (4 pages)
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Looking for a certifier?
Our Upper Midwest Organic Resource Directory includes listings for organic certification agencies.
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In the news:
Farmer finds organic certification opens doors
Organic Broadcaster
Many people in the sustainable farming community are at the same place we were a few years ago, farming using organic practices and marketing under sustainable, natural, or no-chemical labels. Like we did, they believe that organic certification is too cumbersome, expensive and of little benefit to their operation. They wonder, “Is there really that much to be gained for all the efforts needed for that piece of paper?” Actually, there is. Read the full story.
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Farmers explain benefits of organic certification
There are many benefits to organic certification. Farmers become certified for a variety of reasons. Some producers see market opportunities while others have different motivations like consistent land stewardship. Read more.
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Is Organic An Option For Me? (PDF)
This brochure provides an overview of the USDA organic regulations and how USDA supports organic agriculture. It includes information on getting certified, funding opportunities, and educational resources.
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See more videos of organic farmers here.
