United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
Virginia State UniversityPetersburg, VAMarch 14, 2011
Transitioning to Organic Farming
Betsy Rakola, Grants Management Specialist USDA Outreach Conference
National Organic Program
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
• Fee schedules, availability for Q&A, etc. vary
How to Find a Certifying Agent
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
8National Organic Program
Direct to Consumer• Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs)• Farmers Markets
Packer/Processor• Contracts are common, especially for larger
handlers• Most include quality standards, quality
testing protocols
Sales Outlets
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
USDA-AMS Market News provides price reports for selected organic products
9National Organic Program
www.ams.usda.gov/marketnews
Market News Reports
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
Organic Certification Cost Share Programs
10National Organic Program
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
• Reimbursement of 75% of certification costs, up to a maximum of $750 annually
• Includes application fees, inspection costs, etc. for USDA organic certification
• All certified organic farmers, ranchers and processors are eligible
• Not allowed for other certifications
11National Organic Program
WHAT IT IS
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
Funding is Available$6.2 million allocated nationwide in 2011
• $50,000 in Virginia• $60,000 in North Carolina• $12,500 in West Virginia
12National Organic Program
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
Application Process
13National Organic Program
It’s easy! Apply Now!!• One-page application• Copy of invoice• W-9 or other tax form• Copy of certificate, if you’re newly certified
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
Who to Contact
14National Organic Program
VirginiaKent [email protected]
West VirginiaJean Smith304-558-2210 [email protected]
North CarolinaHeather [email protected]
Other states: www.ams.usda.gov/NOPCostShareProgramParticipants
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
For Further Information …
bit.ly/NOPOrganicInsiderRegistration
Subscribe to e-mail updates from the NOP
United States Department of AgricultureAgricultural Marketing Service
Questions?
Betsy Rakola(202) 720-0081
[email protected]/NOPCostSharing
16National Organic Program
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