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Organic Agriculture -
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any financial support for existing certified organic operations
or for producers transitioning their operation to certified organic production?
Yes, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has an Organic
Initiative through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Growers
have just three weeks to apply for this special funding starting Monday, May 11
and ending Friday, May 29. For additional information refer to the
PA NRCS Programs webpage. For more
information about submitting an application for the EQIP Organic Initiative,
contact your local NRCS
county office.
What type of technical assistance does NRCS have to offer to a certified
organic operation?
Technical assistance is available to help producers install priority core
conservation practices such as Conservation Crop Rotation, Cover Crops, Nutrient
Management, Pest Management, Prescribed Grazing, and Forage Harvest Management.
There are also many other practices that improve the condition of the soil,
reduce soil erosion, protect water quality or improve pollinator habitat and
grazing land health. More information about technical assistance and eligible
practices can be found at the PA NRCS
Technical Resources webpage.
Is there any other assistance available for producers interested in
transitioning to an organic operation?
USDA-NRCS EQIP Organic
Initiative
PA Department of Agriculture - PATH to Organic Funding
Penn State – Transition to
Organic
How hard is it to become a certified organic producer?
It depends on nature of the operation that is applying. Every operation is
unique and thus, will face different challenges in converting to organic
production. Visit the
National Organic Program website for more information about certification
and organic regulations.
For more information, visit:
ARRTA/NCAT
Can I certify part of the farm as organic?
Yes, certification may be granted to as much or as little of your operation as
you request. However, there may be additional costs, record-keeping and/or
documentation requirements for “mixed operations,” with both organic and
non-organic production. Such operations must establish and document procedures
that ensure the isolation of organic crops and products from non-organic
commodities in production, handling, storage and sales. Also, organic crops and
products must be protected from contamination by prohibited materials
(fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) often used in non-organic production.
How do you manage weeds in an organic production system?
Organic weed management includes three levels of practices:
First, crop rotation, sanitation and cultural practices to promote crop health
and competitiveness are REQUIRED.
Secondly, any of the following practices MAY be used to control weeds, as
applicable to the operation:
• mulching,
• mowing,
• livestock grazing,
• hand weeding,
• mechanical cultivation, and/or
• flaming
Finally, IF (AND ONLY IF) the cultural and physical methods (above) are
insufficient to adequately control weeds, organic producers may use a
biological, botanical or allowed synthetic product for weed control. Any
synthetic (man-made) product used must be included on the National List of
Synthetic Substances Allowed for Use in Organic Crop Production (7 CFR 205.601).
For more detailed information, see the National Organic Standards, 7 CFR 205.206
on the National Organic Program's website.
What inputs are okay to use in an organic production system?
In order to be “ok” for use in organic production, inputs must be included in
the producer’s Organic System Plan (OSP), as approved by a USDA-accredited
certifying agent. The OSP must specify the conditions under which an input will
be used. The producer must then document that those conditions are met, before
resorting to the use of an input. Conditions may include such conditions as
pests reaching a specific threshold level or a soil test indicating deficiency
of a specific nutrient. Specific products used as production inputs must either
be non-synthetic (natural) or be included on the
National List of Synthetic Substances Allowed for Use in Organic Crop Production
(7 CFR 205.601).
Where can I sell my organic products?
The answer to this question depends largely on the type and volume of products
being produced. Organic marketing is quite “entrepreneurial,” and may depend on
establishing personal contacts with buyers to ascertain their needs. There is no
such thing as an organic “commodity.” Many organic products are sold through
direct marketing channels, at farmers markets, Produce stands or via the
internet. You should also talk with other producers, attend organic agriculture
conferences and consider joining support organizations, such as the
Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable
Agriculture or PA Buy Fresh Buy Local.
These actions will help you identify and establish relationships with
prospective organic buyers. You can also find more information at the links
below.
AgMap
ATTRA – Organic
Marketing Resources
Penn State
Cooperative Extension – Organic Marketing
How much will get for my organic products?
Prices paid for organic products are directly negotiated between buyers and
sellers. There is no “Board of Trade” or posted commodity price for organic
crops or products. The best way to determine prices available is to ask the
buyers directly or ask other producers.
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