Navigating the organic certification process can feel complex and overwhelming. With multiple certifiers across the country, growers are often left wondering: What are the differences between certifiers? Which one is the best fit for my farm? This workshop will bring together representatives from CCOF, Oregon Tilth, Organic Certifiers, Real Organic Project, and Where Food Comes From for a discussion about organic certification.

This report, produced by the USDA Economic Research Service, analyzes current trends in domestic and global organic production, U.S. Department of Agriculture initiatives to remove barriers to transition, imports and exports, price premiums relative to conventional commodities, and value of retail sales.

Organic certification requires producers to maintain detailed records from seed to sale. While these records are essential for certification and inspections, they are equally valuable tools for any farm, providing important insights into a farming operation and helping fine tune farm businesses. This workshop introduces farmers to practical recordkeeping strategies that work for both certified and noncertified operations.

This USDA Agricultural Marketing Service factsheet explains the Origin of Livestock final rule, which revises organic regulations governing the one-time transition of dairy animals into organic production. It clarifies transition practices for new and existing operations, standardizes certification requirements across producers, and aims to promote fair competition in the organic dairy market.

This workshop highlights two Western SARE research projects aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture in California. Jesse Trace of Traceland Ranch (Cayucos, CA) will discuss his work on implementing rehydration/restoration practices to increase water infiltration and crop production, and Alex Palmerlee of Far View Ranch (Bangor, CA) will talk about how grazing management can aid in natural oak recruitment as a landscape-scale solution.

This factsheet from the University of Arkansas covers health management for organic and free-range poultry. It outlines methods for early disease detection through systematic bird observation and examination, unique challenges of free-range production including predation and environmental exposure, common bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases, and biosecurity practices as the primary prevention strategy for organic producers.

Cover cropping is an excellent soil health practice that improves water infiltration, builds organic matter and soil structure and provides nutrients to crops. Join the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) to learn about the best practices for planting a cover crop, and how to optimize the use of planting equipment in your management system to grow successful cover crops.

This factsheet from the University of Kentucky's Center for Crop Diversification outlines key considerations for organic crop producers. It covers USDA National Organic Program certification requirements, sourcing approved crop inputs, available grants and cost-share funding opportunities, and business planning resources. It also provides a comprehensive directory of state organizations, suppliers, and programs supporting organic production.

Using black plastic mulch (BPM) to manage weeds is a common practice in organic vegetable production systems. However, it is expensive and generates large quantities of plastic waste. In this webinar, learn about different tillage strategies and the use of biochar in organic vegetable production as strategies to reduce the expenses and waste of BPM while also benefitting soil health.

This article from Lincoln University and University of Missouri Extension presents research on mass trapping as an organic management strategy for Japanese beetles. It details trap designs, deployment patterns, and six years of field results from elderberry and blueberry orchards. Findings show traps significantly reduced beetle damage while offering a cost-effective alternative to organic insecticide applications.

Join the Midwest Organic Center team for a comprehensive overview of using cover crops in a row crop system. This webinar will cover some benefits and challenges of using cover crops and dive into some basics like planting, termination, and equipment. We will also discuss selecting species for a diverse mixture, livestock grazing, and share relevant data from the MOC’s Diverse Systems Trial.

This slideshow presentation, prepared by the Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA), features content put together by Lynne Haynor, an Organic Conservation Specialist with the Organic Trade Association, and Tom Manley of Rodale/NRCS. This presentation provides an overview of organic standards related to natural resources/erosion, NRCS conservation planning services, how to assess erosion risk, and more.