This factsheet describes the biology and identifying characteristics of yellow and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus), two persistent perennial weeds that spread primarily through underground tubers and rhizomes. It explains their growth habits, seasonal emergence, and environmental preferences, and outlines organic management strategies to gradually reduce infestations and limit the spread of tubers in cropping systems.

This factsheet describes the identification, biology, and life cycle of flea beetles that commonly attack brassica crops such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, and mustard greens. It explains how these pests damage plants, outlines conditions that influence flea beetle populations, and presents ecological pest management strategies, including monitoring, supporting beneficial insects, and using diversified cropping.

This factsheet explains how to identify and manage spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), an insect pest that damages berries and small stone fruits by laying eggs inside ripening fruit. It describes the insect’s appearance and life cycle, and outlines organic management strategies including trap monitoring, improving field sanitation, harvesting frequently, and supporting beneficial insects to reduce pest pressure.

This factsheet explains how to identify and manage flea beetles that commonly attack crops in the nightshade family, such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. It outlines ecological pest-management strategies for organic systems, such as monitoring populations, supporting beneficial insects, and using crop diversity and other cultural practices to reduce damage to solanaceous crops.

The 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA) is a national report informed by surveys from over 1,100 certified organic and 71 transitioning-organic farmers and ranchers across North America. Read about current organic production systems, production and non-production challenges, technical assistance needs, and concerns related to organic agriculture.

This factsheet provides an overview of field bindweed biology and practical strategies for managing this persistent perennial weed in organic farming systems. It describes the plant’s growth habits, extensive root system, and long-lived seed bank, and outlines organic management approaches to gradually exhaust root reserves and reduce infestations over time.

This factsheet outlines the benefits and practical examples of integrating crop rotations with livestock systems on organic farms, highlighting how this approach improves soil health, reduces inputs, and enhances farm resilience. It also includes farmer stories and illustrations to demonstrate effective integrated crop and animal rotations developed by organic farmers.

This factsheet outlines the key benefits of Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS) for organic farmers, drawing on interviews with four experienced producers across the U.S. The benefits covered include increased farm productivity, reduced input costs, improved soil health, natural pest control, higher nutrient density in crops and livestock products, better animal health, and a decreased need for mechanical cultivation.

This factsheet addresses the food safety challenges specific to organic farms that integrate crops and livestock, focusing on the risks of manure contamination and compliance with the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. It offers practical guidance on managing these risks through field and rotation design, developing a Food Safety Plan, and more.

This factsheet explores the infrastructure adaptations that organic farmers must make when integrating crops and livestock, focusing on two key areas: livestock housing and watering systems, and fencing. It highlights practical solutions such as mobile housing structures, trailered water systems, secure perimeter fencing, portable electric net fencing, and more.

This factsheet is designed to help organic and transitioning farmers navigate conversations with their local NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) office about the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI). It walks producers through what documents to gather beforehand and provides suggested questions to ask across four key areas: eligibility, available assistance, the application process, and post-award requirements.

This factsheet explains how agricultural producers can access financial and technical assistance through the USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to support their transition to certified organic production. It outlines who is eligible to apply, what types of assistance are available — including conservation planning, implementation support, and increased payment rates for historically underserved farmers — and which land types qualify.