Organic certification can be a valuable economic avenue for farmers to pursue, as it allows them to access both new markets and higher price premiums. However, many farmers either are not familiar with the Organic certification process and are not able to assess whether it would work for their operation, or are daunted by the scope of change and record-keeping needed to obtain Organic certification.

New resources are available for farmers and ranchers interested in learning more about Organic certification and the process required to transition to becoming certified organic.

The United States Department of Agriculture Transition to Organic Partnership Program is a new effort where organizations from across the country can engage in supporting farmers and ranchers in learning about Organic certification and beginning the journey to becoming certified.

The Center for Rural Affairs is one of several TOPP partner organizations working in Nebraska to provide education and support for Organic certification to farmers and ranchers.

One major reason this support is needed is that the Organic certification itself is a multi-year process. Farmers must follow certified organic production and recordkeeping practices for three years before they can begin selling their crops for organic price premiums.

Often, farmers who transition to organic production methods must learn new skills, purchase new equipment and build new relationships with organic seed and other inputs dealers as well as with their organic certifier. The TOPP program and its partner organizations are developing resources and education opportunities to assist farmers with these and other steps on the road to Organic certification.

To learn more about these resources that are becoming available under the TOPP program, visit cfra.org or usda.gov.