Organic farming is a USDA certification for farms that rely on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs. Organic farmers use preventative measures before using approved pesticides. They develop healthy soil through cover crops and compost, minimize or exclude the use of chemically made fertilizers and pesticides, and use other practices that support the use of on farm-resources that conserve biodiversity.

Certified farms can grow both organic and conventional crops, but they must ensure that no spray drift, accidental sprays, or residues on equipment from non-organic fields reaches organic fields. Organic practices cannot guarantee that products are completely free of chemical residue, but the USDA certification ensures that certain prohibited pesticides and fertilizers are never used on any organic farms.

On organic farms, the use of crop rotations, animal manures, green manures, and other practices help promote biodiversity and soil health. Livestock must not be continuously confined, must be given access to pasture, cannot be given antibiotics (unless sick) or growth hormones, and must eat certified organic feed that is grown and processed by certified organic operations. Pastures must also be certified organically grown and processed. Genetically engineered plants and animals are prohibited.

USDA Organic Standard

The USDA Organic Standard lays out specific requirements that must be verified and approved by a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Upon approval, products can be labeled as USDA Organic. The standards can be broken down into three categories: Crop Standards, Livestock and Poultry Standards, and Handling Standards.

Crop Standards require that land used for production is free from prohibited substances for at least three years; organic seeds are used when available; crop rotations and cover crops are implemented; the use of genetic engineering, sewage sludge, and ionizing radiation are prohibited; and other standards. 

Livestock and Poultry Standards require that 100% organic feed products are used; antibiotics (unless sick) or hormones are prohibited; dairy animals must be managed organically for at least 12 months in order for dairy products to be labeled organic; ruminants must be out on pasture for the entire grazing season and not less than 120 days; animals for meat production must be raised under organic management from the last third of gestation (no later than the second day of life for poultry); and other standards.

Handling Standards require that products sold, labeled, or represented as organic must have at least 95% certified organic contents; handlers must not cross-contaminate non-organic with organic products; all non-agricultural ingredients must be permitted in accordance with the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances; and other standards.

Certification

100% of these standards must be met in order for a farm to become certified organic. Farmers must develop an organic system plan and have it approved by a certifying agent, who will then visit the farm for an inspection to see if the plan and management practices align. If the farm is approved, then it becomes USDA Certified Organic, and its products can be labeled as such. Certified land must be free of all prohibited substances for at least three years before crops can be certified organic. Crops, livestock, processed products, and wild-harvested plants can all be certified. Farms and processors must have regular yearly inspections to make sure they are in compliance with the National Organic Program standards, and they must pay applicable dues.

Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Similar to Regenerative Agriculture, Regenerative Organic Agriculture was founded by Robert Rodale. In addition to regenerative practices, it additionally emphasizes animal welfare and worker fairness. This has a certification called Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) which is overseen by the nonprofit Regenerative Organic Alliance. The goal of ROC is to build off existing certifications and partner with certification bodies that can audit the ROC requirements in addition to the baseline. This includes animal welfare standards. With ROC, there are either bronze, silver, or gold levels that can be obtained, each with their own requirements. Farms must pay applicable dues.

Farms can be Certified Organic and use methods from other systems as well, including being certified for Animal Welfare.

To learn more visit:
USDA Organic Regulations
USDA Allowed & Prohibited Substances
USDA Organic Livestock Requirements
USDA Introduction to Organic Practices
Rodale Institute
IFOAM

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