As someone who has journeyed through the organic certification process, I can share first-hand the steps and the value it brings to our customers. Our organic certification journey is a testament to our commitment to sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly farming practices. Let me walk you through the process …
1. The USDA Organic Standards
Our journey began with a deep understanding and commitment to the USDA Organic Standards. These federal standards focus on natural resource preservation, animal welfare, and the use of approved substances, which make up the backbone of organic farming. At The Farm, our practices were already aligned with these principles, as we’ve always been committed to regenerative, low/no-till farming and ensuring the health of our soil and crops.
2. The Transition Period
The transition to organic certification requires a three-year period where your farm must adhere to the organic standards. For us, this was simply a time for reinforcing our commitment to our organic practices. We used this period to refine our methods, focusing on enhancing soil fertility, naturally, and managing pests through various organic means. If anything this transition period solidified our philosophy that Mother Nature has solutions to each of our farming challenges.
3. Developing an Organic System Plan (OSP)
The OSP is a detailed blueprint of our farming operations. We outlined every aspect of our farming practices, from seed selection, to field preparation, to pest control strategies. Our OSP is a reflection of our values, which emphasize soil health, the use of high-quality non-GMO and organic seeds, and our unique approach to pest management, including hand-picking pests and using natural solutions like Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) when necessary.
4. Choosing a Certifying Agent and Inspection
We chose a certifying agent that resonated with our values and submitted our OSP. The inspection was an in-depth review of our entire operation. Inspectors examined our fields, storage facilities, and processing areas. This ensured that our practices matched our OSP and met organic standards.
5. Certification and Annual Review
Upon passing the inspection, we received our organic certification. As one can imagine, this was a proud moment for us. But certification is not the end. Annual inspections ensure ongoing adherence to organic standards. We view these reviews as opportunities to continuously improve and uphold our commitment to organic farming methods.
6. What it Means For Our Customers
Obtaining USDA organic certification is more than a label. For us, it’s a promise to our customers that we provide the highest quality, most nutrient-dense food possible. As a matter of fact, it is just the first level. We often carry out farming techniques that far surpass the federal standards. But, it assures our customers that the produce they consume from The Farm is grown using methods that prioritize environmental health, sustainability, and ethical practices. Our customers know that by choosing our produce, they’re not only making a healthy choice for themselves but also supporting a system that cares for the earth.
Conclusion
The USDA organic certification process at The Farm was truly a journey of reinforcing and solidifying our commitment to practices that benefit the earth and provide our community with the best produce. We’re on a mission to create a more sustainable future and improve access to healthy produce. We encourage everyone to understand the value of organic certification, not just for the quality of food but for the health of our planet! If you ever have any questions, please reach out to us!
