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PRODUCTION INFORMATION

Organic Certification | Transitioning | Production | Processing | Marketing | Other Resources

MOSES offers the following materials on organic certification, production and marketing in easy-to-understand formats. These resources simplify the requirements of the National Organic Program and bring together other resources to help farmers and others understand the complexities of organic certification and other issues relevant to organic production.

The majority of these fact sheets have been produced by MOSES and funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency. These are offered as resources that may be copied as needed and given freely, not sold. If you use the information contained below, please credit MOSES and USDA-RMA as appropriate.


Resources for Organic Certification

Those wishing to market organic products must follow the rules outlined by the National Organic Program and be certified through a licensed third-party certification agency. The following resources are to help you understand that process.

Guidebook for Organic Certification | Newly updated!
MOSES RESOURCE BOOKLET
The Guidebook is a 32 page pdf document that answers common questions about organic certification.
This is where farmers exploring organic production may want to start.

The Organic Certification Process
MOSES FACT SHEET
Outlines the steps you need to take in order to get certified to sell organic products.

How to Choose a Certification Agency
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes what to consider in choosing a certification agency. This fact sheet also includes information on what an organic inspector will look at when performing an annual compliance inspection on your farm.

Common Mistakes Made by Certification Applicants
MOSES FACT SHEET
What we have learned from years of working with certified organic farmers, inspectors and certification agencies.

What is Organic Agriculture?
MOSES FACT SHEET
Organic production, certification and marketing basics.

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Resources for Transitioning to Organic Farming

It takes three years of organic management before land can be certified organic. Take a look at the resources below for info on the transition process.

Transitioning to Organic Crop Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Offers an outline of issues and timelines for transitioning cropland or pasture to organic production.

Transitioning to Organic Dairy Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes the practices for organic dairy production.

Transitioning to Organic Beef Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes the practices for organic beef production.

Transitioning to Organic Vegetable Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Outlines the vegetable production issues and criteria.

Transitioning to Organic Sheep and Goat Dairy Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes the practices for organic sheep and goat dairy production.

Transitioning to Organic Sheep and Goat Meat Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes the practices for organic sheep and goat meat production.

Organic Egg Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes the practices for organic egg production.

Organic Poultry Meat Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes the practices for organic poultry meat production.

Transitioning to Organic Production
Sustainable Ag. Network 32-page PDF
Publication includes an intro to organic farming, 4 organic farmer profiles,
the economics of organic production, how to begin transitioning, and more.

The Rodale Institute and NewFarm "Transition to Organic" online course
A 15-hour, multi-step program designed to help you understand the National Organic Standards.

Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Association (NODPA)
Newsletter and online resources for organic and transitioning dairy producers.
Excellent listserve available for those interested in organic dairy issues (O-Dairy).

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Organic Production Aids

As in all farming, there are tricks of the trade that will help you succeed.

Understanding Farm Lot Numbers
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes and shows examples of a numeric crop tracking system, which is required in organic production.

Crop Insurance for Organic Systems
MOSES FACT SHEET
Find out how to best utilize the federal crop insurance program for your organic operation.

**For more information and resources about crop insurance,
visit the MOSES Crop Insurance for Organic Farmers webpage.

Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite
USDA FACT SHEET PDF
(AGR-Lite) is a whole-farm revenue protection plan of insurance.

Flaming as a Method of Weed Control in Organic Farming Systems
Michigan State University FACT SHEET PDF

State of Wisconsin: Food Regulations Overview for Farmers and Market Gardeners
Wishing to Direct Market

Jane Hansen, PriceDirect Marketing Specialist
UW Extension, Price County
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection - Division of Food Safety

State of Wisconsin: Food Regulations Overview for Restaurants, Groceries and Other Institutions
Wishing to Buy Locally Grown Foods

Jane Hansen, PriceDirect Marketing Specialist
UW Extension, Price County
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection - Division of Food Safety

Organic Farming Technical Bulletin - Natural Mastitis Treatment PDF
Dr. Paul Dettloff - Staff Veterinarian - Organic Valley

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Organic Processing Resources

Resources for those interested in processing organic products.

Organic Livestock Feed Processing Basics
MN Department of Agriculture FACT SHEET (4 page PDF)

Organic Food Processing Basics
MN Department of Agriculture FACT SHEET (4 page PDF)

Organic Marketing Resources

Organic marketing infrastructures are developing as the industry grows. The following resources will aid you in making marketing decisions for your organic products.

Marketing Organic Grains
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes how to successfully market organic grains.

Local and Organic: Not an Either or Issue
MOSES FACT SHEET
Local or organic food? Is one a better choice over the other?

Why Buy Local Foods
MOSES FACT SHEET
Buy locally and organically grown food! Good reasons abound. Here are a few.

Smart Meat &Dairy Guide for Parents & Children
MN DEPT OF AGRICULTURE FACT SHEET (4 page PDF)

Weekly Upper Midwest Organic Grain and Feedstuffs Report
From the USDA Ag Marketing Services

NewFarm Organic Price Report
Great service from the Rodale Institute to help you track market trends.

Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide: A producer's guide to marketing locally grown food
Published by the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (122 page PDF)

UW Extension FACT SHEETS:
The following fact sheets series 'Direct Marketing in Wisconsin' is a re-working of information first presented as a popular newsletter by UW Extension direct marketing specialist Professosr John Cottingham. The information has been updated and re-presented in a project of the UW Extension Emerging Ag Markets Team. The team's work is supported in part by a USDA grant (Agricultural Entrepreneurship-Wisconsin). For more information on the team's work and Wisconsin's new agricultural markets, visit www.uwex.edu/ces/agmarkets.

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Other Resources

A Guide to ATTRA's (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas)
Organic Publications

8 page PDF

Planning the Organic Orchard
MOSES FACT SHEET
This fact sheet is written for the small-scale, commercial tree fruit grower in the upper Midwest planning at least one half-acre of orchard to be managed organically.

Considering Risk Before Starting an Organic Orchard
MOSES FACT SHEET
A grower must carefully weigh all areas of risk before entering any enterprise. In the case of establishing an orchard that will be managed organically, some additional factors need to be considered.

Resources for Organic Orchardists
MOSES FACT SHEET
This fact sheet is a supplement to the MOSES Upper Midwest Organic Resource Directory to provide additional info on resources specific to the organic production and marketing of tree fruits.

NOP Certified Operations in Wisconsin PDF
A map of Wisconsin's certified operations.
Laura Paine, Grazing and Organic Ag & Consumer Protection

Directory of Minnesota Organic Farms
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Meg Moynihan, Organic and Diversification Specialist

Grant Opportunities for Farmers
MOSES FACT SHEET
There are grant monies out there for on-farm research projects, business planning and some kinds of
marketing support. The following list outlines where to look for dollars to support these kinds of activities.

Benefits and Grants (for beginning and disadvantaged farmers)
2 page FACT SHEET
Changes to the farm bill offer added benefits for beginning and disadvantaged farmers.
The definition of socially disadvantaged includes American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics, and Women.

The Xerces Society
An international nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. To join the Society, make a contribution, or read about our work, please visit them online.

  • Farming for Bees
    A newly updated booklet that outlines ways to protect and enhance habitat for native crop pollinators in the farm landscape. It includes advice on simple changes that can be made in farm management for the benefit of native bees, as well as how to create important habitat features.

  • Farming for Pest Management
    This brochure illustrates how farmers can attract and retain helpful predators and parasites by providing some of the key resources that they require. Many of these practices benefit pollinators and other wildlife as well, and are eligible for support by Farm Bill programs.

  • Farming for Pollinators
    A companion brochure to Farming for Pest Management. This joint NRCS/Xerces Society publication summarizes the habitat requirements necessary to support bees in farm settings.

  • Native Pollinators on the Farm: What's in it for Growers?
    An overview of the contribution native bees make to crop pollination, and their economic value to agriculture.

  • Nests for Native Bees
    An overview of how to create artificial nests for ground nesting bees, leafcutter and mason bees, and bumble bees.

  • Upper Midwest Bee Plants
    Native bees are the most important group of pollinators. This fact sheet includes a simple guide to help you select plants for bees and create a better habit.

Organic Starter Packet

Too much information? Not sure where to begin? Start here with our Organic Starter Packet. These resources will get you on the road to going organic, or at least answer some of your basic questions!

Organic Certification Guidebook
This 32 page guidebook will answer your questions about organic certification! From general production questions, to a discussion on approved materials, this guidebook is an indispensible resource

Organic Resource Directory
A user-friendly reference book that provides quick access to resources about organic agriculture in the Upper Midwest.

Transitioning to Organic Crop Production
MOSES FACT SHEET
Offers an outline of issues and timelines for transitioning cropland or pasture to organic production.

The Organic Certification Process
MOSES FACT SHEET
Outlines the steps you need to take in order to get certified to sell organic products.

How to Choose a Certification Agency
MOSES FACT SHEET
Describes what to consider in choosing a certification agency. This fact sheet also includes information on what an organic inspector will look at when performing an annual compliance inspection on your farm.

Grant Opportunities for Farmers
MOSES FACT SHEET
There are grant monies out there for on-farm research projects, business planning and some kinds of
marketing support. The following list outlines where to look for dollars to support these kinds of activities.

Farmer Transition Hotline | 1-888-551-GROW (4769)
A 16 year organic certification verteran and organic farmer answers your questions about soil building, weed and pest control, livestock and certification paperwork.


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MOSES fact sheets have been made possible with funding from
the USDA-Risk Management Agency.