Transitioning to Organic Farming

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, certified organic farmland acreage and food production continue to increase in the U.S. Farmers are transitioning to certified organic production to lower input costs, conserve natural resources, and increase farm income by selling to high-value markets. The marketing of organic products is currently a $26.7 billion industry in the U.S. (2010 data).

To transition to organic production, farmers will diversify their operations and start using more sustainable farming practices to preserve soil quality and natural resources. According to Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), “Every day, farmers and ranchers around the world develop new, innovative strategies to produce and distribute food, fuel, and fiber sustainably. While these strategies vary greatly, they all embrace three broad goals, or what SARE calls the 3 Pillars of Sustainability:
• Profit over the long term
• Stewardship of our nation’s land, air, and water
• Quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and their communities
There are almost as many ways to reach these goals as there are farms and ranches in America.” Organic farming follows sustainable agricultural practices, in addition to and in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act, to respond to site-specific conditions, integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that recycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.