Are You a Farmer, Rancher, or Handler?
Is organic an option for you? Certification would allow you to sell your raw or processed agricultural products as organic. Learn how we support organic agriculture through standards, enforcement, certification, market information, funding, extension, and research.
Do You Serve Farmers, Ranchers, and Handlers?
Perhaps you have been asked about organic agriculture and weren’t sure how best to help. We’ve put together materials to explain the basics about organic certification and how to connect current and prospective organic operators with helpful resources.
Training Modules
Organic 101, fundamentals of organic agriculture (approximately 30 min.)
Organic 101 Accessible PDF
Organic 201, standards, certification, and enforcement (30 min.)
Organic 201 Accessible PDF
Additional Resources
- USDA Organic Resource Guide - Description and contacts to access USDA programs (47 pgs.)
- Fact Sheet: What is Organic?
- Fact Sheet: Is Organic an Option for Me? - Overview for prospective organic farms/businesses (24 pgs.)
- Guide for Organic Crop Producers
- Guide for Organic Livestock Producers
- Guide for Organic Processors
- Guide to Organic Certification
Professionally-Printed Materials
If you are interested in distributing professionally-printed brochures (8.5” x 5.5”) or posters (20” x 30”), please contact Edward Stoker to discuss details and arrange for file transfer. Please note that the National Organic Program cannot pay for printing or recommend a specific printer.
About the Organic Literacy Initiative
In 2011 a cross-departmental working group identified a need for basic training on organic agriculture throughout the USDA. Members of the public and the organic industry emphasized this need during listening sessions.
The Organic Literacy Initiative is designed to help connect current and prospective organic farmers, ranchers, and processors with appropriate USDA resources. This package of training and outreach materials explains what the organic label means and how certification works. Through this effort, USDA staff around the U.S. will be better equipped to help farmers, ranchers, and processors understand organic certification and access relevant USDA services.