Rodale organic gardening seal of approval program

How to Get Certified The process for certification is five-fold: Develop an organic system plan. This is a document detailing how your particular operation will comply with USDA organic standards, including your plans for tillage, harvest, livestock management, and more. Implement the plan, and have it reviewed by a certifying agent. You can find a list of accredited agents here. Receive inspection. An accredited agent will come to your farm and take a firsthand look at your operations to ensure they comply with USDA regulations.

Photo courtesy of Spring Creek Farm 1. Can you tell us a bit about your operation? What was your inspiration to certify the farm in NJ and what is your inspiration to expand the farm in PA? Photo courtesy of Spring Creek Farm So many of the things we are doing go beyond certification: regeneration of the soil, things that work for local food and taste, etc. What has been the biggest stumbling block to certification and how are you working to overcome it?

What advice would you give another farmer considering transitioning to organic? We all know that farming is extremely hard work, often requiring long days in difficult conditions. What motivates you to get up each day and keep going? Photo courtesy of Spring Creek Farm 6. Is there anyone who has influenced you in your farming journey that you want to tell us about? For more updates on our research and programming, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter.

Loading Comments Check out the live data for updates anytime! We hate spam, too, and promise never to share your information with outside parties. You can opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of each newsletter. Midwest Organic Center St. Peters Rd. Marion, IA midwest rodaleinstitute. Skip to content.

Why Iowa? Goals for the Center. To expand organic acreage in the Midwest. Alexander, Ron. Rodale is well known as the publisher of Organic Gardening Magazine. WERL tests and conducts research on compost and produces compost testing kits and supplies.

Based on the results, the compost is then classified for best use as seed starter, potting mix, garden compost, topsoil blend, mulch or fertilizer.