Questions about Organic Certification? The NOFA Summer Conference has some answers!

HM: My title is Regenerative Food Systems Coordinator; which means my job is to connect the dots on local food systems around regeneratively grown food and systems. So my focus is on supporting food equity and sovereignty and empowering people to take an active part in their food and food economy. Currently, that work looks like networking, connecting, and working with different agencies such as UMass Extension, Bay State Certified Organics, and CISA through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), to help farmers who want to become certified organic.

HM: TOPP is a cooperative agreement with regional leads and co-partners in the USDA, and its intention is to build the organic food market. The demand for certified organic food is higher than the supply of certified organic food available. The USDA set aside $300 million for this organic transition initiative to connect farmers with a variety of resources from technical assistance to networking and partnership resources to help farmers make that transition so that supply can meet demand. At NOFA/Mass, we are responsible on a local statewide level for generating those partnerships and making those resources more available to farmers in Massachusetts.

HM: There are a few different reasons why. A lot of farmers may say they don’t need to because they already grow organically, but there are several points that I think are important to consider when thinking about organic certification. Being certified organic gives you a seal of quality, granting full transparency from farmer to consumer, but this also means that if you’re using organic practices, then you should get paid for growing organically. Certified organic farmers are often paid higher and more stable prices for their produce than other farmers who may have organic growing practices, but are not certified. Organic certification also opens up greater access to markets. A great way to get your food on the shelves is by getting that certified organic sticker, especially since there’s such a high demand for stores to sell more organic produce.

Additionally, there’s the aspect of environmental stewardship – you are letting your buyers know that you are using environmentally conscious soil health and pesticide practices among other things when you’re organic certified. Finally, there are incentives for organic farmers to reduce the cost of their organic transition. Sometimes farmers avoid getting organic certification because they think it’s too expensive, but the Farm Service Agency of the USDA provides compensation of up to 75% for your transition.

 The TOPP program sets up mentorship opportunities and workshops to help guide farmers through this process, to make the transition as easy and accessible as possible, and to connect you with other farmers in the same position as you are. And NOFA commits to working with you through the long haul in this five-year program.

HM: First things first, I think all growers should come to our conferences and workshops because everyone who comes, even if they’re not all certified organic, they’re still using organic practices. There are so many resources on how to become a better grower, but I would say one of the best things that farmers and gardeners can do is talk to other farmers and gardeners, stay connected, and build community around the organic movement. A lot of the best practices come out of those conversations, and asking questions with people who are also asking the same questions as you. For example, if you are having an issue with cucumber beetles, talk to farmers who have different approaches to solving them, and have answers that are representative of what people are experiencing. NOFA/Mass has opportunities like this throughout the year, but especially at the Summer Conference, which is coming up next month.

HM: The TOPP program will have a panel with some farmers on why they should certify organic, there will be a panel where farmers share out about their own certification process, and there will be times for conversation and trouble-shooting with farmers about the organic certification process. We will also have a soil health table to help talk you through your soil health needs, and networking and social opportunities throughout the conference. Which is why it’s a great opportunity to get involved especially for beginning farmers and growers.

HM: I am so excited for the summer conference! I think everyone looks forward to having this space to be around others who are interested in the same things that you are. It’s hard sometimes being the only one at the grocery store with your family who’s concerned about food systems and organic food growing processes, or being the only soil nerd. But at the Summer Conference, you’re surrounded by people with the same interests, the vibes are good, and the content is great. It’s always hard for me to choose which panels to go to, and it is something I look forward to every year.

HM: Thank you, Paul, see you soon!