Today organic crop production is one of the fastest growing segments of agriculture. This increase reflects the rapid, almost explosive, nationwide increase in consumer demand for organic products. U.S. sales of organic products have grown 20% or more each year for the past decade.

Organic crops can receive price premiums of anywhere from 10 to 200% or more over conventionally grown products, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. These higher prices can translate to higher profits for organic growers.

The passage of the Organic Foods Production Act in 1990 and the implementation of mandatory certification requirements in 2002 created a uniform standard that has benefited both organic growers and consumers. Growers wishing to sell their produce as "certified organic", "100% organic", etc., must consider a number of regulatory and production considerations such as:

• required certification by a USDA-approved state or private certifying agency
• a required Organic System Plan containing details on current production, harvesting and storage methods, including all materials (inputs) that will be used, updated and approved annually
• a 3-5 year transition period from conventional agriculture
• site selection and planting are critical components
• an emphasis on biodiversity and the use of natural means of plant fertilization, soil building and pest management
• pest management through good production and cultural methods
• requirements that harvest equipment, storage areas and packaging materials comply with National Organic Program (NOP) standards
• the fact that organic systems are more labor intensive than conventional systems.

    ---exerpted from "Organic Crop Production", a New Crop Opportunities Center (University of Kentucky) profile

For more in-depth information and a helpful list of references, you can read the complete profile article online at the New Crop Opportunities Center website.

For application forms and answers to frequently asked questions about the both the national and state organic programs, go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture page, Kentucky Organic Program.

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