How do you become certified organic? A farmer has to take multiple steps to become certified organic. A farm needs to be certified by either private, foreign, or a state entity that has been accredited by the USDA. Crops, livestock, processed products, and wild crops can all become certified organic. For any type of farming there is a transition period for the soil quality. Any prohibited inputs or substances must not have been applied in the last three years. Along with soil preparation there are also multiple steps the producer has to follow. The steps to become certified are the following: a detailed description of the farming operation, previous history of the substances applied on the land for the past three years, and a written Organic System Plan describing practices and substances to be used. The producer then has to adopt organic practices and a certified agent reviews the farm’s application and inducts an on-farm inspection to verify if practices comply with USDA organic regulations. There are also fees the farmer has to abide by including an application fee, annual renewal fee, assessment on annual production sales, and inspection fees. These fees vary depending on the certifying agent and the complexity of the farming operation. Once the on-farm inspection is finished the producer will receive a certificate if everything is in order. The producer then has to update their written plan annually and have an inspector come once a year to make sure that their application and farm still complies with USDA organic regulations. To read more about USDA organic certifications go to www.ams.usda.gov or contact Kaitlyn Lawrence, Local Foods Educator, at 315-788-8450. By Kaitlyn Lawrence, Local Foods Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County September 10, 2016