Organic Production
In 2016, there were more than 14,000 certified organic farms in the US. Sales of certified organic products are increasing. On this page, Penn State Extension educators and experts have compiled information on organic farming of agronomic crops, including certification, using organic nutrient sources, and crop insurance options.
Organic Crop Production
Organic farming methods emphasize the use of internal on-farm inputs rather than externally sourced inputs to achieve essential soil fertility, nutrient management, and plant protection goals. Self-regulation within an agroecosystem, multi-year management cycles, and a focus on prevention rather than reaction are all key principles in the organic production of agronomic crops.
Laws are in place that determine what agricultural practices are required for agronomic crop production to be considered organic. Producers have to minimize off-farm inputs and refrain from using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms. Records also need to be kept on production operations.
There are many ways new agronomic crop producers can find out about the requirements and the opportunities for networking are good. Penn State Extension, for example, holds organic study circles where producers are invited to discuss their experiences and ideas. There is also the Penn State Organic Crop Production Guide that features various case studies of successful organic crop farmers in the Northeast.
Organic Crop Production Regulations and Certification
In 2001, the National Organic Program was established by Congress to develop and enforce universal national standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the US. It is also responsible for accrediting private companies and helping train their organic farm inspectors. The United States Department of Agriculture and accredited certifiers are also responsible for enforcing standards, ensuring a level playing field for producers, and protecting consumer confidence.
Organic certification brings many economic, environmental, and social benefits for agronomic crop producers.
Organic Weeds and Pest Management
Organic crop production relies on cultural practices and tillage for pest management. There have been concerns that such a heavy reliance on tillage is damaging for the soil. To get around this issue and help the control of pests and crop damage during transition to organic, producers may be able to use rotational tillage. This is a system in which winter cover crops are rotated with annual grain or forage crops. In this case, tillage only occurs on a semi-annual basis. This is an excellent soil-building practice in organic annual grain systems.
Successful weed management is also crucial for organic agronomic crop producers. Knowing a little about weeds, their biology and ecology can help reduce their impact and is fundamental for the development of an effective weed management plan for an organic farm.
Transitioning to Organic Production of Agronomic Crops
There is currently a huge demand for organic feed and forage that is not being met by domestically produced grains. This is leading to an increasing number of producers transitioning to organic production of agronomic crops.
Penn State Extension’s Organic Transitions Study Circle workshops provide a wealth of information for any producers wanting to produce organic grain. Enterprise budgets are a useful tool for planning and learning about the economic performance of specific cropping systems.
The USDA National Organic Program uses a strict certification process in order to ensure the integrity of organic produce and eliminate fraud. Increasing demand for organic grain means the USDA has to be very cautious before awarding the USDA Organic Seal.
- Workshops
Free
Organic Vegetable and Grain Crops Study Circle
When 01/15/2025Length 4 hoursEvent Format In-PersonJoin farmers to explore best practices and strategies for organic vegetable and grain production, including a tour at New Morning Farm. Lunch is provided, and participation is free. - Webinars
Free
Organic Study Circle: Organic Certification and Transition
When 12/19/2024Length 2 hoursEvent Format Virtual | LiveExplore organic certification, transition strategies, and best practices with expert insights and interactive discussion in this free, two-hour webinar. Open to all farmers interested in organics. - Workshops
Free
Grain Crops Organic Study Circles
When 12/20/2024Length 2 hours, 30 minutesEvent Format In-PersonFarmers and agronomic crop growers are invited to discuss their experiences and ideas in improving field crop operations. - Workshops
Dairy Organic Study Circle
Length 4 hoursElevate your organic farming practices by exchanging insights with fellow dairy farmers. Discuss tie stall barn longevity, troubleshoot challenges, and explore best practices. Lunch provided. - Videos
Transitioning to Organic Crop Production
Length 5:30Learn the basics of how to transition your farm to organic crop production. - Articles
Mitigating Production Risks in Hemp for Fiber, Grain, and Essential Oils
Choosing to grow an emerging crop can be full of production, storage, sale, and financial risk. One of the best ways to reduce risk is to arm yourself with knowledge to make informed choices for your operation. - News
Seed Cleaning at Provident Farms
Date Posted 2/20/2024Penn State hosted an organic study circle at Provident Farms, in Liberty, PA, for farmers to learn about seed cleaning equipment. - News
Hemp Crop Outlook 2024
Date Posted 1/23/2024Trends in hemp fiber and grain production and new improvements to the Pennsylvania hemp growers' permitting process. - Articles
Protecting Organic Crop Integrity
To reduce fraud in the organic marketplace, the National Organic Program published the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Final Rule in 2023. - Articles
Insect Damage Minor in Organic Corn
Organic cover crop management does not promote insect damage in tilled and no-til corn systems. - Articles
Organic No-till Soybean Production in Pennsylvania: Is It for You?
This two-part guide presents elements of an integrated weed management approach for organic no-till soybean, along with the long-term effects this practice may have on crop rotation. - Articles
Transitioning to Organic Crop Production
A summary of organic transition guidelines to know before getting started - Articles
Tillage and Cover Crop Management Practices on Pennsylvania Organic Grain Farms
This in-depth report presents the findings of a survey conducted by Penn State Extension scientists in collaboration with Pasa Sustainable Agriculture. - Workshops
Equipment Demo
Length 7 hoursLearn about best farming practices, the importance of the right farming equipment, and calibration. - Tools and Apps
Organic Grain Crop Enterprise Budgets
Customizable spreadsheets will assist organic grain farmers to estimate profitability and document management of a 3-year crop rotation. - Articles
Black Cutworm Management in Organic Field Corn
Ecological pest management and cultural strategies are the best method for protecting crops against black cutworm damage on organic farms. - Articles
Predators Control Pests and Crop Damage In Transition to Organic
Predatory insects and spiders control insect pests and slugs, reduce crop damage in transition to organic crop production - Articles
Is Organic Certification Right For Your Operation?
A summary of the organic certification process describing the benefits and challenges - Articles
The Do's and Don'ts of Winter Manure Spreading
If winter manure spreading is absolutely unavoidable, follow these requirements to do it legally. - Articles
Successful Transition to Organic at Banner Farm
On-farm example focuses on organic transition. - Videos
Farmer-to-Farmer Case Study
Six videos featuring two certified organic and one transitioning farms provide farmer perspectives and approaches to managing soil health. - Articles
Understanding and Managing Soil Microbes
A basic overview about soil microbes, their communities, and functions including opportunities and challenges associated with their management. - News
Updated Organic Crop Production Guide Now Available
Date Posted 2/17/2021Guide to organic regulations, crop production, and marketing - Guides and Publications
Starting at $15.00
Penn State Organic Crop Production Guide
Information on organic farming regulations, and production and marketing practices for feed and forage crop producers. - News
Current Trends in Organic Grain Marketing
Date Posted 10/20/2020Three experts representing the organic industry discuss current trends and issues in organic grain markets.