Organic Production

Fruit production is rapidly gaining ground with consumer demand for sustainable, organic produce. On this page, access Penn State Extension’s educational resources on organic farming of fruit crops, including using organic nutrient sources. Tips and advice on pest management plans for organic farms and organic certification are also available.

Organic Fruit Production Resources

To successfully grow organic fruit, it’s vital to remember that anything put in the soil can have an impact on the crop. To enrich and protect the soil, growers often implement practices such as using organic nutrient sources, crop rotations, green manure and cover crops, and approved fertilizers and soil amendments.

In certified organic fruit production, the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is strictly prohibited. With a few exceptions, planting stock – including seed and transplants – must be organically produced. Obtain further information on the use of GMOs for plant improvements during the Science of GMOs webinar.

Commercial growers interested in producing organic fruit trees and plants can benefit from Penn State Extension’s Organic Crop Production Guide. The guide provides information on sound farming practices, as well as advice on how to budget for and market organic crops. Producers can find educational resources on organic produce marketing and advice on crop insurance options, as well.

Organic Pest Management for Orchards and Fruit Farms

Organic agriculture requires that products are produced free of persistent and toxic pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, and genetic engineering.

Insecticides – while not intended as a basis for pest management in organic systems – may be applied after non-chemical approaches have been employed. Organic insecticides include azadirachtin, pyrethrum, spinosad, and certain plant extracts.

It’s worth noting that while organic agriculture cannot guarantee that products are completely free of residues, it can minimize pollution from air, water, and soil.

Organic Farm Weed Management

In organic fruit farms and orchards, unwanted weeds can have a profound impact on the produce. To protect the fruit crops, growers often rely on weed management methods such as prevention practices, tilling after harvest, weed suppression, and regular scouting of the orchard floor.

Typically, weeds are easiest to eliminate when they are just emerging, and before leaves can be seen. A weed control calendar can be an excellent tool for refining the management plan and improving the timing of management practices.

Organic Certification for Fruit Producers

Fruit produce labeled ‘organic’ is regulated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). To grow and sell organic fruit, producers must follow the production and handling practices set out by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). In addition, the NOP is responsible for overseeing mandatory organic production certification.

To obtain a certificate, producers are required to develop an organic system plan and submit an application to a USDA-accredited certification agency. The agency certifies that produce is grown following the required practices and ensures the integrity of the products. Organic certification lasts for one year.

Learn more about what organic fruit production is and the requirements that certification entails with Penn State Extension resources, workshops, and organic certification presentations.