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What the Standards say
Once the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP)—the culmination of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990—went into effect, all products labeled as "organic" were required to carry the USDA Certified Organic label. (Farmers who generate less than $5,000 in sales annually are exempt from certification but still must follow the NOP Standards in order to market their products as organic.)
The NOP Standards require organic producers to manage soil fertility through the use of rotations, cover crops, and the application of plant and animal materials or low-solubility natural minerals. These practices must either maintain or improve soil organic matter content, manage deficient and excess plant nutrients, and control erosion.
Producers must use preventive practices to manage crop pests, weeds and disease. Organic livestock must have access to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas, fresh air and direct sunlight as is appropriate for the type of animal and the local climate. Organic livestock may not be given antibiotics or hormones and must be fed 100% organically grown feed. Ruminant livestock must have access to open pasture.
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Farmer-to-Farmer
"When I first started farming, I used all the latest herbicides and fertilizers. But I didn't give up on the livestock and the crop rotations, because I recognized their value to the long-term health of the farm. This made the transition to organic farming much smoother."
~Ron Rosmann
Harlan, IA
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