Help Center
“Shades of Green” User’s Manual — Guide and Documentation for a Daily Farm Management System Calculator
The Organic Center released the Shades of Green (SOG) calculator, a method for using credible data to inform the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to produce milk, cheese, butter,...
Farmers’ Guide to Organic Contracts
This new resource for the organic community can help organic farmers evaluate, negotiate, and manage contract agreements with buyers of organic farm...
Organic Product Labeling and Composition Guide
This document discusses the labeling requirements of the standards to which we certify. Covered are all certification categories from a bulk labeled single ingredient product to complicated...
Lessons Learned: Biodiversity & Birds on Organic Farms
Biodiversity is an unsung hero protecting our agricultural future. Certified organic agriculture identifies biodiversity as central to sustainable, long-term farming productivity. Organic standards...
Simple Systems
Seth Watkins’ journey to sustainable land management started with baby cows shivering in a blizzard on his Iowa farm, raising a simple question: Why am I working against Mother Nature …...
Add a new species of livestock
Adding a new species requires a review and update of your Organic System Plan (OSP) to accurately reflect your livestock operation’s activities. Do I need to submit paperwork for purchases …...
Seed records
Organic farmers are required to use certified organic seeds and planting stock. What records do I need to keep for seeds? You’ll need documentation of seed supplier information, labels, and...
Treated wood
Treated wood (lumber) is not allowed for new installations or replacement when in contact with soil or livestock. Is a pre-existing building or fence made with treated wood allowed? For …...
Add processing or handling certification
For processing not covered by your crop certification, you will need to add processing and/or handling certification. Certain processing and handling activities — e.g., seed cleaning, packing and...