Biodiversity Requirement

What Are The Biodiversity Requirements for Organic Farms

Summary: To be certified organic, farms must promote biodiversity and protect natural resources like soil, water, and wildlife. You don’t always need new practices—but you must show you’re managing your land to support nature. There are benefits for your farm and funding available to help.

Why Biodiversity Matters in Organic Certification

Under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), all certified organic farms must promote and protect biodiversity. This means actively maintaining or improving natural resources such as:

• Soil
• Water
• Wetlands
• Woodlands
• Wildlife habitats

Organic certification is not just about avoiding prohibited inputs—it’s about farming in a way that protects ecosystems for the long term.

Do I Need to Add New Biodiversity Practices?

Not necessarily. You may already be doing some conservation practices. The NOP encourages you to:

• Review your current farm activities
• Identify where you are supporting biodiversity
• Expand or strengthen your practices if needed

The goal is to make biodiversity conservation a clear part of your Organic System Plan (OSP) and your daily farm management.

Common Biodiversity Practices to Consider

You can support biodiversity through a wide variety of practices. Many also qualify for technical and financial support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Here are examples of activities that improve biodiversity:

• Control erosion and filter runoff to protect water quality
• Improve water retention and reduce irrigation needs
• Create or restore wildlife habitat, shelter, and food sources
• Maintain natural corridors for wildlife movement to prevent habitat fragmentation
• Plant native hedgerows or cover crops that attract pollinators and beneficial insects

Farm Benefits of Biodiversity

Biodiversity isn’t just good for the planet—it can benefit your operation. Farmers who adopt conservation practices often see:

• Healthier, more resilient soil
• Better water retention and reduced irrigation needs
• Increased presence of pollinators and beneficial insects
• Reduced pest pressure and lower need for interventions
• Improved yields and crop quality
• Access to financial assistance programs

Want to increase pollinator habitat?

Explore Bee Better Certified™, a pollinator-friendly farming program offered by Oregon Tilth and the Xerces Society.

Programs That Can Help

NRCS Support

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers funding and technical help to certified organic farmers who adopt biodiversity and conservation practices. Contact your local conservation district to get started.

What is CAP 138?

The Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) 138 is a conservation planning tool that helps identify improvements to protect soil, water, and biodiversity. You can apply for financial assistance to carry out the plan.

What is EQIP?

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative offers up to $20,000 per year to help implement organic-friendly conservation practices like:

• Establishing buffer zones
• Managing water more efficiently
• Reducing soil erosion
• Supporting wildlife habitats

Technical Details for Organic Compliance

• NOP 5020: The official NOP guidance document on Natural Resources and Biodiversity Conservation outlines how organic operations must integrate biodiversity conservation into their Organic System Plan.
• Inspectors will review your practices and records annually to confirm you are meeting biodiversity requirements.
• Your plan must show how conservation practices are selected, maintained, and evaluated for effectiveness.