Transitioning Farmland to Organic
Transitioning Farmland to Organic: What You Need to Know
Summary: To get certified organic, your farmland must go through a three-year transition period with no prohibited inputs (like synthetic fertilizers or pesticides). Keep detailed records of land use during this time. Oregon Tilth also offers transitional certification as a voluntary step to build market trust and prepare for full organic certification.
What Is the Three-Year Transition Period?
To qualify for organic certification, your farmland must be free of any prohibited substances (such as most synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides) for 36 months prior to harvest.
Key Points:
- The 3-year period starts from the last application of any prohibited material.
- You may not harvest or sell crops as “organic” until certification is granted, even if the land meets the time requirement.
- During this time, the land is considered “in transition.”
What Do I Need to Start My Transition to Organic?
You need to begin with thorough documentation. This helps verify that no prohibited materials were used and supports a successful certification process.
Start with:
- Field history records: Show all inputs used for the past 36 months.
- Activity logs: Track field work, plantings, and any pest or weed control methods.
- Input documentation: Invoices, seed tags, and labels for any applied materials.
- Use the USDA NOP templates for support.
What Documents Prove My Land is Eligible?
To demonstrate land eligibility for certification, you must submit:
- Three years of field history (even if the land was unmanaged)
- A signed land use affidavit from a previous owner or manager (if you didn’t control the land for the full 36 months)
- A clear map of your fields, identifying any buffer zones
Can I Use Conventional Seeds During Transition?
Yes, but only if:
- The seeds are untreated
- Or treated with a NOP-approved substance
Using genetically modified seeds or seeds treated with synthetic fungicides, insecticides, or seed coatings will disqualify that crop from certification.
What If Prohibited Materials Are Used Near My Fields?
If neighbors or adjacent roadsides use prohibited materials, you must:
- Maintain a buffer zone between your certified land and these areas
- Clearly mark buffer zones on your field maps
- Prevent drift or runoff from entering your certified fields
Buffer zones help maintain organic integrity and prevent contamination.
What If My Land Has Already Been Free of Prohibited Materials for 3+ Years?
If your land has not had prohibited materials applied in over 36 months, it may be immediately eligible for certification.
This is common with:
- Fallow land
- Pasture or rangeland
- Previously abandoned or unmanaged acreage
Oregon Tilth will verify eligibility during the inspection process.
How to Prepare for Your First Certified Organic Harvest
You can plant a crop before your land is certified, but it can only be sold as organic if:
- The harvest date is after the 36-month transition period
- Your land has been inspected by a qualified organic inspector
- You receive official certification from Oregon Tilth before selling or marketing the crop
What Is Transitional Certification?
Transitional certification is a voluntary program Oregon Tilth offers to farms that are working toward organic certification. It’s designed to:
- Help you gain hands-on experience with organic compliance
- Provide you with a transitional certification seal
- Support market access during the transition period
Can I Apply for Transitional Certification at the Start?
To be eligible for Oregon Tilth’s transitional certification:
- Your land must be free of prohibited substances for at least 9 months
- After one full year of transition, you can use the certified transitional seal
Start your transitional certification application here.
How Is Transitional Certification Different from Organic Certification?
Transitional certification follows the same rules as organic certification:
- Annual inspections
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Organic systems approach
The main difference is that you’re not yet eligible to use the USDA Organic seal, but you can use a certified transitional label to communicate your commitment and progress.
Does Transitional Certification Help Market My Products?
Yes. Many buyers now support farms in transition and may pay a premium price for transitional-labeled products.
Benefits include:
- Stronger buyer relationships
- Increased visibility in the organic supply chain
- Verified claims for consumers seeking transparency
Summary: Key Steps to Transition to Organic
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Stop prohibited inputs | No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides |
| 2. Begin documentation | Field history, material logs, land maps |
| 3. Maintain buffer zones | Protect your fields from nearby contamination |
| 4. Consider transitional certification | Optional step with marketing and compliance benefits |
| 5. Apply for certification | After 36 months, submit to Oregon Tilth for review |
Need Help Starting Your Organic Transition?
Our certification team is ready to guide you through each step.
Contact us:
📧 certification@tilth.org
📞 503-378-0690
📄 Visit the Forms & Documents page