How to Choose Whether to Do Organic Farming or Not

We have all seen it in our local grocery store, produce and even meats that are labeled as organic. The prices are slightly higher for these items, but why is that and are organics really worth the extra price?

To label their produce as organic, a farmer must comply with a rather lengthy list of rules and regulations which govern what can and cannot be used on the farm. In some cases, this even includes what kind of materials can be used in the surrounding fences- (organic wood versus non organic wood ). The type of soil that can be brought in, the fertilizers, pesticides, all are strictly regulated- and inspected.

The certification process can be a very lengthy one, not to mention very expensive as well. Every aspect of the farm must be checked out and tested from the soil to the seed to the irrigation system, everything is tested to be sure that it is free from harmful contaminants and chemicals. If the farm is one that raises animals, the feed and water supply must be examined as well as the shelter and pasture areas.

The process begins with an application to become certified- in some states the application is more expensive than others, so check with your local agriculture board for the exact cost and the proper forms. After the application is turned in, the next step is usually the inspection, although there have been delays and other issues before the application is processed.

Once the inspection is completed, if there are any issues which would make the farm not qualified for certification, the corrections would have to be made which is another investment of money. Once the steps have been taken to change the things that were ruled as inorganic, then the application can be resubmitted and a follow up investigation completed. The fees that were paid with the initial application must be repaid, and it can take a while for the inspectors to come back to your farm. Meanwhile, you cannot sell your produce as "organic" making you less competitive in the safety oriented marketplace. The longer that it takes to get your certification, the more less profitable your farm will be in the long run. Most people shop for organics nowadays, to stay in the running for your share of the profit, you need that certification.

Organic farming can cost more because of the materials themselves. Fertilizers, seeds and other items that are deemed acceptable on an organic farm cost more than their less stringently made counterparts. Once the certification is received, the profits can make it all worth it, but until that day comes it might seem tempting to say forget it and keep selling non organic produce when you can. Many of the small, local growers that sell their goods at farmer's markets and roadside stands are technically organic farmers, they simply do have the certificate saying so because of the time and money it takes to get one.