"Organic" Farming and the True Cost of Food-A Small Farmers Perspective

[BronxBoy]

53. There are 2 certifications processes

USDA Organic and Certified Naturally Grown.

USDA Organics is very rigorous and for the most past, a consumer can be assured that the grower has been held to a set of standards that has been verified by a third party. While there has been some sporadic abuses, it is a good system

The problem with the USDA certification is that it definitely drives up the costs for a small producer which most small organic farmers are. The certification process, which is performed, by a third party can cost anywhere from $500 t0 $1,500 depending on where you are. This is not an insignificant sum to a small producer.

Add to that the fact that you may not be able to recoup those costs in the form of higher prices depending on where you are and you can begin to see why many producers, even though they are using organic methods, opt not to get the USDA certification.

But a lot of consumers want to know that they they are being sold is what they are getting and that someone who was growing veggies using tons of 10-10-10 and Sevin dust was representing it as being grown using organic or natural methods. Hence Certified Naturally Grown.

CNG inspections are done by a third party usually another CNG farmer growing the same type of crop as the farmer seeking certification. CNG has a list of standards which pretty much mimic a lot of the USDA standards. It costs around 100 bucks for the fee and the rules state you cannot inspect a farm that has inspected you. Many farmers has looked to this certification as a way to inform consumers about their growing practices. Whole Foods lists both USDA Organic and CNG certifications for stuff it procures. Not a foolproof system if you are looking for absolute assurance but affordable and a good first step for farmers who may want to get the USDA certification.

You can find out more here: http://www.naturallygrown.org/