Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania outlined the Steps to Become Certified Organic on their website.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania outlined the Steps to Become Certified Organic on their website.
IFOAM North America builds capacity to facilitate the transition of farmers to organic agriculture, raise awareness of the need for sustainable production and consumption, and advocate for a policy environment conducive to agro-ecological farming practices and sustainable development.
MOSA promotes organic integrity through certification services. You can find certification forms here, including forms for farmer/producer, non-processing handler, processing handler, and retailer.
These very practical resources offer guidance in preparing for certification and on production methods for a range of organic crops and livestock. Many of these publications were developed in response to producer questions, dealing with issues related to specific products, as well as production methods, marketing, and organic certification requirements.
The Northeast Cover Crop Council has a series of integrated decision tools for cover crop species selection. Use the Species Selector Tool to narrow down which cover crops might work for you. Choose your state, then click “Get a Recommendation” at the top left of your screen.
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is a trusted source for research-backed, scientifically sound resources and support for farmers. Whether you’ve been farming organically for decades or are just getting started, we are here to help you navigate the journey to organic certification. They’ve compiled lots of materials to get you going, no matter what stage of the process you’re in.
An organization administering farmer training, research, policy, peer education, and local food programs. Pasa is also a network of tens of thousands of farmers, food system professionals, and changemakers working together to advance regenerative and equitable agriculture. Pasa’s annual conference is a hub for networking and knowledge sharing.
PCO Certified Organic is a USDA-accredited organic certifying agency that educates and certifies growers, processors, and handlers of organic crops, wild crops, livestock, and livestock products in the contiguous United States.
Alongside a variety of resources, PCO Certified Organic has a video series designed for producers who are thinking about transitioning to organic and want practical, easy-to-understand information. Through short, educational videos, you’ll learn what organic certification really involves, what to expect during the transition process, and how organic standards support soil health, animal welfare, and long-term farm success.
Penn State Extension has a catalog of educational events, programs, and resources for organic producers, agricultural professionals, and the general public.
PA Preferred Organic™ is a Farm Bill initiative to grow market opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers and keep Pennsylvania a national leader in organic production. Through this initiative, Pennsylvania farmers interested in transitioning to organic can receive technical assistance through Team Ag and the Rodale Institute.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture administers the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) to offset a portion of annual organic certification costs. Certified operations may receive up to 75 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope. OCCSP applications are approved on a “first received and complete, first to get approved” basis. Only one application for cost share per year will be accepted per operation. The annual application postmark deadline is October 31. As of June 2025, OCCSP is on hold. We are waiting to hear from the USDA about this program.
Review the Farmers’ Guide to PDA State Funding and Grant Programs to learn about the abundance of resources and services available to all types of farmers throughout the commonwealth.
Precision Sustainable Agriculture hosts a cover crop species selector tool on their website. Choose your state to learn about which cover crops you can integrate on your farm.
The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association released an interactive video series created for farmers contemplating becoming organic.
Rodale Institute’s Transition to Certified Organic Agriculture online course is designed to help farmers understand the USDA National Organic Standards and guide them through the basics of transitioning to organic production of vegetables, grains, livestock, and more.
Webinars from the Rodale Institute give you firsthand, free access to their research and experts. On their webpage, you can view archived webinars and register for upcoming webinars. In this webinar, for example, the Rodale Institute discussed their Organic Consulting program, which provides free technical services for Pennsylvania farmers interested in transitioning to organic production systems. The Rodale Institute’s Organic Farm Search Tool helps users find organic crop, livestock, and handling operations within the U.S.
Team Ag’s Transitioning to Organic program can offer a variety of benefits for producers and processors, but the journey through transition can have barriers and challenges to plan for.
TeamAg is prepared to help plan for this transition across agronomic, operational, financial, and certification considerations. This will include site visits and consultation to discuss and analyze an existing operation and production methods and develop a detailed plan on the nuts and bolts of transition, support on actually preparing and applying for Organic certification, and analysis on current and future financial performance during and after the transition to Organic.
Organic Transition services are free, although participants will be responsible to pay their own certification fees.
The FSA can help with the cost of transitioning to organic, organic certification, real estate, buildings, repairs, insurance, field buffers, routine operating expenses, storage and handling equipment, crop losses, soil and water conservation, mapping field boundaries, and acreage reporting. Read more about help for organic farming.
NOP is a federal regulatory program that develops and enforces consistent national standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the United States.
NOP also accredits third-party organizations to certify that farms and businesses meet the national organic standards. These certifiers and the USDA work together to enforce these standards, ensuring a level playing field for producers and protecting consumer confidence in the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal.
For more in-depth information, review the Guide for Organic Crop Producers and the Guide for Organic Crop Processors.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is the agency that administers the National Organic Program, and its website features helpful resources, including a review of the basic steps to becoming a certified operation.
Through the National Organic Initiative, eligible farmers and landowners can receive financial and technical assistance to install conservation practices needed to protect natural resources as part of their organic or transitioning to organic operation. In addition, there is an option for farmers transitioning to organic production to receive funding to hire a Certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) to develop a Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition.
In 2023, NRCS introduced #823 for Organic Management. This practice helps those transitioning to organic and existing organic producers by adding conservation practices to their land, which are useful in achieving and maintaining organic certification. Examples include improving pasture for ruminants or lessening soil erosion by adding contour strips or grassed waterways where needed. Before visiting an NRCS office, you should review the Producer Pre-Office Visit Checklist.
The Northeast/MidAtlantic Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) connects producers transitioning to organic with experienced organic producers willing to serve as mentors. Mentors guide producers through the transition process and offer valuable insights into their journey into organic farming. TOPP offers a variety of workshops, field days, and educational events in the region to provide technical assistance and training on organic-specific resources and advising.