USDA Announces New Ways to Make Organic Certification More Accessible, Attainable, and Affordable
“The more I got to know organic growers and learn how well aligned their practices are with NRCS’ conservation mission, the more enthusiastic I became about helping other farmers and ranchers transition. I’m excited to share this and to find ways to connect more organic producers with USDA resources,” said Joe Heller, NRCS Resource Conservationist.
For more information, visit the Sound and Sensible Project through the USDA.
Hi, last year my wife and I bought a 90 acre farm and planted two thousand grape vines on it. We are planning to plant another 3000 vines this coming spring. We hope to plant around 30 acres of vines over the next few years and grow them and vegetable gardens organically. We would like any information you can provide on certifying our vineyard and gardens organic. We planted Arndell’s (2006 Cornell University product growing in their spray less vineyard) so far, and plan to continue growing only cold hardy disease resistant varieties. Thanks,
Hi Randy,
I would contact Pennsylvania Certified Organic directly to determine steps to certification for vineyards. http://www.paorganic.org/ http://www.paorganic.org/certification
Have you consulted with Penn State Extension as well? I also recommend them for further resources.
Let us know if we can help with anything else.
Katie Poppiti
kpoppiti@ccedcpa.com
Randy,
I just learned that the state will have funds in 2016 to assist farms in transition to organic production. Applications will be available in spring 2016. For more information on the Organic Transition Assistance Program visit http://www.PAgrows.com.