2. Organic Standards for All Organic certification and the sole exemption to
Operations: Highlights of the mandatory certification.
USDA’s National Organic Program
National Organic Program Compli-
Regulation–IP325
ance Checklist for Producers–IP232
This publication describes the key require-
ments of the National Organic Program This publication will help you learn how
(NOP) for all organic operations. It should to assess the compliance of your farm or
be used in conjunction with specific ranch operation with National Organic
standards for crop production, livestock Program (NOP) standards.
production and handling (processing).
National Organic Program Compli-
Organic Standards for Crop ance Checklist for Handlers–IP301
Production: Highlights of the This publication guides you through
USDA’s National Organic Program assessing the compliance of your handling
Regulations–IP332 or processing operation with the National
F
This publication describes the key Organic Program (NOP) standards.
or a free copy
of any of these requirements of the National Organic
publications, Program (NOP) for organic crop produc- Organic System Plan (OSP)
or to speak with a tion including land management, seed Templates for Certifiers–IP213
and planting stock, crop rotation and
specialist, call This publication addresses the essential
pest management. It also provides lists
1-800-346-9140 elements of a completed Organic System
or 1-800-411-3222 of allowed and prohibited substances.
Plan (OSP) and provides certifiers with
(en Español) 7 a.m. to models that they are encouraged to apply
7 p.m. Central Time, Organic Standards for Handling when creating their own applications or
Monday through (Processing): Highlights of the OSP documents.
Friday, or visit our
USDA’s National Organic Program
Web site at:
www.attra.ncat.org Regulations–IP333 Organic Field Crops
This publication describes the key Documentation Forms–IP230
requirements of the National Organic These forms provide farmers with a clean
Program (NOP) for handling and and organized way to document informa-
processing organic materials including tion that may be important for compli-
facility pest management, contamina- ance with the National Organic Program
tion prevention, product composition
(NOP) standards.
and labeling. It also provides a list of
accepted and prohibited materials.
Recordkeeping and Budgeting
Preparing for an Organic Inspec- Workbook for Organic Crop
tion: Steps and Checklists–IP261 Producers (draft version)
(companion to IP262) This publication contains a set of forms
A companion to Organic Certification for farmers to use to keep records
Process, this publication is designed to required for organic certification.
help organic producers and handlers
understand, prepare for and get the most Organic Materials Compliance–
from their annual inspections. IP313
This publication discusses three main ways
Organic Farm Certification and the to ensure compliance with the National
National Organic Program–IP222 Organic Program (NOP) regulations of
This publication discusses consider- agricultural materials and substances.
ations in going organic, basic steps to The goals are 1) an understanding of the
Page 2 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Organic Publications
3. regulations, 2) the creation of an Organic Organic Orchard, Vineyard,
System Plan (OSP) with your certifier, and
3) thorough recordkeeping of all purchases
and Berry Crop Documentation
and use of materials. Forms–IP238
Orchardists and viticulturists can use the
The Organic Chronicles No. 1: forms in this publication for document-
Mysteries of Organic Farming ing practices, inputs and activities that
Revealed–IP314 demonstrate compliance with regulations
This illustrated story briefl y explains or that assist in farm recordkeeping.
the ecological ideas behind organic agri-
culture, including information about Organic Market Farm
switching to organic methods. Documentation Forms–IP285
The 23 forms in this package are pro-
Organic Crop Production vided as tools that market gardeners and
Overview–IP170 produce farmers can use for document-
This is an overview of key concepts and ing practices, inputs and activities that
practices of certified organic crop produc- demonstrate compliance with regulations
tion, with perspectives on many notions, or that assist in other aspects of farm
myths and issues that have become
recordkeeping.
associated with organic agriculture.
Forms, Documents and Organic Field Crops
Sample Letters for Organic Documentation Forms–IP230
Producers–IP276 This publication contains tools farm-
This publication includes supplementary ers can use for documenting practices,
letters, forms and other documents produc- inputs and activities to demonstrate com-
ers can use to demonstrate compliance. pliance with regulations. The forms can
also assist in farm recordkeeping.
Organic Livestock Documentation
Forms–IP237
This publication contains tools that livestock
producers can use for documenting prac-
tices, inputs and activities that demonstrate
compliance with regulations. The forms can
also assist in farm recordkeeping.
Organic Standards and Certification
Presentation–(online only)
This is a PowerPoint presentation over-
view of the National Organic Program
standards and steps to become certified.
It was designed as a training tool for
cooperative extension agents, the Natu-
ral Resources Conservation Service and
other technical service providers. www.
attra.ncat.org/downloads/organic_cert/
organic_standards_certification.pdf
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 3
4. Organic Integrity in the Field: Seed Production and
Preventing Contamination Variety Development for Organic
and Seeking Compensation– Systems–IP272
(online only) Research to develop seed varieties for
This PowerPoint presentation, with organic production and technical infor-
speaker notes and a ready-to-print work- mation is increasing. The USDA is train-
shop handout, outlines strategies for pre- ing farmers on participatory breeding
venting crop contamination with synthetic practices to increase the availability of
pesticides, fertilizers and other prohib- organic seed. This publication provides
ited materials and the steps to be taken information on these issues.
if contamination occurs. www.attra.ncat.
org/risk_management/srmgateway.html Sources of Organic Fertilizers and
Amendments–RL044 (online only)
Southern Organic Resource Guide–
Resource list for farmers and gardeners
IP279 (online only) to identify specialty input suppliers in the
T h i s pu bl icat ion wa s de s i g ned U.S. and bordering countries. Catego-
to help certified and transitioning rized by product type. www.attra.ncat.org/
organic farmers in Arkansas, Louisiana, attra-pub/org_ fert
Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee
minimize and manage risks associated
Organic Livestock Feed Suppliers–
with obtaining and maintaining organic
certification. www.attra.ncat.org/sorg/ IP171 (online only)
downloads/sorg.pdf This is a searchable online database of
suppliers offering certified organic live-
Transitioning to Organic stock feed. It is categorized by region and
Production–IP241 by type of livestock feed. www.attra.ncat.
(Sustainable Agriculture Network org/attra-pub/livestock_ feed/index.php
publication, print only)
Organic Alternatives to Treated
This publication includes conversion
strategies, covering typical organic
Lumber–CT170
farming production practices, innovative Organic producers need to remember
marketing ideas and federal standards that treated lumber is not allowed under
for certified production. the Final Rule of the National Organic
Program. This publication includes
information on alternative products.
Farm inputs
Suppliers of Seed for Certified Farmscaping to Enhance Biological
Organic Production–RL040 Control–CT065
(online only) This publication provides information about
This publication will help you locate increasing and managing biodiversity on a
sources of seed certified organic or farm to favor beneficial organisms, with
otherwise acceptable in accordance emphasis on beneficial insects. Topics
with the 2002 National Organic Program covered include plants that attract
(NOP) regulations. It includes suppliers of beneficials; pests and predators; seed
open-pollinated, heirloom vegetable seed blends to attract beneficial insects;
and seed for agronomic crops, with a focus farmscaping; hedgerow establishment;
on regionally suitable varieties. www.attra. maintenance budgets; and a flowering
ncat.org/attra-pub/organic_seed/? period table.
Page 4 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Organic Publications
5. Biointensive Integrated Pest and maintaining organic certification.
Management (IPM)–IP049 www.attra.ncat.org/sorg/downloads/sorg.pdf
This publication provides the rationale for
biointensive integrated pest management
Determining and Documenting
(IPM) and outlines the concepts and tools the Acceptability of Organic Farm
of biointensive IPM. It suggests steps for Inputs (see Organic Certification for
implementing IPM and provides informa- Southern Farmers) (online only)
tion resources. This PowerPoint presentation with speaker
notes and a ready-to-print workshop hand-
Organic Integrated Pest Manage- out will help producers determine which
ment Pictorial Field Guide (English) fertilizers, amendments, pesticides, seeds
and planting stock are allowed in crop
Guía de Campo Sobre el Manejo production. It includes organics basics
Integrado de Plagas Organico and how to reduce dependence on off-
(Español)–SP257 farm inputs. Go to www.attra.ncat.org/
risk_management/srmgateway.html and
T
These pictorial guides examine concepts
of organic IPM and the role of beneficials, look under Training Materials. o view and
download the
focusing on ecologically based strategies to Comparing Energy Use in publications
prevent pests. The guides are available on Conventional and Organic in this guide (except
CD or online and include these sections: those labeled print
Cropping Systems–IP339
1) Beneficials, beneficial habitat only), visit the Organic
and insect pests Energy consumption in conventional farming section of
and organic production systems can the ATTRA Web site at
2) Plant disease management vary greatly depending on direct energy www.attra.ncat.org/
3) Weed management inputs as well as the indirect energy organic.html. For a
4) Vertebrate pest management involved in manufacturing, shipping and free print copy of any
applying pesticides and nitrogen-based of these publications
fertilizers. This publication examines or to speak with a
Sources of “Spraying Prohibited” several studies that reviewed energy use specialist, call
Signs for Organic Farms–RL035 in various cropping systems. 1-800-346-9140
Manufactured signs are cost-effective and (English), 7 a.m. to 7
available from several suppliers whose p.m. Central Time or
products and prices are listed.
Marketing and business 1-800-411-3222
(Español), 8 a.m. to
Enterprise Budgets and 5 p.m. Pacific Time,
Protecting Water Quality on Production Costs for Organic Monday-Friday.
Organic Farms–IP214 Production–RL041
This publication discusses strategies for This resource list contains Internet-
preventing water pollution on organic farms based sources of enterprise budgets and
in relation to concerns such as transition production cost information for organic
to organic and nutrient management. production of horticultural and agronomic
crops and for organic livestock enterprises.
Southern Organic Resource Guide–
IP279 (see Organic Certification for Organic Marketing Resources–
Southern Farmers) (online only) IP124
Designed to help certified and transitioning This publication provides market
organic farmers in Arkansas, Louisiana, resources for organic food and fiber
Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee, products, including organic prices, sales
this publication covers minimizing and data, market trends and data, organic
managing risks associated with obtaining trade associations, directories and other
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 5
6. organic marketing publications and Low Spray and Organic Plum
resources, with contact information. Production–CT122
Marketing Organic Grains–CT154 Grapes: Organic Production–IP031
This publication discusses food grains,
Blueberries: Organic
oilseeds and pulses, with an overview
of feed grain markets and marketing. It Production–IP021
also presents several key ways in which Organic Culture of Bramble
organic grain marketing differs from con-
ventional grain marketing.
Fruits–IP022
Strawberries: Organic
Southern Organic Resource Guide Production– IP046
(online only)
This user-friendly reference handbook Tree Fruits: Organic Production
is designed to help certified and tran- Overview–IP028
sitioning organic farmers in Arkansas,
Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and Vegetables, herbs
Tennessee minimize and manage risks
associated with obtaining and maintain-
and flowers
ing organic certification. www.attra.ncat. These publications provide detailed information
org/sorg/downloads/sorg.pdf on the sustainable and organic production of a
variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Federal Resources for Sustainable
Organic Allium Production–IP138
Farming and Ranching–IP294
This overview of the major federal Organic Asparagus
conser vat ion prog ra ms prov ides Production–CT100
resources for farmers and ranchers
to enhance and maintain sustainable Organic Garlic Production–IP320
farming and ranching practices.
Horticultural crops
Fruits
These publications provide detailed information
on the sustainable and organic production
methods of a variety of fruits as well as strate-
gies for pest management.
Organic and Low-Spray Apple
Production–IP020
Considerations in Organic Apple
Production–IP184
Organic and Low-Spray Peach
Production–IP047
Organic Pear Production–IP167
Page 6 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Organic Publications
7. Herb Production in Organic Herbs: Organic Greenhouse
Systems–IP224 Production–IP164
Hops: Organic Production–CT115 Organic Greenhouse Tomato
Organic Pumpkin and Winter Production–IP190
Squash Production–CT172
Other organic horticultural
Sweet Corn: Organic crops topics
Production–IP336
Organic Crop Production
Sweetpotato: Organic
Overview–IP170
Production–CT128
This publication provides an overview of
Organic Tomato Production–CT073 key concepts and practices of certified
organic crop production, with perspec-
Specialty Lettuce and Greens:
F
tives on many notions, myths and issues
Organic Production–CT117 that have become associated with organic or a free copy
of any of these
Cole Crops and Other Brassicas: agriculture over time.
publications,
Organic Production–IP275 or to speak with a
NCAT’s Organic Crops Workbook– specialist, call
Resource Guide to Organic IP225 1-800-346-9140
and Sustainable Vegetable This workbook is for organic and transi-
or 1-800-411-3222
(en Español) 7 a.m. to
Production–IP188 tional producers with cropping or mixed 7 p.m. Central Time,
crop and livestock operations. It was Monday through
Plug and Transplant Production
created to assist in understanding the Friday, or visit our
for Organic Systems–IP160 range of practices and materials allowed Web site at:
Flame Weeding for Vegetable under the NOP Regulations. www.attra.ncat.org
Crops–CT165
Flame Weeding for Agronomic
Field crops
Crops–CT157 These publications provide information about
sustainable and organic production of various
field crops including information relating
Greenhouse production to soil and weed management, planting and
These publications provide information on tilling methods and alternate crops.
various aspects of sustainable and organic
greenhouse production of various horticul- Organic Alfalfa Production–IP234
tural crops as well as information about the
greenhouse industry. Organic Cotton Production–IP233
Organic Field Corn
Organic Greenhouse Vegetable
Production–CT113
Production–IP078
Hops: Organic Production–CT115
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic
Production–IP112 Organic Rice Production–CT143
Plug and Transplant Production Organic Small Grain
for Organic Systems–IP160 Production–CT160
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 7
8. Organic Soybean Flame Weeding for Vegetable
Production–CT120 Crops–IP165
This publication discusses different strat-
Organic Tobacco Production–IP322 egies for preemergent flame weeding and
Peanuts: Organic Production-IP329 postemergence flame weeding, as well as
infrared weed control and steam and hot
Other organic field crops topics water weed control.
Organic Crop Production Livestock
Overview–IP170
This publication provides an overview of Organic Standards for Livestock
key concepts and practices of certified Production: Highlights of the
organic crop production, with perspectives USDA’s National Organic Program
on many notions, myths and issues that Regulations–IP334
have become associated with organic agri- This collection of excerpts from the USDA’s
T o view and culture over time. National Organic Program provides the
download the reader with general requirements for
publications NCAT’s Organic Crops Workbook– organic livestock management, including
in this guide (except IP225 information about origin of livestock, feed,
those labeled print This workbook is for organic and tran- health care and living conditions, as well
only), visit the Organic as lists of substances both allowed and
sitional producers with cropping or
farming section of prohibited in production.
mixed crop and livestock operations. It
the ATTRA Web site at
was created to assist in understanding
www.attra.ncat.org/
organic.html. For a the range of practices and materials Parasite Management for
free print copy of any allowed under the NOP Regulations. Natural and Organic Poultry:
of these publications Coccidiosis–IP245
or to speak with a Marketing Organic Grains–CT154 This publication discusses the life cycle
specialist, call This publication discusses food grains, of coccidiosis, as well as transmission
1-800-346-9140 oilseeds and pulses, with an overview in free-range production, management
(English), 7 a.m. to 7 of feed grain markets and marketing. in the brooder and on pasture, natural
p.m. Central Time or It also presents several key ways in which treatments, drugs and vaccines.
1-800-411-3222
organic grain marketing differs from
(Español), 8 a.m. to
conventional grain marketing. Considerations in Organic Hog
5 p.m. Pacific Time,
Monday-Friday. Production–IP185
Pursuing Conservation Tillage
This publication provides information
Systems in Organic Crop about hog production compliance
Production–IP183 with the National Organic Program, as
This brief look at conservation tillage well as insight into sustainability and
for organic cropping systems focuses on animal welfare.
annual cropping systems for agronomic
and vegetable systems. NCAT’s Organic Livestock
Workbook–IP228
Flame Weeding for Agronomic This publication is for organic and tran-
Crops–CT157 sitional producers with livestock or mixed
This publication provides information crop and livestock operations. It is meant
about the techniques and economics of especially for producers contemplating
flame weeding, which has resurfaced as conversion to, and those in the early years
an alternative to chemical control. of transition to, organic production.
Page 8 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Organic Publications
9. Predator Control for productivity, animal management, milk
Sustainable and Organic Livestock marketing and farm energy.
Production–IP196
Pastures: Going Organic–IP297
This publication examines how to identify
livestock predators and how to control This is an introduction to regulations
them. It focuses primarily on the control related to organic pasture and rangeland
of coyotes and dogs through management in the United States, including allowed
practices, such as fencing and secure activities and materials, fertility, weed and
areas, and the use of guard animals, such insect pest management issues, as well as
as dogs, donkeys and llamas. organic integrity and recordkeeping.
Organic Livestock Feed Suppliers– Building a Montana Livestock
IP171 (online only) Industry–IP346
This is a searchable online database of This report begins with the cost of
suppliers offering certified organic live- production survey and includes a report
stock feed. It is categorized by region and on how Montana Organic Producers
by type of livestock feed. www.attra.ncat. Cooperative members can better access
org/attra-pub/livestock_ feed/listings.php regional and national markets. In a
broader sense, this report provides an
Organic Alternatives to Treated understanding of the value chain of the
Lumber–CT170 organic grass-finished beef market from
This publication reminds producers that the producer to consumer.
treated lumber is not allowed under the
Final Rule of the National Organic Pro- Soils and compost
gram. It includes information on alterna-
tive products. Soil Management: National Organic
Program Regulations–IP270
Arsenic in Poultry Litter:
Organic Regulations–IP266
This publication discusses the potential
for arsenic in poultry litter, which is often
used by organic producers as a fertilizer
and source of organic matter for soil.
Organic Poultry Production in the
United States–IP331
This publication provides information
about the National Organic Program
standards for organic poultry production,
including living conditions, genetics, feed
and processing.
Dairy Resource List: Organic and
Pasture-Based–IP307
This annotated resource list offers many
sources of information helpful to organic
and pasture-based dairy farmers. Topics
include general organic dairying, pasture
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 9
10. This publication provides management used by organic producers as a fertilizer
guidelines for meeting the objectives and source of organic matter for soil.
of the National Organic Program and
explains why these objectives are essen- Potting Mixes for Certified Organic
tial for maintaining sustainable, organic
production systems.
Production–IP112
This publication will aid producers in find-
Assessing the Pasture Soil ing sources of acceptable potting media
or making their own that comply with
Resource–IP128
National Organic Program standards.
This technical note provides methods
to determine biological activity of
pasture soils and practical tips on Pest management
improving the usefulness of typical soil These resources provide an array of sustainable
and plant samples. techniques for the reduction or elimination
of insects, weeds and diseases without
Sustainable Soil Management– jeopardizing soil health or water quality.
F or a free copy
of any of these
publications,
or to speak with a
specialist, call
IP027
This publication covers basic soil proper-
ties and management steps toward building
and maintaining healthy soils.
Disease pest management
Asian Soybean Rust: Notes and
1-800-346-9140 Organic Control Options for
or 1-800-411-3222 Pursuing Conservation Tillage Farmers–IP282 (online only)
(en Español) 7 a.m. to Systems for Organic Crop www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/asian_soy
7 p.m. Central Time, Production–IP183 _rust.html
Monday through
Friday, or visit our
This brief look at conservation tillage
for organic cropping systems focuses Organic Control of White Mold on
Web site at:
www.attra.ncat.org on annua l cropping systems for Soybeans–IP133
field crops and vegetables.
Downy Mildew Control in
Sources of Organic Fertilizers and Cucurbits–CT111
Amendments–RL044 (online only) Notes on Compost Teas–IP118
This database allows users to search
for suppliers of organic fertilizer by Use of Baking Soda as a
state, product category or keyword. Fungicide–IP130
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/org_ fert
Organic Alternatives for Late Blight
Manures for Organic Crop Control in Potatoes–IP131
Production–IP127
This publication addresses the chal- Insect pest management
lenges of raw and composted manures Bug Vacuums for Organic Crop
including produce quality concerns, pol-
lution and fertility imbalances in relation Protection–IP194
to the National Organic Program. Colorado Potato Beetle: Organic
Control Options–CT107
Arsenic in Poultry Litter: Organic
Regulations–IP266 Cucumber Beetles: Organic
This publication discusses the potential and Biorational Integrated Pest
for arsenic in poultry litter, which is often Management–IP212
Page 10 ATTRA Guide to ATTRA’s Organic Publications
11. Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable Other organic pest
Aphid Control–IP149 management topics
Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable Deer Control Options–CT131
Thrips Control–IP148
This publication details several deer
Greenhouse IPM: Sustainable control strategies including fencing
Whitefly Control–IP168 techniques, scare devices, repellants
and culling.
Kaolin Clay for Management
of Glassy-winged Sharpshooters Farmscaping to Enhance Biological
in Grapes–IP175 Control–CT065
Insect IPM in Apples— This publication contains information about
Kaolin Clay–IP176 increasing and managing biodiversity on a
farm to favor beneficial organisms, with
Flea Beetle: Organic Control emphasis on beneficial insects.
Options–CT114
Squash Bug and Squash Vine Borer: Biointensive Integrated Pest
Organic Controls–IP298 Management (IPM)–IP049
Targeted to individuals interested in
Weed pest management agriculture at all levels, this publication
provides the rationale for biointensive
Flame Weeding for Vegetable IPM, outlining concepts and tools,
Crops–CT165 with suggested steps and informational
resources for implementing IPM.
Flame Weeding for Agronomic
Crops–CT157 Integrated Pest Management for
Greenhouse Crops–IP144
This publication provides information about
IPM for both vegetable and ornamental
greenhouse crops, including monitoring,
sanitation, biological controls, biorational
controls, insect growth regulators and
disease control strategies.
Organic Integrated Pest
Management Pictorial Field Guide
– in English and Spanish (Guía de
Campo Sobre el Manejo Integrado
de Plagas Organico)–SP257 (online
and on CD only)
This pictorial guide examines concepts of
organic IPM and the role of beneficials,
focusing on ecologically based strategies
to prevent pests.
www.attra.ncat.org ATTRA Page 11