USDA releases National Organic Farming Handbook

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a new Organic Farming Handbook for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff members who are working with organic producers and farmers looking to get into organics.

“I’m sure the NRCS staff in my county would have appreciated this information when I first started working with them,” NRCS Special Assistant to the Chief and organic farmer Jeff Eschmeyer said. “Organic producers use different practices and must follow USDA organic rules. This new handbook provides this critical information to our conservation planners and other ag-professionals who design practices for farmers and ranchers.”

The handbook allows NRCS staff to better support producers seeking organic certification and the use of USDA programs. It provides an overview of organic systems and resources that can help farmers plan and implement conservation measures on their land, making it a useful tool for organic producers and other audiences as well.

The handbook was developed by the NRCS in cooperation with organizations based around the country, such the Black Family Land Trust, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, the Center for Rural Affairs, the Florida Organic Growers and the Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service, among others.