Tell Congress to Help Small Farmers Get Organic Certification

It's not so easy to become a certified organic farmer. Overworked and underpaid producers must take on a costly and time-consuming process. This means that many small and beginning farmers who already grow organically can't afford to earn an official certification, preventing them from capitalizing on the marketing potential of slapping that "USDA Certified Organic" label on food items.

The National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program helps small and medium-sized operations with that process by defraying the cost of the annual certification process. The program provides up to $750, which is 75 percent of the total cost of acquiring organic certification, a process that can take several months. The funding ($22 million over 5 years) was dedicated in the last Farm Bill, an investment that assisted the organic industry grow quickly, at an average rate of 20 percent per year. Last year, the sector grew by 5 percent, still a strong growth rate in a down economy, topping out at $26 billion in sales, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Continued financial assistance with certification would promote greater adoption of organic farming. But now, funding for the program is in jeopardy. A bill introduced by Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX), H.R. 5326, seeks the repeal of the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program.

The Organic Trade Association points out that "a common misconception is that the Cost-Share Program is subsidizing 'hobby' farmers." However, such farmers — those that sell below $5,000 worth of goods per year — are exempt from certification and the annual inspection process. Considering that the average organic farm in the U.S. reports annual sales of $217,675, the majority of the farms supported by the Cost-Share Program are anything but "hobby" ventures.

While more than $200,000 in sales might sound like a lot of money, the profit margins in farming are incredibly small. Farmers at this level oftentimes are hardly able to make ends meet. According to Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Lang, "Today, $500,000 in gross sales doesn't even give you the average income for a family of four in Dallas County, [Iowa]."

It's important that the organic sector be supported in growing further. In a country that desperately needs more farmers and a more eco-friendly approach to agriculture, the phenomenal growth of this segment is great news. As small and medium-sized farms using organic practices enter the ag business, our agricultural system will become healthier and more ecologically sustainable. Continuation of the Cost-Share Program is key to improving and revolutionizing our modern farming system.

Sign our petition in opposition to H.R. 5326, and tell Congress the organic sector needs continued support.

Photo: sylvar via Flickr