The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced that Tennessee producers, processors and handlers of organic agricultural products can be reimbursed for 75 percent of the cost of certification up to $750. The new certification cost share program is funded by the federal 2008 Farm Bill and the USDA National Organic Program.
“Organic agriculture is a growing industry and Tennessee producers could possibly benefit financially by adding organics to their operations,” said Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens. “Having a cost share program in place now will help producers achieve the USDA organic certification,”
The National Organic Program works to assure consumers that the organic foods they purchase are produced, processed and certified to be consistent with national organic standards. Department employees are available to assist producers with evaluating organic opportunities on their farms and in their communities and working with them to properly complete the certification process. Once a producer is certified, TDA can reimburse them for 75 percent of their certification costs up to $750.
The program will put many producers into the official organic category who may actually already be applying organic practices to their crops, but couldn’t afford the certification. Farmers currently certified or seeking to become certified as an organic producer may also qualify for Tennessee Agriculture Enhancement Program funds through the TAEP Producer Diversification Initiative.
Farmers do not need to dedicate all of their farmland to organic production in order to have a few of their crops certified organic. Farmers can produce both organic and conventional tomatoes on the same farm, for instance, as long as all organic standards are followed and separate fields have sufficient buffers.
The USDA includes as ’organic’ any grain, fruit and vegetables production without use of artificial chemical pesticides or commercial fertilizers. For animal production, no artificial antibiotics or artificial hormones are administered, and animals’ feed must meet organic standards. National interest in organic food products has grown steadily over the last decade. Demand has increased almost 20 percent each year, while supply has grown less than two percent.
To participate in the new organic certification program or for more information, contact Jon Frady at 615-837-5344 or Jon.Frady@TN.gov. Information and the program application are also available at www.PickTnProducts.org/food/organics.html.