Desert Farming Initiative 2025, What is Organic?, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno

What is Organic?

The term “organic” on food or an agricultural product indicates that the product has been produced according to the USDA Organic standards. The USDA National Organic Program regulates all organic crops, livestock and agricultural products certified to the USDA organic standards. To become certified organic, the farm, ranch, or business must apply and undergo an initial inspection after implementing organic practices for three years. A certified organic farm, ranch, or business undergoes regular inspections every year to ensure the organic regulations are still being followed.

USDA also conducts oversight of organic certification, compliance and enforcement activities, and product labeling. USDA Certified Organic products are produced in strict accordance to specifications set out by the USDA organic standards.  These standards include:

Using Approved Organic Farming Inputs

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a non-profit organization that evaluates the acceptability of products for organic use. It was started in 1997 to benefit the organic community and the general public. OMRI evaluates farm inputs – such as pest control materials, fertilizers and sanitizers – and recommends particular products for organic farms and businesses. Acceptable products are then ‘OMRI listed’ and packaging is labeled accordingly. Certified organic farms do not have to use solely OMRI-listed products, but they are more easily approved by a certifier like CCOF.

  • Maintain soil health with a variety of methods such as cover crops and crop rotation.
  • Use organic seeds and planting stock.
  • Only use non-synthetic products for fertilization and management of pests that are labeled with OMRI.
  • No use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, sewage sludge, antibiotics, or growth hormones.
  • Maintain the identity and integrity of organic crops
  • Maintain livestock living conditions and facilities
  • Follow grazing requirements
  • Maintain animal health
  • Feed animals only organic feed
  • Prepare processed foods using only organic ingredients
  • Prevent commingling and contact with non-organic supplies

Many farmers may grow crops organically, but may not obtain a certificate from the USDA. This is fine, but there are many benefits in getting USDA certified organic.

Learn more about the author(s)

Tatum Gogna
Tatum Gogna
Jill Moe
Jill Moe
 

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