Source: MODERN FARMER, 5/24/18



The National Organic Program is a complicated operation. And unless you've been through the process, it's tough to imagine exactly how difficult it is to get—and stay—certified. As the only government-administered label that addresses farming practices, the organic emblem is vitally important. There literally is no other badge that carries as much weight. USDA certified organic-food sales topped $43 billion in 2016—emphasis on “USDA certified.” Ask around at your local farmers market and you’re likely to run into a few “all-but-certified” farms (for which there are no statistics).

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