Organic farming is a rewarding and sustainable form of agriculture. It offers great opportunities in both small-scale and large-scale production. There are many different jobs in this field, from planting and harvesting to running machinery, marketing products, or overseeing operations. The following article will give you some tips on how to get started with organic farming today!
How To Start Organic Farming?
Are you looking for a way to make your living without the many hassles of working for someone else? Have you considered starting organic farming? Do you know how to start a farm?
What Is Organic Farming? What Does Organic Farming Mean?
Organic farming is a system that has been proven to be more sustainable than traditional methods of agriculture.
Organic farming can be defined as farming in an integrated system for ecological and economic sustainability.
In organic farming, techniques that would not be possible under natural circumstances or processes are prohibited.
Gene-altering technology, cell fusion, and micro- or macro-encapsulation are prohibited. Traditional breeding, growth, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, and tissue culture are natural techniques that may be used.
Organic farmers use fertilizers such as compost, natural materials for pest management instead of chemicals, and beneficial insects, which help control pests in their crops while still adhering closely to crop rotation techniques.
This helps maintain balance within an individual farm and throughout the ecosystem at large.
Differences Between Organic And Conventional Farming?
The main difference between organic and conventional farming is that organic farming does not use synthetic inputs and focuses on improving the soil's fertility through crop rotation, composting, and green manure.
It also utilizes natural insect control measures, such as creating living barriers for plants to prevent pests from invading crops.
On the other hand, conventional farming uses synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Conventional farmers easily access local markets or suppliers who supply wholesale organic produce.
To compete, organic farmers need to find new markets and affordable sources of supply.
Organic farming is becoming increasingly popular, with more people interested in buying organic products.
The increased demand and strict regulations to produce organically have led to higher prices of organically grown food.
How To Start Organic Farming? Step-By-Step Guide
Getting started on an organic farm requires some planning and commitment from you. If you are thinking of doing organic farming, here are a few tips for beginning your journey with organic farming
1. Educate Yourself
Learning all you can about organic farming is important if you want to succeed. There are many resources available to help you. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into.
Do your research on the basics of organic farming, including crop rotation cycles and different types of natural fertilizers to use once your crops have been harvested.
You can take classes, read books and watch videos on organic farming. Just remember that this is a business, so treat it seriously!
2. Time Commitment
Organic farming requires a lot of time and effort to produce quality products.
Make sure you're prepared before beginning your journey or be prepared to work long hours to get everything done.
3. Find a location
To choose a location for your farm, you must first define what kind of organic farming you will be doing.
It is important to realize that there are different types of organic farms.
A greenhouse can be a great option for a grower who wants hydroponics. However, if you choose soil-based farming, it is important to have a good amount of land.
A farm can be on rented or owned land, but before you sign any paperwork, ensure you know all the regulations for your county's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
This will help you understand what kind of information they'll need from you about your farming practices.
It would help if you also got an idea of what you can expect from your landlord or how much time they will need to use parts of the property.
Each location has advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to research the different types of farms before you decide where you want to start your farm.
4. Decide What To Grow
Once you choose a location for your farm, it is important to decide whether you want the crops to be seasonal or non-seasonal.
For example, choosing crops that can be grown all year round will be best if you have a greenhouse hydroponics farm.
However, if you choose soil-based farming, it would be best to choose seasonal crops.
To find out the important dates for when you need to harvest your crops, you can check online or ask other farmers in your area what is appropriate for the type of crops that you would like to grow.
Once you have decided on a location and want your farm to be seasonal or not, you need to choose what type of crops or plants you will grow.
Different types of plants require different growing methods, and it is important to research the types of plants that are appropriate for the location you plan on growing them in.
It's best to start small, with a small outdoor garden or greenhouse, so you can get used to the routine of caring for your crops.
You might consider starting with something easy such as herbs or flowers.
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5. Soil preparation
Ensure you have healthy and fertile soil for your crops to grow in. You can do this by doing a soil test to see what nutrients the soil is missing.
Once you know what needs to be added, you can buy it from a garden center or order online. It's best to use organic fertilizers because they help improve water retention in the soil.
6. Fertilizers & Hand Tools
Organic fertilizers can be made from plant materials, animal manure, and compost.
The best times to add organic material to the soil are when it is prepared or just before planting.
However, if you have crops growing in the soil, adding mulch is a good idea for controlling weeds.
7. Crop Rotation
In organic cropping systems, it's critical to plan crop rotations ahead of time, add organic matter to the soil, and use correct tillage methods to maintain soil and water quality.
Because plants differ in nutrient needs and capacity to absorb nutrients from the soil, rotating crops with varying nutrient demands and plant structure in the field might improve nutrient utilization efficiency while lowering the chance of nutrient leaching or runoff.
8. Seeding & Propagation
Seeds (including cover crop seed), annual vegetable transplants (annual seedlings), and perennial plants must be certified organic unless the desired species is not commercially available.
The National Organic Program (NOP) uses the term "commercially available" to mean any production input in an acceptable form, quality, or quantity necessary for a system of organic agriculture to function.
If no organic variety is available, untreated conventional seed or seed treated with an approved material can be used with the permission of your certifying authority.
9. Irrigation
You'll need to choose the type of irrigation you want—drip, overhead, or a combination.
The first two methods use emitters to distribute water directly to the plant's roots. With drip irrigation, you put plastic tubes or hoses out in your field to deliver water slowly throughout the growing season. You can choose between soaker hoses and drip tape, depending on what works best for your crops.
Overhead irrigation delivers water through sprinkler heads that release water into the air, then it falls on your plants.
10. Weed control
Organic weed control is a system of controlling weeds without synthetic herbicides.
To keep weeds from competing with your plants, you can mow or remove them mechanically, pull them out by hand, smother them under organic mulch, intercrop them with other crops, or use crop rotation. It is important to stay ahead of the weeds so they don't have a chance to take over.
11. Pests & Diseases
The easiest way to deal with pests or diseases in your organic crops is to prevent them from coming onto your property. This means starting with healthy plants and choosing the best plant varieties for your needs.
You can also use many tools to control pest infestations naturally, such as crop rotations, biological pest controls, etc.
Another way to control pests and diseases without synthetic chemicals is to attract pest predators by planting "companion" flowers attractive to beneficial insects in your area. These flowers include marigolds, yarrow, dill, cosmos, and sunflowers.
You can also use natural barrier methods to keep pests out of your garden by growing plants that repel specific insects, such as garlic, to repel mosquitoes or tansy for flies.
12. Harvesting
When you're ready to harvest your crops, ensure they aren't touching the ground, as this can spread diseases.
Remove any dead or diseased plants from the area and store them in a cool, dry place till you have time to dispose of them.
Use the proper equipment when harvesting so you don't damage your crop.
13. Preparation & Storage
Organic crops need to be washed and stored properly. Wash your organic produce under running water, not standing water, or in a bleach or vinegar solution.
You can also use a dishwashing brush to scrub fruit and vegetables before putting them in clean storage containers.
Keep your harvested produce away from non-organically grown food to avoid contaminating it with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
If your organic produce is destined for canning or freezing, blanch it first by putting it in water heated to 170 °F for 30–60 seconds. If you're planning on eating the produce right away or preserving it by drying, freeze-drying, or dehydrating your crops, leave them as they are.
After harvesting, you can store crops in a root cellar, which is a structure that maintains a cool temperature and humidity to protect the roots from rotting.
You can also leave your crops out in the field or bring them indoors if used immediately.
14. Processing & Packaging
Many steps are similar to conventional processing when processing your organic crops. You will have to remove foreign objects, clean produce, inspect it for damage or defects, select healthy products that meet quality standards, and package it according to company procedures.
Your certifier may require specific documentation of how you process your crops, so be sure to ask them for any additional paperwork they may need.
15. Marketing & Distribution
If you're ready to sell your product, start by talking to local farmers' markets or thinking about joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program that sells shares of locally grown produce through the growing season.
You can also consider selling at roadside farm stands or individuals buying directly from the grower.
Farmers' markets and the events that host them are a great way to connect with local farmers and build awareness of your business.
To help build a customer base, consider partnering with local restaurants or grocery stores to supply them with produce and other products.
Be sure to find out what they want in value and quality.
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16. Economics and Yields
Organic farms can produce high yields if managed effectively. You might be able to get higher yields than with conventional farming during the first few years of transitioning your land to organic methods as soil fertility increases.
Over time, however, different crops have different returns for farmers as yields fall over time. For example, fruit trees can take up to five years before producing crops.
Interest in organic produce increases as consumers become more aware of the benefits of organic food.
Furthermore, an increase in demand for organically grown food can raise land values and boost the economy in rural areas.
17. Certifying Your Farm
If you're interested in applying for organic certification, visit your state's organic certification agency website.
18. Follow Regulations
In the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates organic farming through the National Organic Program (NOP) standards.
The NOP sets forth several rules related to the produce and livestock from certified organic farms that must be adhered to for produce or livestock to carry a USDA seal certifying it as organic.
The NOP requires organic farmers to use approved substances for pest control, fertilization, and other issues related to crop production.
Organic livestock must have access to the outdoors or sufficient indoor space to support the cycling of manure.
19. Apply For Farm Loans
A producer can get federal grants or loans for certification, but you have to be registered with the USDA.
20. Partnerships and Collaborations
Organic agriculture can be profitable if done well, but starting this operation takes a lot of work and knowledge.
Many organizations provide financial or technical assistance to farmers throughout the transition to organic methods. Some examples include:
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A. The National Center for Appropriate Technology offers a wide variety of services to farmers, including educational programs about organic agriculture and the Bio-Integral Resource Center, which offers training and consulting services in organic methods. Their Rural Business Innovation Initiative helps farmers learn about getting started with no-till farming.
B. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program is a national initiative that promotes long-term agricultural productivity through research grants.
C. The Organic Farming Research Foundation provides information, education, and training for organic farmers to better their yields. Additionally, OFRF runs the National Organic Farmer's Association Training Program, which offers workshops on organic farming operations.
D. The Organic Materials Review Institute is a private non-profit organization that verifies the non-harmful nature of fertilizers and pest control products that may otherwise be restricted in organic agriculture to ensure organic farmers can use them.
21. Promote Yourself
Promoting your farm can be done in numerous ways—from social media accounts to event leaflets. Promote it with top-quality photography and videos if you have an online presence.
Don't forget to use keywords—these are how you'll be found on search engines. A blog can also help establish your expertise.
Another key promotional tool is networking. Join organic farming groups and attend industry events or conferences, where you might meet the right kind of people for this work.
For help promoting yourself and your business, visit here!
22. Other Resources & Education
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is a non-profit organization that researches organic farming, including alternative methods of cost-share support for implementing no-till practices and integrated pest management techniques.
OFRF also offers courses on organic methods and business management.
Organic Farming: Advantages Over Conventional Methods
- The benefits of organic farming include its low environmental impact, which is less reliant on non-renewable energy and is, therefore, more sustainable.
- The up-front costs of organic farming are also lower than conventional methods, and its yield per acre can be higher in some circumstances (indoor and vertical farms).
- Organic farming is more sustainable than conventional methods due to its low reliance on fossil fuels, non-renewable resources that can take millions of years to replenish. Because organic farming requires less energy and resources, it is more efficient in terms of the number of crops produced per unit of land.
- The production costs for organic farms are less than those for conventional farms because organic farmers pay less for applications such as fertilizers and herbicides.
- In addition, the long-term health risks from ingesting agricultural chemicals may be avoided by purchasing organic produce free of non-organic pesticides.
Organic Farming: Disadvantages Over Conventional Methods
- The profit for organic farming is relatively low compared to conventional methods, particularly in regions with too high pest pressure.
- The lower availability of human resources and workforce may also be a disadvantage for some farmers considering going into organic farming.
- Fertilizers approved for certified organic farms may have a higher price tag than their chemical counterparts.
- Organic farmers require the same skills as conventional farmers, including crop rotation and soil composition knowledge. However, organic farming regulations also place additional requirements on organic farmers to ensure that no other chemicals are used to produce crops. For example, spraying plants with approved pesticides is allowable for organic farms, but only after specific intervals have passed. This means that organic farmers must choose between lower yields or wait up to several days during critical periods of growth.
- Organic farms are generally newer than conventional farms, with some tracing back only 20 years or less. While most consumers may be aware of the health benefits of consuming organic foods, many remain unaware or uneducated about how to identify where their food comes from.
- The supply of organic food produced in the United States is still considerably low compared to demand, particularly for certain crops such as fruits and vegetables.
How To Get USDA Organic Certification?
A farmer with gross organic sales of more than $5,000 a year and who advertises items as organic is obligated to be certified. The USDA does not require certification for sales of less than $5,000 annually. For such farms, although farmers are allowed to say they are following organic standards verbally, using the USDA seal or the phrase "certified organic" on any label or advertising is prohibited. The false claim is subject to an $11,000 penalty and possible legal action.
Basic Steps To USDA Organic Certification
Here are the steps to follow if you want to get USDA Organic Certification
- Determine the size of your operation. Growers who sell more than $5,000 worth of products per year are required to be certified.
- Find an agent if you want someone else to handle certification; otherwise, hire a consultant or do it yourself with help from books and other materials. Farmers' markets are a great way to meet consultants.
- A variety of third-party independent certifying bodies provide certification for a fee. Producers have the option of selecting any USDA NOP-accredited accreditation body. The NOP maintains a current list of approved agencies on its website. When selecting an agency, producers should look for affordable, accessible, and experienced.
- Producers must prepare and implement an organic system plan (OSP) to guarantee that they are administering all aspects of agricultural production and handling per the organic rules.
- The land is considered for certification after freeing restricted substances for at least 36 months.
- Identify the crops you plan to sell as organic—and apply for certification before planting them, if possible.
- Keep accurate records of what you do in the field and how it affects your product, including soil fertility management plans, crop rotation plans, treatment schedules, lists of seed sources and suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.
- Use only allowed chemicals per guidelines set forth by the National Organic Program (NOP).
- Please choose how you will label your items to indicate that they are organic. Apply for product code numbers if necessary; the USDA provides free guides on labeling for producers and handlers of organic products.
Organic Seed Traceability: What is it? Why is it important? How can I be sure that my organic seed is traceable?
TBEPs must provide a verifiable system of seed traceability for organic seed, propagative materials, and transplants of agricultural products produced from natural seeds, clonal material, or tissue culture under their ownership or control.
Organic producers need to have traceability of their seed because doing so will ensure using current types, species, and varietals. This can be especially helpful if a new disease affects certain seeds or if there is an issue with the crop itself. The first step in developing this system is to make sure you use organic-approved seeds.
Organic farming is a complex process that requires a high level of commitment, knowledge, and expertise.
Many factors can influence the outcome of crop yields in an organic farm compared to conventional methods. However, with proper planning and management, organic farms can be just as profitable in terms of crops produced and the sale of these products.
Can You Make Money With Organic Farming?
The most important thing for most people when they want to know how to start organic farming is to make money at it. The answer to this question is yes, you can make money, but you have to be committed to the process and put in a lot of hard work.
Organic farming is not easy because many challenges come with it, including finding good workers experienced with organic methods and low yields due to the threat of pests and diseases. These unpredictable weather patterns can result in crop failure at any moment.
However, making money is worth it because you provide a healthy organic product for people to enjoy.
In conclusion, if you want to make money with organic farming, you must be committed and willing to put the necessary time and energy into making it a successful process.
References
A large amount of information about organic farming is available online. A good place to start is the following websites:
OMRI Products List | Organic Materials Review Institute (this is a database of chemicals and their safety for certified organic farmers)
AgFunnel (a company that helps organic growers and other agribusiness flourishes by providing new and advanced marketing and business tools).
Learn the secrets of successful farming: Tips, techniques and strategies for a prosperous farm business
