Tag Archive for: organic farming
Gaining New Ground: Webinar 1 Recap
There are many challenges involved in starting or expanding an agricultural business — and one of the most significant is securing suitable land, formally known as land tenure. Thanks to the generous support of RAFI‑USA, Florida Organic Growers has launched a forward‑thinking, visionary new program: the Gaining New Ground Initiative. This effort is designed to help aspiring farmers and those seeking to grow their operations overcome barriers to land access and move toward long-term success.
The first phase of the Gaining New Ground Initiative features a three‑part educational webinar series addressing key challenges facing today’s farming community:
- Understanding Land Tenure Options for Florida Organic Farmers
- Organic Certification as a Gateway to Unlocking New Market and Sales Opportunities
- Legal Considerations for Organic Agricultural Land Use
To bring these topics to life, we invited highly knowledgeable educators and professionals to share insights from their decades of field experience.
Our first webinar, Understanding Land Tenure Options for Florida Organic Farmers, was led by Dr. Tamara Cushing of the UF/IFAS Extension Program. Dr. Cushing provided a comprehensive overview of the various forms of land tenure available in Florida and offered practical guidance for navigating each option. She was joined by Chris Demers, a veteran IFAS Extension Manager with more than 25 years of experience working directly with Florida farmers and landowners. Together, they delivered an impressive amount of highly relevant and timely information in a concise one-hour program, followed by a thoughtful audience Q&A.
We invite you to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to gain a clear, accessible understanding of land tenure options across Florida. The series was designed with the busy farmer in mind, offering actionable knowledge without overwhelming your schedule. You’ll walk away with a strong grasp of the land tenure landscape — and the opportunities available to help you become part of the growing Florida agricultural community.
Watch the webinar here:
If you find this resource helpful, please consider subscribing to the Florida Organic Growers YouTube channel. Your subscription ensures you’ll be notified when our next video is posted — and it helps us reach more growers, advocates, and community members across the state.
Thank you for your continued support of our mission to expand access and opportunity for aspiring and existing farmers.
We all need to eat — go organic!
Gaining New Ground Post‑Webinar 2
Through the generous support of RAFI-USA, Florida Organic Growers (FOG) continues the Gaining New Ground Initiative—a forward-thinking program designed to equip aspiring and expanding farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to build resilient agricultural businesses.
Webinar #2 in this three-part series, “Organic Certification as a Gateway to Unlocking New Market and Sales Opportunities,” focused on a powerful idea: organic certification is not simply a label—it is a strategic pathway to market access, price premiums, and credibility resulting in long-term farm viability and resilience.
Certification: More Than Compliance
Stephanie Jerger, Vice President of Operations at the Organic Trade Association (OTA), opened the session with a clear overview of the certification process under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). She emphasized that certification provides a nationally recognized, third-party verified standard that builds trust across the supply chain—from seed to shelf.
For transitioning farmers, the three-year transition period can feel daunting. However, as discussed in the webinar, many producers are already using organic practices and may be closer to eligibility than they realize. Developing a strong Organic System Plan (OSP), choosing an accredited certifier, and preparing for inspection are structured, manageable steps when approached systematically.
Importantly, certification is not only about regulatory compliance—it is about creating market credibility.
From Certification to Sales Growth
The McLean family of Mclean Family Farms and Uncle Matt’s Organic shared how certification became the foundation for building the nation’s leading organic orange juice brand. As multi-generational Florida growers, they explained that organic production allowed them to differentiate in a crowded marketplace and move from being “price takers” to “price makers.”
Organic certification opened doors to:
- Retail partnerships with major grocery chains
- National brand recognition
- Export opportunities
- Media visibility and community engagement
They also highlighted the importance of direct consumer connection—through farm tours, U-pick operations, and educational outreach—which strengthened trust and built brand loyalty.
Market Opportunity Is Real
Organic is no longer niche. The U.S. organic market now exceeds $70 billion annually, with approximately 80% of U.S. households purchasing organic products regularly. Retailers—from natural food stores to mainstream chains—continue expanding organic offerings to meet consumer demand.
Consumers increasingly seek:
- Transparency and traceability
- Reduced pesticide exposure
- Environmental stewardship
- Nutrient-dense food
Certification positions farmers squarely within that growing demand.
Overcoming Barriers
Cost-share programs and technical assistance remain critical supports for producers pursuing certification. While funding timelines can fluctuate, FOG and OTA continue advocating to ensure that certification remains accessible to small and transitioning farmers.
Speakers also underscored creative entry strategies: leasing land, partnering with existing infrastructure, and building gradually while reinvesting profits.
Moving Forward
Webinar #2 reinforced a clear message: organic certification is a gateway—it differentiates your product, strengthens your credibility, and expands your access to premium markets.
If you missed the live session, we encourage you to watch the replay on the FOG YouTube channel:
Please take a moment to subscribe to the channel so you are informed when the next video is available. Ask questions or add comments on the channel—your feedback helps us continue serving Florida’s farming community effectively.
Thank you for being part of the growing movement to strengthen organic agriculture in Florida.
We all need to eat. Go Organic!
Ever Wonder What Really Happens During an Organic Inspection?
FOG intern Alice recently shadowed an organic inspector, uncovering insights that reveal both the farmer and inspector viewpoints and the complexities of organic certification. The experience offers a unique look at the core of organic integrity.
The Experience
The expectation going into the inspection was to learn primarily about paperwork and compliance, but the most striking aspect was the human side of the process.
“The most interesting part was hearing both the farmer and the inspector’s perspectives,” Alice shared.
Farmers expressed frustrations with certification requirements, while inspectors focused on maintaining standards without offering advice—a rule that was previously unknown to Alice.
What Happens During an Organic Inspection?
Inspections involve detailed, precise steps. Key takeaways included:
- Inspectors cannot provide farmers with advice on management or production.
- Farmers must have sales records and process flowcharts ready for review.
- Certification requirements include:
- Labeling rules (retail vs. non-retail)
- Commercial availability statements
- Handling and processing certifications for farm operations engaged in processing
These components ensure organic integrity from seed to shelf.
Farmer Challenges and Innovations
During the visit, several hurdles were observed:
- Recordkeeping and traceability
- Label creation
- Staying current with NOP standards
- Understanding additional requirements for processing certifications
Innovation is also emerging within the farming community. One farmer is using AI chatbots to learn new practices such as soil solarization and cover cropping—demonstrating how technology and tradition can intersect successfully.
Why This Matters for Consumers and Communities
Organic certification is more than administrative work—it represents a commitment to rigorous health, environmental, and sustainability standards.
Supporting local organic farms strengthens communities, bolsters local economies, and increases access to fresh, organic food.
“Meeting an organic farmer was inspiring. Producers and consumers alike are working to improve their impact on each other and the earth.” — Alice
Alice’s Future and FOG’s Role
This inspection experience reinforced Alice’s goal of becoming an organic inspector by March 2026. FOG will continue supporting educational and advocacy efforts that strengthen organic integrity and prepare future leaders in sustainable agriculture.
Want to Learn More?
Every inspection tells a story of hard work, integrity, and commitment to a healthier planet.
Subscribe to The Organic Beet for more behind‑the‑scenes insights and updates on FOG programs.
As the world pivots towards more sustainable ways of living, the agriculture industry is at the forefront of this transformation. Organic farming, a practice that fosters ecological balance and conserves biodiversity, is gaining traction as the preferred method for cultivating crops and raising livestock. In a recent podcast episode, we delved deep into the intricacies of sustainable agriculture with Andi Emrich, the programs manager of Florida Organic Growers. The discussion began with an exploration of the Organic Food and Farming Summit’s inception, emphasizing its role in uniting farmers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts. Andi offers a fresh perspective on the summit’s mission to connect communities.
The two-day event promises an enriching agenda filled with farm tours, workshops, and a trade show, all showcasing the best in local sustainable agriculture. Urban farming and the integration of local produce into restaurants are hot topics set to engage attendees. The Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program’s partnership adds a practical dimension to the event, offering hands-on training for those looking to embrace organic farming. The podcast episode offers a comprehensive overview of the summit, but the conversation doesn’t stop there. We traverse through the highlights of past summits, recounting the community’s enthusiasm and the wealth of knowledge exchanged. Andi’s insights into the integration of organic practices into modern farming and the various sponsorship opportunities provide listeners with a clear understanding of the event’s scale and impact. With the upcoming summit scheduled for April 18 and 19 in Tampa, Florida, the call to action is clear: mark your calendars, get your tickets, and contribute to the movement. The episode closes with a reminder of the importance of community support for the continuation of the work at Florida Organic Growers. In conclusion, the episode paints a vivid picture of the Organic Food and Farming Summit, providing listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and excitement that goes into this landmark event.
OUR MISSION
Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Inc. (FOG) supports and promotes organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture.
