Transitioning to Organic

ORGANIC TRANSITIONS

@OrganicConsumer | | Read the Full Article

Gary F. Zimmer and Leilani Zimmer-Durand of Eco-Farming Daily report:

“With conventional prices for corn, beans, wheat and dairy really low right now and both prices and demand for organic products high, a lot of growers are thinking about transitioning to organic.

“For most growers, one of the biggest deterrents to going organic is the 36-month-long process of transition, during which time you can use only organic-approved inputs and practices, but the crops, milk or other farm goods produced can’t be sold as ‘organic’ and receive the price premium.

“In my opinion, chasing profits is not the right reason to go organic, and there is more to it than not adding prohibited inputs and getting paid more for your crops. Being a successful organic farmer requires a different mind-set, and the best time to figure out your approach to organic farming and set yourself up for success is during the transition period…”

Read more: Transitioning to Organic: Strategies for Success