Growers consider organic program

USDA’s National Organic Program, which went into effect in October 2002, might be good for consumers, but it’s giving some small growers headaches. The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., reports growers trying to produce organically face annual certification costs from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Other growers have been intimidated by the paperwork required to create a detailed organic farm plan. There is also a waiting period before products can be labeled organic.

Some small growers have instead joined the Certified Naturally Grown program, which holds producers to the same standards as the federal program. This alternative program, operated by a Stone Ridge, N.Y.-based nonprofit, doesn’t require as much paperwork and suggests participants provide a donation of $50 to $150.

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Nearly 500 farmers from 47 states are enrolled to use the Certified Naturally Grown label.

For more: (877) 211-0308; www.naturallygrown.org; www.ams.usda.gov/nop.