Becoming a Certified Organic Producer

Posted June 2007

market growerThe organic food market continues to expand in the United States, consistently growing at a rate of 15 to 21 percent per year and reaching nearly $17 billion in consumer sales in 2006. Organic products are increasingly present in traditional mainstream markets. This publication is designed to help farmers and processors understand the steps necessary to obtain organic certification and take advantage of this growing market.


Read the full report (pdf file)

Read an earlier edition of this report that was written specifically for fresh market growers (pdf file, published 9/03)

Register Now for Flower Growers School

The Wisconsin Cut Flower Growers School offers practical information on how to grow and sell flowers using organic and sustainable production practices and manage a cut flower business. It will be held February 18-19 on the UW-Madison campus. More information is available here.


CIAS in the community

CIAS recognized for work on value chains

The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Development has recognized CIAS and Agriculture of the Middle as "influential initiatives" working on value chains over the past ten years. Value chains are strategic alliances between farmers, processors, distributors, retailers and other partners in the food supply chain. These partners work together to deliver high quality, differentiated food to the marketplace and share profits equally. CIAS has researched and developed teaching materials on value chains. CIAS researcher Steve Stevenson contributed to two articles in the value chain issue of JAFSCD; view the abstracts here and here.

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