Organic Agriculture Information

"Organic" is a guarantee about how an agricultural food or fiber product was grown and handled before it reached the consumer. It's also a set of standards for farmers who grow plants and animals, and for processors and handlers who turn it into food or clothing products.

Farmers and food processors that make organic claims must meet national organic standards, maintain careful records, and be certified by a  USDA accredited organization, a process that includes on-site inspections, however, farms that gross less than $5,000 in organic sales may be exempt from certification.

Minnesota has more than 500 certified organic farms and more than 130 certified organic food processors and businesses. Organic continues to be one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the food industry.