Planning the Transition to Organic Crop Production
This Nebraska Extension NebGuide (G2282) is a resource to help farmers assess their current and intended operations and choose practices for a successful transition to organic production. Topics include management of weeds, soil fertility, and crop rotations; typical crop rotations for eastern and western Nebraska; integration of a market-based strategy; and development of a business plan and record-keeping system.
Organic Transition Planner
The Organic Transition Planner explores strategies for developing a business transition plan through goal — planning, market opportunities, financing and human resources with real —life examples from transitioning farmers. Find downloadable detailed worksheets and other transitioning tools to accompany this planner at https://www.misa.umn.edu/publications/organictransitionplanner.
USDA Information for Transitioning to Organic Farming
USDA Expands Insurance Options for Farmers Transitioning to Certified Organic Agriculture. Producers transitioning to certified organic production can now use the Contract Price Addendum to cover their crops at a higher price than traditional crops. The Contract Price Addendum allows farmers transitioning to organic production to ensure certain crops at their contract price rather than the published U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) price election. See further information at USDA Risk Management Agency.
The Whole-Farm Revenue Protection program (WFRP) is tailored for any farm with up to $8.5 million in insured revenue, including farms with specialty or organic commodities (both crops and livestock), or those marketing to local, regional, farm-identity preserved, specialty, or direct markets. The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service offers a fact sheet on the WFRP program, Crop Insurance for Specialty Crop Growers: Whole Farm Revenue Protection.
Eqip Organic Transition Program. The USDA-NRCS has a special program within their EQIP program for transitioning to organic production. Details of the EQIP Organic Transition Program vary by county. Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office for more information. Center for Rural Affairs has been working with NRCS's EQIP program and the organic certification process.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) can help with the cost of transitioning to organic production, including organic certification (up to 75% of certification costs each year up to $750).