Consumers of organic fruit represent a growing market segment. Federal legislation now requires certification of food products that are labeled as organic except for producers who gross under $5,000. These small producers must follow the same practices as certified growers. Organic agriculture is based on the use of practices and inputs that enhance the physical, biological and chemical aspects of the soil and its ability to sustain crop and animal production in an environmentally safe manner. In general, the use of synthetic substances for pest management or to supply nutrients is prohibited. Organic agriculture relies on cultural practices and natural materials for pest management and on-farm or locally available sources of nutrients as much as possible.
This guide includes information on organic practices, as well as many materials and inputs approved by the National Organic Program. Such products are designated with the symbol . The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is an organization that lists products allowed for certified organic production. Note that some are regulated and subject to restrictions. In some cases, certain formulations of a product are permitted and others are not. The list of substances approved by OMRI is subject to change. Be sure to check with your certifier in advance to be certain that the materials and practices you plan to use are approved. Some materials labeled as organic may not be allowed by the program. For a current list, visit the OMRI web site at: www.omri.org.
The following is a list of certifying organizations currently accredited by USDA.
Connecticut and Massachusetts:
Baystate Organic Certifiers
Don Franczyk (Director)
1220 Cedarwood Circle
N. Dighton, MA 02764
Telephone: 774-872-5544
Email: baystateorganic[at]earthlink[dot]net (baystateorganic[at]earthlink[dot]net) Website: https://baystateorganic.org/
Maine:
MOFGA Certification Services
P.O. Box 170
Unity, ME 04988
Telephone: 207-568-4142
Email:certification[at]mofga[dot]org (certification[at]mofga[dot]org) Website: http://www.mofgacertification.org
New Hampshire:
Allen Wyman
NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food
Division of Regulatory Services
25 Capitol St., P.O. Box 2042
Concord, NH, 03302-2042
Telephone: 603-271-3685
Email: allen[dot]g[dot]wyman[at]agr[dot]nh[dot]gov Website: http://www.agriculture.nh.gov/divisions/regulatory-services/
Rhode Island:
Matt Green
Div. of Ag.
235 Promenade St.
Providence, RI 02908
Telephone: 401-222-2781 x4509
Website: https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/agriculture-and-forest-environment/agriculture/regulatory-services/organic-certification
Vermont:
Vermont Organic Farmers, LLC
P.O. Box 697
Richmond, VT 05477
Telephone: 802-434-4122
Email: info[at]vermontorganic[dot]org Website: http://nofavt.org/
Organic Materials Listing:
OMRI:
Organic Materials Review Institute
P.O. Box 11558
Eugene, OR 97440
(541) 343-7600
http://www.omri.org
info[at]omri[dot]org (info[at]omri[dot]org)