COOPERATIVE EXTENSION KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET
Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program
2025
Organic Agriculture 101
Linelle Rivera Rodríguez, Extension Associate
Organic Agriculture Crop Production
What is Organic Agriculture?
Organic agriculture is a way of farming that uses natural methods to protect the environment, keep soil and plants healthy, and avoid synthetic chemicals or GMO's (USDA)
Is a farming system production that:
•Generally relies on naturally derived inputs.
•Generally enhances soil and ecosystem health when managed well.
•Generally prohibits use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMO's.
Follows a set of regulations that define approved and prohibited practices.
Relies on inspections and record keeping to ensure regulatory compliance.
Commonly Used Practices
Crop Rotation
Cover Cropping
Composting
Natural Pest Control
Top Selling Certified Organic Products in Kentucky Farms
Milk, eggs, vegetables and fruits, tobacco, and corn.
Key Principles
Soil Health: minimize soil disturbance, cover crops, and build organic matter.
Biodiversity: crop rotations, cover crops, integrative livestock, and preserve natural habits.
Approved inputs: use only NOP-approved substances (generally naturally derived with prohibition on synthetics).
Animal Welfare: access outdoors, 100% organic fed, no hormones or antibiotics, and must treat animals when sick regardless of organic status.
Steps for Certification
•Understand why you might choose organic certification and how your farm might operate.
•Understand the yearly commitment for inspections and fees (varies from certifiers)
•Become familiar with the National Organic Program and general practices.
•Develop an Organic System Plan.
•Develop a record keeping system and begin keeping detailed records. •Transition your land for 3 years with no use of non-approved inputs (exceptions are possible when land has not been treated with non-approved inputs).
• Transition your land for 3 years with no use of non-approved inputs (exceptions are possible when land has not been treated with non-approved inputs).