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).