News & Research
Stay up-to-date on the latest from OCIA International, our operators, and the organic industry.Cover Crops: Rye provides exceptional benefits
Winter rye is prized for its versatility. It is a source of grain and also a forage and ground cover that protects the soil from erosion by wind and rain. But the benefits of winter rye don’t stop there. A series of studies, begun in 2015, by a team of Agricultural...
Healthy Soil: The foundation of organic farming
Healthy Soil and Organic AgricultureIf you’re transitioning your conventional farm to organic, you might be wondering where exactly to start. Taking those first tentative steps into the world of organics can be overwhelming, and it’s all too easy to get lost in a...
Jack Geiger: Crisis leads to innovation
Farm Crisis leads to innovationThe 1980s were not kind to family farms. A decade before, strong national and international economies led to ideal economic conditions for farmers. Farmers took advantage of international markets clambering for American produced food,...
Ryan Albinger: Parallel Production
The best of both worlds: Parallel ProductionRyan Albinger initially transitioned his entire operation to organic. However, as his farm grew, his needs changed, and he decided to farm newly acquired parcels of land using conventional methods. Parallel organic and...
New Course: Keep it Organic When Handling and Processing
Certified operations play a vital role at every step along the organic supply chain. The organic integrity of the products they produce, handle, or process depends on how they carry out their respective roles. The National Organic Program recently published a new...
Strengthening Rural Workforce
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting Rural Development Under Secretary Roger Glendenning today announced that USDA is partnering with the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement to strengthen the nation’s rural...
Allan Kettle: Organic Farming in Alberta
Organics: a family tradition“It was natural for us,” Allan Kettle said, reflecting on his decision to certify his family farm as organic. “We didn’t know there was any other way.” Kettle’s father, who ran the family farm before Kettle, had never used synthetic...
Askegaard Organic Farm: Sustainability and Transparency in Minnesota
Sustainable Farming: a values driven mission“I decided to pursue organic certification because growing crops organically aligns with my values,” Mark Askegaard said, reflecting on his decision to transition his fifth-generation farm from a conventional operation to an...
Bessette Creek Farm: a Canadian organic garlic farm
High quality produce with a positive impactBrandi Ranger, of Bessette Creek Farm in British Columbia, decided to grow her farm’s garlic organically because she and her family wanted to produce high quality food that also had a positive impact on the environment....