How Do I Learn to Be an Organic Farmer?

Organic farming is a growing industry and career field.

Organic farming is a growing industry. In 2010 the organic industry grew roughly 8 percent, according to the Organic Trade Association. As the organic niche grows, the industry needs more organic farmers. Organic farmers don’t just grow crops. Marketing, accounting and logistics are also responsibilities of organic farmers. You can learn how to be an organic farmer in many ways. You can learn on the job as well as in the classroom.

Instructions

1. Volunteer at an organic farm. Your local community support agriculture (CSA) program may need volunteers to help plant, maintain and harvest crops. Some organizations, such as World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), match willing volunteers with organic farms that need additional labor.

2. Take farming classes. Sometimes the local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative Extension Service offers classes and reading material that teach about organic gardening. Local farms and botanical gardens also offer these options in the spring.

3. Experiment with organic gardening at home. Sometimes the best way to learn is to jump into farming on your own. Start with a small garden outside your home. Experiment with organic fertilizer and organic pesticides.

4. Read about requirements for certified organic farms. This will help you build the right organic practices. Organic farmers who sell more than $5,000 of organic crops per year and those who want to label their crops as organic must meet government specifications. The USDA requires that organic farmers must be knowledgeable about how their products are grown. They must also know what substances were applied to the land during the previous three-year period.

5. Consider earning an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Agricultural colleges not only provide the technical know-how behind growing crops but also the behind-the-scenes skills like accounting and marketing needed to run a profitable organic farm.

Tips & Warnings

• If volunteer opportunities aren’t available in your area, start your own organic community garden. Community gardens attract people from all lifestyles who can teach each other about organic farming techniques. Ask a local organic farm to sponsor or to oversee organic practices. Retired organic farmers may also want to provide input.

• Learn about the best crops for your area. By learning about the best crops for your area’s soil, you'll know which crops to plant that require less work than crops that aren’t native to the area.

References

• Organic Trade Association: U.S. Organic Industry Overview (PDF)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Managers
• WWOOF - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service; National Organic Program; Certification
• Organic Gardening; Community Gardens; How to Start a Community Garden