Reflecting and Growing During Vermont’s Quieter Season
As we transition into a quieter time of year, I’ve found there’s more room for learning, reflection, and growth. While the day-to-day chores persist, the cooling earth and shorter days in Vermont invite a slower pace and encourage us to turn inward during the extended hours of darkness.
Winter tranquility at Mills River Park in Jericho, Vermont, with Mount Mansfield veiled in mist and snow-dusted fields in the foreground.
This season of reflection recently led me to an opportunity to deepen my knowledge of organic farming practices. As a member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), I was invited to attend a free workshop on the organic certification process. Always eager to learn, I joined the hour-long Zoom session over lunch to explore the high-level requirements for certifying crops, livestock, and food processing or handling as organic.
If you’re curious, you can watch the workshop recording on YouTube at your convenience.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
One of the more interesting discussions was about the labeling of organic products. For instance:
• “100% Organic” means all ingredients are certified organic.
• “Organic” indicates at least 95% of the ingredients are organic.
• “Made with Organic” applies to products with at least 70% organic ingredients.
For livestock, raising animals organically requires feeding them certified organic feed. This sparked my curiosity: Is there a source for certified organic hay in Vermont?
The organic certification process itself is annual and involves three main steps:
1. Application – Submitting detailed system plan documents.
2. Onsite Inspection – A thorough review of your operation by a certified inspector.
3. Certification Fee – Fees vary but cost-share programs can help offset expenses.
While the initial application takes more time, subsequent renewals are less time-intensive since much of the information is retained year to year.
Insights from Organic Farmers
Several current NOFA-VT members shared their experiences during the workshop. They emphasized that while the certification process can be an investment in both time and money, it opens doors to markets that would otherwise be inaccessible. They noted that demand for certified organic products is strong, with consumers trusting the organic label.
Beyond the market advantages, these farmers expressed a deep commitment to organic practices, highlighting how their methods improve soil health over time compared to conventional farming.
Resources for Aspiring Organic Farmers
If you’re considering organic certification or want to learn more, here are some helpful resources shared during the webinar:
• Certification Process Overview – A step-by-step guide to getting started.
• Recordkeeping Templates – Useful forms and templates to track compliance.
• Inspection Checklists – Printable guides to prepare for onsite inspections.
• Fee Structures and Cost-Share Programs – Understand the costs and available financial assistance.
You can find additional information on the Vermont Organic Farmers and NOFA-VT websites.
Closing Thoughts
This workshop was a reminder of the power of community and shared knowledge in nurturing both the land and the farmers who care for it. Whether you’re exploring organic certification for your farm or simply curious about the process, these resources are a great starting point.
