Organic foods continue to be the fastest growing and a very profitable segment of agriculture in America, Europe and Japan. In the United States in 2001, sales of organic agricultural products exceeded $7 billion dollars. Currently, there are about 50 certifying agents throughout the country comprising various state and private entities and an estimated 10 foreign certifying agents.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in October 2002 implemented new regulations mandating that any organic agricultural product must meet USDA standards in order to be sold as organic, guaranteeing consumers the highest quality organic agricultural products when they bear the USDA organic seal. States using accredited organic certification programs will be able to enforce these regulations on behalf of the USDA, ensuring the integrity of the organic label.

For more than a decade, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has worked with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ) to certify organic producers and handlers. Recently, legislation passed allowing the Department to establish rules and regulations for a state organic program. New Jersey will be enforcing the new federal organic regulations and certify organic farms. The program will provide farmers who are transitioning to organic production the ability to market their products as transitional. In doing so, farmers will not have to wait to realize the increased prices this niche market supports.

In 2003 the Department received USDA funds to help offset the costs to eligible growers for inspections and organic certification. In support of the marketing of organic products the Department developed “Jersey Fresh” organic price cards and worked closely promoting New Jersey’s organic products directly to area retailers.

In 2004 the Department will continue to promote cost sharing of organic certification for growers, preparing informational brochures and fact sheets, and fully integrating organics into the Department’s “Jersey Fresh” promotional program.

7.1 Promote Cost-Sharing

63) STRATEGY – Continue outreach efforts to educate growers about federal funds availability to help offset organic inspection and certification costs. Through a cost-sharing agreement with the Department and USDA, each operation is eligible for a reimbursement of up to 75 percent of its certification costs, not to exceed $500.

7.2 Improve Marketing

64) STRATEGY – Integrate organic products into the Department’s” Jersey Fresh” Marketing Program using a “Jersey Fresh” organic logo.

7.3 Educate Growers About Regulatory Requirements

65) STRATEGY – Prepare and distribute a series of fact sheets outlining the legal and regulatory requirements for production and sale of organic products, including on-farm processed products, eggs, poultry and meat, milk and cheese.

66) STRATEGY - Continue working toward a State Certified Organic program to enforce rules and regulations certifying farms and guaranteeing consumers the highest quality organic agricultural products. The program will also provide farmers who are transitioning to organic production and are in the process of completing the three-year qualifying period the ability to market their products as transitional.