Making organic certification more accessible, attainable, and affordable involves collaboration with many partners across the country and around the globe. In 2014, the National Organic Program created the Sound and Sensible initiative to identify and remove barriers to certification and streamline the certification process. Fourteen organizations were awarded project contracts. The resulting resources were released in 2015 and 2016. They are published here and grouped by common theme.
View the Sound and Sensible Infographic (pdf) (jpeg)
View the Sound & Sensible Overview Video: Education and Outreach Tools
Organic Value Proposition—Why Go Organic and Where to Start
Organic Sound and Sensible Resources Blog
Exploring the Organic Option
Planning the Path Forward
- Organic Certification Made Simple
- Self-Assessment Video and Tool for Prospective Producers Transitioning to Organic
- “Steps to Certification” Videos and Costs of Certification Web Application
Understanding Rules, Certification, and Inspections
Organic Sound and Sensible Resource Blog
Certification
- Video: “Organic Myths”
- Checklist: “Ten Steps to Transition”
- “How To…” Modules
- Tip Sheets: Organic Standards (in English and Spanish)
- Tip Sheets: Organic Certification Guidelines
Recordkeeping and Organic System Plans
Inspections
Outreach and Education for Candidate Farmers
Organic Sound and Sensible Resource Blog
- Plain/Mennonite Community Outreach Package
- Farm Walk Peer Education Program Instruction Guide
- Peer Certification Mentorship and Education Programs for the Newly Certified
- Organic Expert Program Training
- A Report and Tools from the Field: Organic Outreach Success in the Southeast