ATTRA Publications on Sustainable Agriculture Tipsheet: Transitioning to Organic Management of Orchards
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Organic certification verifies that fruit is produced according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. In general, the regulations make several requirements of certified organic fruit:
- Produced without genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, or sewage sludge
- Managed in a manner that conserves natural resources and biodiversity
- Raised per the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List)
- Overseen by a USDA-authorized certifying agent