ATTRA Publications on Sustainable Agriculture Tipsheet: Transitioning to Organic Management of Orchards

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