Why Organic?

Organic agriculture is about more than how food is grown—it’s a term that also describes how we care for the land, support local communities and food systems, and our physical well being.

At NOFA/Mass, we believe healthy soil is the foundation of healthy farms, food, ecosystems, and communities.

The USDA National Organic Program defines organic as “Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. These methods integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.” (See resource: What is Organic?”)

Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, landscaper, land steward, eater, educator, policy advocate, or simply someone who cares about where and how food is grown, organic provides practical ways to contribute to a healthier and more resilient food system.

What Does Organic Mean?

Organic systems are designed to:

• Build and maintain healthy, living soil
• Promote ecological balance
• Preserve and promote biodiversity
• Use natural biological and mechanical practices whenever possible
• Protect natural resources, including water and wildlife habitat
• Minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
• Support the long-term health of farms and surrounding ecosystems

Many home gardeners and farmers use organic practices whether or not they pursue certification.

More information on the definition of organic can be found on our Organic Standards and FAQ page.

Choosing organic supports farmers who are working to build healthy soils and steward natural resources. Every purchase helps strengthen a food system that values environmental health, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Choosing organic helps:

• Support farms that build healthy, living soil
• Reduce the use of many synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
• Protect pollinators, wildlife, and biodiversity
• Safeguard clean water and healthy ecosystems
• Support local farmers and regional food systems
• Preserve working farmland
• Encourage seasonal eating and a stronger connection to where food comes from

Organic growing starts with the soil. Healthy soils support healthy plants, reduce environmental impacts, and create resilient farms and gardens that improve over time.

Organic growers use practices such as composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, and reduced tillage to build soil health and support natural biological processes.

Organic practices can help you:

• Build healthy, living soil
• Improve soil fertility and water-holding capacity
• Increase resilience to drought and heavy rainfall
• Grow healthy, high-quality food
• Support pollinators and beneficial insects
• Reduce erosion and improve water quality
• Reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
• Build long-term farm resilience and sustainability

Whether you’re growing vegetables in a backyard garden or managing acres of farmland, healthy soil is the foundation of a successful organic system.

For farmers and producers, certification demonstrates a commitment to organic stewardship while providing access to markets that recognize and value certified organic products.

Certification can help you:

• Build customer trust through third-party verification
• Use the USDA Organic seal on eligible products
• Access wholesale, retail, and institutional markets
• Differentiate your products in the marketplace
• Improve recordkeeping and farm planning
• Join a growing community of certified organic producers

NOFA/Mass supports farmers throughout the certification process by providing education, technical assistance, and resources.