Organic agriculture is a rapidly growing sector of the food economy due to its proven economic, environmental, and health benefits. As a result, consumer demand for organic products has outstripped supply. This report seeks to highlight the tremendous opportunities, as well as challenges, that state departments of agriculture face as they respond to market and farmer demand to increase organic acreage.

This report makes recommendations designed to improve services for existing organic farmers and to support prospective organic farmers in order to increase overall organic production to keep up with demand.

Some of the main lessons:

• State government’s role (as a certifier or not) greatly impacts the experience of organic farmers.
• State organic budgets are stretched too thin.
• Informational outreach is important for strengthening regional organic economies.