Identifying Barriers to Organic Certification for Indiana Grain Farmers

Crop farmers who transition to certified organic grains report higher per-acre returns and enhanced economic stability. Organic production practices also support farmers' ability to manage excess nutrients, promote biological nitrogen fixation, support biodiversity, eliminate pesticide run-off and increase carbon sequestration by building organic matter in the soil. Despite these benefits, certified organic land accounts for less than 2% of U.S. farmland, and around 1% in Indiana. Meanwhile, certified organic grain is highly sought-after. Consumer demand for organic products has grown rapidly, and demand continues to outpace domestic supply by a large margin. Crop farmers in Indiana have an opportunity to improve profitability, take advantage of a high-demand market and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture through organic certification. This report presents findings from a research and education study to identify the most salient barriers and facilitators to organic certification.