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Oregon Tilth

@oregontilth

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We're building a brighter food future. Making our food system biologically sound and socially equitable since 1974. 🥕🌎#BrighterFoodFuture #oregontilth

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🌱 A strong future for organic depends on continued investment, collaboration, and advocacy.

As the @usdagov Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) comes to an end, it’s more important than ever to recognize the role education, technical assistance, and farmer-to-farmer mentorship play in helping producers navigate the transition to organic.

Oregon Tilth is proud to join @ccoforganic, @ocia_international, @florganicgrowers, @mosacertifiedorganic, and Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) in presenting to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on TOPP’s impact and the importance of continued support for organic and transitioning farmers.

We’ve also published our comments for the NOSB’s Fall 2026 meeting, outlining priorities for strengthening organic agriculture, including continued investment in research, education, and practical resources that help farmers overcome barriers to transition and build economically viable operations.

At Oregon Tilth, our commitment to the organic community extends beyond any single program. Through certification, education, and advocacy, we will continue working alongside farmers, partners, and industry leaders to advance organic agriculture and support the people who make it possible.

You can read our Fall 2026 NOSB comments here (link in bio):
tilth.org/oregon-tilth-fall-2026-nosb-meeting-comments/

Learn more about the NOSB meeting and how to attend: www.ams.usda.gov/event/national-organic-standards-board-nosb-meeting-Fall-2026

#OrganicAgriculture #OrganicAdvocacy #NOSB #OrganicTransition #FarmerEducation #OregonTilth by @oregontilth

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4 days ago

🌱 How can growers navigate organic standards and food safety requirements together?

For agricultural advisors and service providers in Wisconsin, understanding the overlap between @usda_ams organic requirements and the FSMA Produce Safety Rule is an important part of supporting growers and their operations.

Join our partners at the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) for a free, hands-on workshop that explores where these frameworks align, where challenges can arise, and how to help growers navigate both—especially when managing soil amendments.

Topics will include:

🌿 Understanding the USDA National Organic Program (Agricultural Marketing Service) (NOP) and FSMA Produce Safety Rule
🌿 Managing organic soil amendments while meeting food safety goals
🌿 Navigating certification and food safety considerations
🌿 Exploring practices that support soil amendment use

The workshop will feature Mallory Krieger (OATS), Donna Clements, and Dr. Elizabeth A. Bihn (Produce Safety Alliance), bringing together perspectives to support practical, informed guidance for growers.

When: November 10 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Stevens Point, Wisconsin

The workshop is free to attend, with lunch provided. Registration closes November 2, so be sure to sign up before the deadline.

Register here (link in bio): www.organicagronomy.org/events/wisconsin-orei-workshop

At Oregon Tilth, we value opportunities that bring agricultural professionals together to share knowledge, navigate complex requirements, and help growers build successful, resilient organic operations.

#OrganicAgriculture #OrganicFarming #FoodSafety #FSMA #FarmerEducation #OregonTilth by @oregontilth

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6 days ago

Organic certification doesn’t end once you’re approved, it continues through annual renewal and ongoing updates.

Each year, certified operations submit renewal materials, update their Organic System Plan, and complete an inspection to maintain compliance with @usdagov organic standards. This process ensures that your certification reflects the current state of your operation.

Oregon Tilth provides reminders, resources, and direct support to help you stay on track, meet deadlines, and report any changes accurately.

By staying engaged in the renewal process, you’re not only maintaining certification—you’re reinforcing the systems that support long-term success.

Stay on track with renewal: tilth.org/certification/

Contact your certification team: getcertified@tilth.org

#FarmerToFarmer #OrganicCertification #OregonTilth #OrganicFarming by @oregontilth

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11 days ago

🌱 Learn from seed growers across the Portland area

Seed saving and production are an important part of building resilient, regionally adapted agricultural systems. This October, @organic_seed_alliance is bringing farmers and beginning seed growers together for a hands-on tour of three Portland-area farms to explore how seeds are harvested and cleaned at different scales.

The Portland Farm Crawl will visit Rhythm Seed Farm, Tanager Farm, and Oak Grove New Urban Farm, offering participants an opportunity to learn directly from growers, see seed production practices in action, and connect with others interested in growing seed.

When: Saturday, October 10 | 9 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Where: Portland Metro Area, Oregon
Additional Details:
Transportation provided between farms
Bagged lunch provided
Free to attend; registration required

The Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program is supporting this opportunity to make practical knowledge and connections more accessible to farmers and those beginning their seed-growing journey.

Learn more and register (link in bio): seedalliance.org/events/portland-farm-crawl/

#OrganicAgriculture #OrganicFarming #SeedSaving #SeedGrowers #OrganicSeed #OregonTilth by @oregontilth

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13 days ago

Trust in organic is built through integrity, connection and continued engagement.

In September, Organic Week 2026 brought Oregon Tilth together with farmers, clients, partners and leaders from across the organic community.

Hosted by the @OrganicTrade, the week reinforced the importance of supporting producer viability, strengthening access to resources, communicating organic’s impact and helping people find credible information.

OTA brought the organic community together for conversations and relationship-building that continue to shape the work ahead.

We’re carrying those insights forward through certification, education, advocacy and partnerships.

Read our Organic Week 2026 reflections at the link in bio.

#OrganicWeek2026 #OrganicAgriculture #OrganicCertification #OrganicFarming by @oregontilth

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18 days ago

What does the path to organic certification really look like? 🌱

Oregon Tilth Organic Conservation Specialist Kristina Peterson recently joined an Organic Certification Field Day hosted by the @oregonorganiccoalition and NW TOPP at @ourtablecooperative in Sherwood, Oregon.

The event created space to connect directly with farmers interested in transitioning to organic and talk through the questions that come with that decision. Participants explored Organic System Plans, recordkeeping, inspections, transition requirements, choosing a certifier, and conservation resources available through @usdagov Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Just as valuable were the candid conversations and real examples Our Table Cooperative shared about their certification experience. The day also included a tour led by Andrew Rae, Farm Manager at Our Table Cooperative.

Supporting organic growth starts with listening, sharing practical information, and helping producers feel more confident about what comes next.

And, of course, the day ended with organic wood-fired pizza and more conversation around the table. 🍕

Thank you to the Oregon Organic Coalition and Our Table Cooperative for creating space to connect and learn.

#OrganicCertification #TransitionToOrganic #OrganicFarming #OrganicAgriculture #Conservation #OregonTilth by @oregontilth

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24 days ago

Planning to apply for Organic Certification Cost Share? We can help you get your documents ready!

Now is a great time to gather the documents you'll need before the end-of-year deadline.

If you're certified through Oregon Tilth, we can help provide:

✔ Paid invoices
✔ Payment receipts
✔ Copies of your organic certificate (when applicable)

Preparing your paperwork now can make the application process much smoother. Need assistance? Send us an email at: costshare@tilth.org

Applications are due December 31, 2026.

#OrganicCertification #OrganicFarming #USDAOrganic #OrganicCommunity by @oregontilth

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25 days ago

Organic certification requires consistency, and sometimes, adjustments along the way.

Noncompliances and requests for additional information are a normal part of the certification process. They are not punitive; they are an opportunity to address gaps, strengthen systems, and ensure alignment with organic standards.

At Oregon Tilth, we approach these moments as part of a collaborative process. Our team works with you to resolve issues, provide clarity, and keep your certification moving forward. Clear communication and timely updates can make all the difference.

Certification is a continuous process of improvement, and we’re here to support you through every step.

In this video you'll hear directly from one of @organicvalley's dairy farmers on how to best approach inspections as part of the organic certification process

To learn more about how to stay in compliance, you can download our Understanding the Organic Certification Process guidebook here (link in bio): oregontilth.link/Guidebook

You can reach out for support at: getcertified@tilth.org

#FarmerToFarmer #OrganicDairy #OregonTilth #OrganicValley by @oregontilth

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a month ago

Oregon Tilth was on Capitol Hill this week, advocating for policies that strengthen organic agriculture.

Kellee James, CEO of Oregon Tilth, and Ben Bowell, Chief Program Officer, were in Washington, D.C., meeting with policymakers and agricultural leaders to bring forward the perspectives and needs of the farmers, businesses, and communities that make up the organic sector.

These conversations are an important part of Oregon Tilth’s long-standing commitment to organic certification, education, advocacy, and partnership, ensuring the organic community has a voice as policies affecting our food and agricultural systems are considered.

While in Washington, we connected with leaders and partners across agriculture, including:

• Richard Fordyce, @usdagov Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation
• Kyle Allen, Chief of Staff, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Jesse Womack, Policy Specialist, @nsac_sustainableag
• Brise Tencer, Executive Director, @organicfarmingresearch

We’re grateful for the opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange perspectives, and continue advocating for a strong future for organic agriculture.

“The strength of organic begins with trust. Our responsibility is to protect that trust while continuing to listen, collaborate, and build a system that works for the people and communities it serves.” — Kellee James, CEO, Oregon Tilth

At Oregon Tilth, we believe trust and progress are built when farmers, policymakers, organizations, and partners come together, listen to one another, and find practical solutions that move organic forward.

#OrganicAgriculture #OrganicAdvocacy #OregonTilth #OrganicPolicy by @oregontilth

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a month ago

The Oregon Tilth team is here at Organic Week in Washington D.C.! 🌱

It’s been great to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and catch up with colleagues and partners from across the organic community.

We kicked off the week with a session featuring Jason Buechel, CEO of @wholefoods, who shared leadership lessons and perspectives from his experience in the organic industry. We interviewed Tom Chapman, Co-CEO of the @organictrade, to get his thoughts on the industry's current state and his hopes for the future.

We also stopped by to visit our friends and partners at the @organic_seed_alliance and had a great conversation with Cathleen McCluskey, Executive Director of OSA.

There’s plenty more to come, and we’re looking forward to more conversations, connections, and opportunities to learn throughout the week. Stay tuned! 🌿

#OrganicWeek2026 #OregonTilth #OrganicTradeAssociation #OrganicAgriculture #OrganicIndustry by @oregontilth

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a month ago

🌱 Interested in organic certification for fiber and textiles?

Join the Northwest Agriculture Business Center @agbizcenter (NABC), Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect (PNWFC), and Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (NWTOPP) for a virtual Lunch & Learn focused on the organic certification process for fiber producers and processors.

Elizabeth Tigan, Fiber & Textile Specialist for Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO), will share insights into organic certification and the resources available to help fiber producers and processors navigate their certification journey.

Elizabeth brings more than 20 years of experience in the organic sector and a deep commitment to strengthening regional organic fiber supply chains. The conversation will also introduce services available to support producers along the way.

Whether you’re exploring organic certification for the first time or looking to better understand the process, this is an opportunity to learn more and connect with resources supporting the growth of organic fiber and textiles in the Pacific Northwest.

Register here: oregontilth.link/NABC
Wednesday, September 16
12–1 p.m. PT

#OrganicFiber #OrganicTextiles #OrganicCertification #OrganicAgriculture #FiberFarmers #OregonTilth #OTCO #NWTOPP by @oregontilth

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a month ago

🌱 The Pacific Northwest has been helping shape the organic movement for generations.

Oregon passed the country's first organic farming legislation in 1972, and Washington followed with its own certification program in 1988. Decades later, the Pacific Northwest remains a place where farmers, advocates, and agricultural leaders are helping move organic forward.

From those who helped lay the foundation for organic agriculture to the producers, businesses, and advocates carrying that work forward today, this region has a long history of growing ideas into meaningful change.

This Pacific Northwest Organic Week, September 14–20, Oregon Tilth is proud to celebrate the people and partnerships that have helped shape organic—and those continuing to strengthen its future.
Learn more at (link in bio): organicpnw.com

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this movement and continues to help it grow. 🌿

#PNWOrganicWeek #TryOrganic #OrganicAgriculture #OrganicFarming #OregonTilth by @oregontilth

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a month ago