Organic Farming Resources for Wisconsin

The DATCP organic agriculture program provides information, support and coordination for organic farmers, businesses and organizations across Wisconsin. We are also working to increase marketing opportunities for organic foods. Here is our latest information:

The fall newsletter of the Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council is now available. Click here for a pdf.

Any certification related expenses including inspection fees, user fees, and certifier-required testing can be reimbursed through this application, if they were paid from October 1, 2010 – September 30, 2011. The organic cost share program provides for a 75% cost share of certification costs with a maximum payment of $750 per farm or company. If the farm or company is certified in more than one certification category; such as crops, livestock, and handler; they are eligible for reimbursement up to $750 in each category.

Nearly half of the certified organic farms in the state have participated in the cost share program in past years. Wisconsin ranks second in the nation in the number of organic farms with over 1,200 certified organic farms and also has over 200 companies certified to process organic products.

Application materials are available at datcp.wi.gov/Farms/Organic_Farming/Cost_Share_Program/.
For questions or more information, contact Laura Paine, DATCP’s Organic Agriculture Specialist, at 608-224-5120 or laura.paine@wi.gov.

This article summarizes a report published in June 2011 by DATCP Organic Agriculture Specialist Laura Paine with support and guidance of the OAC.

Globally, 87 million acres were farmed organically in 2008, representing almost 1.4 million producers in 154 countries. This acreage represents a nine percent growth in organic production over 2007. Wisconsin has seen even more dramatic growth as the number of certified organic farms in Wisconsin has grown from 422 in 2002 to 1202 in 2007, an increase of 285%. Wisconsin is  second in the nation after California in numbers of organic farms and in the top five states in certified organic acreage (currently at 195,603 acres in WI). The state is in the top five in production of all major organic crops and livestock types.

Organic farming, processing and related economic activity account for a small, but rapidly growing portion of Wisconsin’s agricultural economy. The fastest growing areas include vegetable production and dairy.

About 250 farmers raise and sell organic vegetables on about 1750 acres in Wisconsin. With per acre income levels averaging $3741, these farms generate about 70% more income per acre than their non-organic counterparts. With our existing vegetable growing expertise and processing infrastructure in the state, and the proven strength in organic produce sales (about 38% of total organic sales nationally), there is great potential for growth in this sector in future years.

Dairy production and processing continue to be an area of strength and growth. About one-third of Wisconsin dairy processing facilities are certified to produce either their own or private label dairy products for other companies, providing multiple marketing options for organic dairy farmers. Wisconsin leads the nation in numbers with 23% of all organic dairy farms (479 farms). About 14% of all dairy cows live in Wisconsin and we produce about 12% of all organic milk produced in the nation. Wisconsin organic dairy farms tend to be relatively small, averaging about 66 cows, but as a result of premiums and low-cost production practices, most can generate a sustainable living for a farm family. Based on data from the University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Profitability, even in the current economic downturn, Wisconsin organic farms generated nearly $1000 in net profit per cow in 2009 while farmers receiving conventional prices for their milk lost $147 per cow (Kreigl 2010). The organic farms in the study averaged $65,000 in net farm income in 2009.

Both organic dairy and vegetable processing represent a value added opportunity for Wisconsin agriculture. For more information or a copy of the complete report, contact Laura Paine at laura.paine@wi.gov or 608-224-5120.

Draft minutes of the October 24, 2011 Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council meeting are now available. Follow this link: October 24 2011 DRAFT Notes