Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers

10/21/2026

🌾 Could organic rice be part of your farm's future?

Growing consumer demand is creating new opportunities across organic agriculture, and rice is no exception.

Join us November 10 at 12 PM ET for a practical discussion on the future of organic rice production in the Southeast. Hear directly from experts and researchers about market opportunities, production considerations, certification pathways, and innovative approaches being tested through on-farm research.

Whether you're ready to explore organic rice or simply curious about what's possible, this webinar will help you better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping this growing sector.

Growing demand. New possibilities. Let's explore what's next together.

👉 Register today: https://foginfo.org/events/organic-rice-production-in-the-southeast-emerging-opportunities

10/20/2026

🌱 Organic isn't just a label. It's a promise.

But who makes sure that promise is kept?

As part of National Organic Month, we're resharing a Fresh Take favorite that explores the checks, balances, and enforcement systems working behind the scenes to protect the USDA Organic label.

If you've ever wondered:
✅ What makes organic different?
✅ How organic products are verified?
✅ Why consumers can trust the USDA Organic seal?

This episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now: https://bit.ly/4i32v1G

10/19/2026

🍊 Organic Citrus Growers: Looking for new tools to combat citrus greening?

Join The Organic Center on November 5 at 1:00 PM ET for a webinar exploring emerging research and practical strategies to help organic citrus growers build more resilient groves.

Experts will discuss:
✅ Organic and biological controls for Asian citrus psyllid
✅ Biopesticides and predator lure strategies
✅ Economic considerations for Florida growers
✅ Current trends in the national organic citrus market

Whether you're a grower, researcher, consultant, or industry professional, this webinar will connect the latest science with real-world management decisions for organic citrus production.

📅 November 5, 2026 | 1:00 PM ET
🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7417904637077/WN_095I6YrSRD2v-HiD7xdxlQ #/registration

10/19/2026

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

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture 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 CCOF Organic, Organic Crop Investment Association (OCIA), Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers, Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA), 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: 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

10/18/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Marty Mesh, FOG's second Executive Director.

Marty's roots in organic agriculture ran deep. He began growing organic produce in 1973, helped start a food co-op so people could buy organic food, and farmed for many years at Bellevue Gardens Organic Farm. He helped form Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers in 1989 and led FOG as Executive Director beginning in 1995.

Much of the work we do today grew from efforts he helped pioneer. Long before there were national organic standards, Marty worked alongside fellow farmers to build a certification program that gave organic growers a way to stand apart in the marketplace. That work became Quality Certification Services. Beyond FOG, he was a charter board member of the Organic Materials Review Institute, served on the boards of The Organic Center and the Accredited Certifiers Association, and helped form the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. The Organic Trade Association recognized his contributions with its Organic Leadership Award.

Many in our community never had the chance to work alongside Marty, but farmers, certifications, programs, and partnerships across the organic movement continue to reflect the foundation he helped build. His legacy lives on in the work of supporting farmers, strengthening local food systems, and advancing organic agriculture.

Our thoughts are with Marty's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. We are grateful for his leadership, vision, and lasting contributions to FOG and the organic community.

10/16/2026

🌎 Every Plate Has the Power to Create Change

World Food Day is a reminder that food connects us all.

The choices made by farmers, consumers, businesses, and communities shape the health of our environment, local economies, and future generations. At Florida Organic Growers, we're proud to support a food system that values healthy soils, thriving farms, strong local markets, and access to nutritious food.

When we support local and organic agriculture, we're investing in more than food. We're investing in farmers, communities, and a more resilient future.

Every meal tells a story. It begins with the people who grow our food and continues through the choices we make every day.

Today, and every day, we celebrate the farmers, food entrepreneurs, and community advocates who are helping build a stronger food system for Florida and beyond.

10/15/2026

🍊 Citrus greening disease has reduced Florida's citrus production by more than 75% over the last three decades.

For fourth-generation farmer Ben McLean III of Uncle Matt's Organic and McLean Family Farms, building more resilient citrus groves has meant investing in practices that improve soil health, support beneficial insects, and strengthen long-term farm viability.

Through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the farm implemented cover cropping, nutrient sampling, and integrated pest management strategies to help address one of the industry's biggest challenges.

🌱 Get a candid look at what's working, what isn't, and the lessons learned along the way. Their story offers valuable insights for farmers, food advocates, and anyone interested in the future of Florida agriculture.

📖 Read the article: https://ofrf.org/news/using-synergy-conservation-practices-and-nrcs-support-to-save-citrus-with-uncle-matts-organic/

Organic Farming Research Foundation

Written by Mary Elizabeth Kidd, OFRF Communications AssociateOFRF is currently working to increase farmer and community awareness of the federal funding opportunities available to organic and transitioning farms. As part of our work with the Southeast region of the USDA’s Transition to Organic Par...

10/14/2026

🌱 The next chapter of organic mentorship begins.

For the past four years, mentorship has helped hundreds of farmers and businesses navigate the organic certification process through USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

Now, that work continues through Kernel, a new national initiative led by the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University. Launching October 1, Kernel will connect experienced organic producers and handlers with the next generation of organic farmers and businesses seeking certification.

We're proud that Florida Organic Growers (FOG) will continue serving as a regional partner alongside organizations across the country to expand mentorship opportunities and strengthen the future of organic agriculture.

🌾 Whether you're an experienced organic producer ready to mentor or you're considering the transition to organic, this program is designed to help you succeed.

https://youtu.be/UPdZdL57fgU?si=xoGqops1uBRzezuP

Launched October 1, 2026 by the Swette Center for Sustainable Food ...

10/13/2026

🌱 Now Hiring: Head Grower/Farmer at Paradise Farms 🌱

One of our valued partners, Paradise Farms, is seeking an experienced Head Grower/Farmer to lead crop production, regenerative farming practices, soil health initiatives, and field operations.

This hands-on leadership role will oversee planting strategy, yield forecasting, irrigation management, harvest planning, team development, and compliance with organic and food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in organic and regenerative agriculture, strong leadership skills, and a passion for building healthy soils and resilient food systems.

✅ Organic & regenerative farming experience
✅ Team leadership and field management
✅ English and Spanish fluency preferred
✅ Knowledge of USDA Organic and FSMA standards

📧 To apply, please send your resume and qualifications to [email protected]

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this opportunity with your network.

10/12/2026

Today, we celebrate the farmers who nourish our communities, steward our land, and make local food possible. 💚

Every harvest, farmers market, CSA box, and locally grown meal begins with the dedication of farmers who work tirelessly to feed their neighbors and strengthen Florida's food system.

Every meal connects us to the people who grow our food.

Whether they're growing food for your family, educating the next generation, or building a stronger local food system, we'd love to celebrate them with you.

Tag a farmer who inspires you below!👇💚