Here are selected UMass Extension fact sheets on organic greenhouse production:
- Organic Growing Media and Fertilizers for Greenhouses
- Organic Greenhouse Pest Management Tables for Vegetable Bedding Plants
- Using Biological Control: Pesticide Compatibility, Testing Quality
- Pests and Natural Enemies: Parasites and Predators
The Northeast Organic Farming Association and the Massachusetts Chapter also provide educational information on organic production of crops. NOFA is an affiliation of seven state chapters. Each chapter is a self-sustaining entity within its state.
Another good source of information is the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
Information on Organic Certification: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put in place a set of national standards that food and plants labeled "organic" must meet, whether it is grown in the United States or imported from other countries." From: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html
Organic food and plants are produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Growers of plants (includes dairy and crop farms also) and handlers that have more than $5,000 in gross organic sales per year and are marketing their products as Organic, are required to become certified organic to be in compliance. People who sell or label a product "organic" when they know it does not meet USDA standards can be fined up to $10,000 for each violation.
Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the plants and food are grown to make sure all the rules are being followed that are necessary to meet USDA organic standards. If you are considering growing and selling organic products, contact a certifying agency. In Massachusetts, Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
The OMRI is a nonprofit organization that specializes in the review of pesticides and fertilizers for use in organic production, processing, and handling. OMRI provides guidance on the suitability of material inputs under the USDA National Organic Program standards . OMRI does not screen all possible products, only those submitted for review, so there may be other acceptable products not on its list. Suppliers can have products reviewed for a fee. Products that pass review can be labeled "OMRI listed". Some products on the list are regulated and subject to restrictions. In some cases, certain formulations of a product are permitted and others are not. Be sure to check with your certifying agency to be certain that the materials and practices you plan to use are approved.
