Organic Certification Program Applications Available BINGHAMTON, N.Y.-Many farmers are be coming interested in the po tential for sales in the growing market for organi cally produced food. These farmers, and the consumers who seek to buy their prod ucts, will benefit from the Or ganic Certification Program of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc. (NOFA-NY). The Organic Certification Program of NOFA-NY an nounces the availability of the updated organic produc tion Standards Manual and Application Packet for 2000. The NOFA-NY Organic Cer tification Program offers standards for the certifica tion of vegetables, fruits, grains and beans, livestock, Visit us today for C JUm Mm Check out the incredible deals below on genuine Case IH parts. See us for more parts—at the lowest prices of the year! 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The pro gram certifies farms and pro cessors in New York and Pennsylvania and has been growing steadily since its in ception in 1984. NOFA-NY offers a highly respected, third party certification pro cess that is well recognized in the marketplace. With the increase in demand for organic food With Purchase of 16 Or More 8 Ply Discounted 10% sources, organic certification can be a valuable marketing tool for the farmer. “Many wholesalers, stores and restaurants require certi fication of the organic foods they purchase. As consumer demand rises so does con sumer awareness, and in creasingly consumers are looking for certified products as well,” said Patricia Kane, administrator of the NOFA NY program. Farmer experience in the program has shown organic certification to be particu larly valuable when a new farm is working to break into established markets or when an existing farm seeks to expand its production and sales. Certification is also a valu- Grower and Marketer, Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 11, 2000-Page able asset for the consumer of farm products. “Without or ganic certification, the only way a consumer can be sure of how their food is produced is to visit the farm. I don’t think many consumers have time for that,” said Kane. “The NOFA-NY label on a product is an assurance that it was organically produced and many customers have come to depend on this assur ance when making food choices.” The heart of the certifica tion process is the standards manual. It is the standards that outline what practices are acceptable in organic pro duction. Kane pointed out that, “The standards manual is more than just a set of rules for the farmer. The standards manual is a valuable refer ence for all farmers interested in alternative farming meth ods, whether or not they have an interest in certification.” The standards suggest a comprehensive alternative to conventional farming meth ods and any interested pro ducer is sure to discover options that can help solve problems and improve profi tability on their farm. It should be encouraging to know that the methods out- yBHFIICT | Your Complete Headquarters For Sprayers And Parts We Stock A COMPLETE LINE OF t SPRAY PRODUCTS Nk • Nozzels £>r • Ball Valves/ H Solenoid fle JkJBP Valves ■ w Hyr»ro> pumps The Long Blue Line™ For roller pumps, centrifugal pumps, diaphragm pumps, piston pumps and plunger pumps, no one offers you more quality choices than Hypro. More types. More models. And most of all, more quality and dependability. For virtually any spraying, fluid handling or pressure cleaning need you have, depend on The Long Blue Line™ for genuine value. 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To order a copy of the 2000 NOFA-NY Organic Certifi cation Standards Manual, send check or money order ip the amount of $l5 payable t( NOFA-NY, to NOFA-N\ Organic Certification Pro gram, 26 Towpath Roao, Binghamton, NY 13904. For more information on the activities of NOFA-NY or additional information on the certification process, contact the certification program office at (607) 724-9851. I *l*! flk. .——).. —j W & I I i n i b uJSS^ HOURS Mon Thurs, Fn 7-8 SO Tues Wed 7-5 SO 177
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