Organic agriculture is an ecologically-based management system with the primary objective of optimizing the health of soil, animals, and people.

Why is it important to address risk management in organic farming?

Risk is involved whenever producers make decisions where the outcome is uncertain. Part of risk management is choosing to use resources to effectively achieve your objectives and to avoid loss, while still maximizing opportunities.

In this publication, we focus on production risks for crops that include cultural practices, variety selection, and management of pests and diseases.

This publication will help growers who are contemplating adopting organic production practices understand the risks that are associated with organic production and make choices that will minimize those risks. Additionally, this guide will also be beneficial to all organic producers, regardless of their level of experience.

For more information about this publication, please contact:

Kristine Moncada
[email protected]

Development of this manual and research that supported it were funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

For more educational materials on organic agriculture, please visit our Principles for Transitioning to Organic Farming website.