For example, in Washington, the state Department of Agriculture certifies organic, while in Oregon, the Tilth organization is in charge. The USDA backpedaled, but, eventually, there will be a national set of standards, he believes. Meanwhile, organic markets are becoming more label-conscious. Washington Organic puts brochures in every box. In particular, the consumer needs to be informed about transitional fruit, which is the term used for fruit grown in an orchard during the three years before full organic certification is granted.
Organic growers pay the same assessment rate as conventional growers.
Organic will always be a niche, a small brush stroke in the bigger picture. People always eat all kinds of foods. No, I don't think that organic fruit is a threat to the conventional grower.