The path to becoming an organic farm is not an easy one.
Aside from the strict regulations that organic farms abide by, there is actually a three-year transition period in which conventional farms must enforce organic practices, but cannot get any of the credit. Although the demand for organic products is on the rise, many farmers are hesitant to make the switch, because it usually results in a drop in profits during this three-year time frame. In response, the USDA has approved a proposal for a new transitional label which will make buyers aware of a farm's "almost organic" status. This will allow farmers to charge their crops somewhere in between organic and non-organic prices, giving them the financial support they need to successfully become organic. For more on this, check out the original article from NPR.