Business Details
39 Years
experience
Supporting Organic Agriculture in Gainesville, FL
Founded in 1987, Florida Certified Organic Grwr (FOG) has been a pioneering force in promoting organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture. Our organization operates two core programs: Education & Outreach, which delivers workshops, conferences, and policy advocacy to producers, consumers, and policymakers, and Quality Certification Services (QCS), a USDA-accredited certification body serving farms across the eastern U.S. With decades of expertise, we advance environmentally sound practices through initiatives like the Southeast Center for Organic Transition, Florida Local Food Project, and food safety training programs.Our team combines deep agricultural knowledge with a commitment to equitable food systems, offering tailored support for farmers navigating organic certification, market access, and policy challenges. Recognized for our leadership in sustainable agriculture, we collaborate with government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations to foster innovation and resilience in Floridas agricultural sector.
Services
Education & Outreach
Organic Certification
Policy Advocacy
Permitted Facilities Guide
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of expertise in organic agriculture education and certification.
- Our USDA and ISO-accredited certification services meet rigorous international standards.
- We advocate for small and mid-sized farmers through national policy initiatives.
- Our community programs provide direct support for local food system development.
- We deliver specialized training in food safety and organic farming practices.
Associations and certifications
- USDA
- ANSI ISO/IEC 17065
What people say
Expert organic certification
Impactful educational programs
Strong policy advocacy
Community-focused initiatives
Services
Education & Outreach
Our educational initiatives deliver workshops, conferences, and policy training to producers, consumers, and institutions. We cover organic farming practices, food safety regulations, and market opportunities. Our programs empower stakeholders to implement sustainable agricultural solutions through hands-on learning and resource sharing.
Organic Certification
Quality Certification Services (QCS) provides USDA-accredited organic certification for farms, livestock, and food processing operations. We offer transitional certification, food safety audits, and specialized programs for aquaculture and specialty crops. Our process ensures compliance with national organic standards while supporting farmer success.
Policy Advocacy
We represent small and mid-sized farmers in national policy discussions, advocating for fair regulations and support programs. Our efforts focus on protecting organic standards, expanding Farm Bill benefits, and ensuring equitable access to agricultural resources for all producers.
Permitted Facilities Guide
Our guide helps food entrepreneurs navigate Florida's permitted facility requirements. We provide resources for accessing commissary kitchens, understanding inspection standards, and complying with state food safety regulations for commercial food production operations.
Community Programs
We operate programs like the Florida Farmers Market Association, Fresh Access Bucks, and the Southeast Center for Organic Transition. These initiatives strengthen local food systems by connecting producers with consumers, improving market access, and supporting community-based agricultural development.
Questions
What services does Florida Certified Organic Grwr offer?
We provide organic certification, educational workshops, policy advocacy, food safety training, and resources for permitted food facilities.
How does FOG support sustainable agriculture?
Through certification programs, farmer training, policy work, and community initiatives that promote environmentally responsible farming practices.
Can new food entrepreneurs get facility guidance?
Yes, we offer comprehensive resources for accessing permitted kitchens and complying with Florida food safety regulations.
Is FOG involved in policy work?
We actively advocate for small farmers' interests in national agricultural policy development and implementation.
How can I get involved with FOG?
Opportunities include volunteering, attending events, participating in educational programs, or becoming a partner organization.
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