Colorado: A Leader in Organic Production

"Colorado long has been a leader in organic food production, though it's no longer No. 1.

In 1989, the Colorado Department of Agriculture was the first state agency to begin a certification program for organic farmers. The state had its own certification program until 2002 when it became part of the national organic-certification program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A producer must submit an operating plan, and then a state ag department representative visits the producer to confirm that the operation complies with national standards.

As of August 2007, the state had certified that more than 150 operations in Colorado could produce crops, livestock and processed products and call them organic. The Colorado organic industry is growing at about 20 percent a year, according to the state ag department, which means it is keeping pace with national growth."

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