The exception to the USDA organic rule where farmers need to be certified is when a farm nets less than $5,000 per year. Look around for what’s called micro-farms or farms on less than a few acres.

Produce from Happy Hollow Farm at the Columbia Farmers Market in Missouri on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 sports various labels, including “USDA Certified Organic.” Farmer Liz Graznak said the label ...