Before planting a crop, an organic vegetable grower needs to understand the pests and beneficial organisms that usually occur in that crop and anticipate the pest problems that are likely to occur.

Plant diseases create challenging problems in commercial agriculture and pose real economic threats to both conventional and organic farming systems. In an organic system, disease-control strategies should have an ecological basis.

Sustaining and improving soil quality over the long term are frequently identified by organic farmers as their primary management goals.

Insecticides, acaricides, fungicides, and herbicides listed for use on 64 specialty crops or crop groups.

Certification and registration, though separate processes, are similar with respect to organic standards and requirements. Both are intended to ensure differentiation and integrity of organic production, handling, and processing.

Weed management in organic vegetable production systems must involve the use of many techniques and strategies, all with the goal of achieving economically acceptable weed control and crop yields.

Organic soil fertility management is guided by the philosophy of “feed the soil to feed the plant.” This basic precept is implemented through a series of practices designed to increase soil organic matter, biological activity, and nutrient availability.