Momentum for sustainable and organic farming remains strong, driven by concerns for environmental stewardship, health, and social responsibility. As of the 2022 USDA Organic Certified Survey, the number of certified organic operations in the United States grew to 18,263, covering 5,083,623 acres. However, Mississippi continues to have a limited presence, with only 5 certified specialty crop operations as per the USDA Organic Integrity Database. Building on our initial findings, this year’s research continues to investigate the motivations and barriers producers face when adopting organic principles. In year two, we expanded the reach of our survey, pushing the 43-question instrument into all 50 states with the assistance of our partners. The survey remains focused on key challenges including social, environmental, and technical concerns. The core themes from year one—environmental consciousness, financial constraints, and the knowledge-implementation gap—remain prevalent, but we have also observed evolving trends in the responses. Producers continue to cite environmental and market motivations as key drivers. They emphasize the benefits of education on the producer and consumer level as a potential solution. Financial challenges remain a significant barrier, with many producers expressing concerns about the high costs of transition and the economic uncertainty during the process. New insights have emerged regarding the growing role of social networks and community support in facilitating the adoption of organic practices, suggesting that social capital may help mitigate some of the technical and financial challenges producers face. Our case study of a beginning farmer in Calhoun City, Mississippi, highlighted valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by farmers in a region where organic practices are still uncommon. It also highlighted the importance of bridging the knowledge gap and improving support systems for producers. The insights and data garnered have been used to develop a regional database of interested producers. These growers are helping refine recommendations and contribute to the development of targeted programs aimed at supporting the transition to organics including conferences, publication, and other educational efforts. These ongoing experiences continue to guide our understanding of the complexities of transitioning to organic agriculture, offering real-world examples that complement the survey data. As we move forward, we are also exploring how farmers' willingness to adopt organic practices evolves over time and how external factors may influence their decisions. This ongoing research plays a crucial role in advancing the transition to organic certification, ensuring producers are supported in their effort to pursue sustainable practices.
