Appendix B. 
General Explanation and Report Form 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPORT FORM 
Planning for the NASS organic production survey 
began in the fall of 2013. Report form content was 
developed with individuals from the organic industry 
and with representatives from other federal agencies. 
NASS pretested an early draft of the report form by 
conducting cognitive interviews with organic 
producers. Results from the cognitive interviews, 
along with recommendations from industry and 
federal representatives, were carefully considered 
before the final 2014 Organic Survey report form 
was completed. 
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 
Acres and quantity harvested. Most crops were 
reported in whole and tenths of acres depending 
upon the commodity. Totals for crops reported in 
tenths of acres were rounded to whole acres at the 
aggregate level during the tabulation process. 
Nursery and greenhouse crops grown under glass or 
other protection were reported in square feet and are 
published in square feet. If a crop was planted but 
not harvested, the acres were not reported as 
harvested. 
All other production expenses. See Production 
expenses. 
Certifying agency. An agency or organization that, 
for an annual fee, certifies an operation’s organic 
practices are in accordance with the USDA rules. 
Certified organic commodity. Any commodity 
produced according to the National Organic Program 
standards. For more information, go to 
http://www.ams.usda.gov and select the National 
Organic Program. 
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). A type 
of operation intended to create a relationship 
2012 Census of Agriculture 
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service 
between farmers and consumers in which risks and 
bounties are shared. CSA customers buy shares for a 
season by paying a fee in advance. In return, they 
receive a regular (in most cases weekly) selection of 
food. 
Consumer Direct Sales. This is the process of 
marketing directly to consumers. Sometimes it is 
called relationship marketing. U-Pick or Pick-Your- 
Own farms grow crops specifically to be harvested 
by customers. Community Supported Agriculture 
customers buy shares for a season by paying a fee in 
advance. 
Cut Christmas trees. Data are for acres of organic 
Christmas trees - cut or to be cut - in production, 
number of trees cut, and value of sales. 
Direct-to-retail marketing. This is an agreement 
between the producer/grower and the retailer (food 
store, restaurant, or institution) to provide a specific 
product. Generally, with specific quality standards. 
EQIP Organic Initiative. A program administered 
by the National Resource Conservation Service 
(NRCS) which provides financial support and 
planning to help farmers implement conservation 
practices to support the environmental sustainability 
of their organic operations. 
Exempt organic farms. These farms follow the 
NOP standards and expect to have less than $5,000 
in annual sales. Exempt farms may use the term 
organic but are not eligible to use the USDA Organic 
seal. 
First point of sale. This is the first point at which 
money is exchanged for organic products. 
Floriculture and bedding crops. This category 
includes annuals, herbaceous perennials, vegetable 
plants for sale, cut flowers and cut florist greens, 
Appendix B B - 1 
