Question 1

Who is eligible/what are the requirements for farmers who want to participate?

Accepted Answer

Growers that are interested in transitioning a minimum of 150 acres of row crop production to organic certified. Growers in any phase of the transition (T1,T2,T3) are eligible. Growers that are seeking to expand their organic production are also eligible.

Question 2

Will Cargill contract with farmers for the off-take of their transitional grains as part of the agreement?

Accepted Answer

During the transition period, growers can market their grain to Cargill as conventional or non-gmo. All standard grain marketing and contracting terms will apply. Non-GMO market access will be subject to both location availability and IP requirements and non-GMO premiums will be subject to market price/premiums.

Question 3

Will farmers be guaranteed price premiums for their transitional grains?

Accepted Answer

All standard grain marketing and contracting terms will apply.  Non-GMO market access is subject to both location availability and IP requirements.  Non-GMO premiums are subject to market price/premiums.

Question 4

Once the acres have transitioned, how long will farmers have a guaranteed market for their organic grains?"

Accepted Answer

Growers will be required to market all successfully transitioned corn and soybean acreage via Cargill for two to five years with the intent to maximize soybean production. Cash contracts for either bushels or acres will be separate from the off-take agreement; price and quantity will be agreed upon separately and based on market conditions.

Question 5

How much will farmers be able to make per acre once they have transitioned?

Accepted Answer

Pricing will be subject to market conditions.

Question 6

Will the grains used for the feed be USDA certified organic or will they be certified regenerative organic?

Accepted Answer

At this time, we expect the acreage to be USDA certified organic.

Question 7

What are the agreed product specifications?

Accepted Answer

Sourced from domestic origins within the U.S., compliant with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), and fit for consumption in compliance with all relevant food safety laws and labeling.

Question 8

What are the agreed testing methods?

Accepted Answer

Composite samples will be taken from every truck or rail car delivered to Cargill prior to receiving following Federal Grain Inspection Service methods. Products must also meet minimum quality standards for moisture, GMOs, foreign material, prohibited substances under the NOP and mycotoxin as detectable by analytical testing in accordance with American of Feed Control Officials.

Question 9

Where will the grain be transported and stored?

Accepted Answer

Soybeans – Boyd Station, Danville, PA
Corn – Cargill Feed Mill, Winfield, PA

U.S. Organic GRAIN INITIATIVE

Frequently asked questions