Right here’s what stood out most—and what issues to your farm heading into 2026. 

1. Natural paperwork remains to be a significant headache 

In the event you’ve been by way of natural certification, this gained’t shock you—paperwork remains to be one of many greatest boundaries to turning into and sustaining certification.  Throughout the board, farmers agreed: natural certification takes an excessive amount of time. Farmers throughout the nation echoed the identical points: 

The large query: how will we scale back paperwork with out weakening natural integrity?  

What’s wanted: 
There’s rising momentum to simplify and standardize the method, particularly for smaller and repeat growers. This might imply easier functions, standardized kinds, and fewer repeat paperwork—with out decreasing natural integrity. Farmers need to spend extra time farming—and fewer time translating paperwork. 

Many farmers expressed a necessity for: 

2. Farm labor challenges aren’t going away 

Labor wasn’t only a facet dialog—it was entrance and heart. From January to September 2025, the U.S. meals system noticed a drop of 750,000 documented staff, whereas the trade continues to rely closely on undocumented labor. As staff go away, these remaining are anticipated to tackle extra—placing further pressure on farms. 

One main takeaway: natural agriculture should do extra to assist and defend farmworkers, particularly undocumented staff who’re most susceptible. This dialog tied again to the 4 ideas of natural agriculture—Well being, Ecology, Equity, and Care—with a powerful emphasis on equity in labor practices. Key insurance policies mentioned included the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which might: 

There was additionally dialogue of the Equitable Meals Initiative, which works to confirm truthful labor practices on farms. Some sobering realities shared: 

Backside line: These are complicated, systems-level challenges—however the message was clear: complexity can’t be an excuse for inaction. Mechanization alone gained’t repair it, and a resilient natural system should embody a secure and guarded workforce. A protracted-term resolution would want to deal with immigration and employee protections.  

3. Natural vs. regenerative—what’s the distinction? 

You’ve in all probability heard extra about “regenerative” currently. Right here’s the sensible distinction: 

Watch-outs with regenerative: 

There was additionally dialogue of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), which measure environmental impacts throughout manufacturing programs. Whereas extensively used, their accuracy relies upon closely on methodology. Ongoing analysis goals to enhance information high quality and fill gaps.  

Backside line: Natural stays the muse—however conversations round measuring outcomes are evolving. 

4. Natural must do a greater job telling its story 

Natural remains to be a $70+ billion trade, with over 80% of households shopping for natural at the least often and nonetheless, there’s concern that natural is beginning to really feel like simply one other label—particularly to youthful shoppers. There’s a necessity to raised talk the “why” behind natural—its environmental, well being, and social advantages—whereas sustaining belief.  There’s additionally a rising realization that branding and storytelling matter. Organics can’t depend on the label alone—prospects need to know the “why” behind the product. 

Takeaway for farmers: 
Your story, your practices, and your transparency matter greater than ever. 

Different insights: 

There was additionally reflection on how natural is perceived at this time. Some youthful shoppers see it as a part of the broader meals system they mistrust—elevating the query: 

How can natural keep true to its roots whereas working inside a regulated, large-scale market? 

5. Home provide nonetheless issues 

Provide chain resilience was one other key theme. The natural market is powerful (over $70 billion), however provide chain gaps stay. There’s growing curiosity in strengthening home natural manufacturing and infrastructure, which may create actual alternatives for farmers—if coverage and funding comply with by way of. 

Massive image: 
There’s actual alternative for U.S. growers if infrastructure and coverage catch up. We see this in examples akin to: 

Alternative: 
Strengthening home natural manufacturing and infrastructure may create extra stability—and extra market alternatives for U.S. farmers.