Recordkeeping Resources

Software

Several business planning and recordkeeping programs and resources are available from a variety of sources–some free and many are available for purchase. Some lend themselves to hand-written records (some producers prefer this type); others are computer-based.

 

The Rodale Institute’s Electronic Organic System Plan tool

The purpose of this tool is to help you assemble the necessary documentation to apply for organic certification through an accredited certifying agent.

You might also browse some of the ideas and programs discussed at Cornell’s Northeast Organic Network: http://www.neon.cornell.edu/training/resources.html#software.

 

Small Farm Central

Small Farm Central’s “Member Assembler” integrates online CSA member sign-up, payment processing, and member management tools to create a package that will save CSAs numerous Spring hours, ease the sign-up process for members, and reduce data-entry errors.

 

CSA Farm Planning Software

Whether you are new at starting a CSA farm, or already have experience, this online planning software can help simplify your planning. The Fantastic Farm & Garden Calculator handles all the heavy thinking for you, and you only need to enter the basic info about your farm and your growing needs.

 

COG Pro

Record-keeping for organic certification.

 

 

Paper Resources

Growing Small Farms Organic Certification Recordkeeping, NC Cooperative Extension

http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms/orgrecords.html

 

Vermont Organic Farmers, LLC – Recordkeeping Forms

http://nofavt.org/programs/organic-certification/record-keeping-forms

 

 

ATTRA Resources

A general discussion and several ideas can be found in the ATTRA newsletter issue focused on recordkeeping: http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/attranews_1105.html. Articles in it discuss some of the reasons for keeping records.

 

Agricultural Business Planning Templates and Resources

This resource list contains sources of business planning templates and further resources for agricultural enterprises. These resources include Internet and print resources as well as training courses and workshops.

https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=276

Links to the following recordkeeping series can be found in the organic farming, organic regulation and certification section at http://attra.org/organic.html#overview