Government Resources

• What "Organically-Grown" Means -- according to the EPA
• The USDA National Organic Program website:
  http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/IndexIE.htm
• The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances:
  http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NationalList/ListHome.html
• The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) Products List:
  http://www.omri.org/OMRI_brand_name_list.html
• Organic Food Production. Alternative Farming Systems Information Center:
  http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/ofp/
• Organic Crop Production Overview:
  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/organiccrop.html

University Resources

• Economic Significance of Organic Fruit Production in New England, the US, and the World (2002)
• Scab Resistant cultivars (SRC)-- important consideration in organic apple production. The Final Report of a multi-year, regional project focused on the evaluation of SRC would provide valuable insights into whether they are appropriate for your situation. Also, Dr. David Rosenberger's Update on Scab-Resistant Cultivars and Advanced Selections for Consideration in New Plantings should be a 'must read' if you are considering a new orchard.
• Michigan* State University Extension Organic Apple Spray Program includes table on insect control.
• The Ohio* State University Apple Disease Program
  

*Please note that the pest complex and environmental conditions are somewhat different in New England but these programs offer information and insights on the challenges of arthropod and disease management.