Exploring Careers in the Organic Industry: A Conversation with Our Intern

The Organic Industry: Growing Opportunities 

The organic food industry has grown into a multi-billion-dollar market and it’s still on the rise. As more consumers seek transparency, sustainability, and healthier choices, the demand for organic products continues to expand.

With that growth comes a wide range of career opportunities. While farming is at the heart of organic agriculture, there are also roles in certification, auditing, food policy, research, marketing, supply chain, and sustainability consulting. At Where Food Comes From, we see first-hand how many hands and talents it takes to bring organic food from farm to table. 

To shed light on what it’s like to step into this dynamic industry, we sat down with our newest intern, who has spent the past two seasons working on organic farms along Colorado’s Front Range and is now diving into the certification side of organic with Where Food Comes From Organic. His insight reflects both the challenges and the promise of a career in this vital field.

A snapshot from Brian on his past experiences working on organic farms. 

Q&A with Our Intern – Brian Marks

Q: What excites you most about working in the organic industry right now? 

“Organic food and the USDA Organic label have helped to build trust between producers and consumers, illuminating the production practices behind the food that we eat and revealing where our food comes from. As a result, the organic industry is thriving, having grown dramatically in recent years, and is the reason why I am working with Where Food Comes From Organic.

It excites me that my work will enable consumer choice for food produced naturally and sustainably - and will enable organic producers to be rewarded for their honesty and effort!”

Q: How has your experience working on farms shaped your perspective on organic agriculture?

“I have worked two seasons on farms along the Front Range, both of which use organic production practices. What I came to understand as I worked on these farms is that organic agriculture is hard. It requires careful consideration of inputs, procedures, practices, and the environment to maintain organic integrity.

However, while organic agriculture is challenging, it is also rewarding. The quality of the food that our communities eat and whether it was produced sustainably matters to me. Knowing that the food I produced was natural, nutritious, and cultivated using practices that encourage ecological balance brings me pride.”

Scenes from Brian’s past work on organic farms.

Q: What do you hope to learn during your internship with Where Food Comes From Organic?

“I hope to learn more about how regulation operates at all levels of production across crops, livestock, and food handling operations, and how these regulations are enforced. Moreover, I hope to learn more about how the transition from conventional to organic production is facilitated, and how organic certifiers can ease this transition.”

Q: Why do you think organic farming and food systems matter for the future?

“Organic farming and food systems matter for the future because they shape our communities and our ecosystems. Ensuring that our communities receive fresh, nutritious food products from organic farms and distributors can improve the health outcomes of these communities. Furthermore, the organic focus on ecological balance is critical to preserving the integrity and productivity of our agricultural systems.”

Q: Where Food Comes From works with farmers, ranchers, and food companies across the country. What part of that work are you most excited to learn about?

“I am curious to learn more about the ranches and livestock handling operations that Where Food Comes From Organic works with. Given my background in farming, I am familiar with the processes involved in crop production but have not had the chance to learn about the processes involved with raising livestock—and I’m excited to do so during my internship!”

Where it all started: Brian’s seasons on organic farms shaped his path into the organic industry.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself within the organic industry?

“I can picture myself in a variety of roles within the organic industry, including organic inspector, organic certification specialist, or organic-agronomic researcher. I feel strongly that enforcing regulations and protecting organic integrity are critical to securing trust in the organic industry, and I believe that researching and improving organic production systems will allow farms to feed more people and reduce costs to both organic producers and consumers.”

The Next Generation of Organic Leaders

Our intern’s passion for sustainable food systems and integrity-driven agriculture mirrors the very foundation of the organic movement. His experience reflects what makes this industry so special: it welcomes those who care deeply about transparency, environmental balance, and the connection between people and their food.

At Where Food Comes From, we’re proud to support not only producers and certifiers but also the next generation of professionals who will carry the organic industry forward.

Conclusion: Start Your Journey in the Organic Industry

The organic industry is full of opportunity - from the field to the lab to certification offices and beyond. Whether you’re passionate about science, sustainability, policy, or people, there’s a place for you in the movement toward a more transparent food system. 

Interested in being part of the future of food?

Check out the latest career opportunities with Where Food Comes From to start your journey.