Overview Meaning of the O word The National Organic Program Benefits of going Organic Who must be certified Applying for organic certification

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2 2 Overview Meaning of the O word The National Organic Program Benefits of going Organic Who must be certified Applying for organic certification Organic requirements Organic inspection Fees

3 Organic Claim What it s Not Chemical Free Natural Health Claim

4 Natural vs. Organic The use of the term Natural is loosely regulated. The use of the term Organic is highly regulated by the USDA - National Organic Program.

5 What is the National Organic Program Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) established and oversees the National Organic Program (NOP). Regulations went into effect on IDALS is an Accredited Certifier.

6 Benefit of National Organic Program Regulations Uniform organic production & processing requirements throughout the U.S.; Uniform labeling of organic products; Established compliance procedures and enforcement.

7 So What does Organic Mean? Organic refers to a complete production and processing system that is inspected and audited for compliance with federal regulations on an annual basis. Organic is a labeling term that is highly regulated by the USDA s National Organic Program (NOP).

8 Organic Apple Growing Organic farming does not refer to a specific way of farming as much as it refers to compliance with a set of regulations. Organic regulations establish production parameters but there can be a variety of farming methods or approaches used while complying with them.

9 Balancing your approach: 1. Organic-by-Neglect: au naturale approach. Nature knows best - let nature run its course. There is little-to-no management here. Some use of cultural practices but inputs are not used. 2. Organic Health Management: Stewarding what needs to be right while intelligently setting limits on what might go wrong (Michael Phillips, The Holistic Orchard). Focus is on managing orchard diversity and supporting soil biology to enhance orchard health.

10 Balancing your approach: 3. Integrated (pest) Management: Pest activity is monitored and management practices are used that balances economics with the least possible risk to people and the environment. Pest life cycles must be understood. Inputs are an important management tool. 4. Substitution Approach: Substitutes the use of organically approved products over conventional products. Little regard to ecosystem balance just follow the formula.

11 Organic farming methods used must respond to sitespecific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

12 Benefit of Organic Agriculture Reduced pesticide residues in the water and food. Reduced nutrient pollution: improved soil tilth, soil organic matter, and productivity; and lower energy use Carbon sequestration Enhanced biodiversity Ecosystem Services Emerging Issues in the US Organic Industry / Economic Research Service/USDA

13 Benefit for the Organic Producer Producers receive a premium for the organic product: Apples nearly 30% over conventional price Grapes nearly 20% premium Watermelon over 60% premium

14 WHO MUST BE CERTIFIED? Operations that grow, process & sell products as organic must be certified. Exemptions & Exclusions: Sales of $5000 or less; Handling operations of products containing less than 70% organic ingredients; and Handling operations that do not process or repackage the organic product.

15 Going Organic! From Soil, to Seed/Plant to Sale How do I get there from here? Develop an Organic System Plan (OSP) Comply with organic requirements Maintain records Certification

16 Application for Organic Certification The application packet is divided into sections to reflect the different requirements. Completing the application (Organic System Plan). Organic System Plan must be updated annually. Maintain records for minimum of 5 years. Submit all required fees.

17 Organic Crop Requirements Organic System Plan Land Requirements Soil Fertility & Crop Nutrient Management Seeds & Planting Stock Crop Pest, Weed & Disease Management Harvest, Handling & Storage Record Keeping

18 Land Requirements 36-month transition period from last application of prohibited substance to harvest of first organic crop Example: June 1, 2010 Prohibited Substance applied June 1, 2013 = 1 st organic harvest!

19 Land Requirements Distinct defined boundaries and buffer zones: Boundary between your organic farm and nonorganic area should be something that is easily observable. Examples: fence line; row of trees; road, etc. Buffer is the area between your boundary and organic production area maintained to prevent unintended contact with prohibited substances.

20 Land Requirements Buffer Zone: Must be sufficient in size or use other features to prevent the possibility of unintended contact with prohibited substances applied to adjacent land areas.

21 Land Requirements Chemical Drift Drift must be reported. Drift should be reported to the IDALS Pesticide Bureau Residue testing may be conducted. Fields incurring chemical drift must go through 3- year transition again.

22 Land Requirements Safeguards IDALS Sensitive Crops Registry Roadside Signage Written notification to: Highway Departments; Electric Companies; Neighbors; and Aerial Applicators.

23 Soil Fertility & Crop Nutrient Management Manage plant and animal materials to maintain or improve organic matter without contributing to contamination of plants, soil and water; Select tillage & cultivation practices that maintain or improve soil condition; Sewage sludge is prohibited.

24 Soil Fertility & Crop Nutrient Management Crop Rotation Alternate crops Must include but not be limited to sod, cover crops, green manure crops, that: maintain or improve soil organic matter provide for pest management Manage deficient or excess plant nutrients Provide Erosion Control

25 Soil Fertility & Crop Nutrient Management Sewage sludge is prohibited. Animal manure may be used with the following restrictions: Incorporate at least 120 days prior to harvest, if food portion contacts soil; Incorporate 90 days prior to harvest, if food portion does not contact soil.

26 Soil Fertility & Crop Nutrient Management Plant or Soil Amendments Aquatic plants - Micronutrients

27 Seeds & Planting Stock Requirement: Organic seeds, annual seedlings & planting stock must be used Exception: - You may plant untreated Non-GMO non-organic seeds & planting stock if organic is not available.

28 Seeds & Planting Stock Non-organic perennial planting stock may be used after 1 year of organic management if land will have undergone 3-year transition.

29 Seeds & Planting Stock Crop rotation & crop nutrient management Sanitation measures Cultural practices that enhance crop health (e.g. plant selection)

30 Crop Pest, Weed & Disease Management Mechanical or physical methods including: Introduction of predators or parasites Development of habitat for natural enemies of pests Use of Nonsynthetic controls such as lures, traps & repellents

31 Crop Pest, Weed & Disease Management Mowing Livestock grazing Hand-weeding & mechanical cultivation Flame, heat or electrical means Synthetic herbicides are prohibited

32 Crop Pest, Weed & Disease Management Mulch - Eg. Hay, straw, grass clippings, newspaper (without glossy or colored ink). Plastic remove at end of season

33 Crop Pest, Weed & Disease Management When the practices (listed in the regulation) are insufficient to prevent or control crop pests, weeds, and diseases: A biological or botanical substance or a substance included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic production may be applied.

34 Crop Pest, Weed & Disease Management - Inputs Synthetic substances are prohibited unless listed as allowed on the National List ( ) Nonsynthetic substances are allowed unless listed as prohibited on the National List

35 Examples of Allowed Herbicides GreenMatch O Burndown Herbicide Nature s Avenger Organic Herbicide AllDown Herbicide

36 Harvest & Handling Harvesting The Crop: Dedicate harvest equipment to organic only; or Clean & purge harvest equipment. Maintain equipment clean-out documentation. Crop Storage: Dedicate storage units for organic only; Label all organic units for organic use only; & Identify storage areas and bins etc., as organic.

37 Record Keeping for Producers Input Labels Invoices or receipts from purchase of plants Non-GMO/Untreated Documents Equipment Cleaning Logs Sales documents, Transaction Certificates, Storage logs Field Activity Logs Soil Tests and Water Tests

38 * View - Field Borders - Crops - Buffers - Equipment - View Storage Areas * Review OSP * Audit records Takes 2 3 hours Farm Inspection

39 Inspection Conclusion Exit Interview Exit interview communicate concerns noticed Complete Inspection Exit Interview Inspector writes narrative report Certification staff reviews inspection report

40 Certificate Certification decision is made Certificate is issued and producer receives copy of inspection report Report indicates scope of certification.

41 Fees Application Fee: $125 Inspection Fee - Crops: $275 Tree Crops: $16.50/acre Vegetables: $27.50/acre Certification Fee: Varies by crop per acre ($ minimum)

42 Maury Wills Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship Tel: / Fax: maury.wills@iowaagriculture.gov