Organic certification for field crops : a guide - Page 1 |
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To sell, label, or represent their products as “ organic,” growers and processors who sell organic products valued at $ 5,000 or more a year must be certified by a certifying agent accredited by the U. S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA). The National Organic Program Final Rule ( NOPFR) spells out requirements for organic crop and livestock production, handling, certification, and recordkeeping. ( The NOPFR and other related documents are available on the Web at www. ams. usda. gov/ nop/.) Organic Certification: An Overview Because all certifiers must follow USDA requirements, the organic certification process is similar across certifiers. The farmer- applicant, the certifying agent, and the inspector must complete specific steps. The farmer. A farmer seeking certification must do the following: 1. Comply with the federal standards for organic production ( Table 1). 2. Choose a certifier. 3. Complete an Organic Farm ( or System) Plan, which is also considered the application for certification. The Organic Farm Plan must describe all relevant aspects of the operation, include farm maps, and document a three- year field history for crops planted and inputs applied. ( See Recordkeeping Requirements on page 2 for more details.) 4. Submit the completed Organic Farm Plan as the application with certification fees and other required documents to the certification agency. The certifying agent 1. Reviews the Organic Farm Plan and accompanying documentation to ensure completeness and determine whether the applicant appears to comply or has the ability to comply. 2. Verifies information regarding any previous certifications, notification of noncompliance, or denials of certification. 3. Arranges an on- site inspection of the farm, the next step toward certification. The certifying agent assigns an organic inspector who calls the applicant to set up an appointment. The inspection may take 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the operation. The inspector 1. Verifies information from the Organic Farm Plan. To accomplish this, he or she inspects fields, farm buildings, and equipment; assesses contamination risks; fills out an onsite inspection report; and gathers as much information as needed for the certifying agent to determine if the operation complies with federal standards. 2. Evaluates crop health and growth, soil tilth, the fertility management program, pest and weed management strategies, seed sources, adjoining land uses, and the applicant’s understanding of and commitment to compliance. 3. Reviews records to ensure monitoring and compliance. The inspector may be Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. North Carolina State Uni- versity and North Carolina A& T State University com- mit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A& T State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. This guide provides an overview of the organic certification process for farmers who produce field crops. It includes sample forms that illustrate the kinds of records a farm must maintain for certification, and it provides tips for selecting a certifying agent. for Field Crops: Organic Certification a Guide
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Title | Organic certification for field crops : a guide - Page 1 |
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Full Text | To sell, label, or represent their products as “ organic,” growers and processors who sell organic products valued at $ 5,000 or more a year must be certified by a certifying agent accredited by the U. S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA). The National Organic Program Final Rule ( NOPFR) spells out requirements for organic crop and livestock production, handling, certification, and recordkeeping. ( The NOPFR and other related documents are available on the Web at www. ams. usda. gov/ nop/.) Organic Certification: An Overview Because all certifiers must follow USDA requirements, the organic certification process is similar across certifiers. The farmer- applicant, the certifying agent, and the inspector must complete specific steps. The farmer. A farmer seeking certification must do the following: 1. Comply with the federal standards for organic production ( Table 1). 2. Choose a certifier. 3. Complete an Organic Farm ( or System) Plan, which is also considered the application for certification. The Organic Farm Plan must describe all relevant aspects of the operation, include farm maps, and document a three- year field history for crops planted and inputs applied. ( See Recordkeeping Requirements on page 2 for more details.) 4. Submit the completed Organic Farm Plan as the application with certification fees and other required documents to the certification agency. The certifying agent 1. Reviews the Organic Farm Plan and accompanying documentation to ensure completeness and determine whether the applicant appears to comply or has the ability to comply. 2. Verifies information regarding any previous certifications, notification of noncompliance, or denials of certification. 3. Arranges an on- site inspection of the farm, the next step toward certification. The certifying agent assigns an organic inspector who calls the applicant to set up an appointment. The inspection may take 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the operation. The inspector 1. Verifies information from the Organic Farm Plan. To accomplish this, he or she inspects fields, farm buildings, and equipment; assesses contamination risks; fills out an onsite inspection report; and gathers as much information as needed for the certifying agent to determine if the operation complies with federal standards. 2. Evaluates crop health and growth, soil tilth, the fertility management program, pest and weed management strategies, seed sources, adjoining land uses, and the applicant’s understanding of and commitment to compliance. 3. Reviews records to ensure monitoring and compliance. The inspector may be Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. North Carolina State Uni- versity and North Carolina A& T State University com- mit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A& T State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. This guide provides an overview of the organic certification process for farmers who produce field crops. It includes sample forms that illustrate the kinds of records a farm must maintain for certification, and it provides tips for selecting a certifying agent. for Field Crops: Organic Certification a Guide |