What is Certified Organic?
According to the NOP definition, organic production is: “A production system that “respond[s] to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” In a survey conducted by OFRF in 2004, out of the 17 categories provided, respondents identified their three most important reasons for farming organically:
- Land stewartship, ecological sustainability
- Chemical avoidance for family, farm workers, and environmental health
- Organic represents good farming practices--view farm as ecological system
Source: OFRF,2004. www.ofrf/publicatons/index.html
What is “organic”?
Agricultural products sold as “organic” in the US and bearing the USDA organic seal must be produced and handled in accordance with the National Organic Program as established by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. USDA NOP restricts the use of the term “organic” only to those producers and processors who have gone through the steps of certification with an accredited certifying agent. NOTE: Those producers who sell less than $5000 gross sales in organic products are exempted from the certification process but may not use the USDA seal.
The NOP Regulation state that organic farmers must use cultural and biological farming methods to control weeds, insects, and diseases while building soil fertility and enhancing the overall health of the agricultural system. Prior to being certified, the land must have been free from prohibited substances (including synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides and genetically modified crops) for a minimum of thirty-six months from time of last application to time of harvest. During the certification, the producer must document inputs, farm activities, production and harvest practices, and sales to show compliance to the Regulation. Organic farming is guided by nature but requires intensive management to be a viable operation.
What are the 5 steps to organic certification?
1. Application
Most certifiers include their application form with their own created version of the “Organic System Plan, OSP.” The OSP must include: (NOP 205.203)
- A description of the organic production practices and procedures to be performed.
- A list of all substances used in the organic production; including composition, and location it will be used. Supporting documents will be required (MSDS or labels from the products).
- A list of the monitoring practices to be performed including the frequency of the monitoring.
- A description of the recordkeeping system to be able to trace the product from production through final sales.
- A description of the management practices and physical barriers established to prevent commingling of organic and nonorganic products on a split operation and to prevent contact of organic production and handling operations and products with prohibited substances.
- Any additional information deemed necessary by the certifying agent.
2. Initial Review
The certifying agent will review your OSP and supporting documents to verify that it “appears to comply or may be able to comply with the applicable requirements.” (NOP 205.403)
3. On-site Inspection
A qualified organic inspector will be assigned by the certifier to come to your farming operation to verify that you are producing as you stated in your OSP. They will be looking at your crops, field borders, input substance bags and labels, and conducting an audit trail of your records to verify the purchases and sales are within tolerance of your production.
4. Final Review and Non-Compliances
The certifier will perform a final review of all your paperwork, including the inspector’s report. If there is missing information or deficiencies, you will be sent a certification decision letter telling you what you need to send in to complete the process and give you a timeframe to get everything corrected. Unless there are uncorrectable issues in your operation the letter is not something to worry about, but must not be ignored or you won’t receive your certificate.
5. Certification
After you correct any deficiencies or other information needed, the certifier will send you the organic certificate.
YOU ARE NOW CERTIFIED ORGANIC!