Organic Certification

Is it possible to certify only part of the farm?

Yes. All certifying bodies operating in Tasmania will support part certification of a farm. However, they would prefer that the part certification lead to a whole of property certification within ten years. A part certification means that a farmer can try organic farming on part of the holding without having to commit the whole farm.

Can I process both organic and conventional foods?

Yes, many processors who have undertaken to have their premises certified organic have continued to produce both conventional and organic lines. Processing organic product imposes some restrictions. Using an abattoir as an example, organic processing can generally only be carried out as the first production run after a thorough clean down. This would generally be in the morning, the Monday after a clean down which usually occurs at the end of the working week on a Friday.

Processors need to ensure that products are segregated to ensure that there is no risk of cross contamination through contact with conventional products. In the cropping/orchard situation, part of a property can be converted. Where livestock are involved it is more difficult because they usually cover the whole farm. Where an enterprise processes both organic and conventional product the facility must be cleaned to organic standards. This often means that lines are stored until enough organic product is available to justify the expense of the clean down. If you are in doubt, talk to your certifying body to clarify the situation.

I have just purchased or hope to purchase a farm. I would like to farm it organically. Can you give me some information on crops that I can grow and what I need to do to be organic?

There are many things that will help you determine which crops can be grown on a farm, such as farm location, climate, and soil types. Your farming experience/knowledge and your time availability will also be factors in determining which crops are most suited to you.

I want to begin farming organically. How will this be different from the more conventional farming practices that I already use?

Organic production of crops is very similar to regular production for planting, harvesting. Varieties are usually the same. Fertility, weeds and other pests need to be managed in a more intensive way. Crop rotation and timing of mechanical cultivation are critical to success. The integration of livestock, to help supply manure/compost nutrients will also be a benefit.

Is organic farming expanding?

In 2005 there were approx. 500 certified organic farms in Ontario with over 90,000 acres of certified land. This is more than double the comparable numbers for 1996. Growth of organic food sales in North America is frequently reported as being consistently around 20% per year for the past 10 years.

What does the process entail?

Once you have undertaken adequate research and decided that you want to proceed with certification, you will need to apply to a certification body, submit an application form and then pay the initial fees. The application form may include a questionnaire requesting information about the farm management history, including previous chemical usage, cultivation practices, fertilisers and pest control inputs. The initial 12 month period is generally referred to as "pre-certification". The next two years are referred to as the "in-conversion" period.

Is organic production economically feasible?

Many factors need to be considered by producers when taking into account the economic feasibility of converting to organic production. Often, within the first few years, yields might be reduced. If your region is not suited to organic production this will also increase financial risks. There may be reduced costs involved in relation to not having to purchase chemicals, however, there may be increases related to the cost of organically certified inputs such as feed, organic fertilisers and segregation.

What pesticides can I use in organic production?

1 .No chemical weedkillers are allowed in organic production.
2. A very small number of basic fungicides are allowed – you need to obtain special permission (derogation) to use them.
3. A very small number of simple insecticides are allowed– you need to obtain special permission (derogation) to use them.

Can I use fertilizers in organic production?

Artificial fertilizers are not allowed in organic production. Soil fertility for growing crops and grass is based on:

• Planned cropping rotations
• Clover in grazing and cutting swards or green manures
• Managed use of manures, composts, and slurries
• Approved supplementary fertilizing materials
• Imported organic manures such as organic poultry manure – limited use

Organic means no sprays, no fertilizers, you just let crops grow – right?

Wrong - Organic production requires you to develop an integrated production system including:

• Planned cropping rotations
• Clover as a means of getting nitrogen into the soil
• Managed use of manures, composts, and slurries
• Carefully selected crop and grass varieties
• Mechanical weed control techniques

What is organic farming?

Organic farming is a farming system which produces high quality food to an EU approved set of standards.Organic food products leaving a farm or processing plant are certified to these standards as a means of guaranteeing to consumers that the products have been produced according to these organic standards.

What is the Organic Farming Scheme?

The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is an Agri-environment package which supports conversion to organic production. OFS agreements run for a period of five years during which you are committed to farming according to organic standards and remaining certified by an organic certification body.

Is there a grant for converting organic buildings?

There is currently no grant scheme for organic buildings.

How long does organic certification take?

Land normally has to go through a minimum of two years before it achieves full organic status (also known as symbol status).
Crops sown or transplanted into fully organic land may be sold as organic.
Livestock to be sold as organic will be available some time after the land has achieved fully organic status. The time period will depend on the type of stock and other factors.

Does my land have to be tested so it can be certified as organic?

Land is not tested for pesticide or other residues unless a problem is suspected, but a recent soil analysis is required for certification.

Who controls organic certification?

EC Council Regulation 2092/91 controls and regulates organic production in the EU. It will be replaced by an updated Regulation 834/2007 on 1 January 2009.
In the UK, Defra publishes the “Compendium of UK Organic Standards” as the UK’s base line for organic certification, on behalf of the four UK rural affairs departments.

Who carries out organic certification?

A number of Defra-approved independent organic certification bodies carry out organic certification on farms and processing units.

Who do I contact for certification?

You contact one of the independent certification bodies directly.

Who should I contact to find out more and get the process of conversion underway?

A recommended option is to contact the CAFRE Organic Team on 028 9442 6765.
You will be put in contact with the appropriate organic development adviser who can assist you with the conversion and certification processes and provide ongoing technical support.
They will also provide information on the Organic Farming Scheme.

When am I able to sell my first organic produce?

During the first year of conversion produce may not be sold as organic – it must be sold onto the non-organic (conventional) market.
If appropriate, produce during the second year of conversion may be sold as “organic – in-conversion” produce, if there is a market for it.
Once land has completed its conversion to full organic status, crops sown or transplanted into fully organic land may be sold as organic.
Livestock to be sold as organic will be available some time after the land has achieved fully organic status. The time period will depend on the type of stock and other factors.

What are organic standards?

Organic standards are the set of “rules” which, as a registered organic producer, you must follow in order to maintain your certificate which will allow you to sell produce as organic.

Can I use veterinary medicines in organic livestock production?

Most veterinary medicines are allowed in organic systems, usually on an individual animal basis.
You need special permission, based on proving a real need, to use them.
If too many medicines are used, there is a risk of animals losing their organic status.

Does straw for bedding have to be organic?

Ideally yes, but it is accepted that there simply is not enough organic straw available, so non-organic straw may be used.

Source

http://www.icrisat.org/vasat/learning_resources/OrganicFAQs/organic_farming.htm    
www.mycorrhizae.com
www.hortsorb.com
http://kendujhar.nic.in/
http://www.greenpeace.org