1 / 22

Organics is Not as Far Out as You Might Think

Organics is Not as Far Out as You Might Think. It’s Not This Anymore ( well, not much anyway ). In Virginia there are estimated to be over 600 organic and 150 - 175 certified organic producers. Also: 4 certified organic meat processors 9 certified organic dairies 6 certified tobacco farms

yitta
Télécharger la présentation

Organics is Not as Far Out as You Might Think

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Organics is Not as Far Out as You Might Think

  2. It’s Not This Anymore(well, not much anyway) In Virginia there are estimated to be over 600 organic and 150 - 175 certified organic producers. Also: • 4 certified organic meat processors • 9 certified organic dairies • 6 certified tobacco farms • 4 certified grain mills • 6 certified beef operations • at least 25 certified processors • 6 certified coffee companies • 100+ certified crop operations

  3. An Overview of the Structure of Organic Certification

  4. “What’s the Deal on“Organic” VS “Natural?”

  5. “Natural” can mean anything…There is no government standard for “Natural.”

  6. “Organic” is a USDA Enforceable Standard.The USDA’s says, “organic production” is “a production system that is managed … to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” In other words, organic farms are farms which are managed in harmony with natural systems.

  7. The Rules and Regs • Organic certification is based on the USDA National Standards and the National List of allowed synthetic and prohibited natural materials (look on the USDA/NOP website) • The OMRI List (Organic Materials Review Institute) also lists SOME allowable generic materials and brand name products). (www.omri.org)

  8. What About the Little Guy? Less than 5K on the organic side of the farm can use the word “Organic” without going through the certification process but has to adhere to all of the same organic standards, including record keeping, that certified organic producers do.

  9. Is “Organic” the Same as “Certified Organic?” No - If a product is certified organic it means that they have gone through the process of certification and have been granted an organic certificate by a certification company. So when someone says they are “organic” it is more of a description of their production methods does not necessarily mean they are “certifiable.”

  10. The Certification Process • Choose a certification company • Fill out the certifier’s application. • Get inspected • A report is submitted • A review takes place • Certification is granted (or not) with recommendations.

  11. Certification for Farm and Crop • 3 years of no prohibited pesticides/herbicides/inputs on land. • Affidavit may approve new land. • No GMO or treated seed but should be organic if available (check with your cert agency) • Buffer zones may be necessary..

  12. Certification for Farm and Crop • Must show traceability of finished product to its beginning: seed-harvest-sale. • Farm plan that covers ecological management, soil building, rotations, fertility management, stewardship. • Record keeping (planting, production, harvest).

  13. The Pros and Cons of Certified Organic. Possible Benefits - • Less $ is spent on fertilizers and chemicals. • More $ for sale of organic product. • Soil that’s more balanced and less dependent on inputs. • Possible reduction in disease/pest problems. • Healthier work environment.

  14. Possible Challenges - • May have to change some products and practices (more cultivation, timing of planting and cultivation more critical). • Higher seed, fertilizer costs (depending). • Some record keeping must occur. • Biggest challenge = the learning curve.

  15. Note: EVERY FARM IS DIFFERENT Every farm should be looked at individually because every operation is different with different issues. Each farm had its own strengths and weaknesses. The farmer needs to do his homework, research the markets and talk to other farmers that are doing it.

  16. Mythbusters I • Part of the farm can be certified. • Manure is allowable and doesn’t have to be from an organic source. • There are organic remedies for pest and disease issues - even the hard ones (aphids, fungus). • An affidavit (3 years “clean history”) may approve new land (leased or owned).

  17. Mythbusters II • At present there is a USDA cost share program in Virginia (call VDACS) that will reimburse the farmer for 75% of the cost of certification up to $500.00. • The average cost of certification for a small farmer is between $350.00 and $750.00. • There are sources for organic feed and seed in Virginia and that looks to be increasing as time goes on.

  18. I’m Interested - So What Next? • Research the markets and talk to other organic farmers. • Check out some organic related websites and organizations. (see handout). • Check out the National Organic Program website - look at the Q & A section. • Call a certification company doing work in Virginia and get an application. Reviewing it will give you a feel for the process.

More Related