USA: Certifier’s perspective: Organic production requires planning, dedication

Source: agriview.com
By Jeffrey Hoffelt

OrganicPortal NewsRoom

The Organic Farming Research Foundation estimates that, in 2011, 2 percent of all food produced in the U.S. was grown via organic methods. Climbing to a $12.8 billion industry, the niche product sector has become a farmer's market and grocery store mainstay due to boosted marketing and increased producer attention to detail.

"There certainly is a growing market for organic products," says Cissy Bowman, CEO of Indiana Certified Organic and an organic certifier. "It's one of the few sections of agriculture that's growing. People are beginning to make a decent living off of it."

Boosted marketability is a prominent driver for organic growth but Bowman has found that the most successful organic producers have made the transition for other reasons.

"There are environmental benefits for the animals, plants and you," she says. "You're not exposed to pesticides and other things that conventional farmers are. Many times, it is also based on a personal benefit-whether religious or a philosophical reason-to go to organic. It's often very personal."

Whatever the motive is behind a production change, the transition requires increased attention to detail and often takes years to complete before products can be marketed.

"There's generally a premium associated with the product but it does require recertification and a lot of record keeping," Bowman admits. "There's a lot of paperwork in organic farming. We'll give you some paperwork to fill out and, after you get done with that paperwork, we're probably going to ask for more."

Bowman's call for adequate operational records is practical advice for all producers.

"If you're not already keeping records-no matter what type of operation-you should really start keeping records, because you can learn a whole lot from them," she says. "The biggest noncompliance we write is that your record-keeping needs to be improved."

Before a noncompliance report can be issued to an organic producer, he or she must first undergo an intensive certification process.

Jackie Von Ruden, a farm certification manager at Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSES) in Viroqua, advises those interested in joining the organic sector to begin preparing for the process long before applying for certification. Though those who sell less than $5,000 of organic product per year do not need to be certified, she says that the early stages of record-keeping and adherence to regulations will assist once the financial level is met.

"The $5,000 exemption is there for people who are starting out," she says. "Most of the time, people aren't in that category for very long. In this scenario, I suggest you get a hold of a certifier and ask for the paperwork because the USDA does investigate these individuals. Start keeping the records anyway so, when you get to $4,999.99, you're good to go and you can contact an inspector to set you up with certification."

Both certifiers agree that the decision to become organically certified should come after thoughtful consideration.

"It's not right for everybody so you have to determine if it's right for you," Von Ruden says. "You need to be making a well thought-out choice to certify."

"An organic system relies on all parts; it works like the organs in your body," Bowman explains, referencing the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)'s definition of organic farming. "All parts work together to make a whole; each aspect is married in the system to work the best they can environmentally. Water, resources, soil all must balance."

Though many producers focus on environmental sustainability, it's the paper trail followed by organic certifiers that makes organic marketers unique.

"What you do out in the field makes you an organic farmer; what you do in your paperwork makes you a certified organic farmer," Von Ruden says, explaining that the Organic Certification Act that was passed as part of the 1990 Farm Bill created the NOSB which now provides regulations to all certifiers.

Since that time, approximately 100 professionals have been given the authority to certify organic operations worldwide. Of those, 55 reside in the United States. The certifiers work with federal inspectors to ensure the standards are being met before organic certification is granted.

"The USDA has the ultimate authority on enforcement but we are the ones on the front lawn," Von Ruden says. "As certifiers, we evaluate and certify every operation that's certified organic. We come to your farm and evaluate your practices to determine if they are effective and that organic standards are being implemented."

The certifiers also serve as a go-between linking producers and the USDA. Because they work cooperatively, certifiers serve as a resource to producers on regularly changing regulations.

Currently influx rules, according to Bowman, include details on: mushrooms, bees, aviaries, personal care items and aquaponics.

"Most recently, pasture standards have been added," she says. "If you're raising livestock, this is something you really need to learn about because the standards also include dry matter intake levels."

"It's a confusing regulation so that's why it's important to develop a relationship with your certifier," Von Ruden emphasizes, explaining that certifiers are knowledgeable on the NOSB's list of allowable synthetic products and organic ingredients that are not allowed in organic systems. "There are a lot of different resources out there that we can put you in touch with. Maintaining a relationship with your certifier is big."

Because the certifier of an operation will work with the producer long-term, selecting the professional is vital.

"Your certifier should be somebody that you feel comfortable with," Bowman says. "Look around, look at prices and talk with the certifiers and farmers in your area."

Questions to ask during the search for a certifier include: Do they certify for the standards you need? Are they able to certify for the area where you plan on selling (international vs. local markets)? How much experience do they have in the industry? What is their price and how is it charged? Do they fit with what you want to do in terms of size and geographic proximity? And do they have the staffing to take on new customers?

Once a certifier is selected, he or she will analyze the application after an application fee is paid. Von Ruden says that the "revolving process" is broken down as follows: payment, application review by certifier, inspection, further review of the application and certification. If a producer is certified, he or she must go through the process on a continual basis to become recertified.

The major component of the application process is an organic systems plan.

"The application is your organic systems plan," Bowman explains. "Almost all certifiers send the application for you to write out what your plans are to farm organically on your farm: how you're going to maintain fertility management, crop rotation, weed and pest management and treat any livestock."

"All of those different pieces make up your organic system plan," she continues. "Make it carefully; you really want to put your thoughts into it to make sure you're telling the certifier what you're really planning on doing. This is our basis for determining whether or not you can comply with the national organic standards."

The certification process is expedited for those with accessible and legible records.

"Make copies of everything," Von Ruden encourages. "You are required to keep copies of all records for five years. When you start, it's three but then it becomes five."

The records will help to show that all inputs are of organic origin as all materials must be approved by the certifier.

"Even while you're in transition, start communicating with your certifier and double check any input you're using," she advises. "It could affect your transition if you're not in compliance. Materials are the most common occurrence that we see for people having product affected and not being able to certify organically."

The two certifiers say that the cost of certification ranges with each certifier and the scope of the operation. They estimate the total cost of certification to range from $500 to $1,500.

A cost-share program through the USDA is available to alleviate the fees through 2012. The grant, available through each state's department of agriculture, pays up to 75 percent of the fee with a maximum payment of $750.

For further information on the cost-share program or advice on how to become certified, visit www.usda.gov and search for "organic certification."

Tip: OrganicPortal USA - Organic Agriculture

OrganicPortal NewsRoom

28.01.2012

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