November 11, 2011Roxanne Beavers

roxanne@acornorganic.org

Organic Standards and Certification

Overview

What is the Canadian Organic Standard?

Getting CertifiedRecordkeeping and the Organic

PlanInspectionQuestions

On June 30, 2009, the Organic Product Regulations (OPR) came into effect, making the Canadian Organic Standards mandatory CGSB-32.310 Organic Standard (COS) CGSB-32.311 Permitted Substances List (PSL)

Background

1999 - voluntary Canadian organic standard produced via Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)

Process driven by organic sector, consensus decision making

Current standard last amended in 2011Living document

General Principles

1. Environment2. Soil fertility3. Biological diversity 4. Recycle within the enterprise5. Care for livestock6. Maintain integrity and vital qualities7. Rely on renewable resources in locally

organized agricultural systems

The Standard provides the practical methods that can

help achieve these principles

What the Standards do NOT Cover

Labeling – this is in the RegulationEnforcement – this is up to the Certification

Body (and CFIA)Specific products – the general categories are

in the PSL but it is up to your Certification Body to approve use

Sections of the Standard

ScopeDefinitionsOrganic PlanSpecific Requirements:

Crops, Livestock, Maple, Honey, Sprouts, Greenhouse, Wild crops

Preparation and Handling of Organic Products

Permitted Substances List

1. Crop Soil Amendments and Crop Nutrition Crop Production Aids and Materials

2. Livestock Feed, Feed Additives and Supplements Health Care Products and Production Aids

3. Processing Allowed Non-organic Food Additives &

Ingredients Cleaners, Disinfectants, Sanitizers

What’s not allowed? (1.4.1)

Overview of Certification Process

Application to a Certification BodyReview (is application complete?) InspectionReview (is operator compliant?) Issuance of Certificate

Transition

3 years of transition from conventional If no prohibited substances used in last 3

years, then can transition in 1 year Apply to CB 15 months before you plan to

market crops as organic Processing - no transition period requiredLivestock - varies

Choosing a Certifier

Considerations: structure, cost, location, expertise, communication, markets

Certification to other standards - export? NOP, EU, JAS

Recordkeeping

Demonstrate that the Organic Plan is being followed

Enable traceability Records should be useful both for your

operation and for the certification processOngoing - maintain for 5 years

Organic Plan

Description of methods used on farmIncludes transition, preparation, handling

and management practices

Should include… Description of the operation – crops, acreage,

projected yields Field maps and field history Rotation plan And more!

Traceability & Audit Trail

• You need to be able to trace your product from the field to the fork!

• Must prove that the amount of product produced = product sold • Area Planted

• Field Activity Log

• Harvest Records

• Purchases, Inventory Records

• Sales Records

Inspection

Independent assessor visits your farm/operation annually

Compares observations of your operation with requirements of the Standard/PSL

Reviews production areas and your farm records

Reports back to CB - they make certification decision

“Staying” Organic

Make sure you are ready when you make the transition

Charge enough to get your organic premium - market your organic advantage

Ultimate system of assurance - third party certification!

Set up your records well in the first few years - will save time later on

Continuous learning

Resources

For more information…

Contact a Certification BodyCheck the Organic Path - ACORN websiteContact roxannebeavers@yahoo.com for

assistance from ACORN in transitioning to organic production

Thank you!