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Summer 2016 Organic Matters

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Farmer Appreciation Day page 2 Funding Opportunities Organic & Transitioning Farmers page 5 Phosphorus a Key Nutrient, with Limits page 6 Pennsylvania Certified Organic Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2016 Pennsylvania Certified Organic Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2016
Transcript

Farmer Appreciation Day page 2

Funding Opportunities Organic & Transitioning Farmers page 5

Phosphorus a Key Nutrient, with Limits page 6

Pennsylvania Certified OrganicQuarterly NewsletterSummer 2016

Pennsylvania Certified OrganicQuarterly NewsletterSummer 2016

www.paorganic.orgOrganic Matters • Spring 2016

PCO will keep members informed of theproposed rule and any changes that aremade once it is final. In the meantime feelfree to contact your certification specialistif you have questions or comments.Details on page 19.

PCO Annual Meeting and Farmer Appreciation Day

July 29, 2016, is your day. And a greatday it will be! Participate in our annualmeeting and help us honor and celebrateorganic farmers for the great things theyare doing to strengthen our rural andurban communities.

We look forward to inspiring andinformational presentations by MilesMcEvoy, Deputy Administrator for theNational Organic Program, and RussellRedding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agri-culture. You will want to make a day of itwith much to see and do: educationalworkshops and demonstrations, OrganicFarmFest exhibits, children’s activities,Wool Village, Homemade and Home-grown Market, Organic Food Court, hayrides and even overnight camping fortents and RVs. For details, see page 4.

White House kitchen garden: It’s organic!

I was honored to tour the First Fam-ily’s organic garden on the South Lawn ofthe White House with a group of organicfarmers and handlers in May. DebraEschmeyer, Executive Director of “Let’sMove!” showed us around the garden fullof greens and herbs with some deliciouslooking peas, a fig tree full of fruit and abeautiful pollinator section featuringwildflowers visited by honeybees workingthe nearby hive on stilts. Sweet sounds,scents and scenery. It is nice to know thatthe President’s family appreciates thehealth and environmental benefits oforganic food and farming. I’d eat dinnerat their house anytime.

Study shows organic operations have positive impact on communities

New research from Penn State putsPCO and our members on the map — lit-erally.

“U.S. Organic Hotspots and their Ben-efit to Local Economies,” reports thatclusters of organic production are linkedto lower poverty rates and higher house-hold income. The study also finds thatnon-profit organic certification agenciesplay a strong role in formation of organichotspots.

The research team, led by EdwardJaenicke, Penn State Associate Professorof Agricultural Economics, studied censusreports and USDA statistics to plothotspots of organic farms and businessesand measure their positive impact on theeconomic health of the region.

The researchers then decided to lookinto what, if anything, contributes to for-mation of the organic hotspots. The clus-ters clearly are not related to non-organicagriculture locations, as one might expect.

We are an organic hotspot!

Jesse Laflamme, left, of PCO-certified Pete and Gerry's Organics, tours the White House kitchen gar-den with Leslie Zuck, middle, and Melissa Hughes, right, General Counsel and Director of GovernmentAffairs for Organic Valley CROPP Cooperative.

Organic hotspots, however, closely coin-cide with geographic regions served bynon-profit organic certification agenciesthat provide outreach and education serv-ices. This remarkable finding clearlyshows that PCO and similar organizationhave a positive economic impact on theregions we serve.

You can learn more about this fascinat-ing and important research at PCO’sAnnual Meeting and Farmer AppreciationDay, July 29, 2016, in Centre Hall, PA.Dr. Jaenicke will present the results of thestudy and engage in discussions withmembers about its impact and implica-tions. A copy of the report is available atOTA.com/Hotspots or by requesting aprint or email copy from the PCO office.The research was funded by Penn State.

Animal welfare rule: Something to crow about!

The long-awaited proposed rule onOrganic Livestock and Poultry Practiceshas been published and public commentssubmitted. The new rule is long, detailedand comprehensive. It covers a lot ofground and would require certifiers toinspect and enforce humane animal man-agement practices, many of which arealready in place on certified organic farms.

columns11 President’s Message

12 Transitions

14 Produce Perspectives

16 Dear Aggy

17 Recipe Corner

18 Organic Updates

Certification

Legislative

Materials

Standards & Policy

New Faces

24 Organic Marketplace

25 New Members

28 Employment Opportunities

31 PCO Membership/Certification Order Form

32 Calendar

Organic MattersSummer 2016

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Clifford HawbakerHamilton Heights Dairy Farm &Emerald Valley Farm

VICE PRESIDENT Tim JosephMaple Hill Creamery

SECRETARYTina EllorPhillips Mushroom Farms

TREASURERDave HartmanPenn State Extension

MANAGING BOARD CHAIRBob Eberly

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Leslie Zuck

ADVISORY BOARD

Christie BadgerIndependent Organic Inspector

Ron HooverPenn State Extension

Luke HowardHomestead Farms, Inc.

Brian MagaroIndependent Organic Inspector

Jeff MattocksThe Fertrell Company

Michael RanckCharvin Organic Farms

Tony RicciGreen Heron Farm

STAFF

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAMLeslie ZuckExecutive Director

Diana UnderwoodDirector of Operations

Elizabeth LeahStaff Accountant

Lia SandovalAdministrative Assistant

CERTIFICATION TEAMKyla SmithCertification Director

Marissa PyleCertification Program Manager

Heather DonaldSenior Certification Specialist

Reva BayletsProgram Assistant

Justine CookCertification Specialist

Ashley GreenCertification Specialist

Stephen HobaughCertification Specialist

Emily NewmanCertification Specialist

Laura NunziataCertification Specialist

Colleen ScottCertification Specialist

Tess WeigandCertification Specialist

EDUCATION & OUTREACH TEAMAmanda BirkDirector of Education and Outreach

Nicole Lawrence McNeilMembership & Development Specialist

April FixPublic Relations Coordinator

INSPECTIONS TEAMLiz AmosInspections Manager

MATERIALS TEAMJennifer BerkebileMaterials Program Manager

Sabine CareyMaterials Specialist

QUALITY TEAMAngela MorganQuality Systems & IT Manager

Garrick McCulloughIT Specialist

OUR MISSION: To ensure the integrity of organic productsand provide education, inspection, and certification serv-ices that meet the needs of our members. PCO providesservices to operations based in Pennsylvania, Delaware,District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York,Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

features stories

Cover photo: Sabine Carey, FreeRanging Photography

Mail: 106 School Street, Suite 201Spring Mills, PA 16875

Phone: 814-422-0251

Fax: 814-422-0255

Email: [email protected]

Web: paorganic.org

facebook.com/PAorganic

twitter.com/PAorganic

5 PA Department of AgricultureProvides Support to Organicand Transitioning Farmers

6 Phosphorus a Key Nutrient,with LimitsConsiderations for adjusting phosphorus levels to increase crop yields

8 Growers Cautioned to be on the Lookout for Invasive PigweedsPSU Extension offers organic management practices for PalmerAmaranth and Waterhemp

2 PCO Annual MembershipMeeting and Farmer Appreciation DayJoin us to honor and celebrate ouramazing farmers!

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 1

10 PCO Welcomes New Board MembersOrganic livestock and crop farmers,organic mycologist, organic inspector,and organic processor join PCO Advisory Board

PCO’s Annual Meeting and Farmer Appreciation Day will celebrate the importanteconomic and environmental benefits organic farmers bring to their communities.Throughout the day on Friday, July 29, 2016, at the Centre County Grange Fair-grounds, Centre Hall, PA, we will honor organic farmers and food producers for thehard work they do to provide healthy food while caring for the environment.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding will present awards to themost outstanding organic producers in our region and we will hear farmers tell their sto-ries about the inspirations and challenges experienced along their paths to success.

Miles McEvoy, USDA Deputy Administrator for the National Organic Program, willdescribe how NOP aspires to strengthen the organic program through standardsenforcement and oversight of certification agencies, such as PCO.

Farmers are the focus of Farmer Appreciation Day and we invite all PCO membersto participate in our Annual Membership Meeting prior to the speakers and awards pre-sentations. This is your opportunity to ask PCO questions in person and share yourinsights, ideas and suggestions with our board and staff.

Afternoon sessions on current topics will cover ongoing attempts by members ofCongress to weaken organic standards (for example, considering “porches” as outdooraccess); and Penn State’s new “Organic Hotspots” research showing the positive eco-nomic impact of clusters of organic operations and the role nonprofit organic certifiers,such as PCO, play in formation of those clusters.

With such a great line-up of educational speakers, we hope you’ll bring your friendsand family and make a day of it. PCO’s Annual Meeting and Farmer Appreciation Dayare open to all and coincide with PASA’s Summer Soils Conference and PennsylvaniaOrganic Farmfest at the same location, including organic food, children’s activities,exhibits, crafts, music, hayrides and camping. How can you resist!

PCO Annual Membership Meeting and Farmer Appreciation DayPlease join us July 29 to honor and celebrate our amazing farmers!

Don't Miss the Inspiring and Informative Educational Presentations!

www.paorganic.org2 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Miles McEvoyNational Organic Program DeputyAdministrator

Miles McEvoy has worked inorganic agriculture for more thantwenty-five years. In 1988 he wasthe first organic inspector for theWashington State Department ofAgriculture (WSDA). Prior to that,

he spent 10 years working on farms, in wild-capture fisheriesand in reforestation. He has a Master’s in Entomology fromCornell University.

Since October 2009 he has led the National Organic Pro-gram (NOP) in protecting organic integrity from farm tomarket. Under his leadership, the NOP implemented newenforcement procedures that have led to dozens of civilpenalties and over half a million dollars in fines. In addition,the NOP published the National Organic Program Hand-book which provides guidance and instructions to organicfarmers, processors and certifiers on how to obtain and main-tain organic certification.

Russell ReddingPennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture

Redding has extensive experienceas a public servant, having spentmore than 20 years serving Pennsyl-vania in Harrisburg and WashingtonD.C. He worked on Capitol Hill asAg Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator

Harris Wofford and served for 16 years in the PennsylvaniaDepartment of Agriculture, serving as secretary from2009–2011 under Governor Rendell.

Redding is the former dean of the School of Agricultureand Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College,whose organic farm is certified by PCO. He is a graduate ofPenn State, having earned his B.S. in Agriculture Educationand M.S. in Agriculture and Extension Education. A nativeof Pennsylvania, Redding has an innate understanding ofproduction agriculture, stemming from his youth on his fam-ily’s dairy farm and his time as a dairy farm operator.

PCO Annual Meeting and Farmer Appreciation Day Agenda

10:00am Arrival & Registration

10:30am PCO Annual Meeting

11:30am Keynote by Miles McEvoy,Deputy Administrator, NOP

12:00pm Lunch at FarmFest OrganicFood Court

12:45pm Award Presentation by Russell Redding, PA Secretary of Agriculture

1:45pm Featured SpeakersEdward Jaenicke, Penn State,author of Organic HotspotsPeggy Miars, Executive Directorof OMRI and IFOAM boardmember

7:00pm Local Organic Dinner and BarnDance

PCO Annual Awards

n Outstanding New OrganicFarmer/ProcessorFor attentiveness throughout thecertification process, innovativemanagement, and dedicationtoward creating and maintaining asuccessful organic plan.

n Going the Extra AcreFor sharing knowledge and expert-ise with fellow farmers and theorganic community.

n SustainabilityFor furthering the sustainability offarms, families, communities, andthe environment.

n Organic Research and EducationFor furthering the cause of organicfarming through research and edu-cation.

n Staff AppreciationFor special dedication to theorganic certification process anduse of innovative practices.

n Inspector AppreciationFor excellent management, thor-ough records, positive attitudetoward the inspection process andexceptional effort in creating andmaintaining a successful organicplan.

n Outstanding Organic Producer/ProcessorFor exceptional commitment tohigh quality organic production,promoting organic products andsupporting the integrity of organicgoods in the market.

n Outstanding VolunteerFor contributing to PCO as a wholeand supporting our mission toensure the integrity of organicproducts in the marketplace.

n Hall of FameFor continuous, extraordinary dedi-cation of time and energy to fur-thering the mission of PCO.

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 3

About the ConferenceGrowing healthy soils begins with keeping fields covered with living vegetation and

continually adding organic matter into the soil. At PASA’s 2nd Annual Soil Health SummerConference (July 28–29, Centre Hall, PA) we will explore techniques to grow soil health byincreasing the periods of the year that farm fields are populated by living roots. This eventwill feature leading no-till farmer and cover crop-innovator Steve Groff (Cover CropCoaching), as well as a team ofexperienced farmers, soil health expertsand knowledgeable sponsors. PASA’sSummer Conference will offer practicalsoil health insights for both experiencedand beginning farmers, with particularrelevance for diversified vegetable anddairy farmers.

Featured SpeakerSteve Groff and his family farm 225

acres of cash grain crops, pumpkins, andtwo acres of heirloom high tunneltomatoes in Lancaster County, Penn -sylvania. Vege tables are sold to Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Four Seasons Produce. HisCedar Meadow Farm has been the recipient of numerous national, state, and local awards.Steve developed the ground-breaking Tillage Radish® and each year oversees hundreds ofreplicated cover crop research plots on his farm to devise management strategies anddocument the profitability of cover crops. Steve recently founded a Cover Crop Coachingbusiness to further expand the use of cover crops through research, education and speaking.

For more information or to register: pasafarming.org/sumcon or call (814) 349-9856

PASA’s 2nd Annual Summer Soil Health Conference

Living Roots 24/7/365

2015 PCO Annual Award Winners. Join us on July 29th to honor 2016 Award Winners!

www.paorganic.org4 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

may not charge for services). One individ-ual will be designated as the “TeamLeader” who is responsible for advancingthe efforts of the transition team and thetransition process. Upon successful com-pletion of this program, applicants have abetter sense of the direction that theiroperation is headed, and have the neces-sary tools and network of support toensure the transition is a success.Approved OTAP applicants are eligible to receive payments not exceeding $1,500per year in the form of reimbursement at the end of the 12-month program.Costs must be directly related to organictransition as detailed in the approvedapplicants OTAP application and transi-tional organic practices plan and/or theOrganic System Plan. Examples of eligibleuse of funds include costs associated withthe transition team, training costs andconferences, education relating to organictransition, attorney fees, consulting fees,travel expenses for or relating to profes-sionals. This program is limited to farmersand processors not currently certifiedorganic and those already certified butwho plan to expand into a new market orotherwise expand their certification to anew scope. For more information aboutthis program, contact Kyle Heffner at [email protected] or 717-836-3973.

PDA’s PA PreferredTM programincreasingly supports organic farmers andprocessors. It’s a natural fit, given thegrowing demand for organicfood and the program’semphasis on Pennsylvaniafamily farms. For dairyfarms, specifically, the Cen-ter for Dairy Excellence(CDE) provides an opportu-nity to leverage partnershipswith dairy processors andretailers to provide addi-tional marketing and pro-motion support. CDE offers

I recently joined representatives withthe United States Department of Agricul-ture (USDA) on a farm tour in south-cen-tral Pennsylvania as part of their CropInsurance for Organic Farms initiative. Inspeaking with one of the farmers, heexpressed that he would like to have moreaccess to resources and information for hisneighbors who may be considering transi-tioning to organic, in part to assure hisneighbors that there are entities andresources available to help farmers lookout for their best interest. Of course, oncea farm has transitioned, there is theorganic cost-share program which reim-burses up to 75 percent of the cost of cer-tification, but there are additionalsupports available through the Pennsylva-nia Department of Agriculture (PDA) aswell.

PDA’s Organic Transition AssistanceProgram (OTAP) is designed to facilitateconnecting farmers and processors whoare transitioning to organic to a networkof industry professionals. The OTAPTransition Team connects OTAP appli-cants with professionals who are able toprovide them with expertise and advice ontransition efforts, as well as troubleshootbottlenecks and strategize profitability onthe organic operation. Team membersinclude a core group of individuals of thefarmer’s choosing who can serve as advi-sors on issues related to transitioning toUSDA organic certification. The team istypically comprised of four or five individ-uals who are professionals and experi-enced in areas useful to the transitionprocess (i.e. attorney, extension agent,nutritionist, grazing specialist, lending ormarketing consultant or an organic certi-fication specialist from the farmer’sintended certification agency who may or

Provides Support for Organic Farmers and Farmers Transitioning to Organic

Hannah Smith-Brubaker, Deputy Secretary

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

grants for projects that include marketingor promotional efforts with a PA Preferredcomponent, ideally including “from yourlocal Pennsylvania farmer” messaging. Eli-gible activities include labeling changes,point of sale pieces, print ads or circularplacements, decals for delivery or shippingvehicles, and radio or other forms ofadvertising, etc. Grants range from$1,000 to $2,500, with higher grant fundsgoing to first-time participants. For thisprogram, contact Jayne Sebright withCDE at [email protected] or 717-817-1376. CDE alsooffers business expansion and transitionteams similar to OTAP (see above), aswell as a series of webinars that can behelpful for dairy farmers such as Value ofBranding, Economic Incentives for BusinessReinvestment and New Product Avenues.For more information about PA Pre-ferred, contact Ashlee Dugan [email protected] or 717-705-9511.

If your farm has an agricultural ease-ment through the Farmland PreservationProgram, consider working with the Pre-served Farms Resource Center. TheDepartment created the Preserved FarmResource Center to assist preserved farmowners with thinking intentionally aboutthe future of their farm. A variety ofresources and education are available tohelp farm families work through the diffi-cult process of creating and implementing

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 5

Transition Programis available to directly assist farmers throughoutthe entire transition process, including farm visitsand your Organic System Plan. Fees may be eligiblefor reimbursement through the OTAP

continued on page 23

There are several methods testing labsuse to determine how much phosphorus aparticular soil can provide. We need toconsider lab methods when we interpretresults. Test results don’t mean anythinguntil correlated with how well crops growat various phosphorus levels.

Whatever lab you’re using, it’s impor-tant to understand how crops respond to

your soil phosphoruslevel. For most crops,a target range of 25 to50 parts per million ofBray-1 phosphorusseems appropriate.These levels representa middle groundbetween what variousstate universities haveestablished as highphosphorus levels, andthe levels where envi-ronmental regulationsusually kick in. Someconsultants recom-mend phosphorus lev-els much higher thanuniversity recommen-

Phosphorus a Key Nutrient, with LimitsConsiderations for adjusting phosphorus levels to increase crop yields

Mark Kopecky, Soils Agronomist,CROPP/Organic Valley Cooperative

dations. University target levels are usuallybased on a combination of crop values,yield goals, and the price of conventionalfertilizer. These factors are all differentwith organic cropping systems, but thereare still principles we can use to help ussort through how much phosphorus wereally need in our soils.

There are several things we can do tocorrect phosphorus deficiencies. Fororganic cropping systems, the most com-mon sources of phosphorus are manureand rock phosphates. For farms with live-stock or poultry enterprises, manureshould be the first place we look when weneed to add phosphorus. If we don’t haveenough manure to provide the phospho-rus we need, or if we need only phospho-rus and not the potassium that also comeswith manure, we can use rock phosphates.There are different sources and forms ofrock phosphate, all fairly slow to dissolvein soils. Growing legume crops wherewe’ve applied rock phosphate can helpspeed this process. Legumes remove cal-cium, which helps rock phosphate dis-solve faster. Another technique is to mixthe rock phosphate into manure by apply-

www.paorganic.org6 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Phosphorus Availability Graph: The availability of phosphorus isaffected by soil pH. Graphic: University of Minnesota Extension.

Phosphorus is an essential plant nutri-ent, which we often need to add to soils infairly high quantities. But its benefitscome with a caution. With sound soiltesting and crop management techniques,we can use phosphorus to increase yields,and avoid damaging critical ground andsurface water resources.

Phosphorus levels depend on a soil’sancestry, and how it’s been managed dur-ing its farming history. The mineral’savailability in soils is strongly associatedwith pH. Phosphorus is most readilyavailable to plants at pH levels of at least6.5. At low pH, phosphorus binds withiron and aluminum, and below 6.0,becomes almost unavailable. At high pH,phosphorus can bind to calcium and mag-nesium, which also limits availability.Applying lime to very acidic soils is alwaysa good idea, and one of the benefits is tohelp phosphorus become more available,even without adding it as an amendment.Acidic soils bind phosphorus more thanalkaline soils do.

ing it to bedded packs, ingutters, or mixing it intomanure or compost piles.When we do this, the phos-phate part of the fertilizeralso binds with ammoniumin manure to help keep itfrom evaporating. Thathelps nitrogen from themanure make it back to theland.

Manure is a great sourceof phosphorus, but we oftenfocus on manure as a nitro-gen source for crops likecorn. If we use manure as theonly source of nitrogen forcorn, we will continue toraise phosphorus levels overtime, because manure pro-vides nutrients at differentproportions than needed bythe crop. This can be helpfulfor soils that are low in phosphorus, but ifwe already have high phosphorus levels itcan eventually cause problems.

When soil fertility rises, so do cropyields, to a certain point. If we add phos-phorus to a soil that’s very deficient, wesee dramatic yield responses as the amend-ment becomes available. If we continue toadd phosphorus, yields increase, but at alower rate. Eventually, we reach a pointwhere adding larger amounts of phospho-rus results in only small increases in yield.If we’re growing crops that have very highvalue and the source of phosphorus is rel-atively inexpensive, it’s tempting to try toachieve the highest yields we can. That’soften not a good idea.

Soil phosphorus tends to bind tightlywith mineral compounds of iron, alu-minum, calcium and magnesium, andphosphorus associated with organic mat-ter is usually well protected against runoffor leaching losses. Because of this, soil sci-entists used to believe we could build upextremely high levels of phosphorus insoils with no danger of environmentaldamage. We’ve learned over the past 20years that this isn’t true. When we havesoils with high phosphorus levels, runoffwaters can carry away significantamounts. This phosphorus pollutes rivers,lakes and eventually the ocean, where itcauses an explosive growth of algae. Thesealgae eventually die and decompose,

crop of corn grain removesaround 57 pounds of phos-phate per acre. Small grainsremove varying amounts ofphosphorus depending onspecies and yield. A 60bushel-per-acre yield of oatswould remove around 17pounds of phosphate peracre, and if we grew a 1.5ton-per-acre straw cropalong with it, the grainwould remove another 14pounds of phosphate. A 60bushel-per-acre yield ofwheat would remove 30pounds of phosphate peracre, and a 1.5 ton-per-acreyield of straw would take anadditional nine pounds ofphosphate out.

The Bray-1 phosphorustarget ranges we use in

CROPP/Organic Valley’s soil testing pro-gram are well above levels recommendedby universities, but below thresholdsestablished for most nutrient managementprograms where restrictions come intoplay. Except for produce crops, youshould be able to attain high crop yields atBray-1 phosphorus levels between 25 and50 ppm. If your levels are low, it’s worth-while to work on bringing them up, butremember: more is not always better. Becareful about building up phosphorus lev-els within the limits of good stewardship.

Agronomist MarkKopecky has spent hislife in the dairy indus-try and has been amember of CROPP/Organic Valley’s DairyPool for eight years. He earned a master’sdegree in soil science from the University ofWisconsin-Madison and has worked as a soilscientist with the USDA and as a UW-Exten-sion agent. He has worked with the USDA’sSustainable Agricultural Research and Educa-tion Program and has taken part in agricul-tural projects in several countries through theUSAID’s Farmer-to-Farmer program. Markand other specialists will be speaking atCROPP/ Organic Valley’s upcoming RegionalAgronomy School, set for June 28-29 in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. The public is wel-come. To learn more, call 888-809-9297.

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 7

Crop Yield Graph: Correlation between extractable phosphorus andpercent of maximum yield for soybeans, corn, and wheat. The intersec-tions of the dotted and solid lines indicate the critical point where fur-ther fertilizer additions will not economically increase yields. Graphic:University of Nebraska Plant & Soil Science.

depleting oxygen, and causing “deadzones” in the Gulf of Mexico, ChesapeakeBay and even the Great Lakes.

Also, as phosphorus reaches saturationlevels in soil, it begins to leach intogroundwater. This pollutes wells andaquifers. Where groundwater seeps to thesurface in springs, it can pollute lakes,rivers and the ocean the same as surfacerunoff.

Because of potential environmentalproblems, nutrient management regula-tions often focus on phosphorus levels.This is especially important for farmerswho have livestock and need to spreadmanure. When phosphorus levels reach athreshold, farmers may be prohibitedfrom spreading. Farmers should aim forphosphorus levels that give good cropyields and still allow flexibility so manurecan be applied if needed.

Phosphorus levels in soil tend to staystable without active management. If youhave higher levels of phosphorus than youwant, the best way to bring the level downover time is to plant and harvest crops thatwill draw down the reserves. Variouscrops remove phosphorus to differentdegrees. A four ton-per-acre dry-matteryield of typical forage removes 40 to 60lbs. of phosphate per acre, while a 20 ton-per-acre yield of corn silage at 65-percentmoisture removes about 72 pounds ofphosphate per acre. A 150 bushel-per-acre

the last five years, as well as into areas ofthe Midwest.”

Lingenfelter noted that the weed mayhave come to the Northeast in cottonseedmeal for dairy rations, in other types ofcrop seed, with used equipment, or withshipments of hay. “Locally, seeds canspread from one field to the next by com-bining operations,” he said.

First detected in Pennsylvania in 2013,Palmer amaranth has been found growingin soybeans, corn and alfalfa, as well as innon-crop areas and at field edges, in atleast 14 counties. Experts suspect that it ispresent in more counties, but that has yetto be documented. Isolated populations ofwaterhemp, whichis a serious prob-lem in the Mid-west, have been inPennsylvania forseveral years.

The battle against invasive species isnever-ending for agricultural producers,and the latest example is a pair of weedsthat threaten to cause significant damageto crop yields across Pennsylvania.

Researchers and extension specialists inPenn State’s College of Agricultural Sci-ences are warning growers to be on thelookout for Palmer amaranth and water-hemp, two species of pigweed that aregaining a foothold in the state.

“Palmer amaranth is a pigweed speciesthat is relatively new to Pennsylvania,”said Dwight Lingenfelter, weed scienceextension associate. “It’s native to thesouthwestern desert regions of the UnitedStates, and it’s a common problem in theSouthern cotton belt to western Kansas. Ithas spread to the Delmarva Peninsula in

Growers Cautioned to be on the Lookout for Invasive PigweedsPenn State Extension offers organic management practicesfor Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp

Bill Curran and Dwight Lingenfelter, PSU Extension

What makes Palmer amaranth andwaterhemp such a threat is their aggressivegrowth habit, prolific seed productionand the lack of effective control measures,according to Bill Curran, professor ofweed science.

“These plants can grow 1 to 2 inchesper day,” Curran said. “Each plant canproduce 300,000 or more seeds, and newplants can emerge throughout the grow-ing season. Most will start to emerge inlate April or early May, but it’s notuncommon to have plants emerging intoJuly.

Research has shown that these annualweeds are capable of significantly reducing

www.paorganic.org8 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Palmer amaranth in vegetative growth stage, showing pointsettia-likegrowth habit. Photo: PSU Extension

Right: Dwight Lingenfelter with approximately 10 ft tall Palmer Ama-ranth in bloom showing male plants with anthers shedding pollen. Photo:PSU Extension

on the same plant.Both waterhemp and Palmer amaranth

are dioecious, meaning they produce sep-arate male and female plants. This meansthat the pollen from the male plants trav-els with the wind to pollenate the females.If the male plant is herbicide resistant,then the seeds that the female produceswill also have some resistance.

crop yields. In a Tennessee study, Palmeramaranth and waterhemp decreased soy-bean yields by 78 percent and 56 percent,respectively. High densities of Palmeramaranth have been shown to reduce cornyields by up to 91 percent. Experts say thetwo weeds also are likely to cause seriousproblems in vegetable and small-fruit pro-duction.

Lingenfelter and Curran emphasizethat scouting and proper identification isthe first line of defense against theseweeds. Palmer amaranth has smooth stemand leaves, with leaf petioles (the leaf stemthat attaches it to the main stalk) that arelonger than the blade. Leaf blades occa-sionally have a v-shaped, white or dark-red patch or “watermark,” and a singlehair sometimes can be found on the leaftip. Flowering female plants have“prickly” flower bracts, and seed headsoften are 1 to 2 feet long. Young plantscan have a poinsettia-like appearance, andmature plants can reach up to 8 feet tall.

Waterhemp can vary in appearance.Generally, waterhemp plants have nohairs on the stem or leaves, and the leavesoften are glossy and more elongated thanthose on Palmer amaranth. Stem color ofwaterhemp can vary from light green todark red, with multiple shades sometimes

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 9

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ORGANIC GROWERS

n Plant only clean crop seed that is certified. State seed laws prevent crop seed con-tamination.

n Utilize diverse crop rotations. Rotations should include early-season crops that areharvested before pigweed seeds are produced. Consider winter cereals, cover cropsand perennial hay crops that can be mowed.

n Crop competition is an important component of cultural weed control. Aim for quickcrop establishment, optimum soil fertility and crops planted in narrow rows to pre-vent the competitiveness of weeds.

n Use mixed tillage practices such as deep tillage, shallow tillage and no-till when pos-sible. Burying pigweed seed at least four inches deep in the soil with plowing willprovide approximately 50% control.

n Physically remove plants. Pull by hand or use a hoe. Remove plants from field sothey do not re-root. Bag and bury or burn removed plants along the field’s edge.

n Plants that are six inches or taller and are present after early harvest should bemowed or disked to prevent seed production. Palmer Amaranth can regrow andrepeated mowing may be necessary.

Penn State Extension offers the follow-ing tips to manage Palmer amaranth andwaterhemp:

n Prevent seed production and spread.“Prevention is preferable to eradica-tion,” Lingenfelter said. “Do whateverit takes to not allow new infestations toset seed.” He also recommends harvest-ing infested fields last to prevent spreadvia combine. Integrating cultural con-trol tactics — such as including covercrops in the cropping system — mayhelp to keep these weeds from becom-ing established.

n Use multiple and effective modes ofaction.

n Control “escapes.” Aim for completecontrol of Palmer amaranth and do notallow escapes. Curran and Lingenfeltercautioned that even a few plants settingseed can cause profound negativeimpacts.

More information about Palmer ama-ranth and waterhemp is available on thePenn State Extension website at: exten-sion.psu.edu/pests/weeds/palmer-ama-ranth or by contacting Bill Curran at814-863-1014 or [email protected] orDwight Lingenfelter at 814-865-2242 [email protected], and finally by contactingyour local Penn State Extension Office.

Waterhemp plant with its hairless stems and long lance-shaped leaves that are waxy or glossy inappearance. Photo: PSU Extension

Agriculture, the Organic Trade Associa-tion, PennAG and PCO.

Tina EllorPCO Board SecretaryPhillips Mushroom Farms Kennett Square, PA

Tina is a mycologistand the Technical Direc-

tor of Phillips Mushroom Farms, a certi-fied organic farm in Kennett Square, PAsince 1995. Tina has served on the Boardof Directors of several organizationsincluding PCO, Organic MaterialsReview Institute, National Organic Stan-dards Board, and the USDA Fruit andVegetable Advisory Committee. She vol-unteers with the Mycological Associationof Greater Philadelphia. Tina lives andgardens with her farmer husband and var-ious pets in beautiful Chester County, PA.

Christie BadgerIndependent OrganicInspectorHughesville, PA

Christie operates Bad-ger’s Millside Farm with

husband Mike, where they focus on pas-ture-raised chickens, on-farm poultry pro-cessing, and conserving historical breeds.As an independent IOIA certified inspec-tor, Christie inspects for all crops and live-stock, specifically dairy and poultry. Shehas facilitated the National OrganicCoalition’s work on National OrganicStandards Board issues, drafting NOC’swritten comments submitted via the Fed-eral Register and presenting oral testi-mony to the NOSB. Christie volunteerswith the Pennsylvania Women’s Agricul-ture Network to offer Women FarmerStudy Circle leadership, field days, andconference workshops. Christie is excitedabout the potential to serve an organiza-tion that continues to strengthen theirleadership role as a certifying body.

Tim JosephPCO Board Vice PresidentMaple Hill CreameryStuyvesant, NY

In 2004, Tim decidedto pursue his lifelong

dream of becoming a farmer. He and hiswife Laura started with 63 cows on 250acres while still working a full -timeremote corporate job. Tim and Laurastarted managing their dairy cows in thetraditional system, but quickly realizedthat conventional farming wasn’t forthem. They began the transition toorganic in 2006. Today, Maple HillCreamery is the first national dairy brandto be third -party certified as 100% grass-fed and certified organic and can be foundin over 5,000 stores. Tim is committed tobuilding a 100% grass fed organic milk-shed in the Northeast. By year end, MapleHill Creamery will pick up milk fromclose to 60 farms, proudly and consis-tently paying dairy farmers a premiumprice for their milk, allowing them andtheir families stability, as well as growingan ecologically regenerative dairy systemby feeding “just grass.”

Bob EberlyPCO Managing BoardChairStevens, PA

Bob Eberly has beeninvolved with the organic

food movement since the 1980s and hasshown dedication to PCO’s mission fromthe time of its inception in 1997. A char-ter member of PCO, Bob has served asBoard President, Board Member, andStandards Committee Member. UntilJune 2013 Bob served as the President ofEberly Poultry, an organic and specialtypoultry business, family owned and oper-ated since 1947. Bob has extensive experi-ence in organic food processing,distribution, retail marketing and export-ing. Bob is a longstanding member of thePennsylvania Association for Sustainable

PCO Welcomes New Board Members Organic livestock and crop farmers, organic mycologist, organic inspector and organic processor join PCO Advisory Board

Ronald HooverPenn State Senior ProjectAssociateUniversity Park, PA

Ron’s agriculturalexperience began with his

upbringing on the family dairy, grain, andpotato farm in Cambria County, PA. Henow owns and operates a 50-acre hay farmthat specializes in the horse hay market.Ron earned a B.S. in Agronomy fromDelaware Valley University, and an M.S.in Agronomy from Penn State. He servedas staff on Penn State’s AgronomyDepartment, then as staff at the Univer-sity of Florida’s Plant Pathology Depart-ment before returning to Penn State in2001. Ron currently coordinates on-farmresearch at Penn State in the Plant Sci-ences Department. Ron has a soundunderstanding of crop production prac-tices in which organic farmers are engagedas well as a strong grasp on the numerouschallenges faced by organic producers.Ron volunteers with the Board of Direc-tors for the PA Agronomic EducationSociety, the Penn State Collegiate FarmBureau Club, and the Halfmoon Town-ship Open Space Preservation Board.

Luke HowardHomestead Farms, Inc.Millington, MD

Luke and his wife Ali-son own and manageHomestead Farms Inc. of

Millington, Maryland. They grow organicvegetables, grains and hay on approxi-mately 450 acres of which 77 is owned.Their farm currently markets its producethrough a CSA (Community SupportedAgriculture), local restaurants, farmersmarkets, and wholesale markets. Luke isalso self-employed as a consultant for theorganic industry. He has helped in mar-keting soil amendments and organic com-modities throughout the east. He hasworked with several national companieshelping them with organic research, certi-

www.paorganic.org10 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

values integrity in the marketplace, ensur-ing good quality organic products. Hesees serving on PCO’s board as an oppor-tunity to learn as well as contribute to theorganic community.

Tony RicciGreen Heron FarmThree Springs, PA

Tony Ricci is co-owner of Green HeronFarm in Three Springs,

Pennsylvania, located in southern Hunt-ingdon County. Since 1984 he and hiswife Becky have raised organic produce onapproximately 11 acres for retail andwholesale markets in Washington D.C.,Huntingdon and State College. Tony is afounding member of the TuscaroraOrganic Growers Co-op, the Pennsylva-nia Association for Sustainable Agricul-ture, and PCO. As a long time PCOmember Tony is interested in contribut-ing to the continued success of the organ-ization.

fication, sales and marketing. He recentlyfinished his term as a Queen-AnneCounty Planning Commission memberand has served two terms as a member ofthe Maryland Agriculture Commission.He is also a LEAD Maryland Fellow.

Michael RanckCharvin Organic FarmsMifflintown, PA

Michael, in partner-ship with his dad andbrother, owns and oper-

ates a 180-cow organic dairy and cropfarm on 1,000 acres in Juniata County.Michael and family have been farmingorganically for nearly 30 years, and espe-cially enjoy the challenges of managingcrops and livestock. From soil consulting,hosting field days, and conducting seedtrials to collaborating on research projects,the Ranck families play an important partin furthering organic agriculture researchand educating the organic community.Michael grew up on an organic farm and

Returning board members includeinclude; Dave Hartman, PCO BoardTreasurer, Penn State Extension; CliffHawbaker, PCO Board President, Hamil-ton Heights Dairy Farm & Emerald Val-ley Farm; Brian Magaro, IndependentOrganic Inspector; and Jeff Mattocks,The Fertrell Company.

Information about the PCO Board

Advisory board members serve a 3-yearterm, with a limit of 2 consecutive terms. Ourbylaws require that no more than half theboard members can be PCO-certified (orrelated in a way that violates the conflict ofinterest provision in the NOP regulations).

That allows us to have a maximum of 7certified producers on the board, plus a mini-mum of 8 others who are independent.

Nominations to the board can be made by any PCO member or staff. PCO will solicitnominations in the fall of each year but you can submit a nomination anytime by contacting Diana Underwood, Director ofOperations, at [email protected] or814.422.0251. Nominations are due byNovember 15, 2016.

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 11

ChoiceChoice is a wonderful word. The dictionary defines “choice”

(noun) as: an act of selecting or making a decision when faced withtwo or more possibilities. Change represents a sense of freedom orliberty to choose from different options. Free enterprise thrivesin a society when we have the right to choose. We all had achoice in choosing PCO as a certifier of our operations whichgives us the privilege to market with the organic standard.

PCO has 899 certified operations as of April 30, 2016, whichis a 48 percent growth since this same time last year. PCO hasthe largest number of certified operations in our region. Thankyou for choosing PCO for your certifying needs.

The PCO mission statement is “to ensure the integrity oforganic products and provide education, inspection, and certifi-cation services that meet the needs of our members.” This is the core value and choice of the organization. PCO operates as anon-profit organization, much like a school, church or hospital. We choose to be a member of PCO by participating in theservices that are provided. Because so many of us have chosen PCO, our collective choice is what will continue to make PCOthrive, grow and expand. Thank you for choosing PCO!

Cliff HawbakerPCO Advisory Board President

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Cliff Hawbaker, PCO Advisory Board President

Cliff Hawbaker, Owner/Operator of Hamilton Heights DairyFarm and Emerald Valley Farm is now serving as PCO AdvisoryBoard President.

www.paorganic.org12 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

The PCO Transition Program aims to grow organic farmingcommunities by providing support to transitioning farmers. Inthis new section of Organic Matters we will provide a variety ofresources on transitioning to organic production. Farming can bea challenging way to earn a living. Having a farming communityis essential to success in organic farming, and the PCO TransitionProgram aims to grow this organic farming community.

There are many good reasons to go organic. As one transition-ing farmer put it, “I was tired of being knocked around by com-modity prices.” For others, it is much more personal. Onefarming family decided to go organic because their daughter wasinjured by chemicals.

However, it’s what holds a farmer back from going organicthat PCO’s Transition Program wants to address. Some thinkorganic farmers are an exclusive group. Many see the requiredpaperwork as a big challenge. For dairies, purchasing organic feedfor an entire year without the organic milk price can be a dealbreaker. For crop farmers, it’s 3 years of possibly lower yields atconventional prices.

The good news is that PCO’s Transition Program can helpbreak down these barriers. We’ll provide opportunities to meet

seasoned, down-to- earth organic farmers. We can walk youthrough the paperwork, answering questions in the process.There’s no doubt that the best time to transition is when conven-tional commodity prices are high. However, high or low, we’llhelp ensure you are following the regulations while you seek cre-ative ways to make the transition work financially.

Look to this section of the newsletter in future issues for newresources as they are developed. For starters, see the ad below fordetails on the PCO Transition to Organic Grain Study Circleand Farm Tour in June. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand the challenges, successes, and opportunities on a farm in theprocess of transitioning. Whatever your experience level —beginning or experienced, and no matter what farming practicesyou use — conventional, transitioning or organic, bring yourquestions and experiences to share.

Lastly, we would like to recognize our partner in this program,Organic Valley. Through this partnership, PCO has been able to reach and provide support to many farmers. We welcomeother partners in the Transition Program who are interested ingrowing organic communities and providing support to farmersin transition.

Transitions

Transitions: A New Organic Matters Section Dedicated to Transitioning Farmers

June 23 • 9:00am–3:00pmLancaster County • Eugene Lapp Farm in Kinzers, PA

June 23 • 9:00am–3:00pmLancaster County • Eugene Lapp Farm in Kinzers, PA

Study CircleBring your questions to ask the group, and experiences to share. Discuss and exchangeorganic crop production knowledge with seasonedorganic growers and transitioning farmers.

Farm TourSee creative ways to overcome the challenges of transitioning to organic. Tour farm with certified organic, transitioning and conventional ground.

PCO’s Transition to Organic Grain Study Circle & Farm Tour

PCO’s Transition to Organic Grain Study Circle & Farm Tour

FREE Event! Lunch included • Attendance is limited, pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 814-422-0251 or visit paoragnic.org/TransitiontoOrganicGrain.

FREE Event! Lunch included • Attendance is limited, pre-registration is required. To pre-register, call 814-422-0251 or visit paoragnic.org/TransitiontoOrganicGrain.

Yes, I would like to sign up for the Transition Program for $200 (make check payable to PCO)

What will you be transitioning (check all that apply)

Crops

Livestock/Dairy

Other

Checks: Payable to PCO

Pay Online: paorganic.org/transitioning-farmers

Pay via Phone: (814)-422-0251

PCO Transition Program, 106 School Street, Suite 201, Spring Mills, PA 16875

Name

Address

Phone

Email

Transition Program

The allium leafminer (also known asthe onion leafminer [Phytomyza gymnos-toma]) has recently been confirmed ininfested leeks and onions in LancasterCounty, PA. This is the first confirmedinfestation in the Western Hemisphere.

Host Plants and Damage Symptoms: Theallium leafminer infest species in thegenus Allium. Leeks tend to be describedas the most damaged host, which may beinfluenced by the timing of the secondgeneration and the planting of leeks.Infestations have also been reported inonion, garlic, chive, shallot, and greenonion. Ornamental and weedy species ofAllium may also be at risk.

Adult females make repeatedpunctures in a linear patterntowards the upper end of leavesand both females and males feedon the plant sap. Leaves of infestedplants can be wavy, curled and dis-torted. Larvae mine leaves andmove towards and into bulbs andleaf sheathes where they pupate. Itis often necessary to peel back theleaves to find the insect. Both theleaf punctures and mines serve asentry routes for pathogens. Highrates of infestation have beenreported, and leafminers as a pestin Allium crops has rapidlyincreased following introductionof this insect in other areas.

Distribution: The allium leafmineris native to Poland and Germany.Recently, the geographic range has beenrapidly expanding. It is now presentthroughout Europe and into southwesternAsia.

Identification: Small (~3 mm/⅛ inch)long grey or matte-black colored flies with

Pest Alert: Allium Leafminer Confirmed in Lancaster CountyTips on detection, identification, monitoring and management

Shelby Fleischer, Entomologist, PSU Extension

www.paorganic.org14 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Above: Feeding punctures on green onions.Photo: Jennifer Schmehl

Left: Allium LeafMiner (shown with pencilpoint for scale.) Photo: Nick Sloff

a distinctive yellow or orange patch on thetop and front. Yellow color also presenton sides of abdomen. Wings held hori-zontally over abdomen when at rest. Legswith distinctive yellow “knees” (at femur-tibia junction). White halteres. Eggs arewhite, 0.5 mm long, and slightly curved.

Larvae are white, cream, or yellowishmaggots, headless, up to 8 mm long.Pupae are dark brown, 3.5 mm long.

Life History: Allium leafminers overwinteras pupae in plant tissue or soil. Adultsemerge in late winter (March) into spring(April, perhaps May) and lay eggs at thebase of plant leaves. Larvae mine leavesand move downward into the base ofleaves or into bulbs where they pupate.Pupae may move into soil. 1st generationpupae undergo a resting period through-out the summer and emerge as adults inthe autumn (September/October). This2nd generation of adults lay eggs intoAllium spp. which develop through thelarval and into the pupal stage which thenoverwinter.

Produce Perspectives

cide/Nematicide) or (Safer BrandBioNEEM Multi Purpose Insecticide andRepellent by Woodstream Corp), spine-toram (Radiant SC by Dow AgroSciences,LLC), spinosad (Entrust Naturalyte InsectControl by Dow Agrosciences, LLC).Other materials labelled for Liriomyzaleafminers or thrips that may be effectiveinclude: Entrust Naturalyte Insect Con-trol by Dow AgroSciences, Bulls EyeBioInsecticide by Gardens Alive, SeduceInsect Bait by Certis USA, and SluggoPlus by Lawn and Garden Products. All of these materials are PCO or OMRIapproved for use as crop invertebrate pestcontrol with the following restriction:May be used as a pest lure, repellent, or aspart of a trap, or as a disease control. Maybe used for other pesticidal purposes if therequirements of 205.206(e) are met,which requires the use of preventative,mechanical, physical, and other pest,weed, and disease management practices.

Reporting a Possible Detection: If you

Monitoring and Management: Adults havebeen captured using yellow sticky cards oryellow plastic bowls containing soapywater. Covering plants in February, priorto the emergence of adults, and keepingplants covered during spring emergencecan be used to exclude the pest. Avoidingthe adult egg-laying period by delayingplanting has also been suggested. Cover-ing fall plantings during the 2nd genera-tion flight can be effective. Continuouscultivation of Allium species (such aschives) provides the pest with an endlessfood source. Systemic and contact insecti-cides can be effective. EPA registrationsvary, however, among Allium crops.Check labels to ensure the crop is listedand for rates and days-to-harvest intervalsand be sure to check with your certifierprior to using any materials to ensure theyare allowed for organic production.Options labelled for leafminers ordipteran leafminers that may be effectiveinclude azadirachtin (Fortune AzAAzadirachtin 3% EC Botanical Insecti-

suspect damage or a life stage of the alliumleafminer, please contact the plant inspec-tor in your regional office of the Pennsyl-vania Department of Agriculture atagriculture.pa.gov or (717) 787-4737 oran Extension Educator in your local PennState Extension office (extension.psu.edu/counties).

See ento.psu.edu/extension/vegetables/pest-alert-allium-leafminer for more informa-tion, or obtain a paper copy by calling the College of Agricultural Sciences PublicationsDistribution Center at 877-345-0691.

Shelby Fleischer, Department of Entomol-ogy, Pennsylvania State, University Park, PA,and Tim Elkner, Penn State CooperativeExtension. Edited by D. Gilrein, Cornell Coop-erative Extension of Suffolk County. April 11,2016.

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 15

www.paorganic.org16 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Dear Aggy,

I’m pretty new to organiccertification. Besides rais-ing vegetables and somelivestock, I also have asmall composting business.I’d like to get my compostcertified organic so I cansell it to other local organicgrowers. I’d also like tocheck on the status of someof the health care treat-ments I have for my cows —and there’s this homemadefly spray I get from myneighbor that I’d like to beallowed to use as well.What’s the best way to goabout this?

— A. Newby

Dear Mr. Newby,

We’ll do our best to answer your ques-tions — PCO’s Materials Review Team’sgoal is to make sure everything you’reusing on your farm is in compliance.

Certifying Compost:According to PCO Policy, compost is

not certifiable as an organic product, sinceit is not considered a product for con-sumption. Compost may only bereviewed as an input material. PCO doesnot “certify” input materials because onlycrops, livestock, livestock products orother agricultural products are eligible fororganic certification. If we review yourcompost and it is in compliance, we willinclude it in our published List of AllowedMaterials so that your customers can con-firm that it has been reviewed.

Submitting Products for PCO Compliance Review

If you have a product that you’re inter-ested in using, feel free to call PCO andspeak to someone on the Materials Review

Team or your Certification Specialist. Ifyou have internet access, you can directlyand easily request a materials reviewthrough the website at paorganic.org/materialsreview. You can even directlyupload labels as part of the on-line reviewrequest.

Remember, when submitting a prod-uct for review, providing answers to thefollowing questions really makes thereview process go a LOT FASTER:

• What do you want to use the materialfor?

• Do you need to use it right away, or isthis something you’d like to try out laterin the season?

• What is the correct product name?

• Who is the manufacturer listed on thelabel?

• What is the contact information formanufacturer?

• Can you provide a copy of the label?

— Aggy

Materials Review

DEAR AGGY — Readers’Letters

SPRI

NG MILLS

PA 1 6 8 7

5

Organic Matters is the quarterly newsletter of PennsylvaniaCertified Organic, a non-profit organization serving growers,

processors and handlers of organic prod-ucts. Issues contain articles on the latestnews and research in the organic indus-try, often highlighting our certifiedmembers. Approximately 1,500 copiesof each publication are distributeddirectly to members and those request-ing information about organic agricul-ture, and made available to the publicat conferences, exhibits and educa-tional programs in the Mid-Atlanticregion.

PRICINGAd size Single 4�Issue Sub.* Dimensions (in)

Back cover (in color) $572 na 8.5 µ 9

Full Page $362.50 $1,232 8 µ 10

Half Page $242.50 $824 7 µ 4.5 (horizontal)3.25 µ 8.75 (vertical)

Quarter Page $152.50 $518 3.25 µ 4.5 (vertical)

Eighth Page $112.50 $382 3.25 µ 2.25 (horizontal)

* Includes a complimentary full-color calendar ad.The above rates refer to a single-issue ad placement and a subscription for adplacement in four consecutive issues.

A 15% discount is granted for the purchase of the 4-issue subscription.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or call thePCO Office at 814-422-0251.

Advertise in Organic Matters

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 17

RECIPE CORNER

Greens with Potatoes, Garlic, Olive Oil and LemonDebra Deis, Project Manager and Organic Program Coordinator at PCO-Certified Seedway, LLC

When I moved to Gilroy, California in 1984, I rented an apartment from a Croatian winemakingfamily. Biserka Kirigin quickly became my “California Mother” and she included me in many family meals. Coastal Croatian cooking is similar to Italian but with more potatoes and less pasta.Garlic, olive oil and lemon juice appear in nearly every meal. In this recipe, a small amount of pota-toes is used to make a kind of sauce that clings to whatever green vegetable course was being served,usually broccoli, but sometimes spinach. Because I had a bunch of Lancaster Farm Fresh CoopKale, I tried making this with kale and it came out great. Basically, to use with any green, just cook

the selected vegetable until barely tender then mix with small squares of cooked potato that have been reheated in garlic andolive oil. The hot cooked green vegetable is stirred into the potato mixture and finished with more olive oil and lemon.

2 medium sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 3⁄8” cubes

I bunch kale

4 cloves garlic

Salt

4 to 5 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

Juice of one lemon

Pepper

n Half fill a 2-quart pot with water and a little salt. Bring to aboil, add the potato squares and simmer until fork tender,about 5 minutes. Scoop potatoes out of the water with a slottedspoon and transfer to a large skillet.

n Meanwhile, strip the kale leaves from the midrib and rip orcut the leaves into large squares. Cook the kale leaves in thesame water until it too is nearly tender, 8–10 minutes. Drain ina colander.

n Finely chop the garlic in a small amount of salt, then transferto the skillet along with 3 Tbsp. olive oil. Warm briefly until theoil sputters, then stir in the kale. Continue stirring, breaking upthe potatoes a little as you go until the kale is quite hot. Addone or two more Tbsp. of olive oil (your best), transfer to abowl, and drizzle with the lemon juice and pepper.

Serves 4. This is good hot or at room temperature and also reheated

Marissa Pyle, Certification Program Manager

Looking forward to a successful yearHello everyone! This is my first time writing

the Certification Update for Organic Matters. Itook on the new position of the CertificationProgram Manager in November of 2015, afterover 6 years working as a Certification Specialist

and PCO’s Compliance Manager — so it’s likely that I’ve inter-acted with many of you before! We’ve hired some great new peo-ple in the past 6 months, who, along with our seasoned staff, areready to serve your certification needs.

By the time you read this, if you’re a certified member, youshould have received your updated Organic Product Verification(OPV). Please feel free to call the office if you haven’t receivedyour OPV, or if you need to make any changes. Also, when youget this we should be in full swing for the inspection season!We’re working diligently to complete your initial reviews as soonas possible. Please remember, if you have any reason for anurgent inspection (i.e. adding fields, adding categories), pleasecontact your certification specialist and let them know.

You may have noticed more extensive paperwork this year foryour annual update. Although this may have seemed cumber-some for you this year, ultimately it will cut down on all of thepaperwork you’ll be doing in the future. Next year you’ll receivethe most up to date versions of all of your paperwork (includingthe materials used forms!!) so all you’ll have to do is mark anychanges. We are always looking for ways to improve and betterserve our clients, so please feel free to reach out with any ques-tions or concerns.

A few other notes to keep in mind for this season are that bothunannounced inspections and residue testings are underway. Weare required to test for residues and perform unannouncedinspections at a minimum of 5% of our operators. If an inspectorstops by your farm, they will have a memo for you specificallyindicating what they will be reviewing. Last year, a few of ourfarmers were so prepared we were able to complete their fullannual update inspections!

I’m excited to be working with our members and certifiedclients in this new role, and I encourage you to reach out to anyof our great staff if you have any questions on your certification,whether it be a new material, adding new products, or a labelreview (to name just a few!).

Kyla Smith, Certification Director

FDA Extends Comment Period onRaw Manure

The USDA Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has extended the public comment periodto provide information to the agency in order forFDA to development an assessment evaluating

Certification Update

Legislative Update

the risk of human illness associated with consuming producegrown in fields on which raw manure (or other untreated biolog-ical soil amendments of animal origin) is used as fertilizer. TheFDA is seeking public comment on this topic in response to thepublic comments received on the proposed Produce Safety Ruleentitled “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, andHolding of Produce for Human Consumption” under the FDAFood Safety Modernization Act. Based on those public com-ments FDA withdrew the 9-month minimum application inter-val until additional research could be conducted. As such theFDA published a request for comments and for scientific dataand information.

The comment period has been extended by 60 days to July 5,2016. You may submit public comments by visiting the FederaleRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov or by mailing paper sub-missions to: Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Foodand Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061,Rockville, MD 20852. All submissions must reference thedocket number FDA-2016-N-0321.

House Committee Approves Ag Appropriations Bill

The House Appropriations Committee approved its FY2017Agriculture Appropriations bill. The bill included $21.3 billionin discretionary spending, which is $218 million higher thanPresident Obama’s budget request and $451 million lower thanthe FY2016 enacted level. The bill includes the following levelsof funding:

• National Organic Program (NOP) — $9.1 million• Organic Transitions Program (ORG) — $4 million• Organic Data Initiative — $559,000• Continued funding for SARE and ATTRA — both received

funding (ATTRA a small increase from $2.5 million to$2.75 million)

This process will now move towards the Senate before a finalbudget is passed.

Jennifer Berkebile, Materials Program Manager

Material Review Status ChangesStatus Changes: Please note the following statuschanges for materials reviewed by PCO for useby certified operators.

n ALLOWED — Contact PCO with any ques-tions about the use or restrictions for these products.

• Penny David (Dry Cow) allowed as a livestock feed additive /supplement

• Organic Compost (Kaolin Mushroom Farm) allowed as a cropproduction aid

Materials Update

www.paorganic.org18 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Organic Updates

• SternPur S P de-oiled Sunflower Lecithin (Sternchemie GmbH& Co KG) allowed as a non-organic ingredient with the com-mercial availability restriction

• Per Ox Liquid Sanitizer / AFCO 4325 (Alex C. Ferguson)allowed as an equipment cleaner and sanitizer

n PROHIBITED — Operators must immediately discontinueuse of these products unless otherwise indicated.

• OmniGen AF — Green Formula (Prince Agri Products, Inc)prohibited as a livestock feed additive / supplement

• Oxycide (WestfaliaSurge / GEA Farm Tech) prohibited as alivestock medical treatment

• Fight Strong for Calf Stress, previously Revitalize Capsules(Ralco Mix Products) prohibited as a livestock medical treat-ment

• Barn Grip (Kirby Agri) prohibited as a livestock production aid

• High Potassium Pelleted Blend 4-3-10 (Kreher Enterprises,LLC), prohibited as a fertilizer / soil amendment

Contact the PCO Materials Team with any questions (814-422-0251).

Kyla Smith, Certification Director

NOP publishes proposed rule for organic livestock and poultry practices

The National Organic Program published a proposed rule inApril regarding Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices. Theproposed rule would clarify existing USDA organic regulationsrelated to livestock and poultry production requirements,thereby ensuring consistency among organic producers and pro-tecting the integrity of the USDA organic seal.

PCO sent a letter to our members in April highlighting theproposed changes and providing information on how to partici-pate in the public comment period, which ended June 13, 2016.The full text of the proposed rule is available at the followinglink: federalregister.gov/articles/2016/04/13/2016-08023/national-organic-program-organic-livestock-and-poultry-practices. You may also contact the PCO office for moreinformation or to obtain a printed copy of the proposed rule.We’ll keep you updated as new information becomes available.

Attention Manufacturers! Manufacturers that would like to advertise products asapproved for use in organic production are encouraged toregister products with the Organic Materials Review Institute(OMRI) (www.omri.org, 1-541-343-7600). Suppliers of live-stock and processing products can use the PCO DiscountCode APP410346 to receive both a free OMRI Application Kitand a 15% discount on their first product application fee.(Crop materials are not eligible for this program.)

Standards & Policy Update

Spring 2016 National Organic Standards Board meeting summaryReprinted with permission from Organic Trade AssociationThe National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) held its pub-

lic meeting April 25-27 in Washington, D.C.

Meeting Highlightsn PUBLIC COMMENTS: Over the course of the three-daymeeting, NOSB heard oral comments from approximately 110members of the public on a number of issues. Including the pub-lic comment webinar held prior to the in-person meeting, therewere approximately 140 total commenters and 15 hours of oralcomments. NOSB discussed these and other comments of sup-port and suggested changes from 2,999 written comments thatwere submitted electronically prior to the meeting.

n PROPOSALS: NOSB discussed and voted on 12 proposalsat this meeting

PASSED — forwarded to NOP for approval and rulemaking• Squid Byproducts (Crops): Petition to allow as a synthetic fer-

tilizer in organic crop production

• Sodium Lactate and Potassium Lactate (Handling): Petition toallow as a sanitizer in organic processing (microbial agent) andpH regulator only

• Electrolyzed Water (Crops, Livestock & Handling): Petition toallow as an allowed sanitizer (alternative chlorine material)

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 19

Organic Updates

continued on page 20

• Lidocaine and Procaine (Livestock): Proposal to change thewithholding time required by the annotation

• Parasiticides (Livestock): Emergency Only. Multiple proposalsto change the withholding time and use allowances required bythe annotations.

• Ancillary Substances (Handling): Proposal on a definition,review procedure and compliance criteria

• Policy and Procedures Manual Revision (Policy): Proposal toupdate the Policy and Procedures Manual to align with currentNOSB and NOP practices

FAILED — will continue to be PROHIBITEDin organic production and handling

• Ash from Manure Burning (Crops): Petition to revise annota-tion to allow a restricted use

•Oat Beta-Glucan (Handling): Petition to allow for use as a nat-ural fiber supplement (adds fiber to processed foods)

TABLED — Back to Subcommittee for further review (revisit at fall 2016 meeting)

• Soy Wax (Crops): The proposal to allow as an input in organicmushroom production was sent back to subcommittee to fur-ther discuss whether the annotation, “must be made from non-GMO soybeans,” should be specified on the listing itself given

the fact the excluded methods/GMOs are already a general pro-hibition in the organic regulations.

• Sodium Dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) (Handling): Pro-posal to allow for use as a sanitizer was sent back to subcommit-tee to request a technical report (TR) and further explore itspotential benefit in supporting restaurant and retail certifica-tion

• Excluded Methods Terminology (Materials): Proposal forNOP guidance to update and clarify the definition of ExcludedMethods (GMOs) was sent back to subcommittee to addressthe many comments received to improve its accuracy

HOT TOPICS: n 2018 Sunset Review Process: The Crops and Handling Sub-committees discussed the comments received on the 15 NationalList materials (5 Crops, 10 Handling) scheduled to sunset in2018. NOSB research combined with the information receivedfrom public comment indicates that the majority of the 2018Sunset materials are necessary and/or essential. NOSB antici-pates it will renew most of the materials. However, there are con-cerns and outstanding questions remain for carrageenan,cellulose, animal enzymes, potassium hydroxide and beta-carotene extract color. Public comments are still requested tohelp shape the vote that will take place at the Fall 2016 meeting.Make your voice heard and weigh in through OTA’s Sunset Sur-vey System at ota.com/sunset-surveys.

www.paorganic.org20 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Organic Updates

continued from page 19

n Hydroponics: NOSB and attendees heard presentations fromDr. Stacy Tollefson (University of Arizona) and Dr. John Biern-baum (Michigan State University) regarding NOSB’s Hydro-ponics Task Force. The two researchers represented the spectrumof viewpoints on how to apply organic principles to productionsystems that utilize containers and hydroponic practices. There isgeneral agreement that organic production requires a biologicallyactive system to deliver nutrients to plants, but opinions divergewhen it comes to defining how this looks on a certified organicfarm, ranging from the soil in the ground to containers of com-post to hydroponic systems using compost tea. Public com-menters also presented a wide range of views regarding whichtypes of systems should be allowed to produce organic crops.Many traditional, long-time organic farmers who feel stronglythat organic farming must be soil based called for NOP to imple-ment the 2010 NOSB Recommendation on container growingand greenhouse crops. This recommendation defined hydropon-ics as The production of normally terrestrial, vascular plants innutrient rich solutions or in an inert, porous, solid matrix bathed innutrient rich solutions, and recommended that this practice beprohibited in organic crop production. Growers who producecrops in containers would be governed by the recommendation’sproposed regulations, which incorporate organic principles intogreenhouse settings. The 2010 recommendation was the lastopportunity for public comment on the topic. The HydroponicTask Force will continue its discussion and provide a report toNOSB in the early summer. NOSB intends on including a dis-

cussion around the Task Force report at its Fall 2016 meeting inSt. Louis, MO.

n Parasiticides: NOSB’S proposal revising practice standardsand National List annotations for the use of parasiticides inorganic livestock passed unanimously (15 yes; 0 no). The pro-posal passed with strong support from public commenters, whoincluded livestock producers, veterinarians, animal welfaregroups, and OTA. The final recommendation provided specificregulatory language updates, one of which would allow for theemergency use of parasiticides on wool-bearing sheep. This rec-ommendation is welcomed by organic sheep producers who findthe current total ban on parasiticides in organic fiber-bearing ani-mals a significant barrier to the organic wool market. The NOSBLivestock Subcommittee indicated that it will pursue a proposalfor the Fall 2016 meeting to eliminate Ivermectin from theNational List and recommend a definition for “emergency use”to ensure that producers are using these materials judiciously andconsistently.

n Excluded Methods Terminology: The Materials/GMO Sub-committee discussed the numerous comments received on itsproposal to update the excluded methods (GMO) terminologyused in the organic regulations. It also heard from an expertpanel convened to present on the emerging GMO technologiesused in agriculture. The expert panel provided the subcommitteewith excellent feedback on its proposal, shedding light on boththe science behind GMO technology as well as the ethics and

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 21

Organic Updates

continued on page 22

www.paorganic.org22 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

values that should be considered in the process of establishingguiding principles. Although there was strong support for theNOSB work completed to-date, the general consensus from allstakeholders was to send the proposal and the discussion docu-ment back to the subcommittee with the understanding that thedefinitions need to be more accurate and the terminology chartneeds further work. The subcommittee hopes to bring a finalizedproposal on definitions to the fall 2016 meeting along with a dis-cussion document covering the topics needing further delibera-tion.

n Seed Purity: Despite extensive work to explore the feasibilityof a seed purity standard, NOSB explained that it is still not to aproposal stage. However, organic stakeholders continue toexpress that this is a very important topic and the commentsreceived on this round of discussion were supportive and helpful.Of the four options presented in the discussion document, themajority of stakeholders would like to see a task force developedto design a framework and plan for testing and collecting data onGMO contamination levels that would help shape a seed puritystandard. The subcommittee will likely come back with a recom-mendation to convene a task force on this topic. There was alsostrong support to strengthen the provisions in the organic regu-lations that require organic seed when it is commercially avail-able. NOSB has accordingly added this topic to its work agendaso it may explore what else can be done.

n Carrageenan: Comments were very diverse and opinionsmixed on this controversial material. NOSB is challenged tomake a balanced decision based on sound science, the availabilityof organic alternatives, and consumer preference. To helpaddress environmental concerns, the subcommittee requested aseparate Technical Review on the farming and harvest of sea-weed. Subcommittee members will also look into how the listingof this material impacts farmer livelihood. With respect tohuman health impacts of carrageenan, subcommittee membersare challenged to find “unbiased” information. The subcommit-tee will fully evaluate all available research studies but is request-ing that stakeholders send the entire study and not just theabstract. The subcommittee is also encouraging more commentson the use and effectiveness of alternatives. Comments statedthat there are no alternatives to carrageenan in vegan capsulesand marshmallows (non-gelatin products) and in infant formula.The subcommittee will consider an annotation to accommodatethese specific purposes. The NOSB scientist seat representativeencouraged everyone on the board to pay attention and take thetime to read at least some of the scientific literature. Most NOSBmembers are uncertain on how they will vote on carrageenan atthe Fall 2016 meeting.

n Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM): The Policy andDevelopment Subcommittee brought forth a proposal to revisethe PPM to bring it in line with current NOSB operating proce-dures. Currently, the PPM is out of date, almost to the point of

Organic Updates

continued from page 21

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 23

irrelevance, and it is confusing to the board members. Prior tothis final proposal, NOSB provided the public with a draft ver-sion at the Fall 2015 meeting. Public comments were receivedand the subcommittee made revisions where necessary. ThePPM was revised by members of the subcommittee in collabora-tion with the National Organic Program. Some organic stake-holders were strongly opposed to the revisions made because thechanges reflect the sunset voting procedures that continue to cre-ate dissension in the organic community. With great care andconsideration of public comments and NOSB’s duty to followthe organic law and the requirements of a Federal AdvisoryCommittee Act (FACA), NOSB passed the proposal to acceptthe updates and revisions to the PPM. The NOSB process andthe oversight of organic food and agriculture continue to be themost transparent and rigorous public process of any food systemin the world.

n Fracking: A new topic brought to this recent NOSB meetingthrough public comment is a desire from farmers and certifiers todevelop guidance around potential contamination from frackingand other oil and gas extraction operations. There is growingconcern, particularly in the Midwest regarding proximity tofracking wells. Organic requirements clearly require producers toimplement practices that prevent contamination of organiccrops. Many commenters expressed a desire for NOSB and NOPto consider how organic farmers can best adhere to the organicrequirements when there are potential impacts from oil and gasextraction operations. It is unclear when this discussion can fitinto NOSB’s work agenda.

PCO Welcomes New Certification SpecialistAshley Green, Certification Specialist

Ashley Green joinedPCO’s Organic Certifi-cation Team in May2016. Ashley brings sev-eral years of experiencein the organic certifica-tion field as well asnearly 10 years of expe-rience working onorganic dairy and live-stock operations. Shereceived a B.S. in Envi-ronmental Science anda M.S. with a focus onAgroecology from theUniversity of NewHampshire. She hascollaborated on research

projects with an emphasis on farm sustainability, including graz-ing systems and whole farm system energy (input and output)balances. Ashley was raised in the Cumberland Valley region ofCentral PA although she now lives in Vermont. In her free time,Ashley can be often be found hiking, gardening, traveling andand eating.

New Faces

Organic Updates

a farm succession plan — whether thefarm stays in the family, or the farm tran-sitions to non-family members. Withoutadequate succession planning, farms are atgreater risk of going out of business orbeing converted for non-farm use. Similarto OTAP (see above), the Center can pro-vide team members including facilitators,attorneys, accountants, financial planners,lenders, conservation and nutrient man-agement planners and other professionals.More information is available by contact-ing John Howard, who is overseeing theCenter, at [email protected] or 717-705-4360. Farmers interested in issues relevantto preserved farms may also contact DougWolfgang, Bureau of Farmland Preserva-tion Director, at [email protected] or717-783-3167.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agri-culture has resources and informationavailable to assist all of the Common-

wealth’s farmers, including organic.Those interested in general farm transi-tion support, market expansion grants ora variety of agricultural lending programs,may contact Jared Grissinger [email protected] or 717-705-9513; inthe new Whole Farm Revenue ProtectionProgram or Crop Insurance for organicfarms, please contact Jordan Stasyszyn [email protected] or 717-787-6901; inthe organic cost-share program, OTAP, orin advising about other ways we can fur-ther provide support, feel free to contactKyle Heffner at [email protected] or 717-836-3973.

Hannah Smith-Brubaker serves as DeputySecretary with the Pennsylvania Departmentof Agriculture. She also farms with her familyon a PCO-Certified organic produce and pas-tured livestock farm in Juniata County.

Support for Organic…continued from page 5 2017

PCO CalendarPhoto Contest!

PCO would like to showcase your organic farm, and photography skills in our

2017 calendar.

See page 31 for details

continued on page 4

www.paorganic.org24 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

FOR SALEDairy quality organic baleage, corn & soybeans. OEFFA Certified. Foragetest results available, we can do local deliveries. We custom dry and storeorganic grain. Call 570-412-1392. Union County.

New crop; oatlage, sudangrass, baleage, & dry hay in round bails. Deliveryavailable. Contact Ned Fogleman 717-994-4630

Non-GMO hogs for sale. Soy free. Sold by the head. Will be ready for Juneand July. Contact Merlin Martin at 717-275-6988. Perry County.

SERVICESManure management plans, Ag erosion and settlement plans, manure bro-kering, and nutrient management planning. Government certified. ContactNed Fogleman 717-994-4630.

Ag plastic recycling — I can use black and white bunker covers, bale wrap,plastic twine, clear stretch film, greenhouse covers, flats, and pots. Call fordetails. 717-658-9660. Franklin County, PA.

WANTEDOrganic Raw Milk. ACF Organics, LLC, d/b/a Amish Country Farms locatedin Totowa, NJ is looking to procure certified organic raw milk from farmers inPA. Ken Tensen: 800-990-3447 x202.

Organic Marketplace

TO ADVERTISE Contact the PCO Office for information on advertising inthe Marketplace. Call 814-422-0251 or email [email protected].

PCO’s partnership with the Gluten Fee Certification Organization (GFCO) provides youwith a streamlined inspection process that…

• Simplifies the inspection process — PCO andGFCO will coordinate the scheduling of a simultane-ous inspection for both gluten-free and organic cer-tifications.

• Saves time —one inspector conducts a combinedinspection of both gluten-free and organic products.

• Saves money —the amount of inspection fees and travel expenses incurred is reduced by having a combined inspection.

Contact PCO about becoming certified gluten-freeunder the dual-inspection process.

814-422-0251 • [email protected]

continued on page 26

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 25

PCO Welcomes 2nd Quarter New Members!

NEWLY CERTIFIEDMEMBERS

Joel BatesWood-B-Ayr FarmWest Edmeston, NY

Michael C. CulleyCMC Food, Inc.Elizabeth, NJ

Rufus & Anna Ruth FoxGreenfield DairyMiddleburg, PA

Jacob S. GlickMill Hall, PA

Tobias S. HertzlerOvid, NY

Uria R. HertzlerBack Forty Chicken FarmCharles, MD

Mike JesterMJB Farms, LLCHarrisburg, PA

Emanuel S. KanagyE&R Family FarmsMifflintown, PA

Amos K. LappGreen AcresRonks, PA

Laurence N. LeinbachSmoky Bottom Poultry FarmElkton, KY

Aaron LeinbachGoshen Valley FarmElkton, KY

Jacob H. PeacheyProduction Acres DairyBelleville, PA

Liza RollandTilling Point FarmDallas, PA

Benuel S. StoltzfusRosy Dawn OrganicsOvid, NY

Ervin A. YoderChoo Choo AcresPort Royal, PA

Leon Ray ZimmermanElizabethtown, PA

Amos S. ZookMillcreek FarmNewmanstown, PA

SUSTAINING MEMBERS

Christie M. BadgerHughesville, PA

William & Valerie BakerBaker FarmCovington, PA

Raymond D. BeacheyBurke, NY

Benjamin Z. BeilerMaple Creek FarmSpring Run, PA

Henry S. BeilerWholesome AcresWatsontown, PA

Melvin J. BeilerFort Hill FarmLodi, NY

Amos L. BeilerDrumore, PA

David K. BlankSpring Mills, PA

Lamar BontragerDutch Country OrganicsShipshewana, IN

Rudy A. BylerFalconer, NY

Urie M. BylerWindy Knoll FarmFalconer, NY

Samuel B. BylerReynoldsville, PA

Harvey U. BylerPine Hill Farm

Falconer, NY

Richard B. CarnrightCarnright Farm

Mansfield, PA

Bill ChirdonKunzler & Co.

Lancaster, PA

Josh ColvinC.R. Farms LLC.

Front Royal, PA

Elvin H. EberlyBranchport, NY

Eli M. FisherEast Mountain Herb Farm

Mill Hall, PA

Levi L. FisherHoney Grove, PA

www.paorganic.org26 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

PCO Welcomes 2nd Quarter New Members!

John E. FisherLoganton, PA

Edwin R FryFair Hill FarmChestertown, PA

Mark GarciaBoonsboro, MD

Lyn GarlingOver the Moon FarmRebersburg, PA

W. David GeertsonBranchport, NY

Melvin E. GlickWindy Hill AcresFort Plain, NY

Abner A. GlickQuarryville, PA

John & Aimee GoodQuiet Creek FarmGermansville, PA

Jill & Bryan GreenawaltConnelsville, PA

Samuel HaleAvella, PA

Timothy M. HooverRome, PA

Ronald HooverUniversity Park, PA

Kristen HowellVeritiv Operating Company

Pittsburgh, PA

Gideon KauffmanMill Hall, PA

Andrea KeithHazel & Ash Organics, LLC

Coatesville, PA

Aaron KilmerPenn Yan, NY

John E. KingMountain View FarmetteAllenwood, PA

Reuben K. KingLykens, PA

Lester R. LappBird-In-Hand, PA

Aaron S. LappKirkwood, PA

Robert (Bob) LeboLebo's Organic FarmPaxinos, PA

Gideon S. LeeFonda, NY

Betty LiebigAntonio Mozzarella Factory,Inc.Newark, NJ

Scott MaitlandTop of the Hill DistilleryChapel Hill, NC

Wesley MartinStanley, NY

Harvey S. MartinHar-Lin FarmsStanley, NY

Mervin MastApple Creek, OH

Aden A. MillerAVON AcresBurke, NY

Neil MillmanI Love Produce, LLC.Kelton, PA

John MooreMill Run Farms, LLCDenton, MD

Gary NoltQuarryville, PA

Anthony OberholtzerBethel, PA

Jeffrey M. ProutyHampton, NY

Norman ReiffLeola, PA

Christ M. Renno Tyrone, PA

David Sauder Penn Yan, NY

Ben SchwartzSchwartz Family FarmWaterloo, NY

Amos B. StoltzfusSunny Slope VenturesDanville, PA

Stephen L. StoltzfusGoldGlo LandscapesMillersburg, PA

David B. StoltzfusGobblers Ridge FarmDanville, PA

Box 361, 119 Hamilton PlacePenn Yan, NY 14527315-531-1038

Certified Organic Feed, Seed & Livestock Products from Northeast organic farmers

for Northeast organic farmers❖

www.lakevieworganicgrain.com

continued from page 25

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 27

Join Our Growing Family!

We are looking for an organic agronomy saleperson

to serve our farmers.At Fertrell, we are all about hard work, nourishing the earthand the animals, uplifting our farmers, and supporting anddeveloping our Fertrell Employee team members and theirfamilies.

Contact Theresia Tredway directly at: [email protected] or www.fertrell.com/careers

The Fertrell Company • 800-347-1566 • fertrell.com

PCO Welcomes 2nd Quarter New Members!

Joseph M. StoltzfusLoganton, PA

Jim SullivanMiller FarmsTroy, PA

David TaydusPittsfield, PA

Allen L. TroyerMeadow Acre FarmGuilford, NY

Jeremy VanPeltNew Berlin, NY

Carrie A. VarnerSpring Run, PA

Mike WagnerRoots to River FarmNew Hope, PA

Joe WengerdWengerd PoultryFillmore, NY

Bob Dean WigginsWiggins Farm

Cherry Tree, PA

Jesse J. YoderGrantsville, MD

Rudy H. YoderWest Edmeston, NY

Ammon O. ZimmermanSunny Ridge Farm

Mifflinburg, PA

Joseph & Menno ZookMaple Ridge Farm

Meyersdale, PA

Noah ZookMaple Blossom Farm

Homer City, PA

Alexander ZorubZorub Dermaceuticals, LLC

Pittsburgh, PA

Susan Bruss & Timo AroOllis Farm

Hartwick, NY

TRANSITIONING

MEMBERS

David S. BeilerNarvon, PA

Grant BaerBaer Brothers

Somerset, PA

Andew BaterFifth Estate Growers, LLC.

State College, PA

Kelsey BowerHughsville, PA

Richard BurtFoggy Hollow Farm

Mansfield, PA

Emanuel BylerFort Plain, NY

Samuel FisherLoganton, PA

David HawbakerHickory HomesteadTyrone, PA

Jacob HershbergerWayland, NY

Henry J. HershbergerConesus, NY

Jacob HershbergerWayland, NY

Owen E. KauffmanJasper, NY

Mike LappinTaberg, NY

Peter MeyersWest Chester, PA

Jeff OlmsteadCarthage, NY

Alvin RennoTyrone, PA

Eric ShefferHoosick Falls, NY

James R. SlicerJefferson, NY

Benjamin K. StoltzfusMill Hall, PA

Melvin B. TroyerReynoldsville, PA

Lester ZimmermanPenn Yan, NY

www.paorganic.org28 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Join the PCO Team!PCO Mission: To ensure the integrity of organic products and provide education, inspection, andcertification services that meet the needs of our members.

Employment Opportunities

n Certification SpecialistPerform file reviews to ensure compliance with the NationalOrganic Program RegulationsEducation and/or experience in regulatory complianceand organic certification, knowledge of organic stan-dards and crop or livestock production and/or food sci-ence / processing.

nMaterials SpecialistPerform material reviews to ensure compliance with theNational List and PCO PolicyEducation and/or experience in materials used in organicproduction and processing, familiarity with regulatorycompliance and organic certification, knowledge oforganic standards.

n Program AssistantProvides administrative support to all PCO ProgramsEducation and/or experience in business or related topic,basic knowledge of organic standards and regulations,familiarity with certification procedure.

nHR ManagerDevelop and administer all human resource initiatives as wellas ensure the office is operationally efficient and effectiveEducation and experience in human resources, businessor related topic. Minimum 2 years experience in HR gen-eralist role.

n Executive AssistantServe as primary point of contact and support for constituen-cies on all matters pertaining to the Executive DirectorEducation and/or experience as an executive assistantor administrative support.

nAccounting Assistant (part time, temporary)Performs accounts payable and receivable dutiesEducation and/or experience in accounting, finance orrelated field.

BenefitsPCO offers generous health, dental, vision, dis-ability and life insurance, Simple IRA, and paidtime off.

Application ProcessMore information is available on our website:paorganic.org/jobs, which includes compensationand telecommuting eligibility. Positions willremain open until filled. Please send resume andcover letter to [email protected] (electronic sub-missions preferred).

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 29

www.paorganic.org30 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

www.paorganic.org Organic Matters • Summer 2016 31

Name

Address City State ZIP

Phone Email

Use postal mail for: Billing Applications Organic Matters Use my email for: Billing Applications Organic Matters

Membership

Advocate Member ............................................... $40Receives Organic Matters newsletter, workshop notices, dis-counts on PCO materials, invitations to meetings, and one free30-word classified in Organic Matters per issue.

Sustainer Member ............................................... $75Same benefits as the Advocate Member, plus you may requesta free copy of the PCO Certification Manual, NOP StandardsManual, PCO Materials List, OMRI Materials List, and RecordKeeping Systems. In addition, you may vote on PCO standardsand policies. If you decide to apply for certification during yourmembership year, the $75 New Applicant Fee is waived.

Business Member ............................................... $150Receives the same benefits as a Sustainer Member, plus a 10%discount on ads in Organic Matters.

Certification

Transitioning Farmer ......................................... $200Receive Sustainer Membership benefits plus: phone access tocertification specialist to answer all your transition questions,application and paperwork review, materials lists and guidance,and more.

New Applicant ................................................... $75*New applicants will receive the following: PCO Certification Manual, NOP Standards Manual, PCO Materials List, and OMRIMaterials List.

*$75 new applicant fee plus $695 basic certification fee dueprior to processing

Please send me applications for the following categories (free):

Checks: Payable to PCOPay Online: www.paorganic.org/orderformPay via Phone: (814)-422-0251

Crops/Produce

Dairy/Livestock

Poultry

Mushrooms

Maple Products

On-Farm Processing/ Handling

Processor/Handler

Broker/Handler

PCO 100% Grassfed Certification

PCO Forest Grown Verification

Gluten Free

Kosher

Other

.....................................

Membership/Certification Order Form

Contact Information

Card No.

CVV Code Exp. Date Billing ZIP Code

Cardholder Name

Signature

2017 PCO Calendar Photo Contest!PCO would like to showcase your organic farm, and photographyskills in our 2017 calendar.We are looking for pictures of your family and farm workers on your organic farm or handling operation, at work or at rest, throughout the seasons. We’ll display allsubmitted photos at FarmFest for in person voting and prizes. We will accept high-resolution photos via submission on our website, by email, or on a CD.Please submit your entries for the photo contest by July 15 to:

Pennsylvania Certified Organic2017 Calendar Coordinator106 School Street, Suite 201 • Spring Mills, PA 16875 [email protected] • www.paorganic.org

www.paorganic.org32 Organic Matters • Summer 2016

Calendar

JuneJUNE 23PCO’s Transition to Organic GrainStudy Circle and Farm TourEugene Lapp FarmKinzers, PAPaorganic.org/TransitiontoOrganicGrain814-422-0251See page 12 for more details.

JulyJULY 15Rodale Institute — Annual Field DayRodale InstituteKutztown, PARodaleinstitute.org610-683-1400

JULY 28 & 29PASA’s 2nd Annual Summer Conference Soil Health Conference:Living Roots 24/7/365Grange FairgroundsCentre Hall, PAPasafarming.org814-348-9856

JULY 29PCO Annual Membership Meeting &Farmer Appreciation DayGrange FairgroundsCentre Hall, PAPaorganic.org, 814-422-0251An educational day with PCO’s AnnualMembership Meeting, inspiring speakers,small-group discussions, OutstandingOrganic Awards and fun family activities.

JULY 31–AUGUST 6Buy Fresh Buy Local Centre County —Local Foods WeekPasafarming.org, 814-349-9856

AugustAUGUST 6Centre County Farm TourPasafarming.org, 814-349-9856

AUGUST 9, 16 & 23Introduction to Organic VegetableProduction for Beginning FarmersSeed FarmEmmaus, PASeedfarm.org/WORKSHOPS610-391-9583

AUGUST 20PASA’s Grazing Dairy Cow Health &Genetics: Beyond the BasicsDouglassville, PAPasafarming.org, 215-804-4731

AUGUST 26 & 27Growing with Healthy Soil BiologyRodale InstituteKutztown, PARodaleinstitute.org, 610-683-1400

Save the Date!October 25

PCO/PSU Organic Transition: Dairy Cow Breeding and Reproduction

Field DayMatt Bomgardner's farm

PASA’s 2nd Annual Summer Soil Health Conference

Living Roots 24/7/365Thursday, July 28–Friday, July 29

Grange Fairgrounds • Centre Hall, PA�An in-depth exploration of strategies to build perennial agro -ecosystems through cover crops, forages, and crop diversity.For more info: pasafarming.org/sumcon, 814-349-9856

Conference speaker Steve Groff, Cover Crop Solutions

PCO’s 5th Annual FarmFestJuly 29–30

Grange Fairgrounds Centre Hall, PA• Educational Workshops & Speakers• Organic Food Court & Pie Contest• Live Music, Dancing & [email protected]

106 School Street, Suite 201

Spring Mills, PA 16875

Non-Profit Org

US POSTAGE PAID

CENTRE HALL, PA

PERMIT NO. 33


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