Certain plants can benefit others when planted in close proximity or used as botanical pesticides. This publication discusses the scientific and traditional basis for companion planting associations including trap cropping, weed suppression, physical-spatial interactions, and other relationships. It provides a companion planting chart for common herbs, vegetables, and flowers, as well as a listing of… Continue reading Companion Planting and Botanical Pesticides: Concepts and Resources
Resources Category: Organic Inputs and Materials
Preventative Practices for Organic Handlers
Organic handlers are operations that process, package or sell organic products. They are required to prevent mixing organic and non-organic ingredients. Learn about preventative practices to meet this requirement in this short video.
Preventing Commingling/Contamination in Organic Handling
USDA organic regulations require certified handlers to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic products. Handlers must also prevent organic products from being contaminated by any prohibited material. Learn the basic requirements of preventing commingling and contamination in organic handling with this fact sheet.
Use of Chlorine in Organic Handling
This factsheet outlines best practices for using chlorine in organic handling.
Input Materials for Use in Organic Crop Production
This fact sheet from WSDA outlines how to determine if an input material meets the USDA organic regulations and would be allowed for use on an organic farm.
Guidelines for Using Mulches and Weed Barriers
Fact sheet that provides guidelines for using mulches and weed barrers in organic production
Risky Business: Assessing Areas of Risk for Current and Potential Organic Operations
Risks are threats, but can also be opportunities in life and business. During this webinar we cover topics to help organic operations make strides in managing various potential risks. The presenters discuss risk assessment and management for organic farmers and processors, as well as transitioning, new, and long-time producers.
Substances for Organic Crop and Livestock Production
USDA fact sheet on substances for organic crop and livestock production
Allowed Detergents and Sanitizers for Food Contact Surfaces and Equipment in Organic Operations
The National Organic Program’s (NOP) Organic Standards require that an organic handling operation take measures to prevent the commingling of organic and nonorganic products and protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances. (USDA organic regulations 7 CFR 205.272). Cleaning and sanitizing is an important part of an organic system plan. The purpose of this… Continue reading Allowed Detergents and Sanitizers for Food Contact Surfaces and Equipment in Organic Operations
Commonly Used Organic Inputs
Participants will learn about the basic regulations governing inputs used in organic production, including identifying types of products that need more thorough evaluation for compliance. Emphasis will be placed on reviewing the most common inputs used in organic production, especially for fertility and pest control. Participants will have an activity to look at a label… Continue reading Commonly Used Organic Inputs