This guide is to help organic producers and handlers understand, prepare for, and get the most from their annual inspections for certification of compliance with USDA National Organic Standards.
Type: Guides & Manuals
DOCUMENTATION FORMS FOR ORGANIC CROP AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
There are three types of documentation that enable accredited certifying agents (certifiers) to verify a producer’s compliance with the National Organic Program (NOP) Regulations: a) The producer’s records of farm/livestock operation activities b) The Organic System Plan (OSP) c) Audit trail documents (e.g., purchase invoices, organic certificates, contracted custom application or harvest records, soil test… Continue reading DOCUMENTATION FORMS FOR ORGANIC CROP AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
Guide to Organic Certification
USDA’s introductory guide to organic certification
Increase the Sustainability of Your Business
Need a quick reference guide for how to get started with increasing the sustainability of your organic business? Oregon Tilth’s condensed Quick Start Guide series is designed to answer your big questions quickly, give examples and point to helpful tools to get started
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
Quick Start Guide: Formulating Multiple Ingredient Products
Need a quick reference guide for how-to get started with tracking ingredients, sourcing materials and making sure your following USDA NOP regulations for certification? Oregon Tilth’s condensed Quick Start Guide series is designed to answer your big questions quickly, give examples and point to helpful tools to get started
NOP 5020 Guidance on Natural Resources and Biodiversity Conservation
USDA’s National Organic Program guidance on biodiveristy and conservation for organic production and certification.
An Organic Farmer’s and Certifier’s Guide to Biodiversity Conservation
The Guide clarifies the National Organic Program’s (NOP) new Natural Resources and Biodiversity Conservation Guidance (released January 2016). The Guide will also increase organic farmers’ and certifiers’ understanding of the myriad of benefits provided by biodiversity conservation.
Audit Trail: A Sample Documentation Process
One of the core practices of your certified organic operation is developing good quality record-keeping and documentation (commonly referred to as an “audit trail”). Use this tool as an example when developing the documentation process for your operation.
Nutrient Management Plan for Organic Systems: Western State Implementation Guide
This document is an instruction guide for creating and implementing a nutrient management plan (NMP) on certified or transitioning organic lands. An NMP for organically managed lands describes the amount, source, placement, form, and timing of the application of nutrients and soil amendments, generally by field, to meet crop nutrient needs while protecting water quality,… Continue reading Nutrient Management Plan for Organic Systems: Western State Implementation Guide