Chip Sundstrom - California Crop Improvement Association

January 2003

The rules of the USDA National Organic Program:
  • Necessity of organic production and handling systems plans
Subpart C explains the necessity of organic production and handling systems plans. Everybody must develop and submit a plan that carefully describes the practices and procedures to be performed and a list of substances used.

FOR AGRICULTURAL CROP / SEED PRODUCTION

  • This plan must include a description of monitoring practices and procedures (audit points) in place to assure compliance with NOP standards.
  • Record keeping must be documented.
  • Land requirements for ag production must be detailed and satisfied.
  • Soil fertility management practices must be supportive of organic sustainability and stewardship.
  • The plan must attempt to use organic sources of seed and planting stock.
  • Crop pest, weed and disease management practices must be in compliance.
  • This plan must be approved by a USDA accredited certifier.

FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT / SEED PROCESSING (seed conditioning)

  • An organic facility/processing plan must be prepared.
  • Lists of approved nonagricultural substances and non-organically produced ag products that may be used under certain circumstances are explained.
  • This plan must also be approved by an USDA accredited certifier.
 

 

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