Organic Poultry certification Keeping the Family on the Farm by Ib Hagsten, Ph.D., CAC Independent Organic Inspector.

Organic Poultry Organic Poultry certificationcertification

“Keeping the Family on the Farm”

by Ib Hagsten, Ph.D., CAC

Independent Organic Inspector

Let’s talk about organic Let’s talk about organic poultry production poultry production

certificationcertification

Organic IntegrityOrganic IntegrityThe organic inspector’s role on the farm -- on behalf of the NOP (National Organic Program) -- is to “be the eyes and ears on the farm” verifying the wonderful management activities the producer diligently performs and the areas where he/she needs to further implement the standards.

Maintaining and documenting the organic integrity every step of the way is what the NOP program assures the consuming public.

§205.236 Origin of §205.236 Origin of PoultryPoultry

The poultry or edible products under continuous organic management starting with day-old chicks

Producer must maintain records to preserve identity of all certified organically-managed animals or birds and their eggs & of edible meat products produced

§205.237 Livestock §205.237 Livestock FeedFeed

Provide ration of organically produced & handled feed

Do not use drugs, hormones, poultry by-products ... nor unapproved feed additives or supplements ...

§205.238 Livestock §205.238 Livestock Health Health (1)(1)

Select species suitable for site-specific conditions and with resistance to prevalent diseases and parasites

Provide feed to meet nutritional needs

Establish appropriate housing/pasture

Provide sanitation to minimize spread of diseases & parasites

Maintain bio-security measures

§205.238 Livestock §205.238 Livestock Health Health (2)(2)

Provide conditions that allow exercise, freedom of movement, and reduction of stress

Administer appropriate vaccines

§205.238 Livestock §205.238 Livestock Health Health (3)(3)

When preventative practices do not prevent sickness, producer may administer synthetic medication

Producer must NOT withhold medical treatment from a sick bird in effort to preserve its organic status

Birds treated with prohibited substances MUST be clearly identified & NOT sold as organic

§205.239 Living §205.239 Living Conditions Conditions (1)(1)

Accommodate health & natural bird behavior

Suitable for stage of production, climate, environment

Without the birds being able to reach treated lumber

§205.239 Living §205.239 Living Conditions Conditions (2)(2)

Access to:

Outdoors

Shelter &/or shade

Exercise area

Fresh air

Fresh water

§205.271 Pest §205.271 Pest ManagementManagement

Remove pest habitat, food source & breeding areas

Manage temperature, light, humidity & air circulation to prevent pest production

Pests may be controlled thru mechanical, physical control, or by repellants on NOP list

§205.306 Labeling of §205.306 Labeling of FeedsFeeds

Use feeds carrying USDA/NOP seal including “Certified Organic by ...”

Make sure you receive organic feed

§205.272 Re: §205.272 Re: ComminglingCommingling

Producer must implement measures to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic products

§205.400 Certification §205.400 Certification Requirements Requirements (1)(1)

Comply with NOP organic production and/or handling regulations

Establish, implement, update annually an organic production/handling system plan & submit it to an organic accredited certifying agent

Undergo an on-site inspection prior to starting birds & annually thereafter

§205.400 Certification §205.400 Certification Requirements Requirements (2)(2)

Permit on-site inspections with complete access to the operation, including non-certified production areas

Maintain all records applicable for not less than 5 years

Submit applicable fees charged by certifying agent

Immediately notify the certifying agent of any application or drift of prohibited substances on field, facility, or birds

§205.401 Application §205.401 Application for Certificationfor Certification

Applicant must submit an application for certification to the certifying agent ...

Obtain specific form(s) from your selected certifier

One final One final differentiation ...differentiation ...

Why organic vs. natural?

“Natural” refers to a set of conditions with “back-to-nature” and limited chemical input preferences

Organic means adherence to a national uniform set of standards for ecologically-friendly, chemical-free, management-intensive agricultural production, where every stage of the production/handling is inspected by certified inspectors working on behalf of USDA/NOP accredited certifying agents

Thank youThank you