Overview
What is the Canadian Organic Standard?
Getting CertifiedRecordkeeping and the Organic
PlanInspectionQuestions
On June 30, 2009, the Organic Product Regulations (OPR) came into effect, making the Canadian Organic Standards mandatory CGSB-32.310 Organic Standard (COS) CGSB-32.311 Permitted Substances List (PSL)
Background
1999 - voluntary Canadian organic standard produced via Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)
Process driven by organic sector, consensus decision making
Current standard last amended in 2011Living document
General Principles
1. Environment2. Soil fertility3. Biological diversity 4. Recycle within the enterprise5. Care for livestock6. Maintain integrity and vital qualities7. Rely on renewable resources in locally
organized agricultural systems
The Standard provides the practical methods that can
help achieve these principles
What the Standards do NOT Cover
Labeling – this is in the RegulationEnforcement – this is up to the Certification
Body (and CFIA)Specific products – the general categories are
in the PSL but it is up to your Certification Body to approve use
Sections of the Standard
ScopeDefinitionsOrganic PlanSpecific Requirements:
Crops, Livestock, Maple, Honey, Sprouts, Greenhouse, Wild crops
Preparation and Handling of Organic Products
Permitted Substances List
1. Crop Soil Amendments and Crop Nutrition Crop Production Aids and Materials
2. Livestock Feed, Feed Additives and Supplements Health Care Products and Production Aids
3. Processing Allowed Non-organic Food Additives &
Ingredients Cleaners, Disinfectants, Sanitizers
What’s not allowed? (1.4.1)
Overview of Certification Process
Application to a Certification BodyReview (is application complete?) InspectionReview (is operator compliant?) Issuance of Certificate
Transition
3 years of transition from conventional If no prohibited substances used in last 3
years, then can transition in 1 year Apply to CB 15 months before you plan to
market crops as organic Processing - no transition period requiredLivestock - varies
Choosing a Certifier
Considerations: structure, cost, location, expertise, communication, markets
Certification to other standards - export? NOP, EU, JAS
Recordkeeping
Demonstrate that the Organic Plan is being followed
Enable traceability Records should be useful both for your
operation and for the certification processOngoing - maintain for 5 years
Organic Plan
Description of methods used on farmIncludes transition, preparation, handling
and management practices
Should include… Description of the operation – crops, acreage,
projected yields Field maps and field history Rotation plan And more!
Traceability & Audit Trail
• You need to be able to trace your product from the field to the fork!
• Must prove that the amount of product produced = product sold • Area Planted
• Field Activity Log
• Harvest Records
• Purchases, Inventory Records
• Sales Records
Inspection
Independent assessor visits your farm/operation annually
Compares observations of your operation with requirements of the Standard/PSL
Reviews production areas and your farm records
Reports back to CB - they make certification decision
“Staying” Organic
Make sure you are ready when you make the transition
Charge enough to get your organic premium - market your organic advantage
Ultimate system of assurance - third party certification!
Set up your records well in the first few years - will save time later on
Continuous learning
Resources
For more information…
Contact a Certification BodyCheck the Organic Path - ACORN websiteContact [email protected] for
assistance from ACORN in transitioning to organic production
Thank you!