Fall 2017 Organic Matters

Quarterly Newsletter • Fall 2017

Setting and Exceeding Benchmarks for Soil Health page 3 From Humble Roots, A Movement Has Grown page 5 PCO Marks 20 Years of Making Organic Matter page 6

The need is great Farmers struggle to survive devastation from unprecedented natural disasters Packing shed at Lady Moon Farms in Florida succumbs to Hurricane Irma.

O

rganic farmers understand and prepare for the vagaries of nature and society. They work hard to manage crops and livestock amid the challenges of drought, storms, insects, disease, weeds, pesticide drift, illness, accidents, injury, fire, wildlife damage, economic losses, labor shortages. They keep going, inspired by the many good things that organic food and farming bring to their families and communities. That list of positives is also quite long, and you all know it. From fresh air and healthy food, to hard work and financial stability.

Farms are resilient, but only to a point.

How do we even begin to come to terms with the unfathomable devastation endured by farmers in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, Caribbean Islands, Mexico and now Northern California? And that is only on this side of the globe. I am so saddened by thoughts of farmers and farm workers whose livelihoods were wiped out in an instant by hurricanes, floods, wildfires and earthquakes. It moves me to cry out on their behalf: Please help!

Farms, farmers and farm workers are

the foundation of our food system. The organic and sustainable farming community gets that. The average consumer probably is not as aware of the significant risks that natural disasters of this magnitude pose to our regional, national and global food systems. We are told to expect higher prices at the grocery store due to crop losses. But what if those farms never recover? What if that farmland becomes office parks and housing complexes? We all must do what we can to help our farmers. Give till it hurts. Farmers need us so they can feed us.

Increased demand for organic food spurs intensified focus on integrity The National Agriculture Statistics Service reports that Pennsylvania ranked second in the nation in organic sales for 2016, surpassed only by California. Total US organic farm production was $7.6 billion, an increase of 23%. It is no surprise that higher demand has resulted in increased production worldwide and more concern about potential fraud along burgeoning supply chains.

PCO continues to work with partners locally and globally to ensure the integrity of organic products in the marketplace.

This begins with you. Good records are the keystone of the organic inspection and review process. All records, including international shipping documents, undergo rigid scrutiny. In addition to annual inspections, PCO performs riskbased and random unannounced inspections and pesticide residue testing in a sound and sensible manner. We appreciate your cooperation and collaboration.

Another way you can help PCO do our job responsibly is to nominate a potential board member to participate in our upcoming election. And don’t forget to vote! paorganic.org/2018-nominations

Leslie 814-404-6567 (call, text) leslie@paorganic.org PCO, 106 School Street, Suite 201 Spring Mills, PA 16875

Organizations taking donations and offering financial assistance to farmers in disaster zones: • FarmAid Disaster Fund give.farmaid.org/checkout/ donation?eid=54454 • Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association tofga.org/donate • Texas Department of Agriculture 512-463-9932 • Florida, US Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico: org/our-programs/applicationfarm-aid-disasterrelief-assistance • California ccof.org/blog/northern-californiafire-relief-efforts

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www.paorganic.org

Organic Matters Fall 2017 OFFICERS

president Luke Howard, Homestead Farms, Inc. vice president Michael Ranck, Charvin Organic Farms secretary Tina Ellor, Phillips Mushroom Farms treasurer Dave Hartman, Penn State Extension managing board chair Bob Eberly

ADVISORY BOARD

Christie Badger, Independent Organic Inspector Allison Blansfield, Sweet Green Preston Boop, Briar Patch Organic Kristy Borelli, Penn State University Beth Gugino, Penn State Extension Ron Hoover, Penn State Extension Tim Joseph, Maple Hill Creamery Joe Miller, Trickling Springs Creamery Tony Ricci, Green Heron Farm Mike Spangler, Global Natural LLC

STAFF

executive director Leslie Zuck executive assistant Leanne Lenz

page 12

features 3 Setting and Exceeding Benchmarks for Soil Health Research proves benefits of organic farming for soil health

5 From Humble Roots, A Movement Has Grown Lady Moon Farms founder urges stakeholders to protect future of organic

administrative team director of operations Diana Underwood accounting manager Elizabeth Leah staff accountant Shawnee Matis administrative assistant Lia Sandoval human resources manager Sandy Vandeven certification team

6 PCO Marks 20 Years of Making Organic Matter Celebrating the foundations of organic farming

program director Kyla Smith certification program manager Marissa Pyle operations manager Reva Baylets senior certification specialist Heather Donald certification specialist Justine Cook certification specialist Stephen Hobaugh certification specialist Cathy Jackson certification specialist Chelsea Johnson certification specialist Emily Newman certification specialist Colleen Scott certification specialist/forest grown program coordinator Tess Weigand program assistant Aleisha Schreffler program assistant Kristin Shade

page 6

i nspections team inspections manager Liz Amos inspection program coordinator Ashley Green materials team materials program manager Jennifer Berkebile materials specialist Sabine Carey materials specialist Adam Dalo quality team quality systems & it manager Angela Morgan it specialist Garrick McCullough

columns 8

President’s Message

9

Conservation Corner

14 Dear Aggy 16 Transitions

stories

19 Organic Updates Certification Legislative Materials Quality Standards & Policy

10 PCO’s 20th Year Anniversary Celebration

24 Organic Marketplace

education & outreach team membership & development specialist Nicole Lawrence McNeil outreach specialist April Fix

Jessica Shade, Washington Nationals outfielder and organic farmer speaking at the Organic Confluences Summit. Photo: Organic Trade Association.

Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding acknowledges PCO 20-Year Founding Farmer Award Winner Roundtop Farms. Photo: Centre Daily Times, Abbey Drey

Inspiring speakers, Founding Farmer awards, Annual Meeting and an organic dinner!

25 Calendar 27 New Members

12 Organic Stakeholders Gather to Tackle Questions 106 School Street, Suite 201

fax: 814.422.0255

Spring Mills, PA 16875

email: pco@paorganic.org

814.422.0251

web: paorganic.org

Addressing barriers to growth of organic research

facebook.com/PAorganic twitter.com/PAorganic OUR MISSION: To ensure the integrity of organic products and provide education, inspection, and certification services that meet the needs of our members. PCO provides certification services nationwide

www.paorganic.org

13 Efficient Farm Systems Efficiency through labor management, mechanization, organization, and budgeting

Cover: Spider web.

Photo: Sabine Carey

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1

2016 Annual Report

• 2016 marked PCO’s 20th year of insuring integrity of organic products in the marketplace.

• Increased consumer demand for certified organic goods spurred growth and diversity among PCO programs and services.

• PCO expanded its geographic scope from regional to national.

Growth in Organic Certification

1, 244 Total Organic Certifications

Inspections Conducted

2014–2016

45%

New Organic Certificates Issued

1000

increase in Organic certifications

Poultry 29%

1080

1009 900

800 600

Livestock 32%

400

156%

Crops 24%

335

200

236 123 2014

0

increase in Grassfed certifications

2015

Handling 15%

2016

20 Year Trends

38%

increase in Forest Grown certifications

3 Revenue ($ in Millions)

1200 Clients

30 Employees

2

800

20

400

10

1

$

0 1997

2000

2003

2006

2009

2012

2015

0

0 1997

2000

2003

2006

2009

2012

2015

1997

2000

2003

2006

2009

2012

2015

PCO is the

5th largest certifier in the US* Up from 11th in 2015, following CCOF, MOSA, OTCO & QAI.*based on number of certified operations in the US.

increase in national market share

111%

increase in materials reviewed Organic Matters

G Goal complete G Significant progress made toward goal.

Not complete in 2016.

Membership Services & Satisfaction A: Conduct ongoing customer service surveys in order to increase membership satisfaction ............................................. G B: Fully implement new database .................. G

107%

2

Strategic Plan

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Fall 2017

Increase Financial Viability & Diversity A: Ensure our organic certification fees are comparable with other certifying agents ... G B: Implement a plan for increasing non-certification income in order to increase diversity in revenue streams ....... G C: Specific data and metrics will be gathered to inform business decisions ...... G

Grow Market Share A: Ensure that prospective organic clients are responded to and followed up with so that we grow PCO clients /members ..... G B: Develop and implement one additional certification program ............................... G C: Increase PCO's market share of certified organic operators in our region by at least 10% ................................................. G D: Increase Marketing, Branding and Business Development efforts in order to grow market share and awareness. ....... G

Advisory Board Development A: Continue emphasis on developing current Board, recruiting new Board Members and ensuring there is clear Board officer successors and succession planning. ....... G www.paorganic.org

Setting and Exceeding Benchmarks for Soil Health New research proves benefits of organic farming for soil health and helps farmers track progress in soil stewardship Franklin Egan, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture

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oil health is the foundation of productivity and profitability on any farm. While most farms regularly test their soils, it can be challenging to put results in a meaningful context. For instance, how do you understand what a “good” soil test result is for your farm, and how do you develop a practical strategy for improving soil health over the long term?

Last summer, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture

(PASA) began working with organic vegetable farmers to help answer these questions and chart a course for sustaining our soil resources for the future. PASA worked with twelve organic vegetable farmers across Pennsylvania to measure soil health in their fields and assess management practices that influence soil health. We submitted soil samples to the Cornell Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health and gathered management records for tillage operations, planting dates, and soil amendments.

The data help to illustrate what is typical, and what is possible, for soil health on diversified organic vegetable

farms in Pennsylvania (Table 1). We found that, on average, PASA vegetable farmers: • Grow organic matter levels 2.3 times higher than Natural Resource Conservation Service expectations for their soil types.

• Maintain living vegetative cover on their soils 225 days of the year, 70 days longer than typical Pennsylvania row crop practices.

• Show Cornell Soil Health scores of 70, an “excellent” rating in the Cornell Comprehensive Assessment, which combines 12 different metrics into a 0–100 scale.

These are very beneficial outcomes for our farms, neighbors, and the planet.

PASA Farmers Improve Their Soil

Thank you to the following participating farms!

www.paorganic.org

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Table 1: Highlights from PASA’s 2016 soil health benchmark study SOIL HEALTH INDICATOR

Organic Matter, as measured in 2016 Organic Matter, relative to rating for soil type1 Days in Living Cover2 Cornell Soil Health Score3 Tillage Intensity Index4

PASA MEAN

MIN-MAX

3.30%

1.6–5.1

2.3x

1.4–3.8

224 days

138–320

70

54–84

5

1.2–9

1 This value reflects the ratio of organic matter measured in 2016 to NRCS organic matter ratings for each farm’s soil type. Sampled farms had organic matter 2.3 times higher, on average, than NRCS ratings.

2 This indicator reflects area-weighted vegetative cover estimates for all crops and cover crops for the 2016 season.

3 The Cornell Soil Health Score incorporates twelve different measurements of soil physical, biological, and chemical properties into a 100-point scale. Scores of 60–80 are considered “excellent”; scores higher than 80 are considered “optimal”.

4 The tillage intensity index uses NRCS data to assign a soil disturbance score to each tillage or cultivation implement used in 2016. For example, a single moldboard plow pass gets a score of 1.0; a tine-weeder pass gets a 0.5. Higher scores indicate more frequent, extensive and/or deeper soil disturbance.

Drawing on this data, PASA is working to tell the story of soil stewardship and help to expand the market and public support for organic vegetables. For instance, we’re developing a fact sheet that summarizes our research findings and concisely explains to a non-farmer why soil health is so important for ensuring healthy food and a healthy environment (see graphic on next page). PASA farmers can place these fact sheets on their farm market stands, add them to CSA boxes, or share them with a wholesale customer.

Our study will also provide a framework for organic farmers to share best practices and collaboratively develop new ideas for growing soil health. For instance, at a workshop this past March, Mike Brownback from Spiral Path Farm1 shared results from their PASA soil health assessment. Through forty years of farming organically, the Brownbacks have boosted their soil organic matter to impressive levels; in one field, we measured 5.1% soil organic matter, on a soil type that typically holds only 1.5%.

At the meeting, Mike stressed that building healthy soils requires a long-term commitment, with regular assessment as part of the process. He also described Spiral Path’s composting system, which he does not view primarily as a direct source of nutrients, but rather as a way to prime the soil microbiology and help plants access nutrients stored in soil

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organic matter. Mike also described that although Spiral Path does rely on pretty intensive tillage for weed control and terminating cover crops (often including multiple passes with a disc plow), they are very disciplined about tilling when soil moisture conditions are appropriate. By avoiding compacting wet soils with heavy equipment, they are able to use tillage while steadily increasing organic matter with healthy crops and cover crops.

PASA’s education staff is looking forward to helping farmers share the techniques and strategies they use to build soil health. You can join the discussion during multiple workshops at our annual Farming for the Future Conference, February 7–10 in State College.

We are expanding our study in 2017, and plan to include up to 24 organic vegetable farms, while also working to include several row crop farms from the PA NoTill Alliance. This home-grown dataset will serve to guide soil health education and outreach at PASA and provide a foundation for farmer-to-farmer learning about best practices for growing soil health. Please contact Franklin Egan with any questions about this exciting project: 814-349-9856 or franklin@pasafarming.org.

Franklin joined PASA in June 2015 as the first Director of Educational Programs. Franklin is leading PASA’s efforts to implement a rigorous new farmer training program, enhance networks for farmer to farmer learning, and build a platform for on-farm research and experimentation.

Franklin holds a PhD in Ecology from Penn State University, and he has conducted research on topics including biodiversity conservation on farmland, environmental risks from geneticallymodified crops, and improving the efficiency of pasture-based dairies.

www.paorganic.org

From Humble Roots, A Movement Has Grown Lady Moon Farms founder urges stakeholders to honor the organic movement’s past by protecting its future with strong standards Justine Cook, PCO Certification Specialist

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hose well versed in the history of organic agriculture are aware that the movement sprung from the soil. And since its humble beginnings, it has grown in directions that may be surprising to the early pioneers, including cosmetics, textiles and more. The level of passion and engagement in today’s organic market, however, would not be a surprise to anyone; with participants working to secure their stake in a wide playing field and to protect the integrity of the organic label.

At PCO’s 20th Anniversary celebration, hosted during the annual PA Organic FarmFest in Centre Hall on July 28, 2017, Tom Beddard, of Lady Moon Farms, delivered a keynote address that delved into organic farming history and growth, and stressed the need for active participation from all stakeholders and generations. During Beddard’s address, titled “20 Years of Organic Farming: Reflecting on the Past to Create the Future,” he emphasized the role that organic farming plays in environmental resilience and the importance of the organic community in steering the regulations.

Lady Moon Farms is currently the largest grower of organic produce on the East Coast, but started on one Pennsylvania acre with a vision. In many ways, the genesis and growth of Lady Moon Farms and PCO is analogous to the growth and development of the organic food industry.

All three started as small, grassroots efforts, and through the combination of determination, active supporters, and a commitment to mission, they have expanded beyond their founders’ hopes and expectations.

While there are many reasons to support the organic industry, the discussion

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“We own this label,” he stated, “We own what this label means.”

The organic standards were not developed in a vacuum and are not independent of the community who adheres to them. Organic certification’s uniqueness is partially due to its voluntary and participatory nature; organic operations volunteer, and pay, to document their practices and undergo an annual audit of that documentation and their system.

These operations also serve on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and support organizations whose purpose is to advocate for clear, strong production and handling standards. Engagement is critical to the future of the organic label and Beddard’s keynote address highlighted several avenues — contact your member of Congress, submit comments to the NOSB, and continue to raise your voice in supTom Beddard, PCO’s Founding President and Co- port of a system that values ecological founder/President of Lady Moon Farm, speaks to and community benefits, in addition FarmFest attendees on the import of protecting to financial prosperity. the organic seal. on July 28 focused on a fundamental one — a core value that has continued from the earliest pioneers to today’s adopters of organic practices: Investing in the soil is crucial for the future of our planet. That conviction may seem like hyperbole to the uninitiated, however, Tom Beddard outlined how the management of soil in agricultural systems affects its ability to act as a living filter, with impacts on human health, water quality, and climate.

If organic farming is rooted in the passion of its growers, the organic market rests on the trust consumers place in the label. In order to maintain that trust, and thereby grow the organic market, Beddard urged listeners to assist in the protection of the integrity of the standards.

Tom Beddard is a PCO founding board member and Co-founder and President of Lady Moon Farms, with 2,700 acres of certified organic produce in Pennsylvania, Florida and Georgia.

Tom has been committed to growing 100% organic since 1988. Back in the day when organic was barely talked about, Tom felt that it was wrong to grow food with the poisons that most farmers were using to keep their crops strong and healthy. He was then, and remains today, committed to growing produce by using purely organic means.

Lady Moon Farms is the largest grower of organic produce on the east coast, delivering fanaticallyfresh organic produce to the finest grocery stores, produce distributors, co-ops and CSAs on the east coast.

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PCO Marks 20 Years of Making Organic Matter Celebrating the foundations of organic farming: hard work and good soil

Jim Pierce, Special Projects Manager

Seriously Sustainable This year’s FarmFest celebrated the 20th anniversary of PCO where 23 of PCO’s founding organic farmers were recognized and honored. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and Lady Moon Farms Founder Tom Beddard presided over the recognition and perseverance of these pioneers as well as a Celebration of Life for the late Roy L. Brubaker, Organic Farmer/Mentor/Hero and Inspiration to all.

Tom Beddard delivered a keynote address titled “20 Years of Organic Farming: Reflecting on the Past to Create the Future” where he highlighted the crucial role that organic farming plays in environmental resilience as well as the magnitude of the organic community in guiding the regulations (See page 5 for more details on the keynote address).

Hannah-Smith Brubaker, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, PCO-

Certified Farmer of Village Acres Farm & FoodShed, and Brubaker family member, recited Small Stream Symphony, a poem written by Jonas K. Stoltzfus, and gracefully led the Celebration of Life ceremony. (See poem next page) PCO Advisory Board President and PCO-Certified Farmer of Homestead Farms, Inc., Luke Howard, represented the PCO Board during the ceremonies.

The afternoon was capped with an Organic Ice Cream Social hosted by Organic Valley and Trickling Springs Creamery. In the mingling, laughing and storytelling that followed it became apparent not only how much hard work remains in making sustainable farming a reality, but how far we have come in a generation. There is so much more real science based and practical information available from Extension, University and experienced farmers than there was just a few years ago.

This is the real value of Farmfest to PCO and its members; sharing our knowledge and wisdom with folks who want to know more. Fences come down

Donald Spackman, of Roundtop Farms, is honored as a 20-Year Founding Farmer by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and Grange Fair Queen Emma Spackman, Donald Spackman’s granddaughter, during the 6th annual Pennsylvania Organic FarmFest. Photo: Centre Daily Times, Abby Drey.

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when farmers and their customers eat together.

So much to do For the sixth year now the last weekend of July finds the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall festooned with hay bales, flags, farmers, craftsmen and critters as FarmFest, hosted by PCO and put on by a village of volunteers and sponsors, moves in. Sustainable living, community building and organic agriculture are presented in an atmosphere of fine local food, fun local entertainment and lots of family activities.

This year PCO promoted the former by cranking up the latter; featuring local chefs, musicians and entertainers. In addition to tried and true favorites like horse drawn hay rides, blacksmith demonstrations, bicycle taxis and belly dancers were debut appearances by strolling acappella musicians, magicians, hula-hoopers, yoga instructors and yes, Superheros. The result was a fun blend of old and new. A family friendly place to enjoy a summer afternoon and learn

The Brubaker Family accepts PCO’s 20-Year Founding Farmer Award in honor of the late Roy L. Brubaker, founding farmer of PCO, Tuscarora Organic Growers and Village Acres Farm & FoodShed.

Following the Awards Ceremony, the organic community commemorated Roy’s life during a Celebration of Life ceremony which included stories, poems, prayers and songs.

www.paorganic.org

Thank You Sponsors!

SUN SPONSORS

Small Stream Symphony It was one of those hard day nights Workin’ down here on the farm, Makin’ hay then haulin’ cattle Finished ‘round two o’clock that morn Made my way with tired steps To the cellar door, to quit, Wife and most of Perry, sleepin’ When I heard the sound of it Sounded like the bass drum section Of a local country band.

They were really goin’ at it Really stirrin’ up the land.

SOIL SPONSORS

I was listenin’ to the music Comin’ on down in the creek Of the bullfrogs, ‘bout a dozen Just a singin’ and drummin’ away.

WATER SPONSORS

SEED SPONSORS

Central Insurers Group, Inc NE SARE and Penn State Extension Therapeutic Thymes Magazine Martin's Feed & Fertilizer Common Ground Organic Farm Patchwork Farm and Greenhouses Seedway, LLC about sustainable farming and living.

And then (because a good story always has an “and then”) up the road from the Family Arena and into earshot comes Captain America and The Flash, looking for some ice cream, cause hey who doesn’t like some ice cream on a nice afternoon?

Their Super Senses peaked and they leapt — nearly flew onto the dance-grass shedding their self consciousness faster than their secret identities, they joined in and started boogying. Smiles widened, cameras clicked, posts posted. New friends, culture and tradition passed onto a new generation, good food, zero waste, free admission… FarmFest 2017.

www.paorganic.org

Into the Future FarmFest 2017 was a success about any way you look at it; attendance, volunteers, vendor and presenter participation all met or exceeded our expectations. As we fist bumped and struck the set Saturday evening we said goodbye to many happy attendees, vendors and performers who have promised to be back next year. The planning committee has a long list of ideas and improvements for next year, to discuss after thanking so many people for their help and support this year.

We have already ordered identical weather for both days next year. We’re hoping The Flash will bring it, in a Bike Taxi.

What a beautiful neat endin’ To the labors of the day Stood and listened as he, Must a been, grandaddy of ‘em all, Gave a long deep Haaaaarrumpff, A bass drummer soundin’ call Then another echoed double haarrumpf, haarrumpf Just havin’ him a ball.

Cross the road and up the creek A bunch harumpfin kept the beat Then the grandad starts again The whole scene a soundin’ neat.

Took another moment listenin’ To that small creek symphony Thinkin’ to myself, ”you old bard” “what a lucky man is thee.”

— Jonas K. Stoltzfus, written July 19, 2005

Save The Date — FarmFest 2018 July 27 & 28 Grange Fairgrounds Centre Hall, PA

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Luke R. Howard, PCO Advisory Board President

Farm Fest, Board Nominations and Annual Meeting

A

s summer comes to a close and we enter fall harvest it is always a good time to reflect on where we have been and where we are going.

We had a fabulous Farm Fest at the end of July this year at the Grange Fair Grounds in Centre Hall. With over 4000 people attending it was an amazing event.

Educational sessions, interesting vendors, great food and wonderful camaraderie with members of PCO and other people just interested in organic farming. Certainly, the highlight had to be the 20 year Founding Farmer Awards. So many members have been with us since the beginning and continue to be committed to organic farming and our consumers. It was an inspirational event. If you haven’t attended in the past make the effort and attend next year. You won’t regret it!

Currently, on the board we are getting ready for board elections. Our Governance Committee is working diligently at

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soliciting nominations for the PCO Board. You should have received a letter from Committee Chair Ron Hoover requesting nominations. If you are interested or if you know someone who would be qualified please reach out to Ron or the PCO office (Ron Hoover: rjh7@psu.edu or PCO Office: 814-422-0251). Being on the board is a lot of work and responsibility. But as farmers and people involved in organic agriculture we are used to work.

Serving our members and assisting with guiding our organization is satisfying work.

We all share in the responsibility to make sure PCO is a success for the next 20 years.

Finally, our annual meeting will be held on December 12th from 5–8pm, in con-

junction with the “Growing PA’s Organic Farms Conference” at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel. This is a fine venue that is centrally located in Pennsylvania. I have attended this conference in the past and am always impressed with the depth of information I come away with.

But more importantly to PCO, our annual meeting is a wonderful time to catch up with what is happening with our organization. We are going to have dinner, a business meeting, board elections, discussion circles, an update on the status of our organization (we are growing) and remarks from Deputy Secretary Cheryl Cook.

Hope to see you at the Annual Meeting, Luke R. Howard

www.paorganic.org

CONSERVATION CORNER Gwendolyn Crews, USDA NRCS

NRCS assistance for Organic and Transitioning Growers

NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to help producers install a variety of conservation practices, such as this high tunnel.

W

hether you are an experienced organic farmer, or are considering transitioning to organic, USDA’s Natural Resources Service (NRCS) can help you.

We offer both financial and technical assistance to help address environmental concerns through the installation of conservation practices; also known as BMPs or Best Management Practices.

Some eligible practices include conservation crop rotation, cover crop, prescribed grazing, pollinator habitat, nutrient and pest management, conservation cover, field border, riparian herbaceous cover, riparian forested buffer, and windbreaks. Funding for the installation of these practices is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative for eligible organic producers or those transitioning to organic.

Funding is also available to help farmers implement parts of a Prescribed Grazing system such as watering facilities, cross fencing, stream crossings, and other supporting practices.

For those who wish to extend their growing season or address issues related to soil erosion, nutrient or pesticides in surface water, or plant health, the EQIP Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative is also

www.paorganic.org

available to help with the installation and management of a high tunnel.

Both the EQIP Organic and Seasonal High Tunnel Initiatives are intended for agricultural operations. The Organic Initiative is for producers with certified organic operations or operations in the process of transitioning to certified organic production. The Seasonal High Tunnel initiative is for all agricultural operations, regardless of organic status.

To apply for assistance, producers should contact their local USDA NRCS Service Center and fill out an application.

Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, it’s best to get them in as soon as you can, before funds are depleted. The first application review

cycle for fiscal year 2018 funding will take place October 20, 2017.

Approved applicants for the Organic Initiative may be eligible to receive up to $20,000 per year, and no more than $80,000 over a six year period. Through the EQIP organic initiative, organic producers or producers transitioning to organic production can access funding that is set aside only for use by organic operations. By applying for this dedicated organic funding, organic initiative applicants only compete with other organic producers for funding. Funding for a seasonal high tunnel is limited to a total of 1⁄20 of an acre of cover. There is also a general EQIP funding pool for which all eligible agricultural producers can apply.

However, these applicants compete on a wider scale for funding, often against all other producers in a multi-county region or the entire State.

For more information about EQIP or to apply, go to pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/, or contact your local USDA Service Center.: • Harrisburg .................. 717-237-2218 • Bloomsburg ................ 570-784-4401 x 6 • Clarion ........................ 814-226-8160 x 4 • Lebanon ...................... 717-274-2597 x 5 • Somerset .................... 814-445-8979 x 6

Advertise in Organic Matters Organic Matters, PCO’s quarterly newsletter, contain articles on the latest news and research in the organic industry, often highlighting our certified members. Approximately 1,500 copies of each publication are distributed directly to members and those requesting information about organic agriculture, and made available to the public at conferences, exhibits and educational programs in the Mid-Atlantic region. For more info: newsletter@paorganic.org paorganic.org/advertising-opportunities 814-422-0251

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You’re Invited to PCO’s 20th Year Anniversary Celebration!

Join us December 12th for an educational evening with inspiring speakers, Outstanding Organic Awards, PCO’s Annual Membership Meeting, and an organic buffet dinner!

December 12, 2017 • 4 – 8 pm Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey 4650 Lindle Road • Harrisburg, PA 17111 Cost: FREE for PCO members, families & guests RSVP by November 15: 814-422-0251 • paorganic.org/membershipmeeting This year’s Membership Meeting is being held in conjunction with the Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms Conference, see info at right.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Cheryl Cook Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary, Cheryl Cook

PCO MEMBERSHIP MEETING AGENDA: 4:30pm Registration/Reception 5:00pm Business meeting including Annual Report and Board Member Election 5:30pm Discussion circles Managing Livestock Medical Issues Record-keeping and Paperwork Made Easy!

The Certified Grass-Fed Organic Livestock Program Organic Handling: Labeling Requirements

6:30pm Dinner service begins 7:15pm Remarks by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary, Cheryl Cook 7:30pm Founding Farmer Awards 8:00pm Meeting Ends

www.paorganic.org

A conference providing in-depth education & updates about organic agricultural practices

Date: December 12–13, 2017 Times: Tuesday .............................. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday, PCO Annual Meeting Program/Dinner ..... 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Wednesday ....................... 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Location: Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel 4650 Lindle Road Harrisburg PA 17111 Registration rates: Full conference w/meals .................. $160 Full conference (no meals): ............... $80 Individual days: Tuesday ........................................... $60 Wednesday (no meals) ..................... $20

With a keynote speaker straight from National Organic Program’s leadership, you will ascertain the latest information on organic regulations and standards. Do you have questions about: • Origin of livestock • Integrity of international imports • Animal welfare rule • Hydroponics • Have your questions addressed first hand!

Individual meals: Tuesday Lunch .................................. $26 Tuesday Dinner ................................. $37 (PCO Annual Meeting, all attendees are encouraged to attend) Wednesday Breakfast ........................ $23 Room Rate ....................................... $112 call 717-564-5511 and ask for GPOF room block. *Group rate end on 11/20/17 at 5PM*

For more information or to register visit www.gpofconference.org or call 717-705-2121.

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Vegetables — Building Profits Through Mechanization, Labor Efficiency, Improved Varieties, and Effective Use of Biological Pest Management.

Small Fruits — Best Organic Methods & Practices for Fruit Quality & Profitability Dairy — Focus on Grass Milk Field Crops — Grain Handling and Production, Precision Ag and Organic Farmer Panel on latest Equipment Innovations Poultry Production — Understanding Contract Poultry Production, Processing and Marketing options, Pasture Production farmer panel

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Organic Stakeholders Gather to Tackle Tough Questions on Research Research on organic practices is underfunded and sources of sciencebased organic production information can be limited. But there’s hope!

Justine Cook, PCO Certification Specialist

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rganic agriculture, as a production system, has been practiced for over 70 years in the United States but still remains an under-funded and ignored part of the agricultural sector in some scientific and policy circles. It is not uncommon for an organic grower to encounter a service provider or salesperson who is not familiar with its basic tenets or who is unable to provide technical support due to lack of information. Many organic growers act as their own de facto scientist and extension agent in the absence of options available to them. As more acreage transitions to organic agriculture, it is vital that organic producers have access to proven solutions and sciencebased recommendations.

So what are the barriers to organic research and communication of that research to those who need it? The Organic Confluences Summit, titled “Making Research Count,” held on May 22 and 23, 2017, in Washington, D.C. by the Organic Center, dissected these issues through panel discussions, case studies, and break-out sessions with scientists, farmers, industry leaders, and certifiers.

The organizers and speakers of the Confluences Summit were united in thought: Research on organic systems, and including organic systems, is important. It became clear, over the two-day conference, that while researchers are interested in delving into science that can impact organic growers, funding pools for that research can be highly competitive, as there are less of them and they can be shallow. Policymakers in the audience used this information to stress the role of the organic community in Farm Bill development; if you want organic research to be funded, you need to advocate for organic research funding.

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Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association, and Dr. Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director of Sustainability at George Washington University, discuss barriers to organic research and communication at the Organic Confluences Summit.

Photo: Organic Trade Association

The importance of organic research rests on its applicability to growers in the field. Farmer participation in the development of research questions was highlighted as the starting point — researchers need to hear feedback from the ground on pressing concerns and the importance of balancing market concerns with production recommendations. An encapsulation of this relationship was presented through Case Study 3: Manure Safety, which looked at the intersection of manure use and food safety. After the initial publication of the proposed Produce Safety rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act, many growers protested that its handling of manure was not in sync with onfarm practices. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to reserve a decision on the minimum application interval for manure use.

Through listening sessions and focus groups, Alda Pires, Lecturer and Assistant Specialist in Cooperative Extension at the University of California, is spearheading a research project to develop science-based guidelines for safe manure use on organic farms. Her project will look at balancing the benefits of manure use with the risk of food safety and will consider that organic farms may have more biologically active soils i.e. greater protection from pathogenic organisms. This information will be evaluated by the FDA while they are developing manure application intervals.

The Organic Center is sifting through the information gathered during the summit and will publish a White Paper of recommended solutions next year. While it is clear that lack of funding sources and communication pathways are two barriers continued on page 17

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Efficient Farm Systems Insights on enhancing efficiency through labor management, mechanization, organizational systems, and budgeting

PCO-Certified Blooming Glen farmers, Tricia Borneman and Tom Murtha, pictured with their daughter at their northern Bucks County farm. Photo: Blooming Glen Farm

Colette Schmitt

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ricia Borneman and Tom Murtha who own and operate PCO-Certified Blooming Glen Farm, a certified organic farm in Perkasie, PA that produces vegetables, fruits, herbs, fruits and flowers, have been passionate about supporting farmer to famer knowledge and connections since their founding 12 years ago. When addressing a large group of farmers fresh off their fields at a recent Efficient Farm Systems field day, Tom spoke of how they have learned to adapt and develop. “Farming can be a lot like working on shifting sand” he mused.

“When one problem is solved another one can come up”. Many participants nodded and smiled in agreement. The trick, he mentioned, is to be ready for those changes and have systems in place to adjust.

A key to Blooming Glen’s 12 years of growth, in Tom and Tricia’s opinion, is the efficiency of their systems. Since the summer farming season is overwhelmingly focused on production, much of the planning and strategizing for efficiency is developed in winter. Tom noted a large part of the farm’s resiliency is having a solid crew of workers. This is why knowing who the summer production team is and understanding their relative abilities in the winter “off season” is important to strategizing. After understanding the crew Tricia and Tom then defines each farmers’ responsibility in the day to day management of tasks. Tom spoke of how tied

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the farm’s overall efficiency is to breaking down daily tasks to the greatest “micro level” possible, for ease of management and allocation of responsibility.

Another technique used to support efficiency is to utilize mechanization whenever possible. This helps improve worker efficiency and time. For example, the farm has three types of tractors to address different cultivation needs. More recently, a harvesting conveyor belt was added to allow for increased speed of packaging produce directly from the field.

Tom and Tricia took the group to their barn where tools and equipment were meticulously organized. Tom spoke of how organizing various systems, from farm tools to accounting books in the winter, helps to maintain speed tremendously in production periods.

Lastly, Tom and Tricia spoke to the importance in being business minded, not necessarily something many young farm-

ers think about. Tom mentioned the vital need to have a solid understanding of costs and projected budgeting, especially when it comes to leasing land, which many farmers do.

This event was part of a series of workshops offered through CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) and facilitated by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). The CRAFT network exists all over the country. The association is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for aspiring or novice farmers who are working, interning, or apprenticing on farms, to develop their own strategies for success. The goal is to build farmer-tofarmer knowledge and foster connections from established organic farmers to those beginning their farming journey.

If you are interested in hosting a CRAFT event at your farm or would like to participate in a existing event, contact Aaron de Long who manages these events for PASA. aaron@pasafarming.org Colette Schmitt is an entrepreneur, writer, and a permaculture designer. She splits her time living and working in Philadelphia and Costa Rica. Her current local project is finishing completion of a 7-unit cohousing and urban farm community called the Passionflower House in West Philadelphia.

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Dear Aggy, I just found the card that PCO mailed me stating that Furosmeide is no longer allowed as a livestock medical treatment. I thought it had always been allowed — what happened?

— Furosemide Fan

Dear Mr. Fan, Furosemide (Brand Names: Lasix, Salix, Disal) is a diuretic that was previously an allowed synthetic livestock medical treatment listed 205.603(a).

Furosemide was removed from the National List effective 8/7/17 as a result of the Sunset Review Process.

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) must review every substance on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances every five years to confirm that it continues to meet all required criteria. This review is called “sunset review.” The process includes a public comment period, and there was no strong public support for keeping it on the list.

Natural alternatives mentioned in the original technical review for Furosemide include homeopathic Apis Mel, as well as coffee, parsley, cayenne and juniper berries.

Mycotoxins in Livestock Feed Dear Aggy, It’s been an unusually wet growing season for us, and I’m worried about the quality of feed that I’ll be feeding to my dairy herd. My nutritionist warned me about the possible health effects of toxins — what should I look out for?

— Mike Mycotoxin

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Dear Mike, Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by certain types of fungi that can grow on grain and forages, both in the field or even in storage. Mold spores are naturally present in the soil and are more likely to cause infection of feedstuffs under stressful growing conditions, such as this wetter and cooler year.

Effects of toxins Livestock health symptoms are often nonspecific and may be wide-ranging. A single large dose of a mycotoxin can cause an acute toxicity in cattle, but it is more likely that the effects are chronic, caused by low-level consumption over time.

Even low levels could strongly suppress an animal’s immune system, resulting in reduced feed intake, impaired rumen function, elevated somatic cell counts, reduced milk yield and quality as well as impaired reproductive function in both females and males.

At higher contamination levels, mycotoxins can cause liver damage, internal hemorrhaging, cancer, abortion, and reproductive failure in animals. Diagnosis can be difficult because mycotoxin residues are not easily detected in the cow, and symptoms are often nonspecific and may be the result of a series of events or opportunistic diseases. Cows generally do not respond well to veterinary therapy unless appropriate feed changes are also made.

Testing feedstuffs for toxins Testing of feed for mycotoxins is difficult because mold growth is inconsistent, and mycotoxins are not uniformly distributed within the feed. Not all types of mycotoxins can be detected in routine testing by commercial laboratories. Cost of toxin testing has been a constraint but can be insignificant compared with the economic consequences of production and health losses related to mycotoxin contamination.

Not all molds you can see produce toxins, and not all grain and/or forage containing toxins looks moldy. Suspicious

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feedstuff should be tested either at the feedmill or on-farm. Grain that has a light test weight, is poorly matured, off-color (pink), musty, dusty, harvested excessively late, has many broken or damaged kernels, or just doesn’t look/smell/feel right would all be considered suspicious.

Toxin binders Some nutritionists may recommend the use of binders when mycotoxins are suspected and unavoidable. Some allowed options include: • Activated Carbon — must be individually reviewed to make sure method of activation and source material are approved • Clay, such as: Bentonite, Montmorillonite. — must be individually reviewed to make sure there are no additives Resources: Mycotoxin Alert: lakevieworganicgrain.com/ wp-content/ uploads/2016/07/MYCOTOXINALERT.pdf or contact the PCO office to request a paper copy Mycotoxin Fact Sheet extension.psu.edu/animals/dairy/nutrition/forages/mycotoxins-nitrates-and-other-toxicity-problems/mold-and-mycotoxin-problems-in-livestock-f eeding-1 or contact your extension office to request a paper copy Mold and Mycotoxin Issues in Dairy Cattle articles.extension.org/pages/11768/mold-andmycotoxin-issues-in-dairy-cattle:-effects-prevention-and-treatment or contact the PCO office to request a paper copy

Got a question for Aggy?

• Email to: pco@paorganic.org • Fax to: 814-422-0255

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Transitions

Record Keeping Part 2 – Crop Production Heather Donald, Senior Certification Specialist and Inspector

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n this installment of our Record Keeping Series, we’re going to focus on records specific to crop production. “Crops” in this instance are any plant grown in any type of approved production method — in the field, in a greenhouse or hoophouse, or in containers. This includes pasture, hay, field / row / cash crops, vegetables — annuals and perennials, fruits, transplants, sprouts, microgreens, and cut flowers. If I didn’t list it and you thought of it, it’s probably included.

First we’ll cover a few definitions of words you’ll often see used in topics related to organic certification of crop production: Transition: 3 years with no applications of prohibited materials on the land.

Materials: Anything that is used in, or added to, crop production

other than seeds and equipment, such as fertilizers, inoculants, soil amendments, foliar sprays, water additives or treatments, cleaners or sanitizers. May also be referred to as inputs, substances or products.

Prohibited materials: The same as “Materials” above except they

contain prohibited ingredients. *You should always check with your certifier for the definitive answer on whether a material is prohibited or allowed.

Purchase documentation: receipts and invoices — formal or informal, which need to show the date purchased (not necessarily paid for) and the specific items purchased.

Crops for human consumption: crops to be consumed directly by

humans as opposed to being fed to organic livestock. This includes produce, grains, sprouts, tobacco, etc., and not hay, forages or livestock grains.

Record keeping starts at the beginning — the 3-year land transition. There are two paths through transition to certification — 1) you have managed the land for the last three years, 2) you have not managed the land for the last three years. If the land has not been under your management for a full three years prior to applying for certification, you will need the previous manager to sign a Prior Land Use Statement to confirm the land has been free of prohibited materials during their management, or give the date of the last prohibited application. This needs to be submitted to PCO in order for you to continue with the certification process.

If you have managed the land for the last three years, part of your application will be a Field History of crops planted and

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inputs used during those three years. The inspector will review records from your transition years to verify no prohibited materials were applied during the transition. This includes purchase documentation for all of seeds and inputs, tags / bags of seeds to verify the seed and any treatments, and tags, labels or containers of the inputs.

Let’s talk a little more about seeds and planting. During transition, seeds must be non-gmo & untreated. Additionally they must be organic (unless not commercially available — see PCO’s Seed Guidance Document) starting with the first crop you plan to harvest as organic, and cover crops going forward. As mentioned above, you must always have purchase documentation and tags and/or bags. The inspector will also review yearly planting records showing when and in which field crops were planted — this is important for the inspector’s Trace–Back Audit, and will also help you in filling out your Field & Pasture Records each year.

If you’re starting seedlings, you’ll need purchase documentation and at least one sample of the packaging or labels for your potting mix and any inoculants or other additives. If you’re reusing seedling flats or containers, and cleaning them between uses, you’ll need a record of that clean out — the date, cleaning product used and if a final water rinse was done. When buying seedlings, they must be certified organic and you must have purchase documentation and organic certificates.

You may have noticed a pattern by now of purchase documentation and labels — this documentation requirement also holds true for all fertilizers, purchased manure and compost that will be used throughout the growing season.

Speaking of manure and compost… If you’re growing crops for human consumption, you’ll need a record of your manure application dates, which will be matched up with harvest dates later in the season to show you’re meeting the application restrictions — 205.203(c)(1). All manure is treated as raw unless it is composted according to the regulations — 205.203(c)(2). If you’re making your own compost with animal manures, you need records demonstrating the composting process and how you are meeting the regulations. Purchased compost must be reviewed and approved by PCO’s Materials Department before use.

Any manure application, for human or livestock crops, requires records showing you’re managing manure to prevent contamination of soil & crops (over application) and water (runoff). These records can be part of a manure or nutrient management plan you already have in place, or notes in your field activity records about field conditions, weather conditions, application rates, type/source of manure, and setbacks.

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Manure and compost records are just part of your input records, which should include all inputs used before, during and after planting. This includes any other fertilizers (granular or liquid), soil amendments, foliar sprays, and weed, pest or disease control products. Input records also need to show how you’re meeting the restrictions for those products, just as they do for compost and manure. Restrictions may include preventative measures like crop rotation, nutrient management, sanitation and use of resistant varieties; physical controls such as predator species, cultivation, row cover or hand removal; soil, sap or tissues test results showing nutrient deficiencies; and damage limit at the point when the product was used. For more on this, see Section 205.206 (a) through (e).

We’ve covered field history, seeds, planting and inputs, and we’ve made it to harvest! Harvest records are, of course, another very important piece of the record keeping system. They show your yield and are crucial for the inspector’s audit, both for traceback and the sales or feed inventory audit. These records need to include total amounts harvested for each crop with the total acreage. You may also want to consider what unit of measurement you use to quantify your harvest — bales, bushels, pounds, tons. The inspector will need to compare your sales or feed records to your harvest records. If they are in the same unit, or you have weights prepared for non-weighted units (bales or bushels), the inspector will be able to complete their audit faster and you can continue with your day sooner.

While you’re thinking about harvest, we also need to cover equipment clean out. Equipment needs to be cleaned any time it

goes from a non-organic (transitional, buffer or conventional) field or crop to organic. This includes tillage and cultivation, but especially sprayers and harvest equipment. There are many acceptable methods for cleaning out equipment — the key is that all residue and particles of non-organic materials, soil and crops are removed. Clean-out records should always include the date, the method, any cleaners or sanitizers used, and if purging — what was done with the purged crop.

After harvest, you may be storing crops. Storage records are needed primarily when you are harvesting and storing both organic and non-organic crops to identify which harvest is stored where. This may also include labeling your storage areas and bins with signs, magnets or paint.

Finally, we come to sales. Sales records are required for any crop sold as organic. They must show the type of crop, amount of the crop sold and the price. As we talked about above, sales records are another crucial piece of the audit trail. You are also required to report your Annual Gross Organic Sales on your renewal paperwork for PCO each year, so keeping these records is important for multiple reasons.

Record keeping for crop production can typically be thought about in a linear way. You began with preparation of fields or growing media, then seeds, then inputs and practices that take you through the growing season, into harvest, storage and sales or feeding. Most likely, you’re then beginning the process of preparation all over again, whether for a cover crop or the next succession of plants. So if you find yourself stuck on what records to keep, try thinking of each step in your process.

Keep taking notes out in the field, experimenting with different notebooks, binders or technology devices and apps, and talking to other farmers! Call PCO to get or share ideas on how to make record keeping easier, and if you have examples of how keeping records for certification has helped improve your farming, let us know! Contact Heather at 814-404-1504 or heather@paorganic.org As always, PCO is happy to provide you with an easy to read copy of the NOP regulations and any of our Guidance Documents.

The next article in our Record Keeping Series will cover livestock records, and how some of your crop records tie together with your livestock records.

Organic Stakeholders Tackle Questions on Research continued from page 12

to the growth of organic research, it is also clear that private companies and land grant universities are interested in exploring organic systems.

As consumer demand for organic products increases, companies farther down the organic supply chain are taking the lead in funding chaired positions at universities and developing granting programs. And extension agents are actively seeking connections with the organic community and ways to develop reciprocal communication channels. So contact your local extension service, or ask PCO for the connection, because, as with everything in agriculture, research starts in the field.

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Organic Updates

Certification Update Marissa Pyle, Certification Program Manager As autumn begins, we are still busy working here at PCO to finish inspections by the end of October. Please keep in mind, if you plan to apply for the organic cost share program, you must pay your qualified fees to PCO no later than 9/30/2017 in order to be eligible for reimbursement. If you have an inspection invoice not yet paid, or have not yet received an invoice, please contact PCO. We are able to estimate the cost of your inspection & you may pay it prior to 9/30/2017 to have it included in the 2017 cost share reimbursement.

There are some minor changes to the cost share program this year. In addition to applying through a participating state agency, you may also apply directly through your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. There is typically a one page application you will need to submit, and information about the fees you have paid during the eligibility period (10/1–9/30). Applications submitted FSA county offices must be received by October 31, 2017. States have varying application deadlines, so if submitting through a state agency, please ensure you are completing the appropriate forms and meeting individual state deadlines. Applicants cannot receive dual benefits from FSA and a State agency.

For more information please contact your local FSA office, or PCO, to get information on the appropriate contact for your state.

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As always, if you have questions about your certification, a material you’d like to use, or anything else, please call your certification specialist at the PCO office. Have a wonderful autumn!

Legislative Update Kyla Smith, Program Director

Organic Stakeholders Give Input on Research and Farm Bill Priorities at Policy Conference The Organic Trade Association (OTA) kicked off its annual policy event in Washington, DC, this May by bringing together organic researchers, farmers, certifiers and other organic stakeholders to address the importance of organic research and how farmers and researchers can best communicate research needs and research results, at the Organic Confluences Summit.

The summit, hosted by The Organic Center in collaboration with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, covered: • Biodiversity; • Impactful research and effectively communicating it to farmers; • Connecting to organic policies; • Assessing funding needs and opportunities; • Organic grain breeding programs; and • Best practices in organic production. continued on page 20

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Organic Updates continued from page 19

Attendees helped develop recommendations which, along with Summit presentations, will be used to draft a White Paper on how to improve communication among all stakeholders to ensure that relevant research is being conducted, results are being appropriately disseminated and that stakeholders have access and are utilizing research results and technologies. For more details on the Organic Confluences Summit, see article on page 12.

The weeklong policy conference continued with OTA members participating in a series of member-specific meetings. PCO is an OTA member as well as a member of OTA’s Farmers Advisory Council (FAC). The advisory council is comprised of active farmers of small- and medium-sized operations who serve as representatives of sector, state, and regional organic farming organizations. PCO’s is represented on the council by Luke Howard, PCO Board President and Preston Boop, PCO Standards Committee Chair. PCO is also eligible for a third representative, which will be voted on by the PCO membership coinciding with the PCO Board election to be help later this year. For more information on FAC, please contact Kyla Smith, PCO Certification Director at kyla@paorganic.org or 814-422-0251.

FAC provides the OTA board of Directors and staff with input from organic farmers and ranchers on matters pertinent to the advancement of organic agriculture, with a specific focus on OTA’s policy agenda. As such, FAC is working to refine its input into OTA’s 2018 Farm Bill platform and identify ways FAC, and its individual members and organizations, can contribute to the success of organic in this Farm Bill cycle. The OTA Farm Bill 2018 priorities are available on the OTA web page

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(ota.com/advocacy/organic-trade-association-2018-farm-billpriorities).

FAC met to discuss ideas for expanding its network, maintaining momentum in tackling issues organic farmers are facing, and increasing its participation in OTA’s governance and policy agenda.

PCO also participated in the OTA Member Meeting on Trade Oversight: Farmers, Traders, Importers and Certifiers.

Some key observations from the meeting were: • Wide stakeholder participation — Opinions were shared by members in all parts of the supply chain • Accountability — Entire industry is responsible for maintaining organic integrity • Industry-wide collaboration — Both private and public solutions are needed to ensure the security of the marketplace The OTA Policy conference featured Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle including Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), John Faso (R-NY-19) and Tim Ryan (D-OH-3), as well as Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture, Trade and Food Assistance Ray Starling. The conference also included keynotes from Jayson Werth, Washington Nationals outfielder and organic farmer, as well as former USDA Deputy Administrator Kathleen Merrigan and Georgia Organics Executive Director Alice Rolls.

Lastly, PCO staff with over 100 other organic stakeholders met with 163 congressional offices to inform Members of Congress on organic Farm Bill priorities and the benefits of the

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Organic Updates

organic sector to the US economy. Constituents also asked for additional funding and support to expand organic practices and increase trade oversight. It was a great opportunity to represent our members and advance organic initiatives with policy makers!

Materials Update Jennifer Berkebile, Materials Program Manager The materials team at PCO is hard at work reviewing materials for our clients. Please call us at PCO if you have any new materials you are interested in using, and we will be happy to review them for you.

We have been publishing more Additions and Drops lists this year. Clients should have received one from April and one from July. Look for a third one towards the beginning of October. Please contact PCO if you have not received these lists.

We have also been updating our internal material review policies. We recently updated our policy on calcium chloride for mushroom use. Calcium chloride is restricted at §205.602 of the National Organic Program regulations: “Calcium chloride, brine process is natural and prohibited for use except as a foliar spray to treat a physiological disorder associated with calcium uptake.”

We currently do not allow calcium chloride to be used on mushrooms. Any mushroom producers interested in using it in the future must first contact PCO and submit information on the physiological disorder they are hoping to treat.

Finally, we have been re-reviewing materials due to some recent changes to the National Organic Program regulations.

Effective August 7, 2017, the following substances were removed from the regulations and are no longer allowed in organic production and processing: • Lignin sulfonate is no longer allowed as a floating agent in postharvest handling; • Furosemide is no longer allowed as a medical treatment; • Magnesium carbonate is no longer allowed for use in agricultural products labeled “made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))”; • Chia is no longer allowed for use as a non-organic ingredient in an “organic” product; • Dillweed oil is no longer allowed for use as a non-organic ingredient in an “organic” product; • Frozen galangal is no longer allowed for use as a non-organic ingredient in an “organic” product; • Frozen lemongrass is no longer allowed for use as a nonorganic ingredient in an “organic” product; and • Chipotle chile peppers is no longer allowed for use as a nonorganic ingredient in an “organic” product Materials that are now prohibited due to these changes to the regulations are included in the list below.

Material Review Status Changes Status changes: Please note the following status changes for materials reviewed by PCO for use by certified operations. n ALLOWED — Contact PCO with any questions about the use or restrictions for these products.

Crop Materials

• Holganix Blend 66AG CT — Super Concentrate by Holganix is allowed as a fertilizer / soil amendment • Hy Tech Mushroom Compost by Hy-Tech Mushroom Compost, Inc. is allowed as a fertilizer/soil amendment with the raw manure restriction Livestock Materials

• Acid Neutralizer OH by Free Choice Enterprises is allowed as a feed additive/supplement with the feed additives and supplements restriction • Agri Tonic Organic by Oregon Ag is allowed as a feed additive/supplement with the feed additives and supplements restriction • Champions Choice White Salt Brick by Cargill Salt is allowed as a feed additive/supplement with the feed additives and supplements restriction • Opti Peak by Crystal Creek is allowed as a feed additive/supplement with the feed additives and supplements restriction Processing Materials

• HD 102 by Hydro Dynamics — Tricorn, Inc. is allowed as a boiler chemical with the non-volatile boiler chemicals restriction n PROHIBITED — Operators must immediately discontinue use of these products unless otherwise indicated.

Crop Materials

• Parafilm Grafting Tape by Bemis — Parafilm is prohibited as a crop production aid • Graph Ex Inoculant for Soybean by Advanced Biological Marketing is prohibited as a crop production aid — seed treatment • Graph Ex SA Series Inoculants by Advanced Biological Marketing is prohibited as a crop production aid — seed treatment • GSR Calcium (Genesis Soil Rite Mix) Dormant Mix (Orange) by GSR Calcium / Soil Works Labs LLC is prohibited as a fertilizer / soil amendment • GSR Calcium (Genesis Soil Rite Mix) Growing Mix (Green)

by GSR Calcium / Soil Works Labs LLC is prohibited as a fertilizer / soil amendment • Soil Amp by Organi-Gro is prohibited as a fertilizer / soil amendment • Agrid3 Pelleted Bait by Motomco is prohibited as a vertebrate pest control Livestock Materials

• FiltraSorb 600 Activated Carbon by Calgon Carbon Corp. is prohibited as a feed additive/supplement continued on page 22

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Organic Updates continued from page 21

• Poultry Vitamins and Electrolytes by Aspen Veterinary Resources, Ltd. is prohibited as a feed additive/supplement • Quantum Blue 5 OP by AB Vista Feed Ingredients is prohibited as a feed additive/supplement • Ronozyme HiPhos GT 5000 (ORG) by A&E Nutritional Services is prohibited as a feed additive/supplement • Star C I H by Star Dairy Resources is prohibited as a feed additive/supplement • Yeasture O by Cenzone Tech, Inc. is prohibited as a feed additive/supplement • Integral NG by Alltech, Inc. is prohibited as a grassfed supplement • Achieve with Cryptex Paste Supplement for Beef & Dairy Calves by AgriLabs, Inc. is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Furosemide Injection by Vedco, Inc. is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Salix Furosemide by Intervet / Merk / Schering-Plough is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Salix Furosemide by Durvet, Inc. is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • SelPlex Premix 600 by Alltech, Inc. is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Hoofgao by Vet Hon is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment - hoof care • Assure M Sanitizing Teat Dip by IBA, Inc. is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment — teat dip. This product can be used up until Nov. 1, 2017.

• Assure Sanitizing Teat Dip by IBA, Inc. is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment — teat dip. This product can be used up until Nov. 1, 2017 • Mistral by Olmix NA, Inc. is prohibited as a livestock production aid — bedding treatment Processing Materials

• Purified Sea Salt w/MagnesiumCarbonate by Cargill Salt is prohibited as a non-organic ingredient • Refined Sea Salt by Cargill Salt is prohibited as a non-organic ingredient Contact the PCO Materials Team at 814-422-0251 or jen@paorganic.org with any questions.

Quality Update Angela Morgan, Quality Systems & IT Manager

PCO Audited by USDA NOP for Accreditation Renewal As PCO celebrates its 20th year of making organic matter it is only fitting that it is also a year that we undergo the renewal process for our USDA National Organic Program (NOP)

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accreditation. Just as our clients undergo a process of verification and inspection to obtain certification to sell or label products as organic, PCO also undergoes a similar process to ensure that we are meeting the standards to evaluate and offer organic certification. Much like the operations we certify, PCO must prove continued conformity to the NOP to renew accreditation. The review process, for both PCO and its clients, is a valuable tool in ensuring organic integrity as it demonstrates the ability to comply with the organic regulations and uphold the principles that protect and improve environmental and animal health.

During the week of August 7–11, 2017, two auditors from the NOP were onsite at PCO to conduct a renewal audit. The audit process consisted of a review of our records and systems along with a review of client files and activities. The auditors thoroughly reviewed the qualifications and training of PCO employees and inspectors, as well as PCO’s certification program including the material review, file review and inspection processes. Certification files from each scope of operation including crops, wild crops, livestock and processor/handlers were chosen for detailed review. Just as we do each year, the auditors verified that complete Organic System Plans were submitted, but were especially interested in how import and export information was captured and documented. Key items such as organic label claim review and trace back and in/out balance verifications were also discussed. Several of the reviewed operations were also chosen for witness audits — a process where the NOP auditors accompanied PCO inspectors as they verified the operation’s plan and documentation of their farming practices.

As we await the official result of our audit, PCO will be proactively implementing minor administrative changes to help strengthen our procedures. We thank all of the operations and inspectors that participated in the audit and helped to demonstrate our continued commitment to quality and compliance.

PCO looks forward to continuing our role in ensuring the integrity of organic products in the marketplace.

Standards & Policy Update Kyla Smith, Program Director

Update on Oversight of Organic Imports The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is continuing their work to strengthen the oversight of imported organic products, and to deepen the rigor of oversight across the supply chain. In recent months the NOP, as well as other organic stakeholders, have taken and are continuing to take a multitude of steps to address the issues.

AMS requested that the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) provide recommendations on improving the oversight and control procedures that are used by NOP, certifiers and operations to verify organic claims for imported products. AMS published the Oversight of the Organic Imports Summary of Actions. The summary lists the steps AMS has taken to strengthen the oversight of organic imports: • Conducted additional accreditation audits of certifiers working

www.paorganic.org

Organic Updates

in Turkey and other parts of Eastern Europe. Investigations are ongoing, with additional final actions anticipated over the next few months.

• Issued a revocation to Beyaz Agro, operating out of Turkey, on June 1, 2017.

• Revised procedures to post the final suspension and revocations directly issued by NOP, augmenting the existing postings of AMS Administrator Decisions finalized through appeals, settlement agreements, and consent orders and decisions released at the Administrative Law Judge and Judicial Officer level.

• Enhanced the way fraudulent certificates detected in the market are posted, making them more searchable and sortable.

• Instructed certifiers operating in Turkey and other Eastern European countries to implement added control measures including requiring certifiers to conduct unannounced inspections that include mass balance and audit trail verification. Certifiers were required to sample and test each shipment of organic corn destined for U.S. ports. Recently, the instructions have been expanded to include sampling, testing, and verification of all shipments of corn, soy, wheat, edible dry beans, flax, and sunflower meal.

• Held multiple webinars on this topic. Some specifically targeted at certifiers and their responsibilities and some geared toward certified handlers.

• Posted two videos regarding organic supply chain integrity.

• Worked with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Pro-

www.paorganic.org

gram and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to identify better ways to oversee organic products at U.S. Ports of Entry.

• Signed Memorandum of Understanding with APHIS in January 23, 2017.

AMS held an additional webinar instructing certifiers within the United States to implement added control measures on certified operations receiving imported product from Turkey and other Eastern European countries, including conducting unannounced inspections that include mass balance and audit trail verification, as well as sampling and testing each shipment of organic corn, soy, wheat, edible dry beans, flax, and sunflower meal.

The Organic Trade Association and the Accredited Certifiers Association have both convened task forces with mandates to develop best practice guides for ensuring the integrity of the supply chain for handlers and certifiers.

PCO Certification Director, Kyla Smith, will participate in an international anti-fraud conference hosted by Organic Integrity Network’s Anti-Fraud Initiative in the Ukraine in September.

The integrity of the organic program requires a multipronged approach. These efforts are ongoing. Thanks in advance for your participation as an organic stakeholder to keep the organic seal strong.

All resources referenced above including documents, videos and webinars are available electronically on the NOP website (ams.usda.gov/aboutams/programs-offices/national-organic-program) or in hard copy by contacting the PCO office.

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ORGANIC MARKETPLACE CROPS 2017 Harvest Organic Corn for Corn Silage $70 ton at field. Cob corn, high moisture or dry shelled available out of field equivalent to dry $11 bushel. Organic Dairy Hay big and small squares. Delivery available. Millersburg, PA. Zeiset Ag 717-433-7702.

Dauphin County.

Dairy quality Organic baleage, corn & Organic soybeans. OEFFA Certified. Forage test results available, we can do local deliveries. We custom dry and store Organic grain. Call 570-412-1392. Union County.

Organic hay for sale. 3µ3µ8 square bales.

Contact Richard Kauffman for pricing and delivery: 570.637.6509. Bradford County.

Certified Organic “German White” Garlic Seed for sale.

No.1 — 6 cloves/head - $20 per pound $15 per half pound No.2 — 4 cloves/head - $12 per pound - $8 per half pound Shipping not included. All orders will begin shipping on September 15th. Contact Kosta

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Bounos with Bountiful Earth Farm, LLC at 412-656-5517 or email at kosta_bounos@ hotmail.com. Allegheny County.

FOR SALE Chicken manure delivered to your farm.

New crop bailage made from grass, small grains, and sudan grass, delivery available.

Contact Ned Fogleman. 717-994-4630.

Juniata County.

13 Foot S-tine harrow like-new condition.

Excellent for seed prep. $4,000. Please contact Ron Gargasz (landline) 724-5207220, (cell) 724-730-6488, or email at rgargaszfarms@gmail.com. Lawrence Co. Rake tedder. New Holland 255. In good condition. All offers considered. Contact: 717- 808-1402. Lancaster County.

SERVICES Ag plastic recycling. I can use black and white bunker covers, bale wrap, plastic twine, clear stretch film, greenhouse covers, flats, and pots. Call for details. 717-6589660. Franklin County, PA.

OPPORTUNITIES Help Wanted — Compost Operation Manager. This is an opportunity for a rewarding career managing the composting operation on an organic farm. We are looking for a qualified individual to manage the day to day functions of our humus composting operation. You will regularly operate tractors, loaders, and other heavy equipment, blend custom compost batches, and manage the product bagging line. Must be reliable and detail oriented, able to lift at least 70 lbs., and stand or walk an entire 8-hour shift. Experience is preferred but not necessary. Contact Jonathan Keller, 717-8240947 www.PennValleyFarms.net Farmland. Land owner in Juniata County with 70+ tillable acres seeks self-motivated person interested in building/creating an organic farming operation. We currently grow corn and soy but are open to new creative ideas. Call Rick: 973 641 2518 Organic Dairy Farm Manager sought for startup grass only dairy operation in Livingston, NY. 40+ cow herd, growing to 140

www.paorganic.org

Organic Marketplace

CALENDAR

continued from page 24

milking. Competitive salary, benefits and profit-share on milking operation. Application review begins 6/1. Applications taken until filled. Flexible start date late summer or fall 2017. www.dirtpartners.com Career opportunity in the organic Community. Ohio Earth Food, a 45 year old fertilizer distribution company is looking for a manager for a new eastern PA, NJ, MD, DE area branch. Responsibilities include managing a warehouse, keeping inventory, sales, taking and shipping out orders, delivering products and receiving soil tests and making recommendations to customers.

Our company is built on relationships with farmers. Candidates would have to be physically prepared to move 50 pound bags and drive a delivery truck (non CDL) and forklift. Paid training will be provided. The candidate would need to have some farming and soil test experience. The position would start in November or December 2017. Location of warehouse TBD. Interested candidates should contact info@ ohioearthfood.com or 614-949-7846.

November 4 • 1–5pm Pastured Hogs Field Day Rodale Institute Kutztown, PA 610-683-1400 rodaleinstitute.org

December 12 • 4:30–8pm PCO Annual Membership Meeting Held in conjunction with the Growing PA’s Organic Farms Conference Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey 814-422-0251 Paorganic.org/annualmeeting See page 10 for more details.

November 8 • 2–3pm Rodale Webinar: Soil Health & Organic Production 610-683-1400 rodaleinstitute.org

December 12–13 Growing PA’s Organic Farms Conference Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Gpofconference.org See page 11 for more details.

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER December 5–8 Acres USA 2017 Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show Columbus, OH 800-355-5313 Acresusa.com December 6 • 8:30am–5pm PA WAgN Annual Symposium Celebration Hall State College, PA 814-865-7031 agsci.psu.edu/wagn

December 13 & 14 PASA's High Tunnel Production Intensive & Tomato Production Intensive Mercer County Extension Office Mercer, PA pasafarming.org 814-349-9856

STAY CONNECTED, VISIT:

paorganic.org

Box 361, 119 Hamilton Place Penn Yan, NY 14527 315-531-1038 Certified Organic Feed, Seed & Livestock Products from Northeast organic farmers for Northeast organic farmers ❖ www.lakevieworganicgrain.com

www.paorganic.org

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PCO Welcomes 3rd Quarter New Members!

Brubacker’s Organic Farm Dundee, NY

Des-Ter Acres McClure, PA

Butterball, LLC Garner, NC

Double J Mt Olive, NC

ABR Farm Apple Creek, OH

Charles Pet Food LLC Lancaster, PA

Earl D. Martin Branchport, NY

Adirondack View Farm Holtwood, PA

Chaseholm Farm, LLC Pine Plains, NY

Edwin Hoover Ephrata, PA

Alvin M. & Annie M. Renno Tyrone, PA

Chef’d, Inc El Segundo, CA

Elam P. Fisher Loganton, PA

NEWLY CERTIFIED ORGANIC Abner S. Lapp Allenwood, PA

Alvin W. Weaver Geneva, NY

Chris S. Byler Dewittville, NY

Andrew Sensenig Bethel, PA

Chris Strawser House 1&2 Richfield, PA

Andy W. Miller Fillmore, NY

Cleason Martin Pine Grove, PA

Appalachian Malting, LLC Portage, PA ArborReal Products, LLC

Conopco, Inc. (Suffolk, VA) Suffolk, VA

Babylon Gardens, LLC Philadelphia, PA

Crooked Row Farm New Tripoli, PA

Benuel J. Stoltzfus Lowville, NY

Elk Ridge Acres Lincoln University, PA Emanuel Byler Fort Plain, NY

Harpers Ferry Family Farm Purcellville, VA Hoover Farms Dundee, NY Jacob Kauffman Canajoharie, NY Jake Byler Fort Plain, NY Jared Yoder Belleville, PA Jeff & Luke Ray Stauffer Penn Yan, NY

Justin Wilson Argyle, NY

Morotai Farms Needmore, PA

Keith Zimmerman Selingsgrove, PA

North Barn Farm Spring Mills, PA

Kevin Caldwell Beaver Falls, PA

Oxbow Farm, LLC. Port Royal, PA

Laurence L. Winton Jr. Farm Sherburne, NY

Pasture Fresh LLC Lykens, PA Paul Schmieder Jr. Farm Attica, NY

Laurence S. & Martha Leid Peachey’s Farmacy Penn Yan, NY Reedsville, PA Leroy Yoder Prezion Ag LLC Wooster, OH Mohrsville, PA

Emerald Valley Chambersburg, PA

Jerry Auker Mount Joy, PA

Lloyd Oberholtzer Myerstown, PA

Reed Farm Windsor, ME

Ferlin Martin Shippensburg, PA

Jesse and Rachel Esh Millersburg, PA

Lonely Oak Farm Mayville, NY

Reinford Farms Sligo, PA

Gideon Miller Farm Lyons, NY

John Byler Dewittville, NY

Maple Cove Dairy Canastota, NY

Reuben S. Stoltzfus Mill Hall, PA

GoodWest Industries LLC Douglassville, PA

John F. Smith Sherburne, NY

Mark Kurtz Mifflinburg, PA

Rita Longman Sherburne, NY

David G. Fisher Loganton, PA

Grassland Beef, LLC DBA: US Wellness Meats Canton, MO

John S. Stoltzfus Loganton, PA

Meadow Acre Farm Guilford, NY

Breckenridge Farms LLC Cambridge, MD

David L. Troyer Wooster, OH

GreenLight Juice Pittsburgh, PA

Jonathan Jeffries Loganton, PA

Mervin Martin Myerstown, PA

BrightFarms, Inc. Elkwood, VA

Dennis Musser Myerstown, PA

Grover Lane Organics Conewango Valley, NY

Joseph S. Schmidt Clyde, NY

Mike Lappin Taberg, NY

www.paorganic.org

River Valley Organics Clyde, NY Running Wild Farm Gordonville, PA Scotland County Livestock LLC Memphis, MD

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PCO Welcomes 3rd Quarter New Members!

Steven M. Stoltzfus Spring Mills, PA

Andy C. Miller Canastota, NY

Harold Kreider Dairy Thompsontown, PA

Maple Cove Dairy Canastota, NY

Rippling Brook Farm Guilford, NY

Steven R. Stoltzfus Myerstown, PA

Brent & Regina Beidler Randolph Center, VT

Henry K. & Mary K. Esh Ronks, PA

Mark A. & Bertha M.

Russell & Lois Deberville Washington, VT

Benjamin Nason State College, PA

Sunrise View Farm Mount Upton, NY

Chester Abbot & Elizabeth Scheindel Randolph Center, VT

Herman A. Von Hassel Plymouth, NY

Steven A. Hershberger Canastota, NY

DBC Ag Products Lancaster, PA

Schlabach Morrisville, NY

Warren D. Rankin East Johnson, VT

RJ Matthews Company Massilon, OH

Michael Eastman Addison, VT

West Meadows Farm Dundee, NY

USA Gypsum Denver, PA

NEWLY CERTIFIED FOREST GROWN

NEW SUSTAINER MEMBERS

ArborReal Products, LLC

Ed Stepler Monroeville, NJ

Taproot Farm Shoemakersville, PA Wandering Bear Coffee New York, NY Water Brook Farm Falconer, NY We-R-Beeson Farm Louisville, OH West Meadows Farm Dundee, NY Whistling Acres Drumore, PA Wiggins Farm Cherry Tree, PA

NEWLY GRASSFED CERTIFIED

Chris S. Byler Dewittville, NY David L. & Emma Mae Smoker Myerstown, PA

Jacob Kauffman Canajoharie, NY Jake Byler Fort Plain, NY John F. Smith Sherburne, NY

Yoder Cazenovia, NY Matthew & SuAnn

Mike & Teresa Menard Fairfield, VT

Edward Choiniere Highgate Center, VT

Jonathan Jeffries Loganton, PA

Emerald Valley Chambersburg, PA

Joseph and Emily Donegan Charlotte, VT

Ferdinand & Joyce Gamache Swanton, VT

Kenlin Eby Hagerstown, MD

Fog Lake Brookfield, VT

Larson Farm and Creamery Wells, VT

Paul and Doris Seiler Whiting, VT

Laurence L. Winton Jr. Farm Sherburne, NY

Paul de la Bruere Essex, VT

Bennie J. Fisher Grantsville, MD

Lonely Oak Farm Mayville, NY

Peace Hollow Farm Knoxville, MD

Mark Stoltzfus Paradise, PA

Loren & Janice Nolt Newville, PA

Portwood Acres Port Republic, VA

William Troutman Dornsife, PA

Gideon Miller Farm Lyons, NY

Aaron K. Fisher Canajoharie, NY

Grassland Beef, LLC DBA: US Wellness Meats Canton, MO

Alvin W. Weaver Geneva, NY

Guy & Beth Choiniere Highgate Center, VT

Nathan & Kristine Weaver Canastota, NY North Barn Farm Spring Mills, PA

NEW TRANSITIONING MEMBERS Abner Ebersol Earleville, MD

NEW BUSINESS MEMBERS

Koa Kanamee Pine Grove, PA Luke Howard Millington, MD WhiteWave Foods Louisville, CO Advocate Ron Enders Caneadea, NY

All natural and organic acceptable livestock supplements, fertilizers and soil amendments.

The Fertrell Company • 800-347-1566 • fertrell.com

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www.paorganic.org

Non-Profit Org US POSTAGE PAID CENTRE HALL, PA PERMIT NO. 33

106 School Street, Suite 201 Spring Mills, PA 16875

Tom Beddard, Co-founder of Lady Moon Farms and PCO Founding Board Member, leads the Keep the Soil in Organic Rally at the 6th Annual PA Organic FarmFest.

The ever popular Blacksmithing Demonstrations by Bob Vernon are a main stay at FarmFest.

What’s a festival without face painting? In line with the mission of the PA Organic FarmFest the face paints used at the event are non-toxic, eco-friendly and made with certified organic ingredients!

The famous Vamos Lion pedicabs are always a hit with all their bells and whistles!

Peter Miller and Georgia Kilscher serve up Organic Valley ice cream and cake for PCO’s 20th Year Anniversary Celebration and Ice Cream Social — yummy!

Wagon ride anyone? So many ways to tour the festival grounds and check out the all the event has to offer from educational speakers and workshops, fiber arts demonstrations and music, to the organic food court, family arena and PCO Pavilion.

The Book Nook, a favorite spot for readers of all ages! This year’s expanded Book Nook featured a wider selection of children’s favorites, courtesy of Keri Miller and Usborne Books.

Ah yes the classic horsey ride to put a smile on the faces of young and old! The tin horse is a fixture at the Blacksmithing Demonstration area where onlookers can was metal working, horseshoeing and more.

Penn’s Valley Conservation Association serves up Trickling Springs ice cream in the Organic Food Court with proceeds to PVCA’s educational programming- a win-win- delicious ice cream and a great cause!

PCO 20-Year Founding Farmer Preston Boop enjoys the festival with his family.