Winter 2018 Organic Matters

Quarterly Newsletter • Winter 2018

A Soil Health Journey on Spiral Path Farm

Healthy Birds Bring Farm Profit

NOP Leader Presents Keynote

An Insider's View of Organic Inputs

page 2

page 6

page 7

page 8

Organic Integrity: It’s what we do

A

s the winter conference season winds down I’ve been reflecting on common themes among all the meetings, workshops and presentations in which PCO has participated. “Organic integrity” quickly rises to the top of that list. Integrity, when applied to organic, takes on various meanings.

• Labeling: What does organic really mean and what makes it better than other eco-labels?

• Imports: Organic poultry and livestock producers want to know if they can trust the organic certification of grains from certain countries.

• Growing methods: Can hydroponically grown produce be organic?

• Animal welfare: Lack of consistent standards adversely impacts organic producers who follow the intent of the organic standards.

• Continuous improvement: How do we keep organic standards strict and sensible as the marketplace and political forces change?

• Enforcement: Timely, effective action must be taken to maintain a fair marketplace and consumer confidence.

Stakeholders throughout the organic sector are paying attention to all of the above and are putting collaborative efforts into dealing with these issues. That’s a good thing, because it is a big job. I was recently asked in an interview: “What’s happening in organic right now that keeps you up at night?”

My response: As the organic sector grows in leaps and bounds, certifiers are on the forefront of ensuring organic integrity in the marketplace. This is something PCO deals with every single day as its amazing staff and inspectors work with the ever-growing numbers of organic producers, processors, handlers,

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

PCO-certified farmers, industry representatives, independent inspectors, PCO staff, and PCO Board Members gather to tackle tough questions in organic dairy including the unified 100% grassfed standard.

importers and distributors to verify compliance with organic standards. Consumer confidence is in our hands and we take that responsibility very seriously.

PCO’s mission statement since our inception has put “Integrity” front and center: Ensuring organic integrity in the marketplace. From the first application for certification, through annual inspections, investigations and enforcement, PCO staff is working hard to verify compliance with organic standards and take action when non-compliances occur.

Best annual meeting ever!

Organic integrity was also the hot topic at PCO’s Annual Membership Meeting on December 12th in Hershey, PA, in conjunction with the Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms Conference. Nearly a hundred people sat together in discussion circles to help guide PCO’s strategy on current topics. We asked and you answered! Each group presented a summary of their discussion and offered one recommendation for PCO to work on: • Organic Grain: Stricter auditing of imports and more support / better infrastructure for domestic organic grain producers.

• Food Safety: Dual audits for organic and food safety / GAP. • Hydroponics: Don’t certify fully hydroponic operations as organic.

• Organic Seed: Encourage farmers to increase the acreage planted with organic seed.

• Organic Dairy: Develop unified 100% grassfed standard.

Thank you for engaging with us in such a meaningful way. I cannot think of anything I would rather do on a snowy winter day than spend time in a room with organic farmers talking about what is most important to them. Truly.

Don’t forget to call or email me if you have suggestions or ideas to share.…Now is the time, before those sunny spring days lure us away from our phones and computers!

Organically yours, Leslie Zuck Executive Director leslie@paorganic.org 814-404-6567

www.paorganic.org

Organic Matters Winter 201 8

FFEEAT URREESS AT U 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

2

Insights into integrative systems the Brownbacks have developed to grow healthy soils

ADVISORY BOARD

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

A Soil Health Journey on Spiral Path Farm

6

Healthy Birds Bring Farm Profit When it comes to organic poultry, an ounce of prevention is the cure.

STAFF

executive director Leslie Zuck executive assistant Ryan Dangle admini strative team director of operations Diana Underwood accounting manager Elizabeth Leah staff accountant Shawnee Matis administrative assistant Lia Sandoval human resources manager Sandy Vandeven certifi cation team 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 education & outreach team membership & development specialist Nicole Lawrence McNeil outreach specialist April Kocis

7 8

NOP Leader Presents Keynote

page 6 Photo: Craig Haney

Dr. Tucker brings clarity and challenges to GPOF conference-goers

Understanding the National Organic Program List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances PCO provides an insider’s view of the organic regulatory requirements around inputs

STORIES

10

PCO Acknowledges Founding Farmers at Annual Meeting

14

Organic Imports Update

Farmers who became certified organic with PCO during its inaugural year were honored for their twenty consecutive years as certified organic farmers

Securing international supply chain integrity

inspections 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

106 School Street, Suite 201

fax: 814.422.0255

Spring Mills, PA 16875

email: pco@paorganic.org

814.422.0251

web: paorganic.org

C O LU M N S 15 President’s Message 16 Dear Aggy 17 Transitions 19 Organic Updates Certification Legislative Materials Standards & Policy

O N T H E C OV E R 25 Calendar

Donkeys. Photo: Sabine Carey, FreeRanging Photography

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

27 New Members 28 Organic Marketplace

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

1

Mike Brownback demonstrates mixing compost ingredients using a skid loader.

Photo: Franklin Egan

A Soil Health Journey on Spiral Path Farm Insights into integrative systems the Brownbacks have developed to grow healthy soils Franklin Egan, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture

“S

oil health” is a term that seems to be everywhere in the farming world lately, but it can be hard to get a handle on what it actually means. Beyond any technical definition, soil health is about a mindset, about learning to see soil not just as a medium for delivering nutrients to crops, but as a living, breathing, highly complex ecosystem. As a living system, soil can thrive or deteriorate, depending on how it is cared for.

At PCO-Certified Spiral Path Farm, the Brownback family has been putting this mindset into action for over 40 years, with remarkable results. Their 225-acre organic vegetable farm in Perry County was the focus of PASA’s 3rd annual Soil Health Conference on Sept 28th. At the conference, farm-founders Mike and Terra and their son Will (who now owns and manages the operation) hosted an intensive full-day tour of the integrative systems they have developed to grow healthy soils.

Last October, the Brownbacks contributed data to PASA’s Soil Health Benchmark Study, which is a research project designed to take the pulse of soil health on PASA farms and document the range of typical and exceptional soil health outcomes. PASA sent soil samples from 12 organic vegetable farms across Pennsylvania to the Cornell Comprehen-

2

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

sive Assessment of Soil Health laboratories. PASA also collected farm management records to assess the number of days each farm maintains living vegetation and index the intensity of tillage and soil disturbance. For many of the resulting indices of soil health, Spiral Path showed very impressive scores (Table 1).

At the field day, Mike expressed enthusiasm for this research project and the power of having good data to guide management decisions and track progress.

While he feels data and recordkeeping is necessary, Mike also cautioned farmers to “never lose your ability to be surprised and humbled by the complexity and resiliency of natural systems.” As a family, the Brownbacks express an almost spiritual approach to farming and practice an abiding reverence and curiosity to the growth forces of the earth.

At the conference, participants experienced the farm through four stations that put the soil health mindset into action: compost systems; vegetable transplant production; in-field fertility and pest management; and crop and cover crop rotations.

Compost Systems The Brownbacks have developed a finely-tuned compost system that serves as an engine for soil microbial life on the farm. The compost recipe includes hay cut from perennial fallow areas on the farm, wood chips, vegetable scraps, biochar, and basalt rock dust.

Hay and vegetable scraps provide the

basic organic matter to drive the compost process. Wood chips provide great habitat for beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, which can be knocked back by tillage in the field and need to be replenished. Biochar from untreated plant or animal materials is an organic amendment that has a vast pore space, providing great habitat for beneficial microbes. The basalt rock dust provides a source of minor plant nutrients, especially silica that can help to improve plant cell wall structure and resistance to pests.

Years ago, the Brownbacks relied more on imported manure to fertilize their soils. They have since cut out animal manures from the operation and rely more on on-farm resources to build their compost. Typically, extra manure is only available from CAFO operations where animals are given GMO feed. Mike remarked that “in the Northeast, we are all small farmers, and we compete in the marketplace through our story. We didn’t want to be part of the CAFO story or the GMO story.”

Mike is quick to point out that their compost process has been developed to stimulate and enhance soil biology, not to provide a gross supply of nitrogen and other macronutrients. Finished compost is applied around early April to overwintered cover crops, at about 2 tons per acre.

The growing cover crops prevent the compost from being washed away by spring rains and take up nutrients as they grow. After the cover crops are terminated later in the spring, the residue will

www.paorganic.org

provide an organic storehouse of nutrients to the cash crop throughout the season. Mike says that he knows the compost mix is providing balanced fertility and stimulating microbial life because he finds that legume cover crops (e.g. clovers, hairy vetch) respond as well or better than the grass cover crops (e.g. winter rye or triticale). In contrast, applying a heavy rate of nitrogen-rich manure would typically stimulate the grasses to outcompete the legumes.

The benefits of the compost system show up in their benchmark results: Spiral Path had optimal scores for soil respiration (an index of microbial soil life) and soil protein (an index of nitrogen stored in soil organic matter, Table 1).

Transplant Production The Brownbacks take great care to put transplants into the ground in optimal health. This not only helps ensure a quality product, but also enables the crop plants to contribute to soil health as they build thriving root systems.

Spiral Path uses home-grown potting mix made with vermicompost. Aged compost from outdoor piles is passed through a rotating barrel that keeps the compost highly oxygenated as microbes break down plant residues. After the compost comes out of the barrel, stones and other debris are screened out and it is loaded into vermicomposting bins.

Dense populations of red wriggler worms process the remaining organic matter, and their feces and skin castings are collected as “worm castings” through screens at the bottom of the shed. The vermicompost is packed with beneficial microbes and highly available forms of micro and macronutrients, making an ideal fertility source for young plants.

In their production greenhouses, Will and Terra Brownback use a range of techniques to keep plants healthy and control pests. An automated watering system saves labor and fosters more consistent plant growth. Concrete floors provide a simple pest control mechanism by eliminating soil and weeds that can supply overwintering habitat for pests. They also sometimes apply a solution of beneficial parasitic nematodes to transplants to help control thrips. The greenhouses are

www.paorganic.org

TABLE 1 Highlights from PASA’s 2016 Soil Health Benchmark Study

1 This value reflects the ratio of organic matter measured in 2016 to NRCS organic matter ratings for each farm’s soil type.

2 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.”

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

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.

equipped with openable sides so that transplants can be exposed to wind and harden-off for the rigors of life in the field.

In-field Production Tips Many organic farmers follow a lowinput philosophy, but the Brownbacks are not shy about using OMRI approved products to boost their systems. As Will puts it, “unless you are starting out with perfect soils, you may need to add some fertilizers to your soil to help your crops thrive.” In-turn, healthy crops will build soil health and organic matter as they grow.

Will bases all of his fertilizer applica-

tions on recent soil tests and never adds fertilizers just based on opinion or past practice. He likes Kinsey Labs because they pay close attention to the so-called “minor” nutrients and the balance of soil nutrients. He feels that Kinsey Labs understands the close connections between minor nutrients, plant health, and human health. For instance, molybdenum may be a minor nutrient in terms of the quantities plants need, but it is crucial for enzyme functioning in a range of both plant and human biochemical reactions.

As a general principle, Will feels that the best soil amendment is a successful continued on page 4

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

3

continued from page 3

cover crop. But where supplemental fertilizers are indicated, they are applied after cover crop termination and about a week before crop transplant.

Will likes to use peanut meal as a nitrogen supplement because it also happens to be low in phosphorus (P). Spiral Path soils have very high levels of P (Table 1) from a legacy of hog farming decades ago, so they are very careful to limit any further P additions. Will also likes to use ocean-based products like kelp meal or Fertrell’s Green Potash because they are high in potassium (K). K is essential for the health of fruiting crops like tomatoes and helps them resist black rot and early blights.

Spiral Path also uses a range of products for in-field pest control. Tomatoes are typically treated weekly with copper and Regalia for disease control. Brassicas receive a weekly application of OMRI listed DiPel DF by Valent BioSciences Corporation to control cabbage loopers.

In addition to OMRI-approved products, the Brownbacks take care to supply floral resources and habitat for beneficial predatory and parasitoid insects on their farm. For instance, they include Alyssum seedlings in their lettuce transplant trays, so that a floral resource plant is including within the lettuce rows.

While pest control could seem like a separate issue from soil health, the Brownbacks emphasize the interconnections. Plants need protection from pests and disease in order to build healthy root systems that add organic matter to the soil. In turn, healthy soils enable plants to better resist insects and pathogens.

Crop and Cover Crop Rotations Leading among PASA farms in the 2016 benchmark study, the Brownbacks maintained living cover on their sampled field for fully 320 days of the year (Table1). Through intensive vegetable rotations and by cover cropping in every available window of space and time, the Brownbacks strive to keep living roots in the soil.

Their basic rotation involves three crop families over two years. A full season solanum crop (tomatoes, eggplant, or peppers) is followed by a winter-killed or

4

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

Will Brownback discussing links between pest management and soil health.

Photo: Franklin Egan

over-wintering cover crop. The next spring, a cucurbit crop (cucumbers, zucchini, or summer squash) is planted for the first part of the season, and then transitioned to fall brassicas in late July or early August. Drip irrigation to the cucurbits helps ensure there is ample soil moisture to get the brassicas going. A rye/vetch cover crop is also typically planted in the brassica interows in mid to late September. The brassicas overwinter in the field and then typically flower in the spring, providing resources for pollinators and other beneficial insects before being tilled-in for the next solanum crop.

The Brownbacks produce a wide diversity of crops for their CSA, wholesale accounts, and farmers markets, so there are many variations on this basic outline.

But in each case, they take care not to grow the same crop family two years in a row and to maximize opportunities for cover cropping.

The Brownbacks are also thoughtful about the interactions of soil type and field operations on their farm. The farm has two main soil types: Hagerstown (which is a higher clay soil), and Elliber (which is a much stonier soil type).

Hagerstown soil is typically considered one of the most productive soil types in Pennsylvania, but because of the clay content it can also be very slow to drain after rain. Because tillage is especially harmful

to wet soils, the Brownbacks take care to time field operations when the soil conditions are appropriate. This can be very tricky in Pennsylvania; as Mike puts it “there are only two days when Perry county clay soils can be worked: yesterday and Sundays.”

The Brownbacks use cover crops to adapt to variable spring weather conditions. Winter-kill covers like oats are not typically used on the Hagerstown soil when an early Spring crop will follow, because it’s typically too wet to properly incorporate the residue. Instead, overwintering covers like rye are used on the Hagerstown soils as a tool to help draw down soil moisture as necessary.

As an organic farm, Spiral Path does rely heavily on tillage for field prep and weed control. Multiple passes with a disc or chisel plow are typically used to terminate a cover crop or turn in a vegetable crop to prep for the next cover crop. This frequent soil disturbance shows in their benchmark scores: the Brownbacks had the highest tillage index and a low aggregate stability score (Table 1). Aggregate stability is a measure of how well clusters of soil particles can hold up against rainfall and other stresses. Mike acknowledges that aggregate stability may be the “Achilles heel” of their farm, and he is often thinking about ways to reduce tillage or add more soil building practices

www.paorganic.org

into their farm. Still, he is confident that the overall system is working well, such that the combinations of cover cropping, intensive crop rotations, and biological amendments are able to build soil faster than tillage can break it down.

During the field day, PASA farmer Don Kretschmann offered another perspective on soil health and crop rotations.

Don and his family manage PCO-Certified Kretschmann Family Organic Farms, an 80-acre CSA vegetable farm north of Pittsburgh. Don structures his rotation around three years of intensive vegetable crops, followed by 1-3 years of cover crop fallow. The Kretschmanns also participated in the PASA Benchmark study, and like Spiral Path showed optimal overall soil health scores, but with above average aggregate stability. Clearly, there are multiple pathways farmers can take to grow healthy soils.

A Dedication to Learning Spiral Path Farm is an impressive operation, but Mike, Terra, and Will empha-

sized that the farm did not get to where it is today quickly or easily. The family is always trying new things, and while they were happy to share their techniques in detail, they reminded attendees that it’s unlikely they’ll be doing the same things in two or three years. At Spiral Path, failure is not an option; it’s a mandatory part of the learning process.

The Brownbacks are still learning new things about soil health, and PASA is looking forward to helping them document part of that learning process as our Soil Health Benchmark Study expands.

This past October, PASA included 30 farms the study, including 26 organic vegetable farms and 4 row crop farms from the PA No-Till Alliance. PASA will be sharing insights from this rich dataset at their annual Farming for the Future Conference, (Feb 7–10, 2018), at field days, and through various publications. PASA looks forward to using their farmers’ home-grown data to highlight innovative practices for soil health and push the

benchmark for soil stewardship forward.

Are you interested in using any materials mentioned in this article? As always, be sure to check with PCO prior to using ANY materials to ensure that they are allowed for usage in your particular application. PCO members can reference the 2017 Annual PCO Approved Materials List and upcoming 2017 Add/Drop Lists for allowed materials as well as the applicable restrictions. You can also call the PCO Materials Team at 814-422-0251.

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 genetically-modified crops, and improving the efficiency of pasture-based dairies.

Calling all Organic Corn Producers!

Please watch your mailbox for an important survey arriving soon Researchers at the Ohio State University, in partnership with the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA,) are studying production and soil management practices on certified organic farms in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania that grow corn.

If it hasn’t arrived already, you may soon receive a request to complete a survey about your farming practices.

Your response to the survey is completely voluntary but the results will provide valuable information about the practices used by organic farmers and the impacts of different approaches on corn yields, soil quality, and overall farm economics. It will only take a few minutes of your time. Your answers will be completely confidential and you will never be identified individually.

Organic Certification Agencies, including PCO, OEFFA, and others, advocate with policy-makers in Washington for funding for research on organic farms to address the needs of organic farmers. But we can’t do it without your help.

Please complete and return the “2017 Organic Corn and Soil Management Survey.”

www.paorganic.org

Why are we sending this survey?

The acreage under organic corn in the U.S. has increased rapidly in recent years, rising from 32,650 to 234,470 acres between 1995 and 2011. Because organic corn producers cannot rely on conventional chemical inputs to supply nutrients or control weeds and pests, they have adopted a wide range of innovative crop and soil management practices.

Our research team is particularly interested in how organic farmers manage their soil, and how the use of different soil amendments and management practices affect crop productivity, soil and crop quality, and farm profitability.

The best place to learn about the effectiveness of different organic corn management practices is from the experiences and observations of working farmers. To do this, we need your help. We are inviting a group of randomly-selected, certified organic corn farmers to share information about their 2017 production year. Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary, but we need responses from everyone to ensure that the results are representative of the experiences of organic corn farmers in this region. Results of our analysis will be shared with the organic farming community to help identify the relative performance of alternative soil management practices.

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

5

Healthy Birds Bring Farm Profit When it comes to organic poultry, an ounce of prevention is the cure Justine Cook, PCO Certification Specialist

W

hen you’re raising poultry, whether on the backyard scale or as a growout farm, you are setting up a management system; how you set up that system, and the decisions made along the way, can make big differences in flock health and farm profitability. At the Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms (GPOF) Conference, Casey Trinkaus, of the Fertrell Company, and Mike Badger, of American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA), presented attendees with an overview on creating a healthy environment for poultry and incorporating pasture into poultry production.

In the first session, “Troubleshooting Poultry Health,” Casey Trinkaus discussed how to use an “observational approach” to managing your flock’s health.

By observing the quality of the birds’ environment, and the flock itself, you can “identify issues before they become problems” and be proactive about the health of your livestock. As organic farmers know, prevention is the first tool in your medical kit; the environment in which the birds are raised should be made inhospitable to pests and diseases so that your flock can reach its productive potential. This includes the pasture (or outdoor access area), the house, their air, their water, and their feed — the management of each of these items can be the source of issues or your means of preventing issues. Air and water quality were highlighted as priority items, as both will affect feed intake and growth performance. Poor ventilation and dirty water can, at worst, physically harm the birds, or, at best, create stress and leave the flock susceptible to illness. Trinkaus challenged attendees to consider whether they were

6

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

Photo: Craig Haney, Carversville Farm Foundation

willing to drink the same water as their flock or spend at least an hour breathing their air; if not, chances are the birds are not happy. Specific recommendations included making sure air was exchanged four to six times per day in confined spaces and to pursue water testing for information on potability and mineral content.

For producers interested in raising birds on pasture, Trinkaus and Badger used the afternoon to discuss the considerations specific to that production system. Mike Badger helms APPPA, a non-profit that provides education and support for pasture-based poultry growers, and he presented attendees with an overview on how to manage birds on pasture. Traditionally seen as a “backyard” enterprise, then popularized by Joel Salatin’s model, Badger peppered his talk with references to successful production farms using a pasture-based system. He stressed that the system uses fresh air, low density housing, high quality feed, and movement (around the pasture) to create a value-added product. Birds are generally moved daily to ensure access to new forage and bugs, and also to minimize

contact with parasites or pathogens that may be present in their manure. The pasture is clipped and fertilized, used in the grazing rotation to build organic matter; in multi-species grazing scenarios, the birds perform double-duty by managing fly larvae hatching in cow patties. Again, feed quality is critical for this system to be successful. Trinkaus recommended sticking to fresh feed (less than 30 days old) and locating a local feed mill; Fertrell assists feed mills in creating balanced feed rations and can be contacted for feed mill recommendations. Also critical is providing the appropriate grit for the birds, which will ensure that the birds can properly digest pasture forages and, Trinkaus suggested, may help physically destroy roundworm eggs.

Critically observing the farm environment and the flock on a regular basis allows producers to get ahead of mortalities and rush treatments. Providing ample space and easy access to fresh, clean water and feed increases your chances of achieving optimal feed conversion ratios, a major factor in farm profitability. Casey Trinkaus can be reached at Fertrell for more information on diagnosing causes of worrisome symptoms (unusual droppings, sneezing, hunched appearance) and can assist producers in developing rations for their birds. Mike Badger can be reached at APPPA for resources and events on pastured-poultry production.

As always, contact PCO with any questions on allowed materials and be sure to discuss whether your feed ration needs to be reviewed with your certification specialist. The message delivered by both Trinkaus and Badger was that successful organic management of poultry health and nutrition is creating the correct environment and providing balanced nutrition — prevention and management is key for livestock health and farm profitability.

www.paorganic.org

NOP Leader Presents Keynote Dr. Jennifer Tucker brings clarity and challenges to GPOF conference-goers Ashley Madea, PCO Certification Specialist

“G

etting to spend time with real organic farmers of Pennsylvania is a true privilege,” said Dr. Jennifer Tucker, Associate Deputy Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) and keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms (GPOF) Conference. “I have learned more about their challenges and questions, and shared with them the work we’re doing to protect the integrity of the organic label.”

Dr. Tucker addressed a robust group of attendees that included farmers, ag industry representatives, educators, and organic enthusiasts. “Organic integrity depends on all of us — farmers, certifiers and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). We take that responsibility very seriously.”

Pennsylvania ranked second in organic gross sales by state for 2016, behind only California. This impressive figure was one of several indicators of organic growth that Dr. Tucker shared during her opening remarks at the GPOF Conference. She took the keynote opportunity to present an NOP update for those in the audience.

Organic gross sales continued to follow a growth trend in 2017. The acting NOP staffers numbered 36, with an oversight of 82 certifiers (including PCO).

Tucker added that the hiring process is currently underway for a new NOP Deputy Administrator following the resignation of Miles McEvoy in 2017 and anticipated that the position would be filled within 3–6 months.

Within the NOP-AMS there are a number of mandatory reviews that serve as indicators for the state of affairs within

www.paorganic.org

Tucker presented updates on several rules of interest to PCO clients.

The Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) proposed rule was published in January 2017 and is currently scheduled for implementation on April 14, 2018. Tucker noted that an additional comment period was pending and on 12/18/17, following the GPOF, the AMS published a rule proposing the withdrawal of the OLPP with a 30-day comment period ending on 1/17/2018.

The Origin of Livestock Executive Director, Leslie Zuck with keynote speaker Dr. final rule proposal was efJennifer Tucker, Associate Deputy Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Organic fective in April of 2015. It Program at the recent Growing Pennsylvania's Organic Farms was reported by Tucker Conference. that this final rule is under review by the new administration to dethe program. Tucker reported that the termine how it fits with their priorities. program was audited by the Office of the Hydro-, aquaand aeroponics are curInspector General in 2017, and that the rently allowed for organic certification as published report highlighted the need for long as they are in compliance with the improved oversight of organic imports. organic standards. Following the NOSB NOP has made this a top priority for vote in November of 2017 that recom2018. They are working on collaborations mended the banning of aeroponics, the with federal partners, including APHIS NOP is reviewing this recommendation and CBP, as well as certifier training to and collecting information on organic address this priority. aeroponics, including who would be afIt was also noted by Tucker that public fected by its prohibition. interest in the compliance of large dairy There was an opportunity for audioperations led to several NOP investigaence questions following Tucker’s update. tions in the past couple years. During The audience was involved and lively, these investigations and other certifier asking for further elaborations on some audits, the NOP noted differences in how of the topics that had been addressed in certifiers interpret the standards related Tucker’s keynote such as imported grain, to the pasture rule. During the February hydroponics, NOSB public comment opportunities, enforcing grazing standards 2018 certifier training, the NOP plans to present a refresher on the technical nu- for large-scale dairies, and the Organic Integrity database. ances of the pasture rule requirements to continued on page 9 ensure uniformity in enforcement.

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

7

Understanding the National Organic Program List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances PCO provides an insider’s view of the organic regulatory requirements around inputs Adam Dalo, PCO Materials Specialist

If there is one thing that organic farmers know, it is the importance of using organically approved inputs in all areas of their operation. Whether it is a fertilizer, feed additive, or equipment cleaner, producers know to check with their certifier in order to ensure compliance. One thing that may not always be as clear, however, is just what goes into making those material review determinations.

During the recent 2017 Growing Pennsylvania Organic Farms Conference, PCO Materials Program Manager Jen Berkebile delivered a presentation peeling back the curtain on what exactly goes into the material review process and the Na-

8

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

tional List of Allowed and Prohibited Materials.

Berkebile gave some background on how ‘organic’ went from an unwritten philosophy on sustainable agriculture into a standardized and enforceable set of regulations, starting with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990.

This act led to the creation of the National Organic Program (NOP), housed within the USDA, which serves as the oversight and regulatory body governing organic regulations. This also created the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), which acts as an industry advisory committee to the NOP on regulatory issues including allowed and prohibited materials. Third party certifying agents, such as PCO, are accredited through the

USDA to review, inspect, and approve certified organic producers and handlers.

These accredited certifying agencies enforce the National Organic Program regulations set forth in 7 CFR 205. One subset of these regulations, 205.600 through 205.606, is known as The National List of Approved and Prohibited Materials. These sections are used to determine allowed and prohibited materials for organic crop, livestock, and processing use. In general, most non-synthetic materials are allowed for organic use while most synthetic materials are prohibited. The National List lists the exceptions to this general rule. Therefore, non-synthetics are allowed unless listed on the National List and synthetics are prohibited unless listed on the National

www.paorganic.org

List. Once a material is included by the NOSB on the National List, it must be reviewed every five years in what is known as the Sunset Process. During this process the NOSB determines if a material continues to meet the required criteria to remain listed. Public stakeholders are highly encouraged to give either written or oral comment during the review period.

Using the National List as a guide, the PCO Materials Resource Team reviews inputs to ensure that they are in compliance with the regulations. Producers and handlers must provide a list of all inputs to their certifier annually as part of the annual update process. To complete a material review, a current label and list of ingredients must be obtained from the product manufacturer. If the ingredients are listed for the use requested and are produced without the “big three” (sewage sludge, ionizing radiation, or genetic modification), then the material may be allowed. As a resource for their certified producers and handlers, PCO publishes an annual Approved Materials List and subsequent add/drop lists throughout the

www.paorganic.org

year. PCO also allows products that are reviewed and approved by the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI), Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

In closing, Berkebile reminded those in attendance that it is always wise to check with your certifier to ensure compliance prior to using a material. The PCO Materials Resource Team is happy to help and can be reached by simply calling the office at 814-422-0251 and asking for Materials.

Dr. Tucker Presents Keynote continued from page 7

Held at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel in Harrisburg, on Dec. 12–13, the GPOF conference supports Northeast and Mid-Atlantic farmers by presenting information on the best organic farming practices currently available. Attendees included beginning and existing organic farmers, conventional farmers, and those transitioning from conventional farming practices to organic.

GPOF Conference presented a variety

of sessions including consecutive tracks held in organic vegetable production; organic small fruits; organic, grass-fed dairy; and organic field crops. These tracks were presented by a lineup of organic farmers, researchers and experts including those from Penn State University, PSU Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania Certified Organic, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, Michigan State University, University of Vermont Extension, corporations, small businesses, successful multi-generational family farmers, producers associations and the banking industry.

The 2017 GPOF conference was a collaboration of private, public and government agencies including organic farmers, the PA Dept. of Agriculture, Rodale Institute, Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO), Organic Valley Dairy, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, GMO Free PA and PA Farm Link.

If you have questions/concerns/comments about these or other organic-related policy topics, please reach out to PCO. Direct feedback from producers helps inform our policies and public comments.

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

9

PCO Acknowledges Founding Farmers at 2017 Annual Meeting Farmers who became certified organic with PCO during its inaugural year were honored for their twenty consecutive years as certified organic farmers

P

CO's humble roots began in 1997 when a few Organic Crop Improvement Association Pennsylvania Chapter members incorporated as a non-profit to better serve the needs of the Pennsylvania organic community. PCO started out with 27 members and by the end of that first year had certified 54 crops and livestock farms. 22 of PCO's inaugural year members are still operating certified organic farms today, twenty years later. PCO extends a hearty thank you to these founding farmers, who were pioneers in the organic movement, for their longstanding commitment and dedication to organic agriculture.

Tom Beddard Lady Moon Farms Chambersburg, PA Tom Beddard is a PCO founding board member and Co-founder and President of Lady Moon Farms. 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 fanatically fresh organic produce to the finest grocery stores, produce distributors, co-ops and CSAs. Barbara and Daniel Beiler Sunny Ridge Farm Spring Run, PA The Beilers raise a variety of vegetables, fruits and grains including early hoop house tomatoes, asparagus, blackberries, strawberries, oats, alfalfa and more.

Sunny Ridge Farm markets their products through the Tuscarora Organic Growers Cooperative.

10

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

Wanda & Preston Boop Briar Patch Organic Farms Mifflinburg, PA Wanda & Preston Boop own and operate Briar Patch Organic Farms in Mifflinburg, PA. Preston was born and raised on their 325-acre farm, which was purchased and farmed in the 1940’s by his grandparents. The farm had been chemical free since its inception. Wanda said that it would be a sin to use chemicals on the farm and wanted to be organic. Preston said,“OK, educate me” and there began their “wisdom hunt for organic practices.” Preston felt they had great educators with PASA and PCO and found the understanding of soil health to be invaluable. The Boop Family grows certified organic hay, compost and broiler chickens.

Brownback Family Spiral Path Farm Loysville, PA Mike and Terra Brownback along with their family own and operate Spiral Path Farm, a certified organic vegetable farm in Perry County, PA. Mike and Terra are both first generation farmers. Today, two grown sons, Will and Lucas, both farm with the family on 255 certified organic acres; about 80 acres in produce, 4 acres under high tunnel vegetable production and 13,000 square feet of transplant production for on-farm use. The Brownback family is “…committed to farming practices, which protect and nurture the soil, while providing healthy, farm-fresh produce. We believe that our stewardship of the land promotes a living soil, which grows healthy plants from which we harvest flavorful and nutritious food.”

Family of Roy L. Brubaker in his honor Village Acres Farm & FoodShed Mifflintown, PA The Brubaker Family operates Village Acres Farm & FoodShed, a 45-acre organic farm located in the village of Cuba Mills. Born out of the vision of a 10th generation farmer who was also a second

generation organic pioneer, Village Acres Farm has continued its mission of connecting people to their food, the earth and each other, now with the 3rd and 4th organic farming generations at the helm.

The Brubaker Family is committed to growing food and building relationships that are sustaining, restorative, and transformative. Celebrating over 35 years of farming, 25 years of organic certification and 20 years of serving the community through a CSA model, Village Acres operates as a diversified system, integrating vegetables, berries and pastured livestock.

Linda & Timothy Derstine Hares Valley Growers Mapleton Depot, PA Linda and Timothy Derstine have a diverse operation which includes egg production, specialty greenhouse crops, as well as standard field crops like basil, broccoli, tomatoes, kale, spinach, onions, rhubarb, rutabagas, and turnips. Hares Valley Growers has been part of the Tuscarora cooperative of organic growers for many, many years.

Fisher Family Christian Fisher Farm Mt. Joy, PA Dan DeTurk & John Schrack Dande Farms Mohrsville, PA Dan DeTurk and his former father-in-law John Schrack have farmed together since the 1980s. Dan’s son is now farming as well, as the 4th generation to farm the land. Dande Farms raises corn and hay which they market primarily to dairy farms and feed mills although when Dan is asked what he grows on the farm his reply is, “Our #1 crop is kids.”

Phillips Family Phillips Mushroom Farms Kennett Square, PA The Phillips Family has been cultivating mushrooms since 1927. In the late 1920s, continued on page 12

www.paorganic.org

Hannah Smith-Brubaker, Debra, and Roy Brubaker Village Acres Farm & FoodShed

Helen and Martin Lichty • Shoestring Acres

Dwight Stoltzfoos • SpringWood Farm

The Ranck Family • Charvin Organic Farm

Theodore Fake • Fake’s Organic Farm

Ned MacArthur Natural by Nature and Green Valley Organic Farm, LLC

Tom Beddard • Lady Moon Farms

Phillips Family • Phillips Mushroom Farms

The Brownback Family • Spiral Path Farm

Tim Hihn • Mother Earth LLC

Preston Boop • Briar Patch Organic Farms

Donald Spackman (center) • Roundtop Farms Photo: Centre Daily Times, Abby Drey

www.paorganic.org

Chris Petersheim • Paradise Organics

Jeff Moyer • Rodale Institute

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

11

continued from page 10

William W. Phillips pioneered mushroom farming in Kennett Square, PA, “The Mushroom Capital of the World.” The Phillips Family, now in its third generation, has been growing top-quality mushrooms ever since. Phillips Mushroom Farms produces portabella, shitake, oyster, crimini, maitake, beech, oyster, enoki, royal trumpet, pom pom and white mushrooms.

Jill & Theodore Fake Fake’s Organic Farm Windsor, PA The Fake Family farms 120 acres in Windsor, PA. They raise spelt, oats, soybeans, corn and hay. They sell to Perdue, an organic spelt mill and organic dairies.

Ted has farmed this land his entire life and his father and grandfather farmed much of the same land before. The Fake Family became certified organic in 1988 but used organic farming methods before that. The Fake Family has a strong faith in God and feel that they are Caretakers of God’s land. Even through the bad times that they have had, things have always worked out and they always have had what they needed.

Tim Hihn Mother Earth, LLC West Grove, PA Tim Hihn, a PCO founding board member, is the co-owner of Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms and two 100% certified organic mushroom farms. Mother Earth is a 5th generation mushroom farm that started in 1921. Mother Earth Mushrooms raises agaricus white and portobello mushrooms in 56 growing rooms, with 15 million pounds of mushrooms produced annually. Tim views his work as stewardship and has a strong motivation to give back. Tim said, “you’ve been given something so you need to improve it to give it to the next generation. For the earth, for your kids, for the future” Helen & Martin Lichty Shoestring Acres Clearville, PA Helen and Martin began chasing a dream in 1995 when they purchased a 52-acre farm near Clearville, Pa. The Lichtys raise

12

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

a variety of vegetables that they market primarily through wholesale accounts.

The Lichtys decided to farm organically because of their belief that they are to be stewards of the land they live on. They Lichtys are encouraged every time they see young people successfully take on the job of farming. Martin commented that, “when Cyrus McCormick invented the reaper greater than 90 percent of the population was involved in agriculture. Today those figures are reversed. This life is not for everyone.” But they are grateful for their role as stewards.

Ned MacArthur Natural by Nature and Green Valley Organic Farm, LLC West Grove, PA Ned MacArthur and his father Norman started Natural Dairy Products Corporation (NDP) in 1994. Ned had quit milking cows a year earlier because of low milk prices and the frustration that there was no system by which farmers could sell milk organically. Ned and Norman teamed up with four organic dairy farmers in Lancaster County, PA, and created a sustainable process in which grass-fed organic milk could be produced, transported, processed, and packaged, independent of the large, volume-based milk industry, under the brand name Natural

by Nature. Natural Dairy Products now supports over 25 family-owned and operated farms, four of which are the original pioneering farms Robbin and David Martin Danda Farms Lititz, PA David Martin was raised on the farm where his children and grandchildren now work and play. However, in the early 1990’s while farming “conventionally,” David began to get concerned about the chemicals he was putting on the crops and the possible health detriments to his young family. He researched organic farming and discovered that it was the better choice in more than one way: healthier for the family and kinder to the environment. Three years later their farm was ready to meet the stringent standards of “Certified Organic,” a title they still use with pride today. The Martins milk ap-

proximately 100 Holstein cows twice a day on their 180-acre home farm and grow organic crops on several farms north of Harrisburg.

Jeff Moyer Rodale Institute Kutztown, PA Jeff Moyer is the Executive Director of the Rodale Institute, a 333-acre farm in Kutztown, PA, focused on organic research, education and outreach. The Rodale Institute produces vegetables, grains, forages, and tree fruits. The Rodale Institute’s motto, Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People, was first chalked onto a blackboard by J.I. in 1947. Even then, J.I. understood that healthy soil is the foundation for growing healthy food.

Jeff has never farmed any way but organically, believing in what J.I. Rodale wrote over 70 years ago. Jeff is a worldrenowned authority in organic agriculture with expertise in organic crop production systems with a focus on weed management, cover crops, crop rotations, equipment modification and use, and facilities design.

Chris Petersheim Paradise Organics Paradise, PA On 5 acres of lush, green farmland in Paradise, PA, work begins at sunrise for Chris Petersheim, owner of Paradise Organics. Chris founded Paradise Organics in 1980 and continues to live and work on the farm with his family. His lifelong passion for farming and growing organic produce shows through in his work at Paradise Organics. Paradise Organics grows a wide variety of organic vegetables and fruit, which they sell wholesale to stores, restaurants, CSAs and others in the greater Philadelphia, Reading, and Lancaster areas.

Ranck Family Charvin Organic Farm Mifflin, PA Elvin and Charlotte Ranck, along with their son and daughter-in-law Michael and Krystal, and their son Andrew partner to operate a 180-cow organic dairy and crop farm on 1,300 acres in Juniata County. Elvin’s 5 other sons, Eric, Kelvin,

www.paorganic.org

Shawn, Donovan and Stephen, also work on the farm. After years of conventional farming Elvin had the opportunity to observe a biologically managed farm and the soil tilth thereof and so began his inspiration to pay careful attention to the life of the soil. Elvin and family have been farming organically since 1987, are grateful for the healthier crops, healthier animals and healthier environment such practices afford, and are eager to share their knowledge with others.

Glen Rex Rex Farm Slatington, PA Glen Rex farms 250 certified organic acres of crop, hay and pasture. In addition, Glen raises organic replacement heifers for Lancaster County farmers.

Glen has been a pioneer of organic farming, helping to organize the Pennsylvania chapter of OCIA when organic certification in the region was just getting off the ground back in the 1990s. Glen’s recent inspector commented that, “He is an amazing farmer who had the best managed organic row crops I have ever seen.

He has very hilly ground with more than a little shale but he has those fields in great shape with rotation and cultivation.

He showed me fields where he cut and

baled hay and I got dizzy just thinking about it — talk about steep!”

Gerald Smith Smith’s Organic Farm Bedford, PA Donald Spackman Roundtop Farms Julian, PA Roundtop Farms is a family operated group of farms in Central Pennsylvania.

The main farm, 3 miles north of Port Matilda, is recognized as a Pennsylvania Century Farm. The name Roundtop comes from the round shaped hill near the center of the farm and has been used for many generations. The Spackman family grows fresh, certified organic heirloom pie pumpkins, kabocha squash, acorn squash, jack-o-lanterns, rutabaga and potatoes. The Spackmans strive to offer high quality products rather than emphasizing large quantities.

Roman & Dwight Stoltzfoos SpringWood Organic Farm Kinzers, PA SpringWood Organic Farm spreads across 220 acres of Lancaster County’s fine farmland in Kinzers, PA. Dwight Stoltzfoos, together with his wife Brenda

and their children operate the farm in an ongoing slow transition from his parents, Roman and Lucy. Organic, natural farming is a passion of Roman Stoltzfoos as well as his son Dwight and they have kept at the cutting edge of natural, organic methods. Under their care SpringWood Organic Farm has become a model of success, providing organic products to retailers and consumers. You will even see solar panels on the farm buildings and the free ranging chicken coops. Visitors are welcome with hopes their time on the farm will help spread their philosophy.

Stoltzfus Family East End Farm Mill Hall, PA Mark Stoltzfus is a 2nd generation farmer raising hay, pasture and dairy cows on 175 acres in Mill Hall. In addition to farming the Stoltzfus Family started custom meat processing in 1998 and began building a new butcher shop in the summer of 2017. When asked about his motivation to get up each day and keep going, Mark replied, “Farming keeps the family home and working together.

Working the farm means that there is something here for the future.”

PCO staff gathers at the 2018 PASA Farming for the Future Conference.

www.paorganic.org

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

13

Organic Imports Update Securing international supply chain integrity

By Kyla Smith, PCO Certification Director

A

n article published in the Washington Post in April 2017 broke the story of grain shipments from Eastern Europe represented as organic entering the US market, allegedly accompanied by fraudulent documentation. Investigations found evidence that the organic grain had allegedly been fumigated with a prohibited substance.

Since then, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revoked the organic certification of operations found to have willfully violated the USDA organic regulations and has worked with organic certifying agencies to increase oversight and tighten documentation for international shipments of organic commodities.

Increased regulatory oversight The National Organic Program (NOP) published an interim instruction document (NOP 4013: Maintaining the Integrity of Organic Imports) which explains the USDA organic regulations’ current requirements for certifiers engaged in the oversight of organic products imported to the US and recommends best practices that certifiers may use to comply with the existing regulations. Additionally, the NOP instructed certifiers of handlers directly receiving imported organic corn, soy, edible dry beans, wheat, flax, or sunflower meal from Kazakhstan, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine to enact the following controls and reporting measures for those handling operations as follows:

14

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

• Conduct additional unannounced inspections, including sampling for presence of pesticide residues and GMOs. • Sample and analyze for presence of pesticide residues and GMOs for all shipments (consignments) of organic food and feed commodities (as listed above) being imported to the U.S. The certifier must take at least one representative sample of each shipment.

• Submit copies of all verification documentation, sample test results, and transaction certificate and/or NOP import certificate for each shipment to the NOP Accreditation and International Activities Division.

• Submit all noncompliances issued to certified organic handlers of these commodities immediately to the NOP Accreditation and International Activities Division.

• Document the full actions and results of the actions listed above in two reports issued to the NOP.

PCO has initiated this directive on operations we certify as applicable. Certified operations receiving any of the abovelisted commodities from the specified region must inform their PCO Certification Specialists so PCO can coordinate sample collections for each incoming shipment.

Additionally, the USDA Office of the Inspector General (OIG), which is responsible for conducting independent audits and investigations of the USDA’s programs and operations, evaluated NOP’s internal controls for approving and overseeing international arrangements and agreements that allow organic imports into the US. As a result, NOP has improved oversight by partnering with other Federal agencies, including APHIS and Customs and Border Control.

Miles McEvoy, former USDA, Kyla Smith, PCO and Laura Batcha, OTA. Top: Participants of the Anti-Fraud Initiative Conference, Odessa, Ukraine

International Anti-Fraud Initiative Conference Organic stakeholders from the United States and Europe, including government officials, certifiers, organic operators and trade groups, convened in Odessa, Ukraine, at the Anti-Fraud Initiative (AFI) Conference to discuss the threat of fraud in the international market and how to address it. The conference adopted a declaration, which includes the following statement: We recognize that strengthening communication and cooperation among producers, processors, traders, certification bodies, accreditation bodies and government agencies is vital to assure consumers about the quality of Ukrainian organic products, and that consumer confidence is critical to growing the market demand for organic produce.

We call on all stakeholders in the organic supply chains to support this effort.

www.paorganic.org

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

Welcome to 2018!

T

he New Year always brings me hope, excitement and worry! I have hope and excitement because as a farmer I am the eternal optimist. We have a chance to do things better, maybe I can have cleaner fields, maybe I can have straighter rows, maybe I will have a better yield then last year. Of course I am a realist, too, and that is where the worry comes in. What happens if we have a drought? What if we have some major break down that totally disrupts my repairs budget. These are pretty typical feelings — I think. But how we respond to them on the farm often dictates how the results will turn out. As long as we plan for success and prepare for disruptions we can usually survive most problems. So, as PCO moves into its new year we should have a lot of hope and excitement too. But we also have some things to worry about.

PCO had a fabulous Annual Meeting in December, held in conjunction with the Growing Pennsylvania Organic Farms Conference in Harrisburg. There was a record attendance with nearly 100 people attending our dinner and meeting.

We heard great words from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Cheryl Cook, had a fabulous dinner and were able to review the past year and see how we are preparing for the New Year. We now have nearly 1400 certified operations at PCO with a nice balance of Poultry, Dairy/Livestock, Crops and Handling. Pretty good for 20 years of hard work. Our staff is second to none, with a lot of dedicated people who manage this growth and enable PCO to be recognized as a leader in certifications.

www.paorganic.org

There is a lot of excitement and hope in our future.

At the Annual Meeting we had some engaging roundtable conversations. A couple of the topics are in the fore front of national attention in the organic industry. Hydroponics was one of the topics.

And now for the worry! It is pretty easy to think all organic production should be in the soil. Certainly I can’t imagine it any other way. But without clear guidance from the National Organic Program and National Organic Standards Board the clarity of this issue gets diluted down (no pun intended). We as an organic community must carry a clear message to the decision makers. Many of our members traveled to Jacksonville, FL, in November for the National Organic Standards Board meeting. Those members worked hard at having their voice heard. We must help them continue their message and make sure our consumers have the confidence in organics that they are asking for and that their thoughts of a certified organic process is not watered down.

In summary I just want to say I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful group of people on the PCO board. The level of professionalism, passion for PCO, and friendliness is second to none of the

other boards that I have been on. People on your board are quick to volunteer for work and are always able to give productive guidance even if we disagree on a topic. It has been one of the more satisfying years for me.

Cheers to a successful 2018 with our families, farms and organization.

Truly, Luke R. Howard 410.708.3105 cell The Story of Chicken Little comes to mind when I think of our challenges with in the organic industry. As you may remember, Chicken Little is in the forest and a few seeds fall on her tail. She shouts the sky is falling and off she runs to tell her friends.

She meets Henny Penny and tells her the sky is falling and they run to tell the King.

Well before the day is over there are many fowl running in fear of the sky falling and needing to tell the King. This of course all ends when they meet the sly fox. He tells them to run into his den for safety and he will tell the King. While the birds of a feather felt safe in the foxes den, I am sure it was short lived. Since the fox ended up with a full belly, the sky did not fall and Chicken Little and her friends ended up only satisfying the foxes’ appetite.

PCO Advisory Board 1st row: Leslie Zuck, PCO Executive Director; Tina Ellor, Phillips Mushroom Farms; Michael Ranck, Charvin Organic Farm; Dave Hartman, Penn State Extension; Luke Howard, Homestead Farms, Inc. 2nd row: Bob Eberly; Beth Gugino, Penn State University; Ron Hoover, Penn State University; Preston Boop, Briar Patch Organic Farm; Kristy Borelli, Penn State University; Joe Miller, Trickling Springs Creamer; LLC. Not pictured: Tim Joseph, Maple Hill Creamery; Tony Ricci, Green Heron Farm; Mike Spangler, Global Natural, LLC.

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

15

Dear Aggy, It is time to fill out my Annual Update Paperwork, and I’m planning on adding a few new products to my Materials Used Form. Last year there was some confusion about the use of a product that I hadn’t used in years, but had forgotten was still on my inventory list.

I’m also never sure what to do when I need to add a new product in the middle of the year.

— Carl C.

Dear Conscientious Carl, An important part of the certification process is to verify that any inputs used in your operation are in compliance with the National Organic Program regulations. As part of your Annual Update, you will be provided two materials forms: Materials Used – Update: this form will include all the materials which you have previously listed as being used/planned to use in your operation. Please review this carefully for accuracy and completeness. If there are any materials listed here which you are no longer using, or if the use you intend is different than the one listed, please make a note directly on the first page of this form. If there are no changes, there is a checkbox for you to indicate you have reviewed the form.

Materials Used: this is an empty form for you to use if you have NEW materials you are submitting for PCO approval that are not currently listed on the the Materials Used — Update form. Include all products used in the last 12 months, those you plan to use in the next 12 months, and any products you would like PCO to review for use. Completing all of the information for a specific material, such as manufacturer contact info and specific use will speed up the review of your file.

Note: If you have a product that you’re interested in using after you’ve already submitted your annual update paperwork, feel free to call PCO and speak to someone on the Materials Review Team or your Certification Specialist. If you have internet access, you can directly and easily request a materials review through the website at paorganic.org/materialsreview. You can even directly upload labels as part of the on-line review request.

Remember, using a product without prior approval from PCO may jeopardize your organic status.

5

I

SPR

PA

S

Material Reviews — Animal Update

NG M

IL L

DEAR AGGY — Readers’Letters

1 6 87

The PCO Approved Materials List PCO clients receive an annual PCO Approved Materials List as a reference, available in both paper or digital versions.

Throughout the year, PCO will also provide Add/Drop Lists to indicate new materials being added, or materials being removed from the Approved List. These Add/Drop lists will be sent to our clients via mail or email and should be used together with the annual Approved Materials List.

Our published Approved Materials List only includes some of the many materials that are currently approved for use. It does not list custom mixes (such as custom fertilizer or dairy mineral mixes), certified organic products, or materials that are already listed by OMRI (Organic Material Review Institute, omri.org) WSDA (Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Program, agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Organic/MaterialsLists.aspx#BNML) CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) fertilizers approved as organic input materials by cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/pdfs/RegisteredOrganicInputMaterial2017.pdf).

Some materials that we have reviewed may also be omitted from the list if they are considered confidential to a particular operation.

Got a question for Aggy?

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

16

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

www.paorganic.org

Transitions

Record Keeping Part 3 — Livestock Production, Dairy & Non-Poultry Animals Heather Donald, Senior Certification Specialist and Inspector

“L

ivestock” as defined in the NOP regulations is “Any cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, or equine animals used for food or in the production of food, fiber, feed, or other agricultural- based consumer products; wild or domesticated game; or other nonplant life, except [it] shall not include aquatic animals for the production of food, fiber, feed, or other agricultural-based consumer products.”

In this installment of our Record Keeping Series, we’ll be going over livestock production records for dairy, slaughterstock and fiber animals. We’ll tackle poultry in the next issue.

First, some definitions for terms used when discussing organic livestock production: • Transition: In this case, transition applies ONLY to DAIRY animals, and requires management following all organic regulations, requirements and restrictions for no less than 12 months.

• Transitional Feed: any crop / pasture harvested in the 3rd year of transition from land under the applicant’s management.

• Dry Matter Demand: The expected dry matter intake for a class of animal (ex: milking cow vs. heifer); the dry matter weight, not weight as-fed, an animal needs to consume to keep its condition and production level.

• Dry Matter Intake: Total pounds of all feed, devoid of all moisture, consumed by a class of animals over a given period.

Some repeat definitions from last time: • 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.

Dairy, slaughter and fiber livestock break into a couple of categories that are important to distinguish when discussing record

www.paorganic.org

keeping: ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) vs. non-ruminants (swine), and dairy vs. non-dairy. The differences in management requirements for these categories affect some of the records that need to be kept. Here’s a quick refresher on those management differences in the standards: Only dairy animals — calves, replacement heifers, bred heifers, dry cows and milking cows (or equivalent groups for goats & sheep) — can be transitioned to organic production.

Some of the basic requirements for dairy transition include: – The whole herd/flock must be transitioned during a single 12-month period — all animals have the same start date and the same certification eligibility date.

– Any purchased feed must be certified organic, both during transition and once certified. Transitional Feed CANNOT be purchased and can ONLY be fed to transitioning dairy animals.

– All supplements and medical treatments must be OMRI or Certification Agency approved, and restrictions followed.

For all ruminants, transitioning or certified: – All animals over 6 months of age must meet the pasture requirement — an average of 30% Dry Matter Intake from pasture over at least 120 grazing days.

All non-dairy animals, ruminant or non-ruminant, must be managed organically from the last third of gestation. This means that the breeding stock does not need to be eligible for certification, but they must be managed organically during the last third of the pregnancy in order for the offspring to be eligible for organic slaughter. Beyond that, the management requirements for breeding stock and their offspring include much of what was mentioned above: – All feed must be certified organic, whether purchased or from your farm.

– All supplements and medical treatments must be approved, and some have additional restrictions for slaughter animals.

– Requirements for outdoor access and pasture (if ruminant) must be met.

The 2 main differences in record keeping are 1) Timing and 2) Grazing.

1) Timing of record keeping applies to the dairy vs. nondairy difference. When transitioning dairy animals, records must be kept during the whole 12-month transition period to demonstrate you’ve met all of the requirements for the livestock to be certified. When starting slaughter stock, records must be continued on page 18

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

17

continued from page 17

kept from the beginning of the last third of gestation. Timing of record keeping will be the same only when you purchase certified organic livestock, dairy or not.

2) Grazing & Pasture Access and Dry Matter Intake from Pasture records apply only to ruminant livestock. These are specific records that we’ll get into deeper below, but they also overlap with outdoor access records and feed records that are required for all livestock.

Outside of these two main differences, the majority of the management requirements and their related records are largely the same.

Animal Identification All livestock producers must have an animal identification system for livestock that can be understood and used by the inspector. This can include but is not limited to: names with distinguishing markings, ear tags, neck chains, tattooing, or ear notching of swine. The records for these animals must indicate when they entered organic management — the transition start date for a dairy herd, breeder stock and birth records for slaughter stock, or certification & purchase documentation for purchased livestock. These records must also include the sale or death of organic livestock.

Purchase Documentation and Organic Certificates for Feed All purchased feed, for any type of certified or to-be-certified livestock, must be certified organic, and you must have the paperwork to show that. This includes receipts / invoices showing the farm or mill the feed was purchased from, the type(s) and amount of feed, as well as an organic certificate for that farm or

18

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

mill that is current and lists the type(s) of feed purchased.

Feed Records Ration plans, amounts of each type of feed fed and how that changes throughout the season are required in order for the inspector to be able to perform a feed audit. The feed audit is done to verify that you purchased and/or harvested enough organic feed, as listed in your feed plan, to feed the number of organic animals on your farm. Feed supplements and additives must also be recorded – what was fed to which groups of animals, amounts fed, product labels or tags, and purchase documentation. Feed records could be notes on a calendar every time the ration changes, a print out from your nutritionist, a notebook or whatever system works best for you.

Feed Records for ruminant livestock become more involved since consumption of pasture must also be accounted for. Dry Matter Demand amounts are needed for each management group of ruminant livestock, and the inspector will review those numbers with your feed records and your grazing records to assess Dry Matter Intake from Pasture for each group of ruminants.

Outdoor Access Records Year round outdoor access is required for all organic livestock, and any temporary confinement must be noted in your records — the date and the reason. There are numerous allowed reasons for temporary confinement, and when you fill out your Organic System Plan, you have the opportunity to describe the reasons you may confine animals.

Ruminant livestock records again require a bit more. Grazing records showing rotation and time spent out in the field are re-

www.paorganic.org

quired to demonstrate pasture access was given and for the inspector to assess whether the pasture requirements were met.

Health & Medical Treatment Records Health records may be intertwined with the Animal ID records explained above. They may include freshening & birth dates, as well as death or sale. Most importantly, they include what medical treatments are given to each animal and for what reason. Most materials that are classified as a medical treatment are restricted, and your livestock health records need to include how and why a treatment was used in order for the inspector to verify that the restriction was met. This may include preventative measures and less restricted treatments that were used first.

As with all of these records that must be written down by you, the farmer, they can take any form that is easiest for you to use and which can be understood by the inspector.

Production Records & Sales For a dairy, this would be your milk production records – typically your milk slips you get from the truck driver, and your payment records from the milk company. For slaughter stock, this could be butcher records of weights and sales of cuts or a slip from the auction house.

In summary, here’s an example of what the inspector will be reviewing and how your livestock records tie-in to your crop records: When the inspector comes to do your first inspection, they’ll need to start at the beginning. They need to verify that all of your land used to produce feed and pasture was eligible for your transitional livestock. The inspector will review your field history and input records to confirm the last date a prohibited ma-

www.paorganic.org

terial was applied to each field. They will then look at your harvest and grazing records to confirm that the crop was harvested or grazed only once the field completed 2 full years of transition for transition livestock, and the full 3 years for organic livestock.

It’s crucial for you to have all of the crop records discussed in the last article, from input product information and application dates, to seed treatments and planting dates, to harvest dates and amounts, for the inspector to be able to verify your land and crops are eligible. Once the inspector can confirm your land and feed are eligible, using your organic management dates for livestock, feed, outdoor access and health records, they can confirm that your livestock is also eligible. Each year, the inspector will review crop production and input records, harvest, feed and grazing records, health and medical treat records to verify all livestock have remained under organic management, and those records with your production and sales records to verify that you have the capacity to meet your production records and your final sales amounts.

As always — keep taking notes out in the field, experimenting with different notebooks, binders or tech 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.

Contact PCO for 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 for poultry production.

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

19

Organic Updates

Certification Update Marissa Pyle, Certification Program Manager Happy winter everyone! Winter always seems to be a good time to pause and reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming year. In 2017, PCO conducted over 1400 inspections, and completed just as many initial reviews & certification reports. We’ve strived to continuously provide you with quality certification services. Hopefully you are also finding a bit of time to catch up on some paperwork, and to plan for the new year. PCO starts planning for the forthcoming certification season during the last few months of the previous year, so that you’ll have everything you need in order to complete your annual renewal paperwork beginning in January.

PCO is always trying to make the paperwork burden of certification as light as possible. This year you’ll again have to fill out the annual update form to communicate any updates to your operation, including address/phone number and authorized contact changes, updates to any outstanding conditions/noncompliances, and any other changes that have occurred or you plan to make in the upcoming year. For 2018 we’ve made it easier than ever to communicate any changes — we’ve included common changes as checkboxes that you can simply mark off!

Don’t forget that we also offer an option to complete your annual update over the phone as well. If this is something that is of interest to you, please contact your certification specialist to set up an appointment. You’ll still need to have your information handy during the process, but the phone update can be a convenient way to update your certification and eliminates the need to mail back physical paperwork.

We want to make the certification process as simple for you as possible, so please let us know if there is anything else we can do to improve. Have a wonderful winter season and happy reflecting & planning!

Legislative Update Kyla Smith, Program Director

Bipartisan Bill to Increase Global Organic Trade Oversight Sponsors of the Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act introduced in the US House of Representatives propose that the Act would improve oversight of global organic trade, create a more level playing field for American organic farmers, and establish a better system to ensure the integrity of the organic seal in the marketplace.

Specifically, the bipartisan legislation would modernize the global oversight system by: • Authorizing funding for the National Organic Program to keep pace with organic industry growth; • Providing one-time funding for technology systems to mod-

20

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

ernize and improve international trade tracking systems and data collection; • Improving effective oversight, robust investigations, and enforcement across the entire supply chain.

• Directing coordination and providing access to available crossborder documentation systems administered across other federal agencies and departments; • Requiring USDA to close regulatory loopholes by mandating that uncertified entities, such as ports, brokers, importers and online auctions, become certified; • Requiring USDA’s National Organic Program to issue an annual compliance report to Congress, which would include domestic and overseas investigations and actions taken.

The bill was introduced by Representative John Faso (R-NY), along with co-sponsors including Reps. Rodney Davis, Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture (R-IL); Michelle Lujan Grisham, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture (D-NM); Glenn Grothman (R-WI); Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE); and Darren Soto (D-FL).

Legislation to Help Grow Domestic Production of Organic Foods In an effort to make the transition from conventional to organic production easier and to help grow the U.S. production of organic products, US Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Homegrown Organic Act of 2017. This legislation would make minor changes to existing agriculture conservation programs that assist producers in making the transition to organic production.

Specifically, this bill would: • Modify the Conservation Stewardship Program by directing the Secretary of Agriculture to create “suites” of conservation practices specific to producers wishing to transition to organic.

While the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service currently provides bundles to organic producers, it does not offer bundles specifically designed for transitioning producers.

This would provide producers with valuable conservation technical and financial assistance throughout their transition period.

• Modify the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by eliminating the lower payment limit in place for EQIP Organic Initiative. Currently, payments received by producers through general EQIP contracts may not exceed $450,000 for all EQIP contracts entered between 2014 and 2018. Payments under EQIP Organic Initiative are limited to $20,000 per fiscal year and $80,000 during any six-year period.

• Modify the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to expand opportunities for producers interested in transitioning to organic farming or ranching under a separate CRP Transition Incentives Program (TIP). TIP provides retired or retiring landowners or operators with two additional annual rental payments on land enrolled in expiring CRP contracts, on the condition they sell or rent this land to a covered farmer or

www.paorganic.org

Organic Updates

rancher. This legislation would establish a TIP program for anyone interested in transitioning to organic farming or ranching, making more land available to producers wanting to farm organically.

Organic Farmers Let Their Voices be Heard in Washington DC Twenty organic farmers from across the country participated in the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) first Farmers Advisory Council (FAC) fly-in, where they had the opportunity to engage and talk with lawmakers and policy officials about organic priorities in the 2018 Farm Bill.

PCO is a member of the OTA’s Farmers Advisory Council.

Chris Pierce of Laurel Grove, LLC, represented PCO and organic farmers from Pennsylvania. Pierce had an opportunity to meet with Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA), who serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Ag Committee, as well as with the office of Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). The focus of the discussions focused on the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule and Organic Farmer and Consumer Protection Act. As a result of Thompson’s engagement with organic farmers during this meeting, he highlighted the importance of organic during a speech on the House floor.

Organic Cost Share Program At-Risk Congress has begun working on the 2018 Farm Bill. One program that has caught the eye of lawmakers as an area to re-

www.paorganic.org

FAC Fly-in Participants — From left to right: Bob Anderson, Mac Stone, Tim Crouse, Glenn Thompson, Chris Pierce, Allison Rice, Perry Clutts. Photo: Chris Pierce

duce spending within the Farm Bill is the organic cost share program. The cost share program provides organic operations with a reimbursement of up to $750 (per scope) to cover a portion of their annual certification fees.

Operations participating in the cost share program have outlined the following reasons this program is important: Cost of annual organic certification is growing and can be prohibitive for some organic operations, especially small and medium sized operations and organic certification is critical for maintaining organic integrity Helps foster diversity in the scale of operations able to be cercontinued on page 22

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

21

Organic Updates

continued from page 21

tified as organic If the cost share program is an important resource for your operation, consider contacting your Senators and Representatives to express your concern about the loss of this program. You can call the capital switchboard at 202-224-3121 or find your member of congress at www.govtrack.us/congress/members.

fertilizer/ soil amendment • Quantum VSC by Ecological Laboratories is prohibited as a fertilizer / soil amendment • Sulfate of Potash 0-0-50 by Bricker’s Choice Fertilizer, Inc., is prohibited as a fertilizer/ soil amendment • Sodium Hypochlorite 12.5% by Brenntag, Inc., is prohibited as a crop production aid — irrigation additive/ line cleaner Livestock Materials

Materials Update Jennifer Berkebile, Materials Program Manager The Materials Team at PCO ended 2017 by preparing our annual list of approved materials, which was sent out to clients at the beginning of January. Check your email or look for a printed version of the book in with your annual update paperwork. As always, 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. For more information on the materials review process, be sure to check out Dear Aggy on page 16.

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

• Foliate K by Agri-Dynamics Consulting is allowed as a fertilizer / soil amendment with the micronutrients restriction (boron, manganese, zinc) Livestock Materials

• Hess Super Choice by Hess Farm Supply is allowed as a feed additive/supplement with the feed additives and supplements restriction • Cal “62” Plus Gel by IBA is allowed as a livestock medical treatment with the medical treatment restriction • Udder Cream by KenAg, Inc., is allowed as a livestock medical treatment – teat dip/ udder care n PROHIBITED — Operators must immediately discontinue use of these products unless otherwise indicated.

Crop Materials

• Micro Sulf by NuFarm Americas, Inc., is prohibited as crop disease control • THAT Flowable Sulfur by Stoller Enterprises, Inc., is prohibited as crop disease control • Copper 15% by Cameron Chemicals, Inc., is prohibited as a fertilizer/ soil amendment • Pelletized Lime by Shelburne Limestone Corporation is prohibited as a fertilizer/ soil amendment • Quantum Light by Ecological Laboratories is prohibited as a

22

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

• Nuplex Life Enhancer Liquid by NuTech Biosciences, Inc., is prohibited as a feed additive/ supplement • Yeasture-O by Cenzone Tech is prohibited as a feed additive/supplement • Liquid Corner Post with No Oil by Free Choice Enterprises is prohibited as a grassfed supplement This product was allowed for use through Dec. 31, 2018.

• Astringent Bolus by Kaeco Group, Inc., is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Double Dip Iodine Teat Dip by Eastern Crown, Inc., is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment — teat dip/ udder care • Lira Gold Bovine Gel by Kauffman’s Animal Health, Inc., is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Mucusol by Ainmal Science Products, Inc., is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Slow Release CMPK Bolus by PRN Pharmacal, Inc., is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment Facility Materials

• 256 Premise Cleaner by Bioxy, Inc., is prohibited as an equipment cleaner/ sanitizer Contact the PCO Materials Team at 814-422-0251 or jen@paorganic.org with any questions.

Standards & Policy Update Kyla Smith, Program Director

USDA names Acting Chief of National Organic Program Ruihong Guo, Ph.D, assumed the role of Acting Deputy Administration for Agricultural Markerting Service’s National Organic Program (NOP) in November 2017. Previously Dr. Guo was the Deputy Administrator of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS’s) Science & Technology Program. She also served as the AMS Associate Administrator, Associate Deputy Administrator for NOP, the Director of the NOP Accreditation and International Activities Division, and the Director of the NOP Compliance and Enforcement Division. Before joining the NOP, she served as Director of Civil Rights Program for AMS, and Director of Program Complaint in the Office of the USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. Former NOP Deputy Administrator Miles McEvoy resigned at the end of September 2017 after nearly eight years of leading the program.

www.paorganic.org

Organic Updates

New NOP Instructions Aimed at Improving Integrity of Organic Imports

USDA Proposes Withdrawal of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service National Organic Program (NOP) published an interim instruction NOP 4013: Maintaining the Integrity of Organic Imports, effective October 25, 2017. The instruction:

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service published a proposed rule to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule, originally published in January 2017.

The 2017 final rule was published after over a decade of stakeholder input, unanimous National Organic Standards Board recommendations and a thorough rulemaking process that yielded overwhelming support. The final rule was delayed multiple times throughout 2017, resulting in the most recent action of a proposed withdrawal. The USDA set a short 30-day comment period which ended on January 17, 2018.

PCO will keep members informed once USDA publishes a final action on this rule in the coming months.

• Clarified responsibilities for certifiers in the U.S. and around the world • Recommends best practices for reviewing and issuing importrelated documents • Highlights handling instructions needed to maintain the integrity of organic status for imported organic products • Details required documentation and recordkeeping Additionally, NOP informed certifiers that USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prohibits certain commodities from other countries from entering the United States. This includes certain grains and seeds, such and corn and wheat from Estonia, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. For more information on APHIS’ regulations see the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations: 7 CFR 319.24, 319.41 and 319.59.

Certifiers are expected to verify admissibility of commodities being exported and must not issue transaction certificates for commodities that are prohibited for entry into the U.S. Prohibited commodities may be re-exported or destroyed upon arrival in the United States by U.S. Customs authorities.

For more information on imports see an update on page 14.

www.paorganic.org

Save the Date: Upcoming National Organic Standards Board Meetings The National Organic Program has announced dates and locations of the next several National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meetings.

Spring 2018 Tuscon, AZ • April 25–27, 2018 Fall 2018 St. Paul, MN • October 24–26, 2018 continued on page 24

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

23

continued from page 23

The NOSB is a Federal Advisory Board made up of 15 public volunteers from across the organic community, appointed by the U.S Secretary of Agriculture. Established by the Organic Foods Production Act, the NOSB considers and makes recommendations on a wide variety of issues involving the production, handling and processing of organic products. The NOSB is also responsible for reviewing input materials for inclusion on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

The NOSB holds two public meetings per year to discuss the items on its work agenda, vote on proposals and make recommendations to the Secretary. All meetings are free and open to the public. Written comments, webinar and in-person oral comments are encouraged in order for the NOSB members to gain additional perspective.

For more information on the NOSB or meeting agendas and hotel info, visit the NOP web page at: www.ams.usda.gov/rulesregulations/organic/nosb, or contact the PCO office.

PCO Drafts New Policies to Clarify USDA Organic Production Practices PCO adopted the following polices on the following topics.

Full text of these policies have been sent out to our certified operations.

Crops • Crop Rotation: This policy provides additional information on determining whether an annual and/or perennial crop rotation fulfills the functions required to meet the crop rotation standard.

• Burning of Crop Residues and Weeds: This policy provides clarification on whether the burning of crop residues and weeds is an allowed practice.

• Herbicide Burndown of Crop Residues: This policy provides information on the use of non-synthetic or synthetic herbicides listed on the National List for burndown of crop residues.

• Coppers for Plant Disease Prevention: This policy clarifies acceptable use protocols to minimize accumulation of copper in the soil, when using fixed coppers or copper sulfate agricultural inputs for plant disease prevention.

Livestock • Gases for Livestock Slaughter: This policy provides information on which gases are allowed for livestock slaughter and how that affects the labeling of the final meat product.

Handling • Non-Retail Container Labeling: This policy clarifies the components required to be included on non-retail labels.

• Agricultural Products at the Point of Retail Sale in Other Than Packaged Form: This policy provides information on what components are required to be included on labels, retail displays and display containers on agricultural products in other than packaged form at the point of retail sale.

• Label Claims Other than Organic: This policy clarifies acceptable types of additional claims that may be included on products labeled as “100% Organic,” “Organic” or “Made with Organic…”

Exempt Ingredient in Organic Product: This policy provides guidance on whether an exempt ingredient is allowed for use in organic products.

Inspection • Inspection Cancellation: This policy clarifies when fees will be assessed to operations that cancel its inspection.

Grassfed • Confidentiality and Information Disclosure (Grassfed): This policy provides information regarding confidentiality as it pertains to PCO’s 100% Grassfed Certification.

Compliance • Mediation: This policy provides information regarding requests for mediation.

Full versions of the documents referenced above are available electronically on the NOP website (www.ams.usda.gov/aboutams/programs-offices/national-organic-program) or in hard copy by contacting the PCO office.

STAY CONNECTED, VISIT:

paorganic.org 24

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

www.paorganic.org

CALENDAR MARCH March 1

Friday, March 30

Saturday, April 14

PCO Office Good FridayClosed Spring Mills, PA

Tomato Grafting PCO-Certified Rodale Institute Berks County 610-683-1400 • rodaleinstitute.org

PCO Annual Updates Due 814-422-0251 • paorganic.org

Tuesday, March 6 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Training Centre County 814-865-4027

Thursday, March 8 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Training Adams County 717-334-6271

Friday, March 9 PCO Annual Inspector Meeting Centre County 814-422-0251 • paorganic.org

Tuesday, March 20 Staying on the Land: Innovative Land Tenure Tools & Strategies for Farmers Butler County 814-349-9856 • pasafarming.org

Wednesday, March 28 Bradford County Grazier’s Meeting Bradford County 814-349-9856 • pasafarming.org

APRIL Wednesday, April 4 Introduction to Agritainment Law: Important Planning & Consideration for Protecting Your Farm from Liability PCO-Certified Frankferd Farms Butler County 814-349-9856 • pasafarming.org

Tuesday, April 10 Advanced Tractor Safety PCO-Certified Dickinson College Farm Cumberland County 814-349-9856 • pasafarming.org

Friday, April 13 Early Season Growing Without a Greenhouse PCO-Certified Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery Allegheny County 814-349-9856 • pasafarming.org

MAY Saturday, May 5 Pastured Hogs PCO-Certified Rodale Institute Berks County 610-683-1400 • rodaleinstitute.org

Tuesday, May 8 Pigs on Pasture and Hogs in Hedgerows PCO-Certified Blackberry Meadows Farm Allegheny County 814-349-9856 • pasafarming.org

May 10 • 2–3pm Webinar: Growing Nutrient Dense Vegetables PCO-Certified Rodale Institute Berks County 610-683-1400 • rodaleinstitute.org

Moday, May 28 Memorial Day PCO Office Closed

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

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

25

26

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

www.paorganic.org

PCO Welcomes 4th Quarter New Members!

Dealaman Enterprises, Inc. Warren, NJ

Kristie Farm Albermarle, NC

Rock Hollow Dairy, LLC Loysville, PA

John Byler Dewittville, NY

Denise Staub East Berlin, PA

Laverne Rohrer East Berlin, PA

Rock Run Pullets Goshen, IN

Ken Liebig Granville, NY

Donna & Paul Baran Moravia, NY

Lee Shockley Salisbury, MD

Sam N. Byler Kennedy, NY

Luke Ray Stauffer Branchport, NY

Edwards Farms Preston, MD

Liggett Farm Avella, PA

Samuel Zook Oxford, PA

Morrison Farms Ogdensburg, NY

Eli C. Byler Dewittville, NY

Locust Hollow Farm, LLC. Gordonville, PA

Sheffers Grassland Dairy Hoosick Falls, NY

Nathan and Nancy Miller Jasper, NY

Emanuel H. Yoder West Winfield, NY

Loren Stoner Fredericksburg, PA

Stephen E. Beckley Sharpsburg, MD

Sam N. Byler Kennedy, NY

Appalachian Cove

Fioretti Farm Fort Ann, NY

Matthew Metz Mill Creek, PA

Stephen F. Stoltzfus Loganton, PA

St. Alban's Cooperative Creamery, Inc. St. Albans, VT

Back Woods Pullets Middlebury, IN

Fisher Boys Enterprises Quarryville, PA

Melvin Z. Esh Rebersburg, PA

Stone Road Farms New Oxford, PA

Benjamin Eichelberger Newburg, PA

Fort Hill Farm Lodi, NY

Mervin Horst Penn Yan, NY

Sunrise Meadows Farm Dundee, NY

Benuel Glick Lancaster, PA

Galen Hess Dillsburg, PA

Mervin Kilmer Bradford, NY

Sunset View Farm Kirkwood, PA

BMC Farms Inc Clayton, DE

George and Jan Cauffman Malvern, PA

Michael Zimmerman Annville, PA

Sunshine Dairy Bethel, PA

Bonham Farms Honesdale, PA

Gibble's Foods Chambersburg, PA

Mill Run Farms LLC Denton, MD

Talley Farms Stanfield, NC

Bri-Mar New Oxford, PA

GinnieBelle Inc. Nescopeck, PA

Mitch G. Quillen Millington, MD

The Bryn Anthyn Farm Freeport, PA

Brubaker Farm Kutztown, PA

Gladys Stelfox York Springs, PA

Mountain Dew Acres Pine Grove, PA

Triple F Dairy Saint Johnsville, NY

Burnell Martin Grantville, PA

Gwendolyn Ridge LLC

NEWLY CERTIFIED ORGANIC 20-20 Farms Hughesville, PA A D Farming Millerstown, PA Ag Central Inc. New Castle, PA Amos A. King Farm Elizabethville, PA Anthony Hostetler Chambersburg, PA

Cameron's Knoll Organic Acres Quarryville, PA Charlie Rexroth Red Lion, PA

Harlan Martin Penn Yan, NY Harvey Sholar Magnolia, NC Henry J. Glick Spring Mills, PA

Wadel's Dairy Shippensburg, PA

NEWLY CERTIFIED FOREST GROWN Appalachian Cove

Nathan and Nancy Miller Jasper, NY Natura Natural Products, LLC Washington, DC Nevin Ehst Bernville, PA

Valley of Hope Farms LLC Oakland, MD

Paul Hanrahan G.W. Nolt

Valley Run Farm Christiana, PA

Matthew Beshor William F Willard Farms

Walcek Dairy Georgetown, NY

Hershberger Farm Conesus, NY

Clay Bottom Goshen, IN

Hilltop Farm Gordonville, PA

Oxford Farm Oxford, PA

Clearway Farm, LLC Buckhannon, WV

Hoffman Brothers Farm Richfield, PA

Paul Lengacher Harlan

Cornerstone Organic Feeds Kutztown, PA

Jacob S. Byler Kennedy, NY

Pequea Lawn Farm Gap, PA

Country View Farms Knox, PA

Jay Leonard Nolt New Holland, PA

Phillip Hinson Monroe, NC

DairyAyr Farm Jordanville, NY

John M. Stoltzfus Christiana, PA

Dale Carpenter Farm Wadesboro, NC

Jonathan Helms Monroe, NC

Danny Furr Rockwell, NC

Keith Musser Bloomfield, PA

Darrell Mauldin Millingport, NC

Ken Liebig Granville, NY

Reuben Nolt Fleetwood, PA NOP cert

Jacob Hershberger Wayland, NY

Dave Lengacher Harlan, IN

King's Family Farm Atglen, PA

Robert Sensenig Quarryville, PA

Jacob S. Byler Kennedy, NY

Randy Price House #1 & #2 McAllisterville, PA

Gwendolyn Ridge LLC

NEW TRANSITIONING MEMBERS

North Mountain Gobbler (Melvin Bricker) Chambersburg, PA

Philly Fair Trade Roasters, LLC Philadelphia, PA

Appalachian Sustainable Development

Valerio Coffee Roasters Audubon, PA

Christian L. Esh Quarryville, PA

www.paorganic.org

Valley of Hope Farms LLC Oakland, MD

NEW BUSINESS MEMBERS

Wayne Hoover Mertztown, PA

Fisher & Thompson

Webster Leid Orsstown, PA

Kevin Dantzler/ Catelli Brothers Raber's Blacksmith Supply

NEWLY GRASSFED CERTIFIED ADVOCATE Alpine Heritage Creamery Paradise, PA AVON Acres Burke, NY

Connie Wenger Joe Tylka/Double J Farm Pam Erb

Clapper Farm Laceyville, PA Eli C. Byler Dewittville, NY

Suzanne Wickham William Edmunds

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

27

ORGANIC MARKETPLACE CROPS Certified organic peanuts for sale. Sold by the tote. $5.90/ton. Shipping available. Contact Kinsinger Family Farms at 304-466-4840. Baystate Organic Certified. West Virginia.

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. 3x3x8 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

tem, newer dishwasher and stove, large great room downstairs and lots of storage, endless agricultural opportunities.

OPTIONAL: Working Chicken Ranch (see listing agent for details). Contact Margaret Weyandt, Howard Hanna Johnston Realty Services at 814.946.8682 (MLS#50288) or my cell at 814.937.3088. Tyrone, PA (Blair County).

OPPORTUNITIES 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 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 2018.www.dirtpartners.com

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

Grass hay, 4th cutting, no rain, large squares, PCO certified. Analysis and delivery available. 717-535-5965. Juniata County

EQUIPMENT

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, 717-824-0947 www.PennValleyFarms.net

13 Foot S-tine harrow like-new condition. Excellent for seed prep. $4,000.00. Please contact Ron Gargasz (landline) 724-520-7220, (cell) 724730-6488, or email at rgargaszfarms@gmail.com. Lawrence County.

Rake tedder. New Holland 255. In good condition. All offers considered.

Contact: 717-808-1402. Lancaster County.

Tafco Walk-in Freezer. 8’ x 10’ x 7’6.” Excellent condition. $7000 obo. 610767-4984. ledametegrass @gmail. com. Lehigh County.

LIVESTOCK 15 Organic Heifers for Sale. Contact Richard Kauffman for pricing & delivery options: 570-637-6509. Bradford 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. 717-658-9660. Franklin County, PA. 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.

LAND FOR SALE/RENT For rent — 200 acres, possibly more. Near PSU research farms. Highly productive Hagerstown and Hubersburg soils. Fairly level. Few rocks. Wellsuited for conventional tillage. No shale. Some transitioned. 814-321-6078.

814-321-7968. Centre County.

Farmette for sale ($450,000) on 4.89 acres (additional 15+/- acres available for lease) with 3Bd/3Bth House, Barn and 2-story Garage. Includes woodburning furnace in addition to oil forced air furnace, manifold water sys-

28

ORGANIC MATTERS • WINTER 2018

www.paorganic.org

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

Pennsylvania Organic FarmFest

106 School Street, Suite 201 Spring Mills, PA 16875

7TH A N N UA L

JULY 28, 2018 SAT: 9:30am–10:30pm Grange Fairgrounds Centre Hall, PA

FEATURING • Live Music • Exhibit Hall • Homegrown Market • Organic Classrooms • Children’s Activities • Organic Food Court • 5K and Fun Run • RV and Tent Camping 814-422-0251 farmfest@paorganic.org farmfest.paorganic.org

Sponsors, Vendors & Volunteers Wanted!