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The transition process
A period of three years is required for the transition from conventional to organic production, during which time products may be marketed as "transitional organic," but not as certified organic. This time is calculated from the date of application of the last prohibited material or practice to the date of harvest of the first organic crop. Land where no prohibited materials have been used for three or more years can be put directly into certified organic production.
The centerpiece of your application for certification is your Organic System Plan. This might include an Organic Livestock Plan (for livestock producers) and an Organic Handling Plan (for on-farm or off-farm handling, processing or retailing).
Your Organic System Plan should include details about the crop rotation you intend to follow (including cover crops). It should include a conservation plan detailing how you plan to improve your soil and manage runoff and erosion, and it must address how you'll control pests, diseases and weeds organically.
The audit trail involves meticulous recordkeeping and documentation to show that you are following your plan, monitoring your results and not using any prohibited substances. Once these systems are in place, an inspector employed by your certifier will schedule a farm visit, which usually lasts about three to five hours. Following the visit, the inspector submits a report to the certifying agency, where a committee will review your application.
Once you are certified, you are still required to maintain a system plan, keep good records and have your soil tested regularly. Water used for irrigation, washing, or livestock is also subject to testing for contaminants. You can expect a visit from an inspector at least once a year.
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Farmer-to-Farmer
"It's no accident that the transition-to- organic period is three years. It takes three years before soil starts to work right and five years before it's good."
~Richard DeWilde
Viroqua, WI
"Documenting my practices enables me to evaluate my operation based on reality—not memory. I look at our annual organic inspections as an opportunity to reflect on our operation and to explain when and why we have implemented new production strategies."
~Rosie Koenig
Gainesville, FL
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