Lesson 3: Living conditions

Overview

 

As we saw in the previous lesson, provision of appropriate living conditions is an essential part of a successful organic health care plan. What’s appropriate will depend on the type of animals in question, their stage of life and the local climatic conditions. NOP Standards set rules for outdoor access by livestock and poultry as well as for buildings and other facilities.
 
Livestock facilities can represent a major financial investment for many farms, so you should carefully consider how your existing setup matches the Standards as you begin to plan your transition to organic. You may need to make major changes, or you may be able to make a few inexpensive modifications. Whether you’re planning new construction or purchasing used equipment from another producer, consult your certifier to make sure materials are in compliance and that the new facilities will offer you the flexibility you need to meet organic requirements.
 
The organic living conditions standard also covers responsible manure management to protect crops, soils and water resources from contamination with nutrients, heavy metals and pathogenic organisms.
 
A final question to consider is whether your shift to organic suggests an alteration in the number of animals you plan to manage or raise each year. The higher price premiums often available for organic products may mean you can scale back or diversify your operation while achieving greater profitability and quality of life.