Organic Poultry
certification
“Keeping the Family on the Farm”
by
Ib Hagsten, Ph.D., CAC
Independent Organic Inspector
Let’s talk about organic
poultry production
certification
Organic Integrity
The organic inspector’s role on the farm -- on behalf
of the NOP (National Organic Program) -- is to “be
the eyes and ears on the farm” verifying the
wonderful management activities the producer
diligently performs and the areas where he/she
needs to further implement the standards.
Maintaining and documenting the organic integrity
every step of the way is what the NOP program
assures the consuming public.
§205.236 Origin of
Poultry
The poultry or edible products under continuous
organic management starting with day-old chicks
Producer must maintain records to preserve identity
of all certified organically-managed animals or birds
and their eggs & of edible meat products produced
§205.237 Livestock Feed
Provide ration of organically produced & handled
feed
Do not use drugs, hormones, poultry by-products ...
nor unapproved feed additives or supplements ...
§205.238 Livestock
Health (1)
Select species suitable for site-specific conditions
and with resistance to prevalent diseases and
parasites
Provide feed to meet nutritional needs
Establish appropriate housing/pasture
Provide sanitation to minimize spread
of diseases & parasites
Maintain bio-security measures
§205.238 Livestock
Health (2)
Provide conditions that allow exercise, freedom of
movement, and reduction of stress
Administer appropriate vaccines
§205.238 Livestock
Health (3)
When preventative practices do not prevent
sickness, producer may administer synthetic
medication
Producer must NOT withhold medical treatment from
a sick bird in effort to preserve its organic status
Birds treated with prohibited
substances MUST be clearly
identified & NOT sold as organic
§205.239 Living
Conditions
(1)
Accommodate health & natural bird behavior
Suitable for stage of production, climate,
environment
Without the birds being able to reach treated lumber
§205.239 Living
Conditions
(2)
Access to:
Outdoors
Shelter &/or shade
Exercise area
Fresh air
Fresh water
§205.271 Pest
Management
Remove pest habitat, food source & breeding areas
Manage temperature, light,
humidity & air circulation
to prevent pest production
Pests may be controlled thru
mechanical, physical control,
or by repellants on NOP list
§205.306 Labeling of
Feeds
Use feeds carrying USDA/NOP seal
including “Certified Organic by ...”
Make sure you receive organic feed
§205.272 Re:
Commingling
Producer must implement measures to prevent
commingling of organic and non-organic products
§205.400 Certification
Requirements (1)
Comply with NOP organic production and/or
handling regulations
Establish, implement, update annually an organic
production/handling system plan & submit it to an
organic accredited certifying agent
Undergo an on-site inspection prior
to starting birds & annually thereafter
§205.400 Certification
Requirements (2)
Permit on-site inspections with complete access to
the operation, including non-certified production
areas
Maintain all records applicable for not less than 5
years
Submit applicable fees charged by certifying agent
Immediately notify the certifying
agent of any application or drift of
prohibited substances on field,
facility, or birds
§205.401 Application for
Certification
Applicant must submit an application for certification
to the certifying agent ...
Obtain specific form(s) from your selected certifier
One final differentiation ...
Why organic vs. natural?
“Natural” refers to a set of conditions with “back-tonature” and limited chemical input preferences
Organic means adherence to a national uniform set of
standards for ecologically-friendly, chemical-free,
management-intensive agricultural production, where
every stage of the production/handling is inspected by
certified inspectors working on behalf of USDA/NOP
accredited certifying agents
Thank you