Office Use Only
Received:
Organic System Plan
Crops
Use this form if you are requesting organic certification of crops. Use additional sheets if necessary. If you are a new applicant, attach a
completed General Information form. Do not use this form for Wild Crops, Maple or Mushrooms. Request these specific forms from
PCO. Do not leave any applicable sections blank, write ”none” or “not applicable”. Remember to sign this form on the last page.
INTRODUCTION
National Organic Program Standards require that a producer or handler of organic products develop an organic system plan that is
agreed to by the producer and the certifying agent §205.201(a). The required contents of an organic system plan are listed below. This
form is designed to meet USDA requirements when properly completed. Please read and follow all directions carefully and contact PCO
if you don’t understand something. After your initial organic system plan is approved, you will need to report changes to it annually, by
completing an annual update form provided by PCO.
§205.201 An organic production or handling system plan must include:
(1) A description of practices and procedures to be performed and maintained, including the frequency with which they will be
performed;
(2) A list of each substance to be used as a production or handling input, indicating its composition, source, location(s) where it will be
used, and documentation of commercial availability, as applicable;
(3) A description of the monitoring practices and procedures to be performed and maintained, including the frequency with which they
will be performed, to verify that that the plan is effectively implemented;
(4) A description of the record-keeping system implemented to comply with the requirements established in §205.103.
(5) A description of the management practices and physical barriers established to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic
products on a split operation and to prevent contact of organic production and handling operations and products with prohibited
substances; and
(6) Additional information deemed necessary by the certifying agent to evaluate compliance with the regulations.
Section numbers refer to National Organic Program regulations (7 CFR, Part 205).
General Information §205.406(a)(2) and §205.401(b)
First Name:
MI Last Name:
Farm Name:
Address:
Today’s Date:
Email:
City:
State:
Zip code:
Does this operation engage in any processing of crops or crop products? (e.g. grain processing)
If yes, describe.
Yes
No
You may need to complete a Processor/Handler Organic System Plan. Contact PCO to confirm applicability.
Is there anyone, other than the person(s) named above, who is authorized to discuss your certification with PCO? (This may be a
spouse, employee, company representative or anyone else you designate):
Legal Status:
Sole Proprietor (Owner)
Other(specify):
Partnership
Business Corp.
Non-profit Corp.
Trust or association
Please check any of the following countries to which you intend to export organic crop or crop products in the next 18 months:
Canada
European Union
Taiwan
Japan
If you intend to export any of your organic products to Canada, European Union, Taiwan or Japan complete Section 25 of this form.
Page 1 of 20
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
SECTION 1. Organic System Plan Information §205.201(a), §205.202(a) and (b)
Complete Table 1: Fields and Crops Requested for Certification and attach Field and Pasture Records that show all fields,
designated as [organic (O), in transition (T) or conventional (C)], field numbers, acres, crops planted and inputs applied. The acreages
listed in this table must equal field histories and maps. Pastures are considered a crop and must be listed on each form. At least 36
months of histories are required for all fields. Please provide PCO with enough detail to ensure there is no confusion about what is and
isn't being requested for certification. Exactly how specific you need to be can vary with the context in which the crop is being grown.
When in doubt, ask PCO how detailed we want you to be. Table 1 is limited to those crops that you are seeking to certify. Do not list
crops that are only produced conventionally or which are in transition. Crops that are being produced conventionally or are in transition
that are also being grown organically and requested for certification (i.e. split production) should be entered in Table 9.
1.
Have you managed all fields for 3 or more years? If no, you must submit signed statements (Prior Land Use Statement)
from the previous owner/manager stating the crops planted and all inputs applied during the previous 3 years.
Yes
No
2.
Are all fields requested for certification located at the main address listed on the previous page?
If no, provide address for additional locations:
3.
Check the box that describes your operation's production systems.
All organic production
Organic and Non Organic Production
Yes
No
Table 1: Fields and Crops Requested for Certification
Complete the table below and attach Field and Pasture Records that show all fields. Field and Pasture Record forms are included with
this application or you can use your own forms. Pasture is considered a crop. Use additional sheets if necessary.
Total
Crops Requested for
Field Numbers
Acres /
Projected Yields
Certification
Crop
SECTION 2. Seeds and Planting Stock: Source of Seeds and Seed Treatment §205.204
§205.204(a) The producer must use organically grown seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock: Except, that, 1) Non-organically
produced, untreated seeds and planting stock may be used to produce an organic crop when an equivalent organically produced variety
is not commercially available, Except, That, organically produced seed must be used for the production of edible sprouts; 2) Nonorganically produced seeds and planting stock that have been treated with a substance included on the National List of synthetic
substances allowed for use in organic crop production may be used to produce an organic crop when an equivalent organically
produced or untreated variety is not commercially available; 3) Non-organically produced annual seedlings may be used to produce an
organic crop when a temporary variance has been granted in accordance with §205.290(a)(2); 4) Non-organically produced planting
stock to be used to produce a perennial crop may be sold, labeled, or represented as organically produced only after the planting stock
has been maintained under a system of organic management for a period of no less than 1 year; and 5) Seeds, annual seedlings, and
planting stock treated with prohibited substances may be used to produce an organic crop when the application of the materials is a
requirement of Federal or State phytosanitary regulations.
*In applying this regulation to your system, Note: Organic seed and planting stock used for annual and perennial crop production are
required, unless an equivalent variety is not commercially available. Planting stock includes: rhizomes, shoots, leaf or stem cuttings,
roots or tubers. These are your onion sets, seed potatoes, sweet potato slips, garlic bulbs, strawberry and asparagus crowns, raspberry
canes and orchard trees. If using non-organic seeds/planting stock, you must have records of your reasonable attempts made to find
organic seed/planting stock. Synthetic seed treatments are prohibited unless included on the National List. Genetically
engineered/modified (GMO) seeds and inoculants are prohibited in organic production. Save all seed and inoculant labels, and
documentation of commercial unavailability of organic seeds/planting stock to show the inspector. Annual transplants are considered
seedlings, not planting stock and must be certified organic. Questions pertaining to seedlings can be found in Section 3.
Page 2 of 20
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
Table 2: Seeds/Planting Stock
List all seeds and planting stock (annual and perennial) used or planned for use in the current season in Table 2: Seeds and Planting
Stock. Check the appropriate boxes and provide other information as needed.
Type / Variety of Seed
and Planting Stock
(e.g. corn, orchard
grass)
Are the seeds…?
Supplier/Manufacturer
Organic
Untreated
Treated GMO
If treated, list all treatments that
apply, including (pelletization,
disinfection, inoculant, priming,
coating, fungicide, insecticide)
*Include inoculants on Materials Used Form. (Seed search documentation reviewed at inspection.)
4.
Do you sell perennial planting stock?
Yes
If yes, is planting stock organic or non-organic?
No
Organic
Non-Organic
5.
If planting stock is non-organic, do you manage for 1 year prior to sale?
6.
Do you graft root stock?
Yes
No
If yes, list hormones and grafting material you use on the Materials Used Form.
SECTION 3. Seeds and Planting Stock: Source of Seedlings §205.204
Annual seedlings must be organic. If purchased, ask for current organic certificates and keep with your records to show the inspector.
Contact PCO if you need to use non-organic seedlings because of an emergency, such as a prohibited treatment due to a Federal or
State phytosanitary requirement.
7. Do you purchase organic seedlings? If yes, complete table below.
Yes
No
Table 3. Seedlings
Type of Seedlings
Page 3 of 20
Estimated Quantity
Organic Supplier
Certified By
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
Table 3 Continued
Type of Seedlings
Estimated Quantity
Organic Supplier
Certified By
SECTION 4. Seeds and Planting Stock: On-farm Organic Seedling Production §205.204
8. Do you start organic seedlings on your farm?
Yes
No
N/A
9.
What type and size is your greenhouse? (ie. Hoop house, greenhouse, cold frame)
10. Do you grow greenhouse crops:
Directly in soil
In planting medium
*If using a planting medium, include all components of the potting soil or planting medium mixture on the Materials List.
11. If treated wood is used in any part of your greenhouse, describe where is it used, when it was installed and whether it
comes into contact with soil/plants?
12. How do you prevent seedling diseases and/or insect problems?
SECTION 5. Seeds and Planting Stock: Organic and Non-Organic Greenhouse Plant Production §205.204
13. Do you grow both organic and non-organic plants in your greenhouse?
Yes
No
N/A
If yes…
a. What organic and non-organic crops are grown? List varieties if the same organic and non-organic corps are grown (split
production).
b.
How do you separate and identify organic and non-organic growing areas?
c.
How do you label organic and non-organic seedlings/plants?
d.
How do you prevent commingling of organic and non-organic soil mixes during mixing and storage?
e.
Where do you store inputs used for non-organic production?
f.
How do you prevent drift of prohibited materials through ventilation and/or watering systems?
g.
How do you clean seedling containers and equipment?
h.
What material do you use for trellising plants?
14. Do you contract with a grower to produce seedlings for you?
Yes
No
N/A
If yes, please give the producer's name, company name and address.
a.
Is the producer certified organic?
If yes, certified by:
Yes
No
b.
Does the producer also raise non-organic seedlings?
c.
Do you supply the seed and/or growing media used to grow your transplants?
If yes, what inputs do you provide?
Yes
No
Yes
No
*List all potting mix ingredients, fertility products, foliar sprays and watering system inputs on the Materials Used Form.
Page 4 of 20
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
SECTION 6. Soil Fertility and Crop Management §205.203
§205.203(a) The producer must select and implement tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical,
and biological condition of the soil and minimize soil erosion. (b) The producer must manage crop nutrients and soil fertility through
rotations, cover crops and the application of plant and animal materials. (e) The producer must not use: 1) Any fertilizer or composted
plant or animal material that contains a synthetic substance on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop
production; 2) Sewage sludge (biosolids) as defined in 40 CFR Part 503; and 3) Burning as a means of disposal for crop residues
produced on the operation: Except, That, burning may be used to suppress the spread of disease or to stimulate seed germination.
15. What are the major components of your soil and crop fertility plan?
Crop rotation
Soil amendments
Green manure plowdown/cover crops
Side dressing
Interplanting
Foliar fertilizers
Incorporation of crop residues
Biodynamic preparations
Subsoiling
Soil inoculants
Summer fallow
Lime
Compost
Tillage and Cultivation practices
On-farm manure
Other (specify):
Off-farm manure
16. What are your soil/nutrient deficiencies if applicable?
17. How do you monitor the effectiveness of your fertility management program?
Soil testing
Microbiological testing
Tissue testing
Observation of soil
Observation of crop health
Comparison of crop yields
Crop quality testing
Other (specify):
18. How often do you conduct fertility monitoring as described above?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
As needed
Other (specify):
19. Rate the effectiveness of your fertility management program.
Excellent
Satisfactory
Needs improvement
20. What changes do you anticipate?
21. The following materials are prohibited or restricted for use in organic production. Check any of these materials you
use or plan to use. These should also be added to your Materials Used Form.
None Used
Ash from manure burning
Sodium fluoaluminate (mined)
Arsenic
Sodium nitrate
Calcium chloride
Strychnine
Lead salts
Tobacco dust (nicotine sulfate)
Potassium chloride
22. If you use potassium chloride, how do you avoid salt build up in the soil?
23. If you use sodium nitrate, provide the percentage of nitrogen supplied to each crop from sodium nitrate or the rate at
which sodium nitrate is applied to each crop.
24. If you use sodium nitrate, describe how your use maintains or improves soil and water quality:
25. Do you burn crop residues?
Yes
No
If yes, please describe what materials are burned and why.
26. Do you apply sewage sludge to fields?
Yes
No
If yes, list fields where applied.
Page 5 of 20
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
SECTION 7. Soil Fertility and Crop Management: Compost §205.203
§205.203(c)(2) requires that the composting process include a C:N ration of between 25:1 and 40:1 and maintenance of temperatures
between 131F and 170F for a specific number of days, depending on the method of composting. Keep a compost production record to
verify compliance. Compost is also acceptable if 1) it is made from only allowed feedstock materials, except for incidental residues that
will not lead to contamination, 2) the compost undergoes an increase in temperature to at least 131 and remains there for a minimum of
3 days, and 3) the compost pile is mixed or managed to ensure that all of the feedstock heats to the minimum temperature. The
monitoring of these three parameters must be documented in the OSP and verified during the site visit.
27. Do you purchase compost? If yes, list all composts, including compost teas, extracts and vermicompost to your Materials
Used Form.
Yes
No
28. Do you produce compost?
Yes
No
If yes, list all compost ingredients/additives (including feedstocks, minerals, inoculants, if applicable).
29. What composting method do you use?
Windrows
Bin
Piled
In-Vessel
Other (specify):
30. What is your C:N ratio?
31. Do you monitor temperature?
Yes
No
If yes, what temperature is maintained?
32. How long is this temperature maintained?
33. If compost is turned manually, how many times are materials turned?
34. Do you maintain records for your compost production?
If yes, what records do you maintain?
Yes
No
SECTION 8. Soil Fertility and Crop Management: Manure §205.203
§205.203(c)(1) requires that raw manure be fully composted unless applied to fields with crops not for human consumption or
incorporated into the soil 120 days prior to harvest for crops whose edible portions has direct contact with the soil, or 90 days prior to
harvest for all other crops for human consumption. Note: Any materials you are adding to manure should be included on your Materials
Used Form.
35. What forms of manure do you use?
None
Fully composted (according to NOP regulations)
Liquid
Pelleted
Semi-solid
Dehydrated
Piled/Aged (PCO considers raw manure)
Other (specify):
36. What types of crops do you grow?
Crops not used for human consumption
Crops for human consumption whose edible portion has direct contact with the soil or soil particles (i.e. potatoes, carrots)
Crops for human consumption whose edible portion does not have direct contact with the soil or soil particles (i.e. corn,
tomatoes, apples)
37. If you grow crops for human consumption and use raw manure, aged manure or compost not produced according to NOP
regulations complete Table 4: Manure and Compost Use.
Page 6 of 20
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
Table 4: Manure and Compost Use
Crops for Human
Consumption requested for
certification
Field Numbers
Date Applied
Harvest Date
38. What is the source of the manure you use?
On-farm
Off-farm
*List sources of off-farm manure on Materials Used Form.
39. If you use manure, how do you ensure that this manure does not contaminate crops, soil and/or water?
None
SECTION 9. Soil Fertility and Crop Management: Natural Resources §205.203(a) and (d)
§205.203(a) The producer must select and implement tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical,
and biological condition of soil and minimize soil erosion. (d) A producer may manage crop nutrients and soil fertility to maintain or
improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients,
pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances.
40. What conservation practices do you use?
Windbreaks
Contour farming
Riparian management
Tree Lines
Under sowing/interplanting
Strip cropping
Maintain wildlife habitat
Retention ponds
Winter cover crops
Conservation tillage
Designated livestock crossing
Permanent waterways
Terraces
Other (specify):
Firebreaks
41. Do you experience soil erosion problems?
Yes
No
If yes, explain on what fields and what you do to minimize soil erosion:
42. How do you monitor soil erosion management?
43. How often do you conduct conservation monitoring?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
As needed
Other (specify):
44. Do you feel your soil management program is adequate?
45. Do you anticipate changes?
If yes, please list:
Yes
Yes
No
No
SECTION 10. Water Source and Irrigation §205.200, §205.203(c) and (d)
There are two main concerns with water in regards to organic compliance: 1) The water you use to irrigate your organic crops must not
be contaminated with prohibited substances; 2) Your production practices must maintain or improve water quality.
46. Do you use water on your farm?
Yes
No
If yes, what is your water type? (Check all that apply).
Irrigation
Livestock
Foliar sprays
Page 7 of 20
Washing crops
Greenhouse
Other (specify):
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
47. What is your source of water? (Check all that apply)
On-site well(s)
River/creek/pond
Spring
Municipal/county
Irrigation district
Other (specify):
48. Type of irrigation system:
Drip
Flood
Center pivot
None
Other (specify):
49. What input products are applied through the irrigation system?
50. If the system is used for organic and non-organic production, do you use any prohibited substances in the irrigation
system?
Yes
No
N/A
If yes, how do you prevent the contamination of organic products?
51. Is the system flushed and documented between conventional and organic use?
Yes
No
N/A
52. What practices are used to protect water quality?
Fencing livestock from waterways
Scheduled use of water to conserve its use
Tensiometer/monitoring
Laser leveling/land forming
Drip irrigation
53. List known contaminants in water supplies in your area.
Micro-spray
Sediment basin
Compost/fertilizer stored away from water
Roof collection and downspouts
Other (specify):
N/A
54. Describe your efforts to minimize water contamination problems listed above.
N/A
55. How do you monitor your water quality?
Water testing
Visually
By taste
By smell
Other (specify):
56. If water testing, what was the date of your last test?
57. Were the results satisfactory?
Yes
No
If not satisfactory, why?
58. How often do you conduct water quality monitoring?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
As needed
Other (specify):
Page 8 of 20
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
SECTION 11. Crop Rotation §205.205
§205.205 The producer must implement a crop rotation including but not limited to sod, cover crops, green manure crops and catch
crops that provide the following functions that are applicable to the operation: (a) Maintain or improve soil organic content; (b) Provide for
pest management in annual and perennial crops; (c) Manage deficient or excess plant nutrients; and (d) Provide erosion control.
Table 5: Crop Rotation
Crop Rotation Plan
Field Numbers
Anticipated Changes
SECTION 12. Crop Pest, Weed and Disease Management Plan §205.206
§205.206(a) The producer must use management practices to prevent crop pests, weeds, and diseases including but not limited to: (1)
Crop rotation and soil and crop nutrient management practices, as provided for in §§ 205.203 and 205.205; (2) Sanitation measures to
remove disease vectors, weed seeds and habitat for pest organisms; and (3) Cultural practices that enhance crop health, including
selection of plant species and varieties with regard to sustainability to sire specific conditions and resistance to prevalent pests, weeds
and diseases. (b) Pest problems may be controlled through mechanical or physical methods including but not limited to: (1)
Augmentation or introduction of predators or parasites of the pest species; (2) Development of habitat for natural enemies of pests;
(3) Nonsynthetic controls such as lures, traps, and repellents. (c) Weed problems may be controlled through: (1) Mulching with fully
biodegradable materials; (2) Mowing: (3) Livestock grazing: (4) Hand weeding and mechanical cultivation; (5) Flame, heat or electrical
means; or (6) Plastic or other synthetic mulches: Provided, that they are removed at the field at the end of the growing or harvest
season. (d) Disease problems may be controlled through: (1) Management practices which suppress the spread of disease organisms;
or (2) Application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral inputs.
59. Do you have pest problems?
Yes
No
If yes, which pests?
Insects (specify):
Rodents
Gophers or groundhogs
Birds
Other animals (specify):
60. Do you work with a pest control advisor?
Yes
No
If yes, give name and contact information.
61. Do you have weed problems?
Yes
No
If yes, what are your common weeds?
Annual broad leaves
Annual grass
Sedges
Perennial broad leaves
62. Do you have disease problems?
Yes
Perennial grasses
Bi-annual broad leaves
Other (specify):
No
If yes, what are your problem crop diseases?
Blight
Mildew
Rust
Page 9 of 20
Rot
Wilt
Other (specify):
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
Table 6: Crop Pest, Weed and Disease Management Practices
Check the management practices you use to prevent crop pests, weeds and diseases. Note: If you use any materials to manage pests,
weeds and/or disease (including natural botanical, mineral, or allowed synthetics), list all of these on your Materials Used Form.
Prevention Practice
Weeds
Pest
Disease
Crop rotation
Soil and crop nutrient management
Cover crops/green manures/smother crops
Diversified plantings/planting arrangements
Sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weed
seeds and pest habitat
Selection of suitable species/growing location
Disease/pest/weed resistant varieties
Timing of planting
Water/Irrigation management
Mechanical or physical means (hoeing, pruning,
picking, vacuuming, etc.)
Augment pest predators/parasites/beneficials
Develop habitat for natural enemies
Construct habitat for predators (raptor perches, owl or
bat boxes, frog ponds, etc.)
Nonsynthetic lures/traps/repellants
Mechanical cultivation/tillage or handweeding
Mulching with fully biodegradable materials
Mowing or Livestock grazing
Flaming, heat, steam or electrical
Plastic or synthetic solarization
Burning crop residues
Other (specify):
SECTION 13. Crop Pest, Weed and Disease Management: Use of Restricted Management Practices §205.206, §205.601
Restricted practices and materials are those that have some specific limitations placed on their use by the regulations.
63. If you use plastic or other synthetic mulches, is the mulch removed at the end of the growing or harvest season?
Yes
No
N/A
If no, why not?
64. If you use synthetic plastic mulch on perennial crops harvested over more than one season, describe the life span of
the material and methods used to remove before degradation.
65. If you use newspaper or other recycled paper for mulch, do you remove paper with glossy or colored inks?
Yes
No
N/A
Page 10 of 20
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
SECTION 14. Crop Pest, Weed and Disease Management: Pest Management Plan Evaluation §205.206, §205.201
66. Rate the effectiveness of your pest management program.
Excellent
Satisfactory
Needs improvement
67. What changes do you anticipate?
68. How do you monitor the effectiveness of your pest management program?
Insect monitoring with trap
Observation of crop health
Comparison of crop yields
Crop quality testing
Monitoring records kept
Other (specify):
69. How often do you conduct pest monitoring?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
As needed
Other (specify):
70. Do you keep a record of how often you utilize pest control methods (i.e. dates when you scout or apply inputs to a
specific field or crop)?
Yes
No
SECTION 15. Crop Pest, Weed and Disease Management: Weed Management Plan Evaluation §205.206, §205.201
71. Rate the effectiveness of your weed management program.
Excellent
Satisfactory
Needs improvement
72. What changes do you anticipate?
73. How do you monitor the effectiveness of your weed management program?
Weed counts
Observation of weed types
Comparison of crop yields
Records kept of observations/counts
Other (specify):
74. How often do you conduct weed monitoring?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
As needed
Other (specify):
Do you keep a record of how often you utilize these weed control methods (i.e. dates and fields when you cultivate or
flame weed)?
Yes
No
SECTION 16. Crop Pest, Weed and Disease Management: Disease Management Plan Evaluation §205.206, §205.201
75. Rate the effectiveness of your disease management program.
Excellent
Satisfactory
Needs improvement
76. What changes do you anticipate?
77. How do you monitor the effectiveness of your disease management program?
Soil testing
Microbiological testing
Observation of soil
Observation of crop health
78. How often do you conduct disease monitoring?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
As needed
Other (specify):
Page 11 of 20
Comparison of crop yields
Crop quality testing
Monitoring records kept
Other (specify):
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
79. Do you keep a record of how often you utilize these disease control methods (i.e. dates when you scout or apply
inputs to a specific field or crop)?
Yes
No
SECTION 17. Maintenance of Organic Integrity: Adjoining Land Use §205.201(a)(5), §205.202(c)
Organic production areas must have distinct boundaries and buffer zones to prevent the unintended application of a prohibited
substance or contact with a prohibited substance that is applied to adjoining land not under organic management. Adjoining land
includes crop land, pastures, residential property, fallow land, etc. Buffer areas may change annually, depending on contamination
potential from adjoining land uses. Buffers must be sufficient in size or other features (windbreaks, diversion ditches) to prevent the
unintended contact by prohibited substances applied to adjacent land areas. Crops within the required buffer must be left unharvested or
harvested, stored, and disposed of as nonorganic crop, with records kept of crop disposition. Indicate buffer zones and show all
adjoining land uses on your field maps.
Table 7: Adjoining Land Use
List specific buffer areas you maintain. (Show all adjoining land uses on your field maps.)
Type of Buffer (i.e.
Describe Use of
Tree line, hedgerow,
Field Numbers
Width of Buffer
Adjoining Land Use
Harvested Crop (Sale,
wildlife planting, grass
feed, seed, etc.)
strip, cropland)
80. Complete Table 8: Prohibited Materials if prohibited materials are used on any conventional crops.
Table 8: Prohibited Materials
Material name
Who applies? (self or
custom)
Field Numbers Applied
Where stored? (On-farm, off-farm; where on
farm?)
81. What additional safeguards do you use to prevent accidental contamination?
Written notifications to:
Highway departments
Electric companies
Adjoining land use agreements with neighbors
Aerial spray companies/airports
Do not spray signs
Drainage commissions
Other (specify):
Farm service office
82. Do any fields or portions of fields flood frequently? (More than once every ten years)
Yes
No
If yes, list field numbers.
None
83. How do you monitor for crop contamination?
Visual observation
Residue analysis
GMO testing
84. How often do you conduct crop contamination monitoring?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
As needed
Other (specify):
Page 12 of 20
Photographs
Wind direction/speed data
Other (specify):
OSP Crops V4, 2/11/14
85. Do you grow the same crops organically that you grow in transition and/or conventionally? If yes, list specific crop
varieties in Table 9: Transitional/Conventional Crops that are grown as both organic and transitional/conventional crops.
Yes
No
Table 9: Transitional/Conventional Crops Table
Field
Numbers
Total
Acres
Type of
crop
Describe
Use of
Harvested
Crop (Sale,
feed, seed,
etc.)
Transitional
or
Conventional
(T,C)
T
C
T
C
T
C
T
C
T
C
Name of Prohibited
Material Applied (If
applicable)
Exact Date of
Last
Application
GMO?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
SECTION 18. Maintenance of Organic Integrity: Equipment §205.201(a)(5), §205.202(c)
To prevent commingling and contamination, all equipment used in organic crop production must be free of non-organic crops and
prohibited materials. Equipment used for both organic and non-organic farming must be cleaned and flushed prior to use on organic
fields or crops. Keep records of equipment clean and flush activities.
86. Do you use or plan to use any equipment for planting, tillage, cultivation, spraying or harvesting?
Yes
No
If yes, complete Table 10. Attach additional sheets if necessary.
Table 10: Equipment
Equipment
Own/Rent/Custom?
Used on
How is equipment cleaned
before use on organic fields?
Organic
Conventional
Both (Organic and Conventional)
Buffer
Organic
Own
Conventional
Rent
Both (Organic and Conventional)
Custom
Buffer
Organic
Own
Conventional
Rent
Both (Organic and Conventional)
Custom
Buffer
Organic
Own
Conventional
Rent
Both (Organic and Conventional)
Custom
Buffer
87. Is your equipment maintained so that fuel, oil and hydraulic fluid do not leak?
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Own
Rent
Custom
88. Do you use a sprayer (owned or custom)?
Yes
No
If yes, what type?
If yes, used for:
Organic only
Organic and conventional
Conventional only
89. If the sprayer was purchased is it new or used?
New
Used
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90. If used for organic and conventional or if purchased used describe cleanout method. Note: Equipment cleanout
documentation will be checked at inspection.
91. Could any other equipment you use have been contaminated by previous uses, including custom equipment?
Yes
No
If yes, describe.
SECTION 19. Maintenance of Organic Integrity: Harvest §205.201(a)(5), §205.202(c), §205.272(b)
Containers, bins and packaging materials must not contain synthetic fungicides, preservatives or fumigants. All reusable containers must
be thoroughly cleaned and pose no risk of contamination prior to use.
92. How are your organic crops harvested?
Mechanically
By hand
93. Are any organic crops harvested by custom operators?
Yes
No
If yes, provide name and address of custom harvester.
94. What containers are used for harvesting?
Gravity wagons/boxes
Truck boxes
Cardboard/waxed boxes
Wooden totes
Plastic containers
Other (specify):
95. Are containers new or used?
New
Used
If used, what did they contain prior to organic use?
96. Are the containers used for organic crops only?
Yes
No
97. Describe potential contamination or commingling problems you have with harvest of organic crops.
98. Describe steps taken to protect organic crops from commingling and contamination during harvest.
SECTION 20. Crop Post-Harvest Handling §205.270, §205.271, §205.272
Complete this section if you process crop products that have been produced on your own farm and where the essential form of the
products is preserved. If you acquire products and/or when processing (e.g. baking) changes the essential form of the product a
Processor/Handler Organic System Plan must be completed. Contact PCO if you have questions. *Make sure to address any farm
practices in the appropriate section of this Organic System Plan that are planned or have been implemented due to the post harvest
handling activities described (e.g. equipment clean out, water use, facility pest management and/or labeling).
99. Do you do any post harvest handling of your crops?
Yes
No
If yes, describe, the type(s) of post harvest handling you do (e.g. drying grain or herbs, roasting beans)?
100. What type(s) of crops are handled post harvest?
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SECTION 21. Maintenance of Organic Integrity: Crop Storage §205.201(a)(5), §205.202(c), §205.272(b)
Operators must keep organic and non-organic crops in separate storage areas and prevent commingling and contamination. Storage
records must be maintained.
Table 11: Crop Storage
Complete this table for all crops stored on farm.
Status
Type of
Storage
Type of Crop
Storage ID #
Capacity/size
Organic
Transition to
Organic
Conventional
Buffer
101. Do you use the same storage areas for organic, transitional, buffer, and/or conventional crops?
Yes
No
If yes, how do you segregate organic crops from non-organic crops?
102. How do you clean storage units prior to storage of organic crops?
103. If cleaners or sanitizers are used in storage areas, how do you prevent contact with organic products?
104. Are any stored crop inputs used or planned for use on organic crops?
Yes
No
If yes, list inputs on the Materials Used Form.
SECTION 22. Facility Pest Management §205.271
Complete this section to describe pest control practices and materials used in any facility where organic crops or crop products are
produced and/or stored, including but not limited to crop and seed storage areas, greenhouses (inside or outside), or hoop houses.
105. Does this operation use any facilities, such as those stated above, in the production or storage of organic crops or
crop products and have pest problems in those facilities?
Yes
No
If no, skip to section 23.
106. Describe the facilities and the crops produced or stored in those facilities.
107. What type of facility pest management system(s) are used in the facilities?
In House
Contracted pest control service
108. Name and phone number of person responsible for facility pest management.
109. Check all pest problems in any of the facilities you generally have:
Flying insects
Crawling insects
Spiders
Birds
Rats
Mice
Other (specify):
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110. Check all the facility pest management practices that apply. Note: All materials used for facility pest management must be
listed on your Materials Used Form.
Non-synthetic substance consistent with National
Cleanup of spilled product
Screened windows, vents, etc.
List (e.g. pyrethrum)
Dogs
Mechanical traps
Synthetic substance consistent with National List
Physical barriers
Ultrasound/light devices
(e.g. vitamin D3 bait)
Electrocutors
Cats
Synthetic substance NOT on the National List
Repair of holes, cracks, etc.
Removal of exterior habitat/food sources
(e.g. most commercially available rodent bait)*
Good sanitation
Mowing
Sticky traps
Other (specify):
*If you want to use a synthetic substance not on the National List you must receive authorization from PCO prior to use.
111. Describe monitoring (including frequency) used to determine the effectiveness of management practices above:
112. If pest control materials are used where are they stored?
113. What records do you maintain to document pesticide use and measures taken to prevent contamination of organic
crops?
SECTION 23. Maintenance of Organic Integrity: Transportation §205.201(a)(5), §205.202(c)
114. Do you transport your organic crops?
Yes
No
If no, skip to Section 24.
115. Who is responsible for arranging transportation of organic crops?
Self
Buyer
Other (specify):
116. Describe how organic crops are transported.
117. What potential contamination or commingling problems do you have with the transport of organic crops?
118. What steps are taken to protect the integrity of organic crops during transport?
Dedicated organic only
Inspecting transport units prior to loading organic crops
Cleaning transport units prior to loading organic crops
Use of Clean Truck Affidavits
Letter/contract with transport company stating organic requirements
Other (specify):
SECTION 24. Record Keeping System §205.103
§205.103(a) A certified operation must maintain records concerning the production, harvesting, and handling of agricultural products that
are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as “100 percent organic,” “organic”, “made with organic (specified ingredients or food
group(s)).” (b) Such records must: (1) Be adapted to the particular business that the certified operation is conducting; (2) Fully disclose
all activities and transactions of the certified operation in sufficient detail as to be readily understood and audited; (3) Be maintained for
not less than 5 years beyond their creation; and (4) Be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the Act and the regulations in this part.
(c) The certified operation must make such records available for inspection and copying during normal business hours by authorized
representatives of the Secretary, the applicable State program’s governing State official, and the certifying agent.
119. Which of the following records do you keep or plan for organic production?
Field maps
Harvest records that show field numbers, date of harvest, and
Field activity log(s)
harvest amounts (including custom harvest records)
Field history sheets (previous three years)
Labor records
Documentation of previous land use for rented and/or newly
Storage records that show storage location, storage
purchased land
identification, field numbers, amounts stored, and cleaning
Input records for soil amendments, seeds, manure, foliar
activities
sprays, and pest control products (keep all labels)
Clean transport records
Documentation of attempts to source organic seeds and/or
Sales records (purchase order, contract, invoice, cash receipts,
planting stock
cash receipt journal, sales journal, etc.)
Documentation of organic seedlings
Shipping records (scale ticket, dump station ticket, bill of lading)
Audit control summary
Transaction Certificates
Compost production records
Organic Certificates
Monitoring records (soil tests, tissue tests, water tests, quality
Other (specify):
tests, observations)
Equipment cleaning records
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120. How long do you keep your records? (Must be at least 5 years):
121. Which of the following records do you keep for conventional production?
Field maps
Field history sheets
Input records
Harvest records
Labor records
Storage records
Sales records
Shipping records
Other (specify):
SECTION 25. International Export: Canada, European Union, Taiwan, Japan
N/A
Please provide the following information even if you do not currently intend to export any organic products to Canada,
European Union, Taiwan, or Japan in order for PCO to review this information. This will expedite any export verification needs
you or your customers may have in the future. However, this information is not required for your Organic System Plan to be
considered complete.
CANADA:
N/A
122. Are any crops produced hydroponically or aeroponically?
Yes
No
123. Has Chilean nitrate (sodium nitrate) been used on any fields?
Yes
No
If yes, in what field and on what date(s) was it applied?
124. Are you using any labels for products exported to Canada other than labels already approved by PCO? Note: The
100% Organic Label is not permitted in Canada. Labels must be bilingual (English and French).
Yes
No
If yes, attach labels for PCO to review.
Crops Requested to Ship to
Canada
Field Numbers
Total Acres / Crop
Projected Yield to Export to
Canada
EUROPEAN UNION:
N/A
125. Have antibiotics (streptomycin and/or tetracycline) been used to produce any crops?
Yes
No
126. Are you using any labels for products exported to the European Union other than labels already approved by PCO?
Note: The 100% Organic Label is not permitted in the European Union.
Yes
No If yes, attach labels for PCO to review.
Crops Requested to Ship to
the European Union
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Field Numbers
Total Acres / Crop
Projected Yield to Export to
the European Union
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TAIWAN:
N/A
127. Are any crops produced using any materials prohibited by the NOP National List?
Yes
No If yes, list.
Crops Requested to Ship to
Taiwan
Field Numbers
Total Acres / Crop
Projected Yield to Export to
Taiwan
JAPAN:
N/A
128. Are you using any labels for products exported to Japan other than labels already approved by PCO? Note: The 100%
Organic Label is not permitted in Japan.
Yes
No If yes, attach labels for PCO to review.
Crops Requested to Ship to
Projected Yield to Export to
Field Numbers
Total Acres / Crop
Japan
Japan
SECTION 26. Marketing §205.300
129. How do you market your organic products?
Farmers market
Direct to retail
CSA/Subscription service
Wholesale
On-farm retail
Bulk commodities to processor
Contract to buyer
Other (specify):
130. Do you use or plan to use labels and/or marketing materials?
Yes
No
If yes, do your labels identify Pennsylvania Certified Organic as the certifying agent?
Yes
No
131. Do you use or plan to use the USDA organic seal on product labels or marketing materials?
132. Do you use or plan to use the PCO organic seal on product labels or marketing materials?
Yes
Yes
No
No
SECTION 27. Conflict of Interest §205.501
133. Have you used any organic production consultants for your operation in the last 12 months?
Yes
No
(This does not refer to your inspector, certification specialist, or other PCO representative involved with your certification
review.)
If yes, list the name and contact information for the organic production consultant(s) your operation has used in the last 12
months (7 CFR 205.501(a)(11)(ii)):
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SECTION 28. Previous Organic Certification §205.401
134. List current organic certification by other agencies and dates:
If currently certified by another agency, submit a copy of your current certificate and verification of the items you are certified to
produce/sell.
135. If currently certified organic, has your operation received a non-compliance(s) or been issued a proposed suspension
or proposed revocation that has not yet been resolved?
Yes No
If yes, submit a copy of any adverse action notice including: notification of noncompliance, notification of proposed suspension or
proposed revocation issued to you and a description of any actions taken by you to correct the non-compliance(s) noted in the
adverse action notice, including evidence of such corrections and resolution letter from certifier, if any.
136. If previously certified, list names of agencies, dates, non-compliances and reasons for surrender or termination of
certification:
137. Have you ever been denied organic certification or has your organic certification ever been withdrawn, surrendered
suspended or revoked?
Yes No
If yes, submit a copy of any adverse action notice, including suspension, revocation or denial of certification issued to you and a
description of any actions taken by you to correct the non-compliances noted in the notification, including evidence of such
corrections and resolution letter from certifier or the National Organic Program Administrator, if any. If certification was withdrawn
or surrendered, provide reason:
138. Gross organic sales of organic crops in previous calendar year: $
If none sold, enter 0.
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SECTION 28. Affirmation
Information provided on this application is held in strict confidence and will be used only for certification purposes. I affirm that all
statements made in this application are true and correct. To the best of my knowledge no prohibited products have been used, applied
or otherwise allowed to compromise the integrity of the organic crops, livestock or products for which I am requesting certification.
I agree to comply with the requirements set forth by the National Organic Program in 7 CFR Part 205 and in the PCO
Certification Manual including but not limited to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Establish, implement and update annually the Organic System Plan that will be submitted to PCO.
Cooperate with the certification process by completing all documentation requested by PCO.
Permit on-site inspections with complete access to all production and handling areas of my operation, including noncertified production and handling areas, structures or offices by PCO. These inspections may be announced or
unannounced at the discretion of PCO or as required by the Administrator or State organic program’s governing State
official.
Maintain all records applicable to the organic operation for not less than five (5) years beyond their creation.
Allow authorized representatives of PCO, the Secretary and the applicable State organic program’s governing State official
access to these records under normal business hours for review and copying to determine compliance with the Act and the
regulations (7 CFR Part 205).
Make accessible all agricultural products that are to be sold labeled or represented as organic for examination (such as
residue testing) by the Administrator, the applicable State organic program’s governing State official, or the certifying agent
to ensure compliance with the National Organic Program.
Pay all certification fees as outlined on the most current fee schedule and be responsible for delinquent account fees, such
as reasonable attorney fees, court costs and cost of collections.
Immediately notify PCO concerning any application, including drift, of a prohibited substance to any field, production unit,
site, facility, livestock, or product that is being requested for certification.
Immediately notify PCO of any significant changes in my certified operation or portion of the operation that may affect its
compliance with the applicable standards or regulations (7 CFR Part 205), including substances to be used as a production
or handling input.
Ensure that my certificate, certification report or other documents or information are not used in a misleading manner and
does not harm PCO.
Discontinue use of certification claims, PCO and NOP names and logos, upon suspension, revocation, surrender, or
termination of certification and return or destroy any certification documents or materials requested by PCO.
Acknowledge that acceptance of this organic system plan in no way implies granting of certification by the certifying agent.
I understand that failure to abide by the above requirements may result in denial, suspension or revocation of my organic certification,
prosecution for fraud or misrepresentation, denial of services, or any other remedy allowed by law.
I give permission for PCO to release information about my operation to other NOP-accredited certifying agents upon obtaining a
confidentiality agreement from the requesting certifier before releasing information. PCO has my permission to obtain information,
documents, or materials related to my operation or previous operations, concerning certification, denial of certification, suspension,
revocation, surrender or termination from other certifiers.
Your signature(s):
Date:
If applicable:
Signature of Contracted Grower:
Date:
Typing your name in the signature line(s) above constitutes a signature.
Required Attachments: These records must be returned with your application or it may be returned to you resulting in a delay of the
certification process.
General Information Form (if new applicant)
Materials Used in Organic System - Crops
Field Maps (including adjoining land uses, field numbers and acreage. Other map features may include woodlots, wildlife habitat,
major drainages and waterways. If you have a septic drain field, note size and location on map)
Field and Pasture Records (with prior land use statements, if needed)
Sample labels or marketing materials, if used
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