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CANADA (COR) PRODUCER AND GREENHOUSE
ORGANIC COMPLIANCE PLAN (OCP)
Under the Canadian Organic Production Systems General Principles and Management Standards
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, any production or handling operation seeking certification to sell, label or
otherwise represent goods with any organic claim must develop an organic compliance plan that is
approved by an accredited certifying agent, in this case QAI. Any changes you make to your organic
compliance plan need to be documented and approved by QAI prior to implementation.
Physical Location Name
Physical Address
City
Contact Person At Location
Phone No.
State/Province
Fax No.
Name of Person Completing This Form
Name of Certified Entity (C.E.)
Mailing Address
City/State/Zip/Country
Zip/Postal
Country
E-Mail
Date
_____________________________________
_______
_
_
To assist you in completing your OCP, you will find guidelines for each question along with references
to the relevant subsections of the Canadian General Standards Board Organic Production Systems
General Principles and Management Standards, in italics following each question below. Please refer to
those subsections of the regulation for the source of each question appearing in this Organic Compliance
Plan. You will also be asked to complete and attach additional QAI documents to verify product,
procedure and material compliances as applicable.
If you find a question is not applicable to your operation, please clearly indicate this in the space
provided after the question with an explanation. If needed for clarity, please provide further explanation
as to why the question does not pertain to your operation in Section O.
REMEMBER: Your Organic Compliance Plan is intended to be a living document. You must
update it in a timely manner as you make changes to your farming operation. The Organic Compliance
Plan must be updated at least annually and submitted to QAI for annual review for compliance to the
Regulation. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.2 Organic Plan.
This Compliance Plan refers to CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, as amended October 2008, December 2009
and June 2011. Section N (Quebec based clients only) references the Quebec Organic Reference
Standards (latest version).
The QAI Inspector will be verifying on-site that you have documented all procedures indicated in this Organic
Compliance Plan. Please be advised that your inspection must occur when the land, facilities and activities that
demonstrate compliance, or the ability to comply, can be observed. Canada Organic Office Operating Manual
Version v14, C 2.3.9, C 2.4
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 Copyright QAI, Inc. The contents of this document, including format, style, and wording, are the property of Quality Assurance International (QAI).
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission (except for the
express purpose of preparing and transferring information to QAI in execution of a certification program). Reproduction or translation of any part of this
work without permission of the owner is unlawful. QAI, the QAI logo, and Quality Assurance International are registered trademarks of QAI, Inc.
Printed: February 17, 2016
(side boxes
inspector
use only)
A) Organic Compliance Plan Overview
1. Please attach completed current Individual Field Profiles (IFPs) for land seeking certification or
Individual Greenhouse Profiles (IGPs) for green house structures seeking certification. Please
attach a farm map for further visual clarification. Include a diagram of each greenhouse, if
applicable. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.3, 5.1.3; 5.1.4 Land Requirements.
The farm map should include all surrounding land activity, buffer zones, boundaries, roads,
tracks, direction indicator (north, south), cropping areas, all buildings and structures,
wells, irrigation channels, fertigation injection locations, field numbers and field acres. If
you operate a split operation, please indicate those areas/fields and acreages on this farm
map and clearly designate the fields as conventional or transitional. Parallel production
(where products of the organic and non-organic system are indistinguishable) is prohibited.
(“Organic” is defined as being organic to the Canada Standard.)
IFPs and Farm Map(s) Attached
Not Attached, please explain:
IGPs, Farm Map and Greenhouse Diagrams(s) Attached
2. Please provide a description of your organic production practices and procedures, including the
estimated harvest period. If organic harvest does not occur throughout the year, please indicate
the times of year during which it does occur. Please note that inspection of your operation
must occur during the production season of the crops, prior to or during the time that
products targeted for certification are being harvested. Canada Organic Office Operating
Manual Version v14, C 2.3.9, C 2.4; CAN/CGSB – 32.310 – 2006, 4.4.1(c)
Please provide a general overview of the farming activities employed at your operation,
including the crops for certification, etc. The inspection shall be carried out when
grounds, premises, and activities subjected to compliance requirements may be observed.
3. Please indicate the types of activities for which you maintain written policies and procedures.
CAN/CGSB - 32.310 -2006, 4.4 Record Keeping and Identification.
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4. If you are in the process of transitioning your entire enterprise or unit to organic production
methods, please provide the details of your transition plan, specifically, a time to bring the
enterprise into complete transition. Complete an IFP for transitional fields or IGP for
transitional greenhouse areas and reference your farm map showing fields/areas with designated
acres that are in organic and non-organic production to help with the identification of the nonorganic land. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.1, 4.2 Organic Plan
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 5.1.2 states that an operator in the process of converting an
enterprise or a production until to organic methods shall submit a written organic
transition plan. The exception to this norm, parallel production, is only allowed in the
following cases: perennial crops (already planted), agricultural research facilities,
production of seed, vegetative propagating materials and transplants.
Transition plan included below or attached.
N/A, all fields/greenhouses in my operation are requesting organic certification, or are
exempted from this requirement.
5. Please provide a description of your monitoring procedures as they pertain to ensuring that your
Organic Compliance Plan is followed and organic integrity is maintained at every step in your
process. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.3 Organic Plan.
This is to be a description of how, and how often, you will review your own organic
management system and organic compliance plan to ensure that your actual practices are
consistent with this plan. If this is addressed in your farming operation SOP’s please attach
the relevant documentation.
6. Does your operation involve other companies in the production of your product(s)? If so, please
list these entities; provide a description of the business connections linking them to your
operation, and the transaction flows between your operations. You may wish to provide this
information in the form of a flow chart.
For example, this information may include, but not be limited to: co-packers and
warehouses, as well as operators covered under your certification umbrella, such as
additional participants and locations. Please include a Certified Entity/Additional
Participant (CE/AP) Agreement if your operation involves an Additional Participant.
Canada Organic Office Operating Manual Version v14, C 2.1.2
YES. I have attached the required documentation (Including CE/AP Agreement, if your
facility is part of a CE-AP arrangement. Other documentation may include, but is not
limited to, warehouse affidavits for contracted warehouses that are not part of the inspected
facility.)
N/A – other companies are not involved in the production of my products
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7. If you are washing or packing products in an on-farm facility or structure, have you completed a
QAI Canada Processor Repacker Distributor OCP- ? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.4.1 Record
Keeping and Identification
A Processor Repacker Distributor OCP must be submitted for any cleaning or packing of
product which does not occur directly in the field.
Yes
No, all activities happen in the field/greenhouse
No, please explain:
B) Land Requirements
1. The land requesting certification must comply with the following requirements:
a. Prohibited Substances shall not have been used for at least 36 months before the
harvest of any crop.
b. The Canadian Standard shall have been fully applied to the land seeking certification
for at least twelve months prior to the first harvest of organic products.
c. Parallel production, where products of the organic and non-organic system are
indistinguishable, is only allowed under the following circumstances: perennial
crops (already planted), agricultural research facilities, production of seed,
vegetative propagating material and transplants. The following special conditions
shall be observed: the operator shall clearly demonstrate that the identity of the crops
so produced can be maintained during their production, harvesting, storage,
processing, packaging, and marketing; and the operator shall maintain verifiable,
accurate records of both non-organic and organic produce and product storage,
transportation, processing and marketing.
Please explain in detail how the enterprise seeking certification to the Canadian Standard
addresses the requirements above. Attach documentation to support your answer. CAN/CGSB32.310-2006. 5.1.1; 5.1.2 Land Requirements
You must be able to demonstrate that the land requested for certification has fully met the
requirements of the Canadian Organic Standards for a period of at least twelve months.
This includes verifying that no prohibited inputs have been used, and also that additional
requirements of the standard, such as soil and crop management, and environmental land
management, have been met. This requirement might be fulfilled by being certified to
another governmental organic standard, provided that you have documentation that the
additional requirements of the Canadian Organic Standards have been met. In addition,
you must be able to prove that the land has been free from prohibited substances for 3
years. If you have not managed this land for three years, please obtain relevant statements
from previous owner/manager using a Land Use History Verification Affidavit or like
document.
Supporting documentation attached.
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2. Do you affirm that the land (in ground, permanent soil systems) seeking organic certification
has been free from these same prohibited substances for a minimum of 3 years? CAN/CGSB32.311-2006 1.4 Prohibited Substances, Methods or Ingredients in Organic Production
Check all to verify that the land is free from the following and in compliance to this Regulation:
Any materials and products produced from or derived from genetically engineered
techniques.
Applications of synthetic pesticides except as specified in CAN/CGSB-32.311.
Fertilizers or composted plant/animal manures, containing prohibited substances not
included in CAN/CGSB-31.311.
Sewage Sludge in any form.
Synthetic growth hormones.
Equipment, packaging materials, and storage containers than contain a synthetic fungicide,
preservative, or fumigant.
Substances that are not included in CAN/CGSB-32.311, except as provided by the standard.
3. If growing both organic and non-organic crops, please check ALL that apply:
Land can be transitioned one unit at a time as long as the producer meets all requirements
for maintaining separation of organic and non-organic production systems. Parallel
production, which is defined as “The simultaneous production, preparation or handling of
organic and non-organic (including transitional) crops, livestock and other organic products of the
same or similar, visually indistinguishable varieties,” is only allowed under the following
circumstances: perennial crops (already planted), agricultural research facilities, production of
seed, vegetative propagating materials and transplants. Note that parallel production crops both
organic and non-organic must be inspected just prior to harvest and an audit of all parallel
production crops must occur after harvest. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006 3.1, 4.4.2, 5.1.2
N/A: Only produce and store organic goods or am exempted from this requirement (see Question A4)
I operate a split operation but I am transitioning all lands to organic production over a period of time and
have provided my written transition plan in response to Question A4.
I keep all products, inputs, records related to the non-organic production system separate from
those related to the organic production system.
An identification system is maintained for distinguishing organic and non-organic crops and their
products and labels.
I do not practice parallel production (where the products of the organic and non-organic system are
indistinguishable).
I employ the following management practices and/or physical measures to prevent contamination or
commingling of organic crops during crop production, harvest and storage:
Check all that apply.
Only produce and store organic goods
Dedicated equipment
Buffer zones/physical barriers between organic and non-organic crops
Separated greenhouses for organic production.
Documented clean out/rinse/purge of equipment prior using on organic fields/crops
Lot coding
Dedicated containers
Sealed packaging
Dedicated organic storage
Documented employee training
Other:
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4. If you have indicated in the previous question that you run a split operation ( COR* organic and
non-COR organic product), do you understand that QAI may include non-organic units (e.g.
other premises, storage units and fields) in its inspection to verify that there is no parallel
production, and no cross-contamination is occurring? Canada Organic Office Operating
Manual Version v14, C 2.3.1, C 2.3.9
Yes
No
N/A – I do not run a split operation.
*Canada Organic Regime
5. Describe the buffer zones maintained to prevent contamination of organic crops from prohibited
substances if adjoining land is not under organic management. Organic production areas must
have distinct boundaries and buffer zones to prevent the unintended application of a prohibited
substance, genetically modified organisms 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. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 5.1.3; 5.1.4 Land
Requirements.
The width of the buffer is determined on a case-by-case basis according to contamination risk but
must be a minimum of 8 meters (26.25 ft) wide. The buffer must be sufficient in size or other features
(windbreaks, diversion ditches) to prevent the unintended contact by prohibited substances applied
to adjacent land areas, depending on the risk of contamination. Permanent hedgerows, plant or
artificial windbreaks, permanent roads, or other features may be used instead of buffer zones.
Check all that apply.
Not Applicable, no need for buffer zones due to nature of adjoining land use
Greenhouse structure/curtains prevents contamination
Plant/Tree Windbreaks
Buffers (min. 8 m)
Native vegetation
Permanent Roads
Permanent Hedge Rows
Cultivated barriers
Other:
6. If crops are harvested from the buffer zones with equipment that is also used for harvesting organic
crops, what safeguards do you use to protect organic crops from contact with buffer crops during
harvest? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 5.1.4 (a-b)
Crops within the required buffer must not be sold as organic and may be left un-harvested or harvested,
stored, or disposed of as non-organic crop, with records kept of crop disposition. Indicate buffer zones
and show all adjoining land uses on your farm maps.
Not applicable, no crops grown in the buffer zones.
Crops are harvested, but not commingled with organic crops or used for organic livestock.
Please explain how you prevent commingling of organic crops with non-organic crops:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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C) Greenhouse Production Only
Check this box and skip to Section D if you do not have an organic greenhouse.
1. Please check the appropriate box:
The operator shall manage soil and crop production units with an in-ground permanent
soil system or with a container system with soil, which must be free of prohibited
substances. In-ground permanent soil systems shall be free from prohibited substances for
at least three years before use. The Organic Products Regulations also require that, in the
case of an initial application for an organic certification of crops grown in greenhouses
with an in-ground permanent soil system, the application for certification must be filed 15
months before the day on which the product is expected to be marketed. During that period
of time, compliance to this standard will be assessed by the certification body, and this
assessment must at least include one inspection of the production unit during the
production in the year before crops grown in greenhouses with an in-ground permanent
soil system may be eligible for certification, and one inspection during production in the
year crops grown in greenhouses with an in-ground permanent soil system are eligible for
certification.
There is no provision in the standard for a hydroponic or aeroponic greenhouse
system that does not utilize a soil medium. Hydroponics is defined as the cultivation of
plants in aqueous nutrient solutions without the aid of soil, the soil being replaced by an
inert medium (e.g. – coarse sands, expanded clay, rockwool), with cultivation of plants
occurring by using a nutrient solution that is brought to each plant by taking into account
the requirements of the species. Aeroponics is defined as a soil-free cultivation method
whereby plants are suspended with their roots partially or totally exposed to the air.
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 7.5.1 Greenhouse Crops Production
Crops are grown in a container system with soil that is free from prohibited substances,
and is not considered a hydroponic or aeroponic operation as defined by the Canadian
Standard.
Crops are grown in an in-ground permanent soil system that is free from prohibited
substances for at least 3 years prior to production, and is not considered a hydroponic or
aeroponic operation as defined by the Canadian Standard.
Other (Please attach explanation)__________________________________________
2. What construction materials are you using in soil or plant contact in your greenhouse operation,
including structures, planting boxes, and/or growing containers? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006,
7.5.1; 7.5.4 Greenhouse Crops Production
Construction materials shall not include biodegradable plastics or wood treated with
prohibited substances. Plants and soil, including potting soil shall not be in contact with
prohibited substances, including wood used for greenhouse structures or frames of raised
beds treated with such substances. Reusable and recyclable pots and flats shall be used
whenever possible.
Check and complete all that apply:
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No prohibited substances are allowed to come in contract with plants and soil, including
construction materials composed of or treated with prohibited substances.
Greenhouse structures in contract with plants and/or soil are constructed from:
__________________________________________________________________________
Planting boxes/ growing containers are composed of the following materials:
__________________________________________________________________________
Reusable and recyclable pots and flats are used whenever possible.
__________________________________________________________________________
3. If you clean and disinfect your greenhouse structural and/or equipment during and/or between
crop seasons, check all that apply: CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 1.4.1(j)
Use only potable water with no cleaning or sanitizing agents.
Use substances listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006. Please list on the Annual Input Record.
Use steam-heat sterilization.
Other method(s) used for cleaning and sanitation. Please describe:
4. If growing both organic and non-organic crops, how do you prevent drift of prohibited materials
through the greenhouse ventilation system? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 5.1.4, 7.5.3
Organic crops must not be contaminated by prohibited inputs used on non-organic crops.
Not Applicable, I only grow organic crops.
D) Environmental Factors
1. What additional safeguards do you use to prevent accidental contamination from neighboring
areas, including drift and exposure to, or contact with substances not in accordance with this
standard? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 5.2.1 Environmental Factors
Check all that apply.
Posting signs
Drainage diversion
Written notification to:
Local governments
Adjoining neighbors
Utility companies
Aerial spray companies/airports
Other:
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2. Can you verify that new installations or replacement lumber in contact with soil and/or plants is
not treated with prohibited materials, as detailed in CAN/CGSB-32.311? CAN/CGSB-32.3102006. 5.2.2 Environmental Factors
Wood treated with arsenate or other prohibited substances may not be used for new installations or
replacement purposes where it comes into contact with soil, livestock or crops. This does not apply
to wood that is isolated from production. Continued use and recycling of existing posts within the
farm may be allowed. Any usage of treated lumber or posts must be stated in your OCP and prior
approved by QAI.
Not Applicable, I use no treated lumber and posts.
Yes, I am using treated lumber and posts. Please explain how your use complies with the
standard:
standard O
3. How do you prevent soil or wind erosion to maintain or enhance the ecological stability of your
land, minimize soil degradation, and optimize biological productivity? CAN/CGSB-32.3102006. General Principals of Organic Production; 5.4 Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient
Management.
Soil erosion shall be controlled by good management practices, such as appropriate cultivation
practices, reduced tillage, planned water drainage, and other controls in accordance with the soil
type, local conditions, and crops produced.
Check all that apply.
Crop rotation
Strip cropping
Tree lines
Conservation tillage
Maintain wildlife habitat
Terraces
Windbreaks
Retention ponds
Permanent waterways
Winter cover crops
Contour farming
Firebreaks
Undersowing/Interplanting
Riparian management
Other:
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E) Seeds and Planting Stock
1. If you have not used organic seeds or planting stock, please verify that you meet the following
exceptions: CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 5.3 Seeds and Planting Stock
All seeds, bulbs, tubers, cuttings, annual seedlings, transplants, and other propagules
produced must be organically sourced. Non-organic seed and planting stock may be
sourced if not commercially available, but they must be untreated or treated only with
substances in accordance with the Canadian standard. Genetically engineered seeds and
planting stock are prohibited. Please note that your attempts to use organic seeds must be
documented and submitted with your OCP to verify that you have met the requirements of
the standard. List all seeds, seedlings or planting stock to be used for producing organic
crops on the Annual Input Record.
Not applicable. All seeds and/or planting stock are certified organic to COR or to a standard
that is deemed equivalent to COR.
The variety/cultivar of seeds/planting stock that I plant is not available as organic. I have
used non-organic non-GMO and untreated seed and/or planted stock. I have attached my
documentation verifying the non-treated and non-GMO status, and my attempts to locate
organic sources.
The variety/cultivar of seeds/planting stock is not available as organic. The seeds and/or
planting stock that I use is non-GMO, but treated with substances in accordance with the
standard. I have attached my documentation verifying the non-GMO status and verification
that the treatment is compliant to the standards, and my attempts to locate organic sources.
2. If producing perennial crops from planting stock, please address the following: CAN/CGSB
32.310-2006. 5.3.2.2 Seeds and Planting Stock
Non-organic perennial planting stock may be used provided that the products from such
plants are not be labeled, marketed or represented as organic until the plants have been
maintained in accordance with this standard for a minimum of one year.
Planting Stock: “Any plant or plant tissue, other than annual seedlings but including rhizomes,
shoots, leaf or stem cuttings, roots or tubers, used in plant production or propagation.”
Not applicable. Do not grow perennials from planting stock.
Not applicable. All planting stock is sourced organically.
Source of planting stock:
My planting stock is not sourced organically, but I have managed the plants as organic for a
minimum of one year before marketing the product from the planting stock as organic. I
affirm that the planting stock was not a result of genetic engineering.
Other:
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3. Do you produce your own organic planting stock on farm?
No
Yes, and all materials used to produce the organic planting stock on the Annual Input
Record.
F) Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient Management Field Based Operations Only
Check this box and skip to Section G if your operation is only a container based greenhouse.
1. What are the major components of your soil and crop fertility plan? Note, you must list each
input material applied to organic fields/crops on the Annual Input Record. CAN/CGSB –
32.310-2006 5.4 Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient Management
The major objective of soil fertility and crop nutrition program is to establish and maintain a fertile
soil using practices that maintain or increase soil humus levels, that promote an optimum balance
and supply of nutrients, and that stimulate biological activity within the soil. Crop nutrients and soil
fertility must be managed through use of crop rotations, cover crops, and application of plant or
animal materials. Fertility inputs must be managed in a manner that does not contribute to the
contamination of crops, soil or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals or
residues of prohibited substances. Organic matter produced on the enterprise shall be the basis of
the nutrient cycling program and may be supplemented with off-farm organic and non-organic
sources specified in CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006, where appropriate.
Check all that apply.
Green manure /cover crops
Tillage and cultivation practices
Incorporation of plant materials
Non-factory farm manure
Liquid manures/slurry
Soil inoculants
Summer fallow
Biodynamic preps
Inter-planting
Compost animal/plant matter
Approved soil amendments
Multiyear crop rotations
Other:
2. How do you monitor the effectiveness of your fertility management program? CAN/CGSB32.310 -2006. 5.4.4
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 5.4 specifically requires that soil quality be improved or
maintained, and that any materials applied must not contribute to contamination of crops,
soil or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals or residues of
prohibited substances.
Check all that apply.
Land is managed by nutrient management planning principles, in accordance to relevant
provincial requirements.
Soil testing
Tissue testing
Observation of soil
Crop quality testing
Observation of crop health
Comparison of crop yields
Other:
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3. Do you employ a crop rotation?
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006- 5.4.2(a) requires that crop rotation which shall be as varied as
possible and include plow-down, legumes, catch crops, or deep-rooting plants.
Not applicable. I only produce perennial crops.
Yes, I am rotating my crops. Please describe an example of your typical crop rotation
schedule and indicate how you address the Canadian standard:
4. Please indicate if you use burning to dispose of crop residues. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 5.4.6
Burning may only be used to suppress the spread of disease or to stimulate seed germination.
N/A. I do not use burning to dispose of crop residues.
I had a significant outbreak of crop diseases this crop period. I burned residues to prevent
the spread of the disease. Please indicate disease and crop:
I produce native crops which needs scarification by burning to stimulate germination of the
seed. Please explain further:
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G) Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient Management - Greenhouse Operations Only
Check this box and skip to Section H if your operation does include greenhouse production
1. What are the major components of your crop fertility plan? Check all that apply. Note, you must
list each input material applied to organic greenhouses/crops on the Annual Input Record
(AIR.)CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 5.4, 7.5.2, 7.5.6, 7.5.7,7.5.8
Soil regeneration and recycling procedures shall be practiced to establish and maintain a fertile
soil. Practices must be used that maintain or increase soil humus levels, that promote an optimum
balance and supply of nutrients, and that stimulate biological activity within the soil. Alternatives to
crop rotation may be permitted in greenhouse production, such as grafting of plants on diseaseresistance rootstock, winter soil-freezing, soil regeneration by incorporating biodegradable plant
mulch (e.g. straw or hay); and partial or complete replacement of greenhouse soil, provided it is
used outside the greenhouse for another crop. For operations where the plants are not growing in
the ground, a biologically active growing medium shall be evident at the end of each growing
season. Supplemental nutrition may be used in accordance with CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006; however,
composted animal manure shall be the primary source of nutrients.
Composted animal manure. I have documented its use before the use of approved
substances listed on CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006, and it is the primary source of nutrients
used.
Non-processed animal manure (including liquid and slurry)
Crop rotation
Grafting of plants on disease-resistant rootstock
Winter soil-freezing
Plant material mulch
Approved planting medium/soil mixes, with documented evidence of biological activity in
the medium at the end of the growing season, as listed on CAN/CGSB 32.311-2006.
Replacement of greenhouse soil, with documented use outside the greenhouse for another
crop.
Other:
2. What procedures do you use to stimulate growth and/or development of your plants in the
greenhouse operation? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 7.5.2; 7.5.5; 7.5.6(c) Greenhouse Crop
Production
All inputs used must be listed on the Annual Input Record (AIR).
N/A. I grow my plants naturally with no stimulants.
Plant-based growth regulators
Animal-based growth regulators
Controlled environment of daily temperatures and light levels
Full-spectrum lighting
Supplemental heat with proper exhaust of burnt gasses
Other:
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3. What procedures are you using to enhance or enrich carbon dioxide levels in your greenhouse
operations? Please check and fill in the blanks for all that apply. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 7.5.6
(a) Greenhouse Crop Production
Carbon dioxide levels may be enriched to enhance the natural plant nutrient environment in
your greenhouse operation. The following methods are approved under the standard:
Flame; fermentation; composting; and/or compressed carbon dioxide gas.
N/A. I do not enrich natural carbon dioxide levels.
Flame, using ____________________________________________________ as a
source.
Fermentation of __________________________________________________________
Composting of a mixture of _________________________________________________
Compressed carbon dioxide gas.
Other:
4. How do you monitor the effectiveness of your fertility management program? Check all that
apply. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 7.5.8 Greenhouse Crop Production.
The standard specifically requires that soil quality be improved or maintained by soil
regeneration and recycling.
Soil testing
Tissue testing
Observation of crop health
Observation of soil
Comparison of crop yields
Crop quality testing
Other:
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H) Manure Management
1. If you are applying raw or processed manure, please verify all of the below:
N/A – I am not applying raw or processed manure to my crops. (Please skip to section I)
I am applying raw manure. (Please answer entire section.)
The producer must first use all available animal manure produced on the organic operation
(on-farm) and then may use manure from other organic operations (off-farm). When manure
from organic operations is not available in sufficient quantities, the operator may use manure
from non-organic farm operations if specific conditions apply. The source of manure and type
of livestock shall be recorded. Animal manures processed using physical, biological or
chemical treatment are permitted only if substances used in the processing are on the Permitted
Substances List. Techniques for processing animal manure shall minimize the loss of nutritional
elements. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 5.4.2, 5.5.1, CAN/CGSB 32.311-2006, Section 4.2
What is the source of the manure used at your operation? Please check the applicable box or
boxes below.
All manure is produced on my organic farm or on an off-site organic farm and I have
attached documentation to verify.
The manure is not from a non-organic livestock operation that is fully caged and restricted
movement or land-detached, and I have documentation to prove this as well as
documentation to verify that I was unable to source manure from organic farming
operations.
The source of the manure and type of livestock is listed on the Annual Input Record for
review by QAI
Other:
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2. If you are applying raw animal manure, please complete the following questions.
Raw manure must be fully composted unless applied to land 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. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006, 5.5.2.5
(a) If you are applying raw animal manure, what types of crops do you grow?
Check all that apply.
N/A – I am not applying raw manure to my crops. (Please skip to section I)
Crops are not used for human consumption.
Crops are for human consumption and the edible portion has direct contact with the soil or
soil particles.
Crops are for human consumption but the edible portion does not have direct contact with
the soil or soil particles.
(b) Are your un-composted manure handling practices in compliance with the 120 and/or 90
“days prior to harvest” soil incorporation requirements as listed above?
Yes
No, please
explain:
3. If you are using raw animal manure, please verify the following requirements are being met
with regard to its application: CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006 5.5.2.3-4
Check all to verify compliance to this Regulation.
N/A – I am not applying raw manure to my crops. (Please skip to section I)
Soil is sufficiently warm and moist to ensure active bio-oxidation.
I have minimized the potential from run-off into ponds, rivers, and streams.
The raw manure does not significantly contribute to ground and surface water
contamination.
Please provide a written description to support your response:
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I) Water Quality Management
1. How is water used in the production of organic crops on your operation?
The producer may only use materials in the crop irrigation systems that are listed on the
CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006 Organic Production System Permitted Substances Lists. Table 4.2
lists substances allowed as soil amendments in crop production. Table 4.3 lists permitted
substances that are allowed as crop production aids and materials. CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006
4.2 (a) Soil Amendments; (b) Crop Production Aids and Materials.
Check all that apply.
Not applicable, water not used (please go to Section J)
Irrigation
Foliar sprays
Liquid Fertigation material
Rinsing the crops in field/greenhouse
Washing crops post-harvest
Other:
2. What is the source of your water used in irrigation or post handling of your organic products:
Check all that apply.
On-site well(s)
Rivers/Streams
Ponds/Lakes
Municipal/regional
Irrigation
Other:
3. What procedures are used to protect the water quality when practicing organic production?
CAN/CGSB-32.310- 2006. 5.4.4
Inputs and cultural methods used need to protect water quality. CAN/CGSB-32-311-2006.
5.4 specifically requires that soil quality be improved or maintained, and that any materials
applied must not contribute to contamination of crops, soil or water by plant nutrients,
pathogenic organisms, heavy metals or residues of prohibited substances.
Check all that apply.
Fencing livestock from waterways
Minimize irrigation runoff
Minimize the ponding of water by land leveling or forming
Minimize runoff from compost/manure piles
Drip irrigation
None, please explain:_
Other:
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4. If you irrigate your crops, please answer the following questions: CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006
4.2 a. Soil Amendments; b. Crop Production Aids and Materials.
The producer may only use materials in the crop irrigation system that are listed on the
CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006 Organic Production System Permitted Substances Lists. Table 4.2
lists substances allowed as soil amendments in crop production. Table 4.3 lists permitted
substances that are allowed as crop production aids and materials.
N/A. Do not irrigate crops.
(a) Are input products applied through the irrigation system?
Yes
No. If yes, please include these inputs on your Annual Input Record
(b) Are products used to clean irrigation lines/nozzles or to lubricate irrigation equipment?
Yes
No. If yes, please list these inputs on your Annual Input Record
(c) Is the irrigation system shared with a non-organic operator?
N/A. Irrigation system is not shared with non-organic operator.
Yes. If yes, is there a potential that prohibited inputs are added to the irrigation water by the
upstream operator?
N/A. Prohibited inputs are not added to the irrigation water by upstream operation.
Yes. If Yes, please explain your method for avoiding contamination:
J) Crop Pest, Weed and Disease Prevention
1. Using the Matrix below, indicate your management practices for preventing pests, weeds and
diseases.
Preventative management practices such as crop rotations, nutrient management and use of nonsynthetic materials should be used as a first resort to manage insects, diseases and weeds. Approved
synthetic materials in CAN/CGSB 32.311-2006 may be used when management practices are
insufficient to prevent or control problems. All weed, pest, and disease inputs must be approved. A
"restricted" input has specific annotations for its use. If you use a "restricted" material, you must
provide evidence of how you address the materials' annotation. Burning may not be used as a means
to dispose of crop residues. However, it may be used to suppress diseases or stimulate seed
germination. For the prevention and control of disease, insects or other pests in Greenhouse
systems, in addition to substances listed in CAN/CGSB 32.311-2006, the following procedures are
approved: pruning, roguing, vacuuming and exclusion methods (air filters, screens or other physical
devices that prevent pests from entering the greenhouse environment.
CAN/CGSB 32/310-2006, 5.6, 7.5.7
Continued next page...
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Pest Management Matrix - Check (√) which basic strategies you use for each category of pest.
Strategy:
Weeds
Used for which type of pests:
Insects & invertebrates Diseases & nematodes
Vertebrate
Crop Rotation
Cover cropping
Strip cropping, interplanting or planting mixed species
Trap crops
Crop nutrient management
Sanitation, removal of debris and nesting areas
Vectors, weed seed sources, etc
Growing location
Timing of planting
Resistant varieties or rootstock
Remove pest by hand (hoeing, pruning, picking)
Mechanical cultivation (disc, harrow, rotary hoe, etc)
Mowing or grazing
Irrigation method (drip, overhead, flood, etc)
Mulching with biodegradable materials
Plastic/synthetic mulches (must be removed)
Solarization / Pasteurization
Plant beneficial habitat areas
Construct predator habitat
Release beneficial organisms
Construct barriers (fences, raised platforms, etc)
Traps
Flame weeding
Other physical or mechanical means
Burning crop residues
Allowed substances (insecticides, fungicides, etc)
Exclusion methods for greenhouse (air filter, screens)
Humidity control in greenhouse
Other:
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K) Organic Integrity
1. If you re-use any bags or containers for production, seed cleaning, mixing of growing medium
or inputs, harvest, storage or transport, what measures are in place to ensure the materials or
containers will not compromise the integrity of the organic product? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006.
8.3.11 Integrity.
The re-use of any bag or container that has been in contact with a substance that may
compromise the organic integrity of the product is prohibited unless it has been thoroughly
cleaned. Storage sites and containers shall be maintained and cleaned using methods
appropriate for the organic products being stored and with materials allowed by this
standard.
Check all that apply:
N/A. No packaging materials/containers are re-used or they are only used for organic crops.
I reuse my containers, pots, flats, etc, but clean/disinfect with substances allowed in
CAN/CGSB-32.311.2006
Cleaning with potable water only
Residue testing
Other:
2. What measures are in place to prevent commingling or contamination of organic crops,
products and packaging by non-organic crops/products or prohibited substances such as
sanitation or pest control materials during transport? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 8.5
Transportation
When organic goods are stored in permeable packaging, bulk tanks, bins, hoppers or other
open containers while in transport, care must be taken to protect the integrity of the organic
goods. Equipment used to transport organic products shall be free of non-organic products
or other residues. The party owning the product is responsible for maintaining the organic
integrity of the product unless the transport operation is certified in their own capacity.
Documentation must be obtained and maintained with certification papers for the organic
inspector to verify during inspection. This information can be on the shipping Bill of
Lading, Invoices, etc. that accompany the organic product.
Check all that apply.
Do not provide transportation
Segregated transport
Impermeable packaging
Clear product identity
Inspecting transport units prior to loading
Documented complete cleanout
Use of Clean Truck Affidavits
Documented employee training
Physical barriers
Clearly identified lot code system
Other:
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3.
How are organic products labeled during transport? CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 8.5.2
Transportation
When transporting or storing organic products, to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic
products, packaging shall bear the following information, without prejudice to any other indications
required by other laws.
Check all to verify compliance to this Regulation.
Name and address of the person responsible for the production, preparation, or distribution
of the product.
Name of the product.
Organic status of the product
Information to ensure traceability
(e.g. lot number)
Other:
If you package organic product on-farm and are responsible for the transportation of that product,
do you label your product such as to meet the labeling criteria outlined in CAN/CGSB-32.3102006? CAN/CGSB 32.310-2006 8.5.2 Transportation
Organic products sold, labeled or represented as organic shall be transported in a manner
that shall prevent contamination or substitution of the content with substances or products
not compatible with the Canadian Organic Standard. Packaging shall bear the following
information:
a. The name and address of the person or organization responsible for the production,
preparation or distribution of the product.
b. The name of the product
c. The organic status of the product
d. Information that ensures traceability (lot number).
N/A Do not provide transportation.
Responsible for transportation and all packaging is compliant.
Responsible for transportation however packaging is not compliant. Please explain:
4. If contracted storage operations are used, do you maintain current documentation for each
contracted facility showing that organic integrity is preserved, e.g. organic certification or
approval by your certifier under your plan? Note that if your product is being marketed to the
EU, warehouses involved in the supply chain are required to be certified.
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 8.3.11 Processing and Handling
Producers that use the services of contract warehouses, packing facilities, storage or other handling
facilities must make sure that those facilities are maintaining the organic integrity of the goods they
handle. Any such facility should either be certified independently or approved under your
certification.
Not applicable, no contracted facilities.
Yes. Certification documentation maintained.
Documentation not maintained. Please explain:
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L) Recordkeeping and Audit Trail
1. Are the records pertaining to your operation maintained on-site and organized in a manner that
can be fully audited and available on-site for inspection during regular business hours?
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.4 Record Keeping and Identification.
The appropriate personnel must be available during the inspection to grant access to the required
documents (e.g. accounting, management, etc). QAI recognizes that great diversity exists among
organic producers and that a wide variety of record keeping systems may demonstrate compliance
with the regulation. In addition to verifying records on-site, sample copies of relevant records may
be collected at the inspection to allow QAI to verify compliance with the regulation. The operator is
responsible for maintaining the organic integrity of the product and shall fully record and disclose
all activities and transactions in sufficient detail as to be readily understood, and to demonstrate
compliance.
Yes. Records are maintained and will be available for the inspector to verify and copy if
necessary during annual on-site inspection.
No, please explain:
2. Please indicate the types of activities for which you maintain written records. CAN/CGSB32.310-2006. 4.4.1 Record Keeping and Identification.
The operator shall guarantee the organic integrity of the product through a continuous
audit trail, from receipt of the raw material to release of the product.
Check all that apply.
Soil fertility
Storage
Pest, weed, disease control
Equipment Cleaning
Inputs purchase
Shipping
Harvest records
Sales
Other:
3. Please describe the individual elements of your record keeping system established to track crops
by identity and volume from the field to distribution or sale. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.4.1
Record Keeping and Identification
Describe the types and names of documents used in your audit trail system. Please attach a
flow chart explaining how the documents link to each other to facilitate the tracking of
product. This audit trail system must fully disclose all activities pertaining to organic
production and will need to be available to the inspector during the on-site visit.
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4. Please describe how your documents are linked together to form a complete audit trail from
harvest through storage to sale. Provide an example of your lot numbering system, and describe
its system or how it works. (Example: Lot Number 7219O32, where “7” signifies the year 2007,
“219” is the Julian date of harvest, “O” depicts that the product is Organic, and “32” is the field
or bed from which the crop was harvested). CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.4.3 Record Keeping
and Identification.
Your records must clearly link the production unit with the harvest, storage, shipping and
sales of the organic crop. Some system for ensuring audit trail clarity, such as linking lot
numbers from one document to the next, is necessary.
5. Please verify that you will maintain your organic records for a minimum of 5 years beyond their
creation. CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006. 4.4.2 Record Keeping and Identification
Yes, I have, or will, maintain records for minimum of 5 years.
No. I have not maintained the records for 5 years minimum. Please explain:
6. Do you have a procedure for documenting and addressing complaints relating to compliance
with organic standards?
Consistent with the requirements of ISO Guide 65, Chapter 15, complaints need to be
documented, and addressed. Records must be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this
requirement.
Canada Organic Office Operating Manual Version v14, C4.1
Yes
No, please explain:
M) Data Pertaining to Operators
1. Have you attached the form “Data to be Transmitted to the Canadian Organic Office”?
Canada Organic Office Operating Manual Version v14, C 9.1.1 – C 9.1.5
Yes
No, please explain:
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N) CARTV Quebec Producer
This section replaces the CAAQ/CARTV OCP. If you are not based in the province of
Quebec, please check the box and go to section O.
1. In addition to meeting the standards specified in document CAN/CGSB 32-310, operators that
carry out greenhouse production relating to containerized staked crops (e.g. tomatoes, sweet
peppers, cucumbers, eggplant) have to comply with the following thresholds:
• The crop environment must contain a mineral fraction (sand, silt or clay) and an
organic fraction. The crop environment must support life and ecosystem diversity
of the soil, in particular by the presence of earthworms;
• The crop environment’s total volume must contain at least 10% original compost.
Compost must also be included in the crop environment’s fertilization program;
• Containers must be at least 30 cm high;
• The crop environment’s volume must be at least 100 l/m², based on the
greenhouse’s total area.
Quebec Specification Manual, Part 4, Supplemental or additional requirements to Standard
CAN/CGSB-32.310 that must be followed by Quebec operators, Section 1: Greenhouse.
Explanation attached
N/A – I do not have a greenhouse operation.
Please explain below (or provide an attachment) explaining specifically how your operation
complies with the above noted requirements.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Have you attached the form “Data to be Transmitted to the CARTV?”
YES
NO, the form is already on file, and the information has not changed.
Other: please explain
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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3. Have you attached the CARTV Sales Breakdown forms (Statistics on Organic Products Sales
Conducted outside of the province of Quebec in 20XX)?
CARTV Accreditation Criteria 10.3(e)
Please note that these forms need to be completed for each product category (e.g. teas, maple
products, etc) being certified to the CARTV standard. The data in the forms is for the previous
calendar year. For example, if you are in renewal year 2010, you need to provide the data for
production year 2009.
YES
N/A – This is my initial organic evaluation
Other: please explain
________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
4. Have you included the QAI document, CARTV Declaration of Areas
Cultivated by Crop Type? Please note that this document must be updated
annually. CARTV Directive, March 15, 2010;
YES
NO, Please Explain:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
O) Applicant Explanations Section –You may attach additional sheets of
paper to explain your responses as needed for clarity. Please note section of
the OCP for which you are providing clarity.
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