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Nitrogen fertilisers and superphosphate are not allowed, potassium chloride is allowed only by JAS Rock phosphate, potassium sulphate, and single trace element fertilisers can be used, in case that soil or leaf analyses show deficiencies of the respective nutrient Organic and inorganic fertilisation must not exceed crop requirements Lime (CaCO3) can and should be applied, when necessary. 3. Crop protection: Synthetical herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides are not allowed Pests and plant diseases must be prevented, using adapted species and resistant varieties, adequate crop rotations, and promoting natural enemies After having taken these measures, only those natural or mineral substances may be used, which are mentioned in annex ii (EU-Regulation) and/or the national list (NOP); some of these substances can be applied only after approval by the certifier NOP restricts not only the active substance, but also the inert ingredients of natural pesticides Weeds must be controlled by mechanical or thermal means, through adequate soil tillage and crop rotation. 4. Seeds and seedlings: Organic seeds and seedlings must be used wherever available For use of conventional seeds or seedlings, the farmer must prove that organic seeds of the respective variety are not available, and in the case of the EU-Regulation, must ask for a special authorisation from the certifier, before planting Seedlings for annual crops (mainly vegetables) may not be purchased from conventional nurseries Seeds with chemical dressing may not be used, except for countries, where state law prescribes chemical seed treatment for phytosanitary reasons. 5. Conversion period: A conventional farm has to undergo a conversion period, before products can be sold as organic. During the conversion time, all rules of organic production have to be kept, according to:
6. Cross contamination: NOP and JAS require explicitly that buffer zones are established between organic and conventional fields CERES, however, aiming at reducing pesticide residues in organic food, requires buffer zones also for certification according to EU regulation, wherever there is a risk of cross contamination by pesticides 7. Biodiversity: Organic standards require soil fertility conservation and promotion of natural enemies (see above). CERES believes that these conditions cant be met on huge monocrop fields. For this reason, we have established a maximum field size of 20 to 40 ha for annual crops, according to erosion risk. Bigger fields must be subdivided by hedgerows. 8. Records: Before the first inspection takes place, the farm has to present an organic management plan to the certifier; this plan has to be updated annually A farm diary must be kept, recording the main activities on each plot Invoices for purchase of fertilisers, pesticides, seeds, etc., must be filed Harvested quantities must be recorded for each crop The farm needs at least a simple system of bookkeeping for sales of organic products In addition, JAS requires "grading" records: before selling products with the JAS logo, the producer has to double-check and record fulfilment of JAS standards. 9. Knowledge: The farmer has to keep a copy of the respective standards and has to study them The farmer needs an adequate level of knowledge on organic farming rules and technologies.
Please be aware that this is only a selection of essential requirements of the organic standards, meant as an introduction. The operator, of course, has to learn about and meet all requirements of the respective standard.
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No |
Issue |
Text |
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1 |
Review |
of the organic management plan and its implementation. |
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2 |
Physical inspection |
Visit to all fields, or, in case of farms with a large number of small plots, to a representative sample of fields, focussing on: Seeds or planting stock Soil fertility management and erosion control Fertilisers used Plant protection Crop rotation in case of annual crops Use of legumes Buffer zones Parallel production |
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Visit to stables, storage rooms, on farm processing units, and other farm buildings, addressing: Labelling, traceability Post harvest separation from non-certified products Post harvest sources of pollution. |
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3 |
Records |
Maps or drawings of all plots, including farm buildings Invoices for purchase of seeds, fertilisers, crop protection products, and other relevant farm inputs If relevant: invoices for purchase of agricultural products Farm diary Storage book and/or processing and/or packing protocol (if relevant) Book keeping on all sales of farming products. |
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See also |
CERES policies on: o Organic conversion period o Buffer zones o Traceability o Pesticide residues and sampling frequency o Crop rotation, legumes and cover crops o Maximum field size o Conventional poultry manure Brief information on organic crop production Management plan crop production |
Please be aware, that these are the minimum requirements. In many cases, additional issues will have to be included in the inspection schedule!
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