Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

• Just as different fertilizers contain different amounts of plant nutrients, organic manures are also not ALIKE.
• Average QUALITY of farmyard manure PROVIDES 12 kg nutrients PER ton and compost provides 40 kg per ton.
• Most of the legume green manures provide 20 kg of NITROGEN per ton.
• Each ton of sorghum/rice/maize straw can be expected to add 26 kg of nutrients.

ORGANIC manures have low nutrient content and therefore need to be applied in larger quantities. For example, to get 25 kg of NPK, one will need 600 to 2000 kg of organic manure whereas the same amount of NPK can be given by 50 kg of an NPK COMPLEX fertilizer. The nutrient content of organic manures is highly variable from PLACE to place, lot to lot, and method of preparation. The composition of fertilizers is almost constant. For example, urea contain 46% N regardless of which factory makes it anywhere in the world.

Organic manures have low nutrient content and therefore need to be applied in larger quantities. For example, to get 25 kg of NPK, one will need 600 to 2000 kg of organic manure whereas the same amount of NPK can be given by 50 kg of an NPK complex fertilizer. The nutrient content of organic manures is highly variable from place to place, lot to lot, and method of preparation. The composition of fertilizers is almost constant. For example, urea contain 46% N regardless of which factory makes it anywhere in the world.

Organic manures INCREASE the organic matter in the soil. Organic matter in turn releases the plant food in available from for the use of crops. However, organic manures should not be seen only as carriers of plant food. These manures also enable a soil to hold more water and also HELP to improve the drainage in CLAY soils. They provide organic acids that help to dissolve soil NUTRIENTS and MAKE them available for the plants.

Organic manures increase the organic matter in the soil. Organic matter in turn releases the plant food in available from for the use of crops. However, organic manures should not be seen only as carriers of plant food. These manures also enable a soil to hold more water and also help to improve the drainage in clay soils. They provide organic acids that help to dissolve soil nutrients and make them available for the plants.

"The Soil Association believes that genetically modified ORGANISMS have no place in organic food or FARMING and they are THEREFORE prohibited under the STANDARDS for Organic Food and Farming" - Soil Association policy statement on genetically modified organisms. 

The Soil Association prohibits the use of GMOs in organic food production and in animal feed.

"The Soil Association believes that genetically modified organisms have no place in organic food or farming and they are therefore prohibited under the Standards for Organic Food and Farming" - Soil Association policy statement on genetically modified organisms. 

The Soil Association prohibits the use of GMOs in organic food production and in animal feed.

There is SOMETIMES apprehension among farmers that when they switch from inorganic farming to ORGANIC farming, they may get lower YIELDS. This transition can be successfully tackled by first switching to sustainable TYPE of Agriculture i.e. including bio inputs along with inorganic inputs and subsequently reducing the inorganic inputs and switching to complete organics without any loss in yields, rather improvement in yields, quality and TASTE of the produce.

There is sometimes apprehension among farmers that when they switch from inorganic farming to organic farming, they may get lower yields. This transition can be successfully tackled by first switching to sustainable type of Agriculture i.e. including bio inputs along with inorganic inputs and subsequently reducing the inorganic inputs and switching to complete organics without any loss in yields, rather improvement in yields, quality and taste of the produce.

Organic crops can sometimes be exposed to the traces of agricultural chemicals that are now detected in nearly all rain and ground water in India, due to their overuse during the PAST 50 years. PESTICIDE residues are rarely detected on organic produce, and are CERTAINLY well below levels on conventionally produced FOOD.

Organic crops can sometimes be exposed to the traces of agricultural chemicals that are now detected in nearly all rain and ground water in India, due to their overuse during the past 50 years. Pesticide residues are rarely detected on organic produce, and are certainly well below levels on conventionally produced food.

There are a THOUSAND ODD registered farmers in India but there are MANY more who are organic by DEFAULT or IDEOLOGY.

There are a thousand odd registered farmers in India but there are many more who are organic by default or ideology.

First off food is NUTRITIONAL and safe. Research shows that organic products have more minerals, less WATER and less artificial CHEMICALS. So the taste is generally more natural. Organic vegetables USUALLY contain higher level of Vitamin C, protein and other minerals.

First off food is nutritional and safe. Research shows that organic products have more minerals, less water and less artificial chemicals. So the taste is generally more natural. Organic vegetables usually contain higher level of Vitamin C, protein and other minerals.

BIOPESTICIDES are PESTICIDES derived from natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and minerals. In India, a range of neem PRODUCTS such as the extracts of neem KERNEL, the seed and leaf have created a great DEAL of interest for being cheap and effective.

Biopesticides are pesticides derived from natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and minerals. In India, a range of neem products such as the extracts of neem kernel, the seed and leaf have created a great deal of interest for being cheap and effective.

Normal chemical farming has much that is wrong with it. In any case until about five or six decades AGO organic farming was normal farming. Until the Green revolution, that is. Modern chemical dependent farming has huge ecological costs, is bad for the health of the FARMER and his/her family and affects the health of the people who eat the food. And most importantly the STUFF does not work! Every YEAR the pests grow resistant to the PESTICIDES and the soil fertility falls.

Normal chemical farming has much that is wrong with it. In any case until about five or six decades ago organic farming was normal farming. Until the Green revolution, that is. Modern chemical dependent farming has huge ecological costs, is bad for the health of the farmer and his/her family and affects the health of the people who eat the food. And most importantly the stuff does not work! Every year the pests grow resistant to the pesticides and the soil fertility falls.

You can take advantage of what nature offers and IMPROVE it without CREATING damage. Recycling of organic WASTES like straw and grass and animal excreta makes great fertilizer. Growing the crops that are native to the region USUALLY ensures that the plants already have high resistance to the local pests. Pests are reduced through multiple-cropping and using bio-pesticides. Building up POPULATIONS of beneficial insects (insects who feed on bad bugs) is a tried-and-true method of pest control. Prevention is the organic farmer’s primary strategy.

You can take advantage of what nature offers and improve it without creating damage. Recycling of organic wastes like straw and grass and animal excreta makes great fertilizer. Growing the crops that are native to the region usually ensures that the plants already have high resistance to the local pests. Pests are reduced through multiple-cropping and using bio-pesticides. Building up populations of beneficial insects (insects who feed on bad bugs) is a tried-and-true method of pest control. Prevention is the organic farmer’s primary strategy.

It is a GOOD idea to WASH all fruits and vegetables before eating to help ENSURE FOOD SAFETY.

It is a good idea to wash all fruits and vegetables before eating to help ensure food safety.

Yes. The term "natural" is very broad, and can INCLUDE organic FOODS, but not all natural foods are organic. Natural foods are generally MINIMALLY PROCESSED and free of artificial INGREDIENTS, but not necessarily organically grown.

Yes. The term "natural" is very broad, and can include organic foods, but not all natural foods are organic. Natural foods are generally minimally processed and free of artificial ingredients, but not necessarily organically grown.

The packaged, labelled variety is OBVIOUSLY so. In the developed WORLD this is almost universal because natural fertilizers and labour costs are high. But in India there are still plenty of places where you can get cheap organic food and cheap food that uses no PESTICIDES. In many, many places food is organic by default because the farmer is growing an INDIGENOUS variety of crop that REQUIRES no chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

The packaged, labelled variety is obviously so. In the developed world this is almost universal because natural fertilizers and labour costs are high. But in India there are still plenty of places where you can get cheap organic food and cheap food that uses no pesticides. In many, many places food is organic by default because the farmer is growing an indigenous variety of crop that requires no chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Prices for organic FOODS reflect many of the same costs as CONVENTIONAL items in terms of growing, harvesting, transportation and storage. Organically produced foods must meet stricter regulations governing all of these steps, so the process is often more labor- and management-intensive, and farming tends to be on a smaller SCALE. There is also mounting evidence that if all the INDIRECT costs of conventional food production—cleanup of polluted water, replacement of eroded soils, costs of HEALTH care for farmers and their workers—were factored into the price of food, organic foods would cost the same or, more likely, be cheaper.

Prices for organic foods reflect many of the same costs as conventional items in terms of growing, harvesting, transportation and storage. Organically produced foods must meet stricter regulations governing all of these steps, so the process is often more labor- and management-intensive, and farming tends to be on a smaller scale. There is also mounting evidence that if all the indirect costs of conventional food production—cleanup of polluted water, replacement of eroded soils, costs of health care for farmers and their workers—were factored into the price of food, organic foods would cost the same or, more likely, be cheaper.

Prevention is the ORGANIC farmer’s primary strategy for disease, weed, and insect control. By building healthy soils, organic farmers find that healthy plants are better able to resist disease and insects. Organic producers often select species that are well adapted for the climate and THEREFORE resist disease and pests. When pest populations get out of balance, growers will try VARIOUS options like insect predators, mating disruption, traps, and barriers. If these fail, permission may be GRANTED by the certifier to apply BOTANICAL or other nonpersistent pest controls under restricted conditions. Botanicals are derived from plants and are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight.

Prevention is the organic farmer’s primary strategy for disease, weed, and insect control. By building healthy soils, organic farmers find that healthy plants are better able to resist disease and insects. Organic producers often select species that are well adapted for the climate and therefore resist disease and pests. When pest populations get out of balance, growers will try various options like insect predators, mating disruption, traps, and barriers. If these fail, permission may be granted by the certifier to apply botanical or other nonpersistent pest controls under restricted conditions. Botanicals are derived from plants and are broken down quickly by oxygen and sunlight.

Certified organic products have been grown and handled according to strict standards without toxic and persistent CHEMICAL inputs. However, organic crops are inadvertently EXPOSED to agricultural chemicals that are now pervasive in rain and ground water due to their overuse during the past fifty years in NORTH America, and due to drift via wind and rain.

Certified organic products have been grown and handled according to strict standards without toxic and persistent chemical inputs. However, organic crops are inadvertently exposed to agricultural chemicals that are now pervasive in rain and ground water due to their overuse during the past fifty years in North America, and due to drift via wind and rain.

Yes, any agricultural product that MEETS third-party or state certification requirements may be considered organic. Organic foods are becoming available in an impressive variety, including pasta, prepared sauces, frozen juices, frozen meals, MILK, ice cream and frozen novelties, cereals, meat, poultry, breads, soups, chocolate, cookies, beer, wine, VODKA and more. These foods, in order to be certified organic, have all been grown and processed according to organic STANDARDS and must maintain a high level of QUALITY. Organic fiber products, too, have moved beyond T-shirts, and include bed and bath linens, tablecloths, napkins, cosmetic puffs, feminine hygiene products, and men’s, women’s and children’s clothing in a wide variety of styles.

Yes, any agricultural product that meets third-party or state certification requirements may be considered organic. Organic foods are becoming available in an impressive variety, including pasta, prepared sauces, frozen juices, frozen meals, milk, ice cream and frozen novelties, cereals, meat, poultry, breads, soups, chocolate, cookies, beer, wine, vodka and more. These foods, in order to be certified organic, have all been grown and processed according to organic standards and must maintain a high level of quality. Organic fiber products, too, have moved beyond T-shirts, and include bed and bath linens, tablecloths, napkins, cosmetic puffs, feminine hygiene products, and men’s, women’s and children’s clothing in a wide variety of styles.

"Certified Organic" means the item has been grown ACCORDING to strict uniform standards that are verified by INDEPENDENT state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, DETAILED record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that GROWERS and HANDLERS are meeting the standards which have been set.

"Certified Organic" means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set.

The EPA has implemented a NEW voluntary LABELING program to help identify products that meet NOP requirements. Approved registered pesticide in this voluntary program can INCLUDE the phrase “for organic production” on their labels. Not all products that are compliant with organic RULES will be so identified.

The EPA has implemented a new voluntary labeling program to help identify products that meet NOP requirements. Approved registered pesticide in this voluntary program can include the phrase “for organic production” on their labels. Not all products that are compliant with organic rules will be so identified.

Only one PARASITICIDE, Ivermectin is on the NATIONAL List. It is restricted for use in dairy and breeding STOCK only. Parasiticides are categorically PROHIBITED on slaughter stock.

Only one parasiticide, Ivermectin is on the National List. It is restricted for use in dairy and breeding stock only. Parasiticides are categorically prohibited on slaughter stock.

Animals that are sick must be treated. A producer who withholds treatment from a sick ANIMAL to MAINTAIN its organic STATUS can be decertified. If a synthetic animal drug USED to treat an animal does not appear on the National List, then the animal must be DIVERTED to conventional channels.

Animals that are sick must be treated. A producer who withholds treatment from a sick animal to maintain its organic status can be decertified. If a synthetic animal drug used to treat an animal does not appear on the National List, then the animal must be diverted to conventional channels.

Natural (nonsynthetic) feed additives and SUPPLEMENTS are permitted, as are synthetic substances that are on the NATIONAL List. These include synthetic vitamins and MINERALS, which are limited to the amount necessary for ADEQUATE nutrition. Slaughter by-products are prohibited for feeding to mammals and poultry, and urea and manure re-feeding is prohibited for all livestock. Synthetic amino acids are not included on the National List, with the exception of a temporary allowance granted for METHIONINE for use in poultry until October 2005.

Natural (nonsynthetic) feed additives and supplements are permitted, as are synthetic substances that are on the National List. These include synthetic vitamins and minerals, which are limited to the amount necessary for adequate nutrition. Slaughter by-products are prohibited for feeding to mammals and poultry, and urea and manure re-feeding is prohibited for all livestock. Synthetic amino acids are not included on the National List, with the exception of a temporary allowance granted for methionine for use in poultry until October 2005.

Most pesticides are prohibited for use in organic production, but a NUMBER are allowed with restrictions. In crop production, pesticides must have active ingredients that are EITHER non-synthetic or on the National List, and all inert ingredients must be non-synthetic or CLASSIFIED as List 4 – (inerts of minimal CONCERN) by the EPA.

Most pesticides are prohibited for use in organic production, but a number are allowed with restrictions. In crop production, pesticides must have active ingredients that are either non-synthetic or on the National List, and all inert ingredients must be non-synthetic or classified as List 4 – (inerts of minimal concern) by the EPA.

Fertilizer LABELING is REGULATED by state laws, most of which define organic in a way that is not compatible with organic STANDARDS. Caution is needed in evaluating fertilizer labeled as organic, as it might include prohibited SYNTHETICS such as urea or sewage sludge.

Fertilizer labeling is regulated by state laws, most of which define organic in a way that is not compatible with organic standards. Caution is needed in evaluating fertilizer labeled as organic, as it might include prohibited synthetics such as urea or sewage sludge.

Farmers are required to document all products applied to crop and soil. ONE must know all of the INGREDIENTS in ORDER to determine whether or not an INPUT complies. Certifiers will review products themselves or RELY on an outside service.

Farmers are required to document all products applied to crop and soil. One must know all of the ingredients in order to determine whether or not an input complies. Certifiers will review products themselves or rely on an outside service.

Farmers need to be aware of the limitations of the National List when it applies to farm inputs. PRODUCERS may only use substances LISTED for crop use on crops.

For example: phosphoric acid is permitted in livestock sanitation, but not as a fertilizer. A MATERIAL listed for a specific use is restricted to that use, i.e. soap is listed for insect control but not disease control. Some materials have specific restrictions, for instance - copper must be USED in a manner that minimizes accumulation in the soil.

Farmers need to be aware of the limitations of the National List when it applies to farm inputs. Producers may only use substances listed for crop use on crops.

For example: phosphoric acid is permitted in livestock sanitation, but not as a fertilizer. A material listed for a specific use is restricted to that use, i.e. soap is listed for insect control but not disease control. Some materials have specific restrictions, for instance - copper must be used in a manner that minimizes accumulation in the soil.

Organic farmers should anticipate production NEEDS and determine the PRACTICES and inputs NEEDED to achieve that production. All fertilizers and pesticides that a farmer intends to use over a season must be included in the farm plan. In all cases, a CERTIFIED farmer should have any products used on the farm are APPROVED by his/her certification agent before the input is used.

Organic farmers should anticipate production needs and determine the practices and inputs needed to achieve that production. All fertilizers and pesticides that a farmer intends to use over a season must be included in the farm plan. In all cases, a certified farmer should have any products used on the farm are approved by his/her certification agent before the input is used.

In most cases, the certification AGENCIES DETERMINE whether or not the use of a given INPUT on an farm complies with organic standards.

In most cases, the certification agencies determine whether or not the use of a given input on an farm complies with organic standards.

The NATIONAL List contains the ALLOWED synthetic and prohibited natural (non-synthetic) SUBSTANCES that are exceptions to the general rule for organic production. It is not a COMPREHENSIVE list of all approved materials, rather it can be described as an “open” list SINCE it contains only.

1. Synthetic materials allowed for use in crop and livestock production.
2. Nonsynthetic (natural) materials prohibited for use in crop and livestock production.

The National List contains the allowed synthetic and prohibited natural (non-synthetic) substances that are exceptions to the general rule for organic production. It is not a comprehensive list of all approved materials, rather it can be described as an “open” list since it contains only.

In GENERAL, the NOP ALLOWS natural (non-synthetic) substances and prohibits synthetic substances, unless they appear on the NATIONAL List.

In general, the NOP allows natural (non-synthetic) substances and prohibits synthetic substances, unless they appear on the National List.

Farmers are required to demonstrate that they use appropriate tillage and cultivation practices without negative IMPACTS on SOIL structure, and MANAGE crop nutrients and fertility using crop rotations, cover corps, and application of ORGANIC materials. There is also a requirement that soil organic matter be maintained or improved in a manner that does not contaminate crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or prohibited materials. The farmer must have a system for monitoring all practices and procedures, as well as records for all farm inputs, harvest products, and storage FACILITIES.

Farmers are required to demonstrate that they use appropriate tillage and cultivation practices without negative impacts on soil structure, and manage crop nutrients and fertility using crop rotations, cover corps, and application of organic materials. There is also a requirement that soil organic matter be maintained or improved in a manner that does not contaminate crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or prohibited materials. The farmer must have a system for monitoring all practices and procedures, as well as records for all farm inputs, harvest products, and storage facilities.

Organic certification requires an Organic Systems Management Plan, also known as an Organic Farm Plan or Organic HANDLING Plan. These documents IDENTIFY who is responsible for the organic operation and describe the management and recordkeeping practices to monitor implementation of that plan. The plan serves as a contract between the operator and the certifier. Most certifiers ASSIST OPERATORS in developing their plan by PROVIDING forms and guidance documents. Organic Systems Management Plans must be updated at least annually in order to maintain certified organic status.

Organic certification requires an Organic Systems Management Plan, also known as an Organic Farm Plan or Organic Handling Plan. These documents identify who is responsible for the organic operation and describe the management and recordkeeping practices to monitor implementation of that plan. The plan serves as a contract between the operator and the certifier. Most certifiers assist operators in developing their plan by providing forms and guidance documents. Organic Systems Management Plans must be updated at least annually in order to maintain certified organic status.

The NOP Rule requires that organically produced and handled seeds be planted when such seed is commercially available for the variety. Annual transplants must always be organically GROWN unless the Secretary of Agriculture in response to a natural disaster or other major interruption issues a temporary variance. All seed used in ORGANIC PRODUCTION must be untreated, or treated only with SUBSTANCES (such as MICROBIAL products) that are on the National List. Farmers are required to use certified organic seed when it is commercially available. Commercial availability is based on ability to obtain the seed in an appropriate form, quality, or quantity, as reviewed by the certification agent.

The NOP Rule requires that organically produced and handled seeds be planted when such seed is commercially available for the variety. Annual transplants must always be organically grown unless the Secretary of Agriculture in response to a natural disaster or other major interruption issues a temporary variance. All seed used in organic production must be untreated, or treated only with substances (such as microbial products) that are on the National List. Farmers are required to use certified organic seed when it is commercially available. Commercial availability is based on ability to obtain the seed in an appropriate form, quality, or quantity, as reviewed by the certification agent.

The operator obtains and reads the National Organic Standards, and conducts a self-assessment to see if the operation meets these requirements in terms of land history, PRODUCTION PRACTICES, materials USED and recordkeeping procedures. In MANY cases, some practices and systems need to be MODIFIED to comply. Once an operation complies, the operator then selects an accredited certifier, submits an application, gets inspected, meets any conditions identified by the certifier, and obtains a certificate.

The operator obtains and reads the National Organic Standards, and conducts a self-assessment to see if the operation meets these requirements in terms of land history, production practices, materials used and recordkeeping procedures. In many cases, some practices and systems need to be modified to comply. Once an operation complies, the operator then selects an accredited certifier, submits an application, gets inspected, meets any conditions identified by the certifier, and obtains a certificate.

All U.S. states and USDA-accredited certifiers accept certifications issued by USDA accredited or recognized CERTIFICATION programs. Foreign governments and INTERNATIONAL certification bodies have similar organic standards but may insist on additional certification to confirm operators who EXPORT organic PRODUCTS meet their standards. Some U.S. certifiers offer this additional service.

All U.S. states and USDA-accredited certifiers accept certifications issued by USDA accredited or recognized certification programs. Foreign governments and international certification bodies have similar organic standards but may insist on additional certification to confirm operators who export organic products meet their standards. Some U.S. certifiers offer this additional service.

Each certification body is required to establish and publish FEE schedules that are applied fairly to all APPLICANTS. Fees vary CONSIDERABLY from agency to agency, and depend on the size and type of organic operation to be certified. Some state DEPARTMENTS of agriculture are offering a significant reimbursement under a federal cost-share PROGRAM.

Each certification body is required to establish and publish fee schedules that are applied fairly to all applicants. Fees vary considerably from agency to agency, and depend on the size and type of organic operation to be certified. Some state departments of agriculture are offering a significant reimbursement under a federal cost-share program.

Certified organic means that the food has been grown and handled according to the National Organic Program Standards and inspected by independent STATE or private organizations. Periodic unannounced INSPECTIONS are also conducted. Certification includes annual INSPECTION of all farm fields and facilities, farm activity records, plus periodic TESTING of soil, water and produce to ensure that growers and processors meet National Organic Standards.

Certified organic means that the food has been grown and handled according to the National Organic Program Standards and inspected by independent state or private organizations. Periodic unannounced inspections are also conducted. Certification includes annual inspection of all farm fields and facilities, farm activity records, plus periodic testing of soil, water and produce to ensure that growers and processors meet National Organic Standards.

YES. Livestock operations MAY CONVERT animals with the land on which they are PASTURED.

Yes. Livestock operations may convert animals with the land on which they are pastured.

Poultry MUST be MANAGED ORGANICALLY from the SECOND day of life.

Poultry must be managed organically from the second day of life.

Slaughter animals can come from any BREEDING STOCK that has been ORGANICALLY managed from the LAST third of gestation.

Slaughter animals can come from any breeding stock that has been organically managed from the last third of gestation.

A farm can be converted field by field. However, to be certified, a field must have DISTINCT, defined boundaries and buffer zones to PROTECT it from runoff and unintended CONTAMINATION from adjoining land. The farm also needs to have FACILITIES and record keeping in place to ensure and document that organic and non-organic crops are not commingled.

A farm can be converted field by field. However, to be certified, a field must have distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zones to protect it from runoff and unintended contamination from adjoining land. The farm also needs to have facilities and record keeping in place to ensure and document that organic and non-organic crops are not commingled.

In order to be ELIGIBLE for organic certification, LAND must have had no prohibited materials applied to it for THREE years immediately preceding harvest.

In order to be eligible for organic certification, land must have had no prohibited materials applied to it for three years immediately preceding harvest.

The USDA ACCREDITS state, PRIVATE and international agencies to CERTIFY agricultural products and FOOD as organic under the NOP.

The USDA accredits state, private and international agencies to certify agricultural products and food as organic under the NOP.

The National Organic Program (NOP) consists of the regulations and regulatory agents to establish and PROTECT the standards for agricultural products labeled as ‘organic.’ These standards are known as the National Organic Standards. Congress authorized the USDA to establish the NOP by the Organic Food Production Act of 1990. All organic food label claims MADE in the United States must now be backed by valid certification according to the NOP RULE.

The National Organic Program (NOP) consists of the regulations and regulatory agents to establish and protect the standards for agricultural products labeled as ‘organic.’ These standards are known as the National Organic Standards. Congress authorized the USDA to establish the NOP by the Organic Food Production Act of 1990. All organic food label claims made in the United States must now be backed by valid certification according to the NOP Rule.

All organic ANIMALS are required to have ACCESS to the outdoors and exercise areas, and must be provided with healthy LIVING conditions. Ruminants are ALSO required to have access to pasture.

All organic animals are required to have access to the outdoors and exercise areas, and must be provided with healthy living conditions. Ruminants are also required to have access to pasture.

Organic LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS rely on cultural practices to MINIMIZE PARASITE infestations. Synthetic parasiticides may be used only if they are on the National List and are prohibited for use in slaughter stock.

Organic livestock producers rely on cultural practices to minimize parasite infestations. Synthetic parasiticides may be used only if they are on the National List and are prohibited for use in slaughter stock.

Livestock health care must be based on PREVENTIVE PRACTICES, such as BALANCED nutrition from organic feed, stress reduction, and preventive practices. Medications on the NATIONAL List may be used only when necessary, and may not be administered in the absence of illness. Antibiotics are not permitted and products from animals treated with any prohibited MEDICATION must be diverted from organic marketing channels.

Livestock health care must be based on preventive practices, such as balanced nutrition from organic feed, stress reduction, and preventive practices. Medications on the National List may be used only when necessary, and may not be administered in the absence of illness. Antibiotics are not permitted and products from animals treated with any prohibited medication must be diverted from organic marketing channels.

All AGRICULTURAL products provided in the feed RATION must be ORGANIC, with a limited AMOUNT of supplementation and additives. Ruminant livestock must have a significant portion of their feed needs met by pasture.

All agricultural products provided in the feed ration must be organic, with a limited amount of supplementation and additives. Ruminant livestock must have a significant portion of their feed needs met by pasture.

There are TWO means of converting dairy animals to organic PRODUCTION:

1. Animals from CONVENTIONAL sources MUST be maintained under organic management for 12 months prior to sale of any products as organic. Replacement animals may be added to the herd after a similar 12-month conversion period.
2. If an entire, distinct herd is converted, a one-time allowance is granted to permit feeding of up to 20% non-organic feed for the first 9 months, followed by 100% organic feed for THREE months. If this type of conversion is made, all replacement animals must be managed organically from the last third of gestation.

There are two means of converting dairy animals to organic production: