1. Organic Poultry certification • “Keeping the Family on the Farm” • by • Ib Hagsten, Ph.D., CAC • Independent Organic Inspector

2. Let’s talk about organic poultry production certification

3. Organic Integrity • The organic inspector’s role on the farm -- on behalf of the NOP (National Organic Program) -- is to “be the eyes and ears on the farm” verifying the wonderful management activities the producer diligently performs and the areas where he/she needs to further implement the standards. • Maintaining and documenting the organic integrity every step of the way is what the NOP program assures the consuming public.

4. §205.236 Origin of Poultry • The poultry or edible products under continuous organic management starting with day-old chicks • Producer must maintain records to preserve identity of all certified organically-managed animals or birds and their eggs & of edible meat products produced

5. §205.237 Livestock Feed • Provide ration of organically produced & handled feed • Do not use drugs, hormones, poultry by-products ... nor unapproved feed additives or supplements ...

6. §205.238 Livestock Health (1) • Select species suitable for site-specific conditions and with resistance to prevalent diseases and parasites • Provide feed to meet nutritional needs • Establish appropriate housing/pasture • Provide sanitation to minimize spread of diseases & parasites • Maintain bio-security measures

7. §205.238 Livestock Health (2) • Provide conditions that allow exercise, freedom of movement, and reduction of stress • Administer appropriate vaccines

8. §205.238 Livestock Health (3) • When preventative practices do not prevent sickness, producer may administer synthetic medication • Producer must NOT withhold medical treatment from a sick bird in effort to preserve its organic status • Birds treated with prohibited substances MUST be clearly identified & NOT sold as organic

9. §205.239 Living Conditions (1) • Accommodate health & natural bird behavior • Suitable for stage of production, climate, environment • Without the birds being able to reach treated lumber

10. §205.239 Living Conditions (2) • Access to: • Outdoors • Shelter &/or shade • Exercise area • Fresh air • Fresh water

11. §205.271 Pest Management • Remove pest habitat, food source & breeding areas • Manage temperature, light, humidity & air circulation to prevent pest production • Pests may be controlled thru mechanical, physical control, or by repellants on NOP list

12. §205.306 Labeling of Feeds • Use feeds carrying USDA/NOP seal including “Certified Organic by ...” • Make sure you receive organic feed

13. §205.272 Re: Commingling • Producer must implement measures to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic products

14. §205.400 Certification Requirements (1) • Comply with NOP organic production and/or handling regulations • Establish, implement, update annually an organic production/handling system plan & submit it to an organic accredited certifying agent • Undergo an on-site inspection prior to starting birds & annually thereafter

15. §205.400 Certification Requirements (2) • Permit on-site inspections with complete access to the operation, including non-certified production areas • Maintain all records applicable for not less than 5 years • Submit applicable fees charged by certifying agent • Immediately notify the certifying agent of any application or drift of prohibited substances on field, facility, or birds

16. §205.401 Application for Certification • Applicant must submit an application for certification to the certifying agent ... • Obtain specific form(s) from your selected certifier

17. One final differentiation ... • Why organic vs. natural? • “Natural” refers to a set of conditions with “back-to-nature” and limited chemical input preferences • Organic means adherence to a national uniform set of standards for ecologically-friendly, chemical-free, management-intensive agricultural production, where every stage of the production/handling is inspected by certified inspectors working on behalf of USDA/NOP accredited certifying agents

18. Thank you