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Sustainable Small Farming and Ranching
Overview of Organic Production Principles and Practices
Introduction to “Organics”
Brief history and current status of organic production in Idaho and US
Overview of organic principles that guide farmer production decisions.
Introduction to organic practices and “tools.”
Introduction to Organics
The term “organic gardening” is of fairly recent origin.
Early history of the word and the “movement” is important to look at to understand the complexities of the modern day issues related to organic agriculture.
The National Organic Standards Board defines organic as:
“ an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.”
Growth of Organic Industry in the U.S.
Acreage of major crops increasing
Consumer demand continues to grow
Organic sales in 2001 reached 9 billion dollars
Growth in Idaho Organic production 1990 - 2001
Number of Producers
Number of Acres
Gross organic sales
1990 11 757 $695,000
2001 132 106,058 $5,503,000
Introduction to Organics
The production and marketing of organic foods is now subject to federal regulation.
Use of the term “ORGANIC” is controlled, vs. ‘natural’, ‘pesticide free’ or other marketing terms used by growers.
Growers must have an “organic plan” for their farm.
USDA’s Role
Accredit certifying agents
Compliance and enforcement
Publicize new and amended
regulations
Perform equivalence
determinations
Approve State organic programs
Certification Basics
Organic systems plan Crops: build soil fertility, use few synthetics,
minimize pollution Livestock: origin, feed, healthcare, living
conditions Handling/processing: pest management,
prevent co-mingling An example of a farm management plan
similar to the Whole Farm Plan we are doing for class.
Certification Basics Use only approved substances/practices
No genetic engineering, irradiation, sewage sludge
National List: all naturals allowed & all synthetics prohibited except for what’s on the NL
Mandatory verification through inspections Initial site inspection Annual site inspection As many as needed to determine compliance
Certification costs
Registration cost is annual
Based on whether you are “certified” organic or a registered “organic” grower making less than $5000 in gross sales
Currently there are federal cost-share programs to help with certification expenses.
The cost for mandatory inspections will depend on inspectors time and mileage and any lab fees.
Transitioning to Organics
Three year period to verify no chemicals used on property
A whole new world of management, production, marketing and regulatory skills may be required!
Yields of field crops may decline until the ecological system balances out (and when the farm manager masters the organic management approach).
Principles of Organic Production
Biodiversity Diversification and Integration
of Enterprises Sustainability Natural Plant Nutrition Natural Pest Management Integrity
Biodiversity
Promotes higher level of stability in ecological systems.
Supports beneficial organisms
Diversification and Integration of Enterprises
Combining enterprises to get more efficient use of resources.
Also reduce risk; higher level of economic stability
Sustainability
Environmental protection of resources:
Reduced erosion by conservation tillage
Limiting non-renewable energy consumption:instead using biodiesel fuels, draft horses, solar and wind power, etc.
Following practices that promote agricultural sustainability:
Natural Plant Nutrition
Crop nutrition from nourished organisms that are responsible for biological, structural & mineral processes in the soil.
Accomplished by: Avoidance of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides,
and excessive tillage Supplementing organic matter and rock
minerals
Natural Pest Management
View of problems due to insects, diseases and weeds as indicators of ecological imbalances.
Not tending to eradicate but reduce damage to economic acceptable levels.
Integrity
Organic certification provides guarantee about production methods to a customer
Process requires maintaining records of production practices
Also requires monitoring of progress to increase efficiency and adherence to laws
Some Tools and Practices
Planned Crop Rotation
Green Manures and Cover Crops
Some Tools and Practices:uses of cover crops
Click on image to start video
Tools and Practices continued…
Adding Manure and Compost
Intercropping and Companion Planting Click on image to start video
Tools and Practices continued…
Click on image to start video
Tools and Practices continued…
Biological Pest Control
Bio-rational Pesticides
Tools and Practices
Buffers and Barriers
Sanitation
Mulching
Click on image to start video
Tools and Practices continued…
Tillage & Cultivation
Click on image to start video
Tools and Practices continued…
Tillage & Cultivation
Click on image to start video
Other Tools and Practices
Burning
Record-keeping
Marketing is an important part of organic production success
For more information on Organic Production
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
http://www.agri.id.us National Organic Program
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/
Summing Up
Organic industry is growing! Principles guide organic production
decisions Numerous tools and practices that can
be employed to meet principles Specific National Organic standards
must be followed in order to receive organic “certification.”
Credits
Presentation developed by Cultivating Success
TM: Sustainable Small Farms Education. Photos provided by Cultivating Success team, unless otherwise noted.
Video segments taken from:“Weed ‘Em and Reap, Part 1: Tools for Non-Chemical Weed
Management in Vegetable Cropping Systems.” Produced by Alex Stone, Oregon State University, Department of Horticulture. Copywrite 2005, Oregon State University.
“Weed ‘Em and Reap, Part 2: Reduced Tillage Strategies for Vegetable Cropping Systems.” Produced by Alex Stone, Oregon State University, Department of Horticulture. Copywrite 2005, Oregon State University.