Starting Draft - National Sustainable Agriculture Coalitionsustainableagriculture.net/.../2014/10/NRCS-Guidebook-Sept-2014-… · Web viewDRAFT ORGANIC GUIDEBOOK . A. Overview of

DRAFT ORGANIC GUIDEBOOK

A. Overview of Organic and Sustainable Agriculture

A-1. Organic and Sustainable Farming System Principles

Organic farming systems reflect several fundamental principles that early innovators established through careful observation of soils, crops, livestock, and life processes in natural and agricultural systems. Practitioners have refined, updated, and expressed these principles in different ways over the past 75 years, yet the foundational principles of organic agriculture remain relatively constant (Schonbeck, 2014). In addition to over 10,000 USDA certified organic farmers, many other US producers implement “sustainable,” “ecological,” “biological,” or “natural” methods derived from these same principles, which are summarize below.

Protect the health of the soil and other natural resources

Throughout the history of organic farming, practitioners and researchers have emphasized healthy, living, nutritionally balanced soil as the foundation of crop, livestock, and human health, and of sustainable and successful farming (Howard, 1947). To maintain healthy soil, organic farmers must prevent erosion, feed and protect the soil life, and replenish organic matter as well as plant nutrients. They adopt diverse crop rotations to balance nutrient demands on the soil, avoid high-salt fertilizers to protect earthworms and other soil life, and control erosion by maintaining good tilth (aggregation), planting cover crops, and other conservation measures. Since about 1980, research findings on the benefits of an active and diverse soil food web (soil bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, etc) have refined this principle and established its importance throughout modern agriculture.

Early leaders of the organic farming movement emphasized that, over the long term, successful farming depends on the health of all natural resources on the farm and in its surroundings . All farming inevitably alters the natural condition of soil and other resources within production areas to some degree, often with some decrease in biodiversity. Pioneers of organic methods understood the inherent risk in such alterations, and the farmer’s responsibility to minimize that risk and sustain biodiversity as best they can. Organic farmers strive to conserve water in crop and livestock production, and to protect streams, lakes, groundwater, wildlife, native plant communities, and other resources from negative impacts of agricultural inputs and practices. Crop, livestock, and pest management practices emphasize benign natural methods and materials that do not harm non-target organisms or upset ecological balance.

From the beginnings of organic agriculture, producers have considered the farm within its wider ecological context. Experienced practitioners understand, care for, and utilize the uncultivated natural areas on their land as essential components of the farming system. For example, healthy riparian zones protect water quality and aquatic habitat; and forest edges and field borders provide habitat for beneficial insects, insectivorous songbirds, raptors, reptiles, and other pest predators, as well as

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is an updated A-1 section, most of it written July 19, with a few brief paragraphss added August 27 in response to Cheryl’s excellent July 21 comments and suggestions. MS 8/27/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

I agree with Cheryl that biodiversity is a key part of this discussion, as did the early organic pioneers – so I added this aspect to the text here. MS 8/27/14

Simmons, Cheryl - NRCS, Fort Worth, TX, 09/15/14,

I think this is a critical point and appreciate its inclusion. There may be some here that overstates when relating to all organic producers, but generally think the addition of biodiversity and other concepts are key. (Cheryl Simmons 7/21/14)


An overall note; most farmers whether organic or not, believe in doing the same things as listed here. In working with organic producers, resource issues and concerns remain generally the same, i.e., water quality is a concern. We can visit more on this but think the wording here works, just need to keep in mind that not all production systems necessarily addresses all resource concerns. And, of course, that is why NRCS is still in business. (Cheryl Simmons 7/21/14) Mark replies – yes, this is now widely embraced throughout mainstream agriculture and can be imperfectly implemented by conventional,organic, and other producers alike – which is why NRCS is still needed. However, the point here is that it was emphasized early on in the organic movement when conventional ag still thought that the new “artificial manures” (soluble fertilizers) were THE farming breakthrough of the century, and was not cognizant of the importance of soil life and organic matter. (Mark Schonbeck 8/27/14)

Jo Ann Baumgartner, 09/15/14,

This seems low. I thought the NOP said at the last NOSB meeting that there are 18,000 organic operators. It would be good to check.

windbreaks, shade, and browse for livestock. Thus, organic and sustainable farmers value biodiversity and seek to provide and protect habitat for wildlife and native plants as well as pollinators and other organisms that directly support production.

Simulate nature in farming practices

Organic producers strive to develop farming systems that mimic nature, and to utilize natural processes and materials to provide for crop and livestock nutrition, manage pests and weeds, and attain production goals, while conserving the biological diversity on which their farm depends.

Crop nutrition and nutrient managementLiving plants in a natural ecosystem such as a forest or prairie derive essential nutrients from the

breakdown of plant and animal residues that fall on the ground. As soil organisms consume (decompose) plant litter, dung, and the remains of dead organisms, they release plant-available nutrients to support the next season’s new growth. They also convert the fresh residues into soil organic matter (humus), thereby enhancing soil quality.

Based on this natural cycle, Sir Albert Howard (1947), Ehrenfried Pfeiffer (1938) and other early innovators taught producers to replenish soil organic matter as well as NPK and other nutrients by returning manure, crop residues and other farm-generated organic “wastes” to the soil. These practices demonstrably restored soil fertility and crop yields. Howard called the underlying principle the Law of Return. Other have expressed this principle as, “feed the soil, and let the soil feed the crop,” because a healthy, living soil that receives a sufficient return of organic materials can meet most of a crop’s nutrient requirements through the activity of soil life.

When crops need additional nutrients, organic producers choose plant, animal, and natural-mineral based fertilizers, most of which release nutrients gradually through the action of soil organisms. They avoid synthetic NPK fertilizers that bypass the soil life to feed the crop directly and can cause salt injury to soil organisms, deplete soil organic matter, pollute water, fail to provide micronutrients, and thereby reduce crop resistance to pests and other stresses.

Standard soil tests (crop nutrients, pH, cation exchange capacity, total organic matter) can help organic as well as conventional producers with nutrient management, but they give limited information on the biological health of the soil. In recent years, researchers have developed soil biology tests (e.g., soil food web analysis, mineralizable N) and protocols for field evaluation of overall soil health (e.g., Cornell University Soil Health Assessment) that can provide more information on how well the soil life is functioning in relation to soil health and crop nutrition.

Pest and disease managementInsects, rodents, deer, and other herbivorous (plant-eating) organisms feed on natural vegetation;

however, predators from lady beetles, songbirds, and raptors to foxes and mountain lions feed on the herbivores, and thus limit damage to the plant community. Forest trees and other native plants can fall prey to pathogenic (disease-causing) fungi and other micro-organisms, but most soil micro-organisms play important roles in plant vigor, including disease prevention. The web of relationships among diverse organisms in a healthy, mature forest or prairie creates a “balance of nature” that prevents a particular herbivore, predator, or pathogen from wiping out other species. In addition, nature rarely creates plant monocultures that would be vulnerable to a single insect or pathogen.

Organic and sustainable farmers simulate and utilize these natural checks and balances to limit crop damage from pests, weeds, and diseases. Practitioners establish beneficial habitat plantings to harbor predators and parasitoids of crop pests; erect bat houses, raptor perches, and other establish wildlife

Owner, 09/15/14,

New paragraph added today to address soil biology versus soil chemistry (standard soil test) analysis. MS 8/27/14.


If not here, later it may be good to have a discussion of the mineralized soil test vs mineralized and new soil test that include more organic and soil health information, i..e, soil health food web soil test (Cheryl Simmons 7/21/14) I added it briefly here (4th paragraph under this subheading), since the balance of the Guidebook focuses on resource concerns and conservation activities, not soil testing. MS 8/27/14.


Not sure where this would go, but Rodale’s invention/reinvention of the roller crimper is truly now making this possible. Tillage is always a difficult practice when trying to align with more natural processes. (Cheryl Simmons 7/21/14) See new paragraph below addressed to tillage. MS 8/27/14

corridorshabitat for movement of larger predators; build soil quality to protect crop roots from plant and human pathogens; diversify crop rotations to disrupt pest and pathogen life cycles; and plant cover crops to suppress weeds. When pest problems occur, producers release natural enemies of the target pest, and use sanitation, cultural controls, physical barriers, and repellents. Many consider NOP-allowed pesticides as a last resort, as all pesticides can harm beneficial insects and reduce system biodiversity and stability.

Resource cyclingNutrients, soil, and organic materials may enter and leave a natural ecosystem via wind, water, or

other agents, but the amounts of materials recycled each year within the ecosystem far exceeds annual inputs and losses. Recognizing the contrast between the efficiency of nature and the wasteful and damaging losses of water, nutrients, and soil from the “modern” farming systems of their time, Lady Eve Balfour and other mid-20th Century leaders of the organic movement promoted cycling of resources within the farm, and minimum dependence on off-farm inputs. Sustainable and organic producers use crop rotations that include cover crops and a mix of deep and shallow rooted crops to optimize nutrient and water utilization and cycling within the soil profile. Practices that increase soil organic matter and structure, and hence water and nutrient retention, further improve resource cycling and reduce dependence on off-farm inputs.

Conserving biodiversity Features and functions of natural ecosystems are mimicked. In cropping systems that have replaced prairies and grasslands, sustainable and organic field edges contain sequentially flowering forbs similar to or from these plant communities, thereby supporting pollinators and other beneficial organisms. Farmlands that once were savannas, now have trees and snags interspersed through the fields to mimic the nesting and roosting habitat values that were present historically. Crop fields that replaced upland shrublands and woodlands now have hedge and tree rows of varied species, mimicking structural biodiversity above and below ground. Formerly wide riparian areas that filtered runoff from upland habitats occasionally disturbed (ex. slides and fires), are now croplands and pastures with a suite of restored riparian grasses and trees doing double duty to protect water quality. Where once there were continuous un-fragmented lands, now there are wildlife corridors and wildlife friendly fences to simulate connectivity and support wide-ranging predators and other animals on the move.

Tillage and weed managementThe need to manage weeds and cover crops in annual crop production has always posed a

particularly tough challenge to the organic farming principle of simulating nature, in which burrowing animals cause nowhere near the soil disturbance that tillage and cultivation entail. Recent advances in organic no-till and conservation-tillage systems, such as the roller-crimpers developed by Rodale Institute and other research teams, have helped organic producers reduce the intensity of soil disturbance in annual crop rotations. In addition, subsoiling cover crops such as the tillage radish, sorghum-sudangrass hybrids, and sweetclovers allow producers to accomplish biologically what has traditionally been done with subsoilers and other deep tillage implements.

Enterprise diversity and crop-livestock integrationFinally, the diversity and stability of most natural ecosystems provides a model for the farm as a

whole system. Very few natural ecosystems include only plants and no animals, and virtually none have animals only. Taking the lead from this simple fact of nature, Dr. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer (1938) and other early innovators urged farmers to include both crops and farm animals in order to build a whole and balanced farming system. Crop-livestock integration promotes within-farm cycling of resources

Owner, 09/15/14,

New text added in response to Cheryl’s comment above regarding tillage. MS 8/27/14

especially nutrients, thereby helping to avoid the nutrient pollution risks of large livestock-only operations, and the nutrient depletion risks of crop-only farms.

Develop an integrated, site-specific farming system

No two farms are exactly alike or need the exact same set of practices to succeed. The organic farmer seeks to understand and manage her/his farm as a unique living system, considering soil texture, mineralogy and condition; slope, aspect, and topography; climate and microclimate; surface and ground water resources; natural areas, wildlife, native plants, and other resources; crops and livestock to be produced; and the farmer’s production and marketing goals. Based on this understanding, the producer integrates multiple tactics for a particular objective; for example, weeds might be managed through a combination of crop rotation, cover cropping, optimum planting dates for all crops, in-row drip irrigation, and timely cultivation or flaming. Organic farmers also favor practices with multiple functions, such as a cover crop mixture designed to prevent soil erosion, add organic matter, fix nitrogen, improve phosphorus availability, disrupt pest life cycles, host beneficial insects, and suppress weeds.

Provide natural animal health care and humane living conditions

Caring for the well-being of farm animals is another core principle of organic farming systems. Organic producers strive to treat animals humanely, ensure that each species can express its natural behaviors, avoid crowding and other sources of unnecessary suffering, and provide adequate clean water, food, shelter, room, fresh air, and access to the outdoors. They rely on cultural practices rather than routine medication for health care whenever practical. Advanced pasture-based systems such as management-intensive rotational grazing, multispecies grazing, and silvopasture contribute to animal well-being and pasture quality, while protecting water and other resources.

In order to raise organic livestock and poultry successfully, producers select breeds that are well adapted to local conditions, pasture based systems, and minimal use of medication. Some producers breed and select animals on the farm or ranch to optimize adaptation and health, and sometimes to conserve and restore rare breeds that may be especially adapted to certain regions or have superior traits for organic or pasture-based systems.

Choose crops, varieties, and seed sources that are well suited to local conditions and organic production systems.

Selection of crop varieties and crop seed for organic production reflects the organic principles of working with nature: plant what will grow well locally in an organic system. Organic farmers seek out and plant varieties that tolerate locally-prevalent pests and diseases with minimum intervention, and that perform well in the farm’s climate and soils. Many prefer locally or regionally produced seed, which may show enhanced adaptation to local conditions.

Many organic and sustainable farmers favor open-pollinated varieties that breed true. Some select and save their own seed, conduct variety trials, or participate in breeding efforts to identify and develop varieties that perform best on their farms while meeting market criteria. For this purpose, organic producers need access to non-patented, publically held varieties and breeding lines in order to save and select seed without raising intellectual property issues.

When feasible, organic farmers use crop seed that has been organically produced.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Added today to address Cheryl/s point about non-patented seed sources. MS 8/27/14.


Similarly, a discussion on maintaining non-patented seed sources (in appropriate terms) may be good. (Cheryl Simmons 7/21/14)

Owner, 09/15/14,

Added today to address the above suggestion. Also added The Livestock Conservancy to resources below. MS 8/27/14.


If appropriate, it would be great to include some information on rare breeds and why they are important to include/maintain in a farming system. (Cheryl Simmons 7.21.14)

Use materials appropriate for organic production

As public demand for organic food began to grow during the latter half of the 20 th Century, numerous organic certification programs developed definitions and standards for organic production. Despite differences in detail, these programs shared a common theme: organic farming methods allowed the use of most natural fertilizers and crop protection materials, and excluded most or all synthetic substances. Public focus on this aspect of “organic” led to a narrow concept of organic food as simply “pesticide-free,” with limited understanding of broader principles of sustainability. In the words of well-known American author and sustainable farming advocate Wendell Berry (1981),

An organic farm, properly speaking, is not one that uses certain methods and substances and avoids others; it is a farm whose structure is formed in imitation of the structure of a natural system that has the integrity, the independence and the benign dependence of an organism.

In 2002, USDA launched the National Organic Program (NOP), which sets national standards for organic production and organic certification. In addition to lists of allowed and prohibited materials, the NOP standards codify many of the organic and sustainable farming principles outlined above.

Resources

Alternative Farming Information Center of the National Agricultural Library provides information on organic and sustainable farming systems. http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/organic-production

Balfour, Lady Eve. 1948. The Living Soil. London: Faber & Faber. Currently out of print; available on-line through the Agricultural Library of the Soil and Health Library at http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01principles.html.

Balfour, Lady Eve. 1977. Toward a Sustainable Agriculture: the Living Soil. A talk about the Haughley Experiment, given by Lady Balfour at an IFOAM conference in Switzerland, 1977. http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01aglibwelcome.html.

Berry, Wendell. 1981. The Gift of Good Land: Further Essays Cultural and Agricultural. San Francisco: North Point, 1981

Howard, Sir Albert. 1947. The Soil and Health: a Study of Organic Agriculture. Republished with a foreword by Wendell Berry in 2006, University Press of Kentucky, 307 pp.

International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM) explores organic farming principles in greater depth, organizing them under four overarching concepts: health, ecology, fairness, and care. View summary on IFOAM web site http://www.ifoam.org/en/organic-landmarks/principles-organic-agriculture, or Northeast Organic Farming Association web site http://www.nofa.org.

The Livestock Conservancy (formerly American Livestock Breeds Conservancy) maintains a network of breeders conserving and restoring rare breeds, many with traits valuable for organic, sustainable, and pasture-based production systems. http://www.livestockconservancy.org/.

Owner, 09/15/14,

I included this (from the Guidebook draft circulated by Ben Bowell on August 25), and deleted the Wikipedia reference, which I no longer believe to be necessary or all that useful. MS 8/27/14.

http://www.livestockconservancy.org/

http://www.nofa.org/

http://www.ifoam.org/en/organic-landmarks/principles-organic-agriculture

http://www.ifoam.org/en/organic-landmarks/principles-organic-agriculture

http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01aglibwelcome.html

http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01principles.html

http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/organic-production

Pfeiffer, Ehrenfried. 1938. Bio-dynamic Farming and Gardening. Anthroposophic Press, New York, NY. 240 pp.

Schonbeck, Mark W. 2014. A Brief History and Philosophy of Organic Farming. Handout (2 pp) originally developed and used for SARE PDP agricultural professional trainings offered by Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, 2011 – 2013; revised June 2014.

A-2 National Organic Program (NOP)

The Organic Industry, Organic Certification, and Establishment of the National Organic Program

When synthetic fertilizers and pesticides first came into wide use in agriculture during the early to mid-20th Century, concerns arose about adverse effects of these new materials on soil health and on the nutritional quality of farm products. Several pioneers of sustainable agriculture, including Sir Albert Howard(1947), Ehrenfried Pfeiffer(1938), and Lady Eve Balfour (1948, 1977) and Jerome I. Rodale developed organic farming systems to address these concerns and to restore soil life and soil fertility, seed quality, crop vigor, and livestock health.

During the 1960s and 1970s, growing farmer and public interest in resource-friendly agriculture and organic food free from chemical residues launched a transformation of a small organic farming movement into today’s organic farming industry. According to the 2008 USDA Organic Production Survey, 10,903 USDA Certified Organic farms and 3,637 exempt organic farms (annual gross sales <$5,000) managed 4.1 million acres and generated $3.16 billion in annual gross sales. In that survey, 37% of organic farmers planned to increase organic production; 41% planned to maintain current levels, only 8% planned to reduce or discontinue organic production, and 14% were undecided.

From its beginnings, organic agriculture has emphasized the health of the soil and soil life, and avoided or severely limited the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in order to protect soil, water, wildlife and other non-target organisms, biodiversity, and animal and human health. Consumer demand for assurances regarding products marketed as “organic” led to the establishment of the nation’s first organic certification programs, beginning with the founding of California Certified Organic Farmers in 1973. Various programs administered by private non-profit organizations and state departments of agriculture developed rules or standards for organic production and handling.

Although certification programs shared a common theme of allowing natural materials and methods, and largely excluding synthetics, differences among programs caused confusion for producers and consumers. A widely recognized need for a consistent nationwide definition and standards for organic agriculture led to the establishment of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).

Organic Food Production Act of 1990

Part of the 1990 Farm Bill, the Organic Food Production Act created the NOP within the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. After considerable public input, the USDA published a final rule in December 2000; the rule went into effect in April 21, 2001 and was fully implemented in October 2002

Owner, 09/15/14,

I moved this here from section A3 because it pertains more to the growth of the organic sector than to conservation per se. MS 9/9/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Following is the latest draft of this section I have – drafted July 20, I believe it is an improvement over the review draft I sent in late June and appeared in Ben’s Aug 25 compilation of the Guidebook. I reorganized a few sections (e.g., combined wild crop with other crop standards, and tried to be less heavy-handed in my editing of Ben’s good work on this section) Mark Schonbeck 7/20/14 and 8/28/14

after a waiting period to allow time for producers to comply with the new regulations. The final regulations reflect a significant consumer demand to prohibit the use of irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetically modified organisms in organic production; and prohibit the use of antibiotics in organic meat and poultry. Since October 2002, the word “organic” is regulated and all agricultural products labeled "organic" must be in compliance with NOP regulations; operations that sell $5,000 or more in gross sales of organic products must be certified.1

NOP Organic Production Requirements and Resource Conservation

Organic producers and conservation professionals share a commitment to resource protection and environmental stewardship. NOP Regulations and NRCS program implementation guidelines reflect these commonly shared principles. The following excerpts from the NOP Organic Production and Handling Requirements (Part 205 subpart C of the Code of Federal Regulations) highlight those NOP Standards that:

state NOP requirements for resource conservation, directly address or indirectly impact NRCS Resource Considerations, or regulate or inform implementation of NRCS conservation activities on organic operations

All citations are direct quotes from National Organic Program, Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations, except for text in [brackets], which is paraphrased or abbreviated. Information on related Resource Considerations and other aspects of NRCS work are summarized in italics.

The full National Organic Program (NOP) Final Rule (Part 205 of the Code of Federal Regulations can be viewed at: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=3f34f4c22f9aa8e6d9864cc2683cea02&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title07/7cfr205_main_02.tpl

NATURAL RESOURCES AND BIODIVERSITY

1 Organic Trade Association. “US Organic Standards” http://ota.com/organic/us_standards.html

Owner, 09/15/14,

Perhaps insert a hyperlink with a simple word or phrase like “here” or “on the NOP web site” Or simply include this in the Resources section for this chapter of the guidebook, or in a footnote (as Ben did in his draft). MS 6/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

I am using the term “Considerations” for RCs – if others believe that the term “Concerns” is more appropriate in the context of this Guidebook, feel free to change it throughout. MS 9/9/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

In earlier drafts, this point was made quite late in the Guidebook – at the beginning of C6 Conservation Practices (page 44). It seems more like an overarching statement to make early on, so I moved it here, with somewhat different wording. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

A more descriptive but long-winded heading might be “NOP Regulations in Relationship to Resource Conservation” or “NOP Regulations Related to Resource Conservation.” Choose whatever seems best to the team. Or, since in this draft I am proposing the elimination of the part ofA3 that discusses “resource concerns” or “resource considerations,” you might want this heading to mention RCs specifically Mark Schonbeck (MS 9/9/14

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=3f34f4c22f9aa8e6d9864cc2683cea02&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title07/7cfr205_main_02.tpl

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=3f34f4c22f9aa8e6d9864cc2683cea02&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title07/7cfr205_main_02.tpl

http://ota.com/organic/us_standards.html

From NOP §205.200 General:

Production practices implemented in accordance with [NOP production standards] must maintain or improve the natural resources of the operation, including soil and water quality.

From NOP §205.2 Terms Defined:

Natural resources of the operation. The physical, hydrological, and biological features of a production operation, including soil, water, wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife.

Organic production. A production system that is managed in accordance with [NOP Regulations] to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

From the Preamble to the NOP Final Rule:

[A] producer must conserve biodiversity on his or her operation. The use of ‘conserve’ establishes that the producer must initiate practices to support biodiversity and avoid, to the extent practicable, any activities that would diminish it.

Expanded NOP Definition of Biodiversity, proposed in 2009 by NOSB:

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the diversity of life existing at three levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem. [Biodiversity] includes variety in all forms of life, from bacteria and fungi to grasses, ferns, trees, insects, and mammals. It encompasses the diversity found at all levels of organization, from genetic differences between individuals and populations (groups of related individuals) to the types of natural communities (groups of interacting species) found in a particular area. Biodiversity also includes the full range of natural processes upon which life depends, such as nutrient cycling, carbon and nitrogen fixation, predation, symbiosis and natural succession.

Resource Considerations: These NOP requirements address all resources, especially: Soil erosion Soil quality Water quantity Water quality Plants – productivity, health, and vigor; structure and composition (biodiversity of natural areas,

buffers, grazing lands, and cropland), wildfire hazard Animals – fish & wildlife habitat (by providing food, cover, water, and continuity)

ORGANIC SYSTEM PLAN (OSP)

NOP §205.201 Organic production and handling system plan.

(a) The producer or handler of a production or handling operation … must develop an organic production or handling system plan that … include[s]:

Owner, 09/15/14,

We need to verify that this has been accepted by NOP; and be sure we quote the final “official” language. MS 8/12/14

(1) A description of practices and procedures to be performed and maintained, including the frequency with which they will be performed;

(2) A list of each substance to be used as a production or handling input, indicating its composition, source, location(s) where it will be used, and documentation of commercial availability, as applicable;

(5) A description of the management practices and physical barriers established to prevent commingling of organic and nonorganic products on a split operation and to prevent contact of organic production and handling operations and products with prohibited substances;

(b) A producer may substitute a plan prepared to meet the requirements of another Federal, State, or local government regulatory program for the organic system plan, provided that the submitted plan meets all the requirements of this subpart.

Relationship of the OSP to NRCS Conservation Plans:

A Conservation Plan developed for an NRCS program contract is not intended to serve as an OSP. However, the Conservation Plan and any conservation activities implemented under the plan can help verify that the producer has met NOP requirements, and should be included in the OSP submitted when the producer applies for organic certification.

LAND REQUIREMENTS

§205.202 Land requirements.

Any field or farm parcel from which harvested crops are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as “organic,” must: (b) Have had no prohibited substances … applied to it for a period of 3 years immediately preceding harvest of the crop; and (c) Have distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zones such as runoff diversions to prevent the unintended application of a prohibited substance to the crop or contact with a prohibited substance applied to adjoining land that is not under organic management.

Resource Considerations:Implementation of this NOP requirement by organic and transitioning growers can benefit: Soil Quality – salts or other chemicals Water Quality – pesticides, nutrients, salts Air Quality – ozone precursors (VOC’s, including pesticides)

Implementing this standard can also benefit the following: Air Quality – particulate matter (by intercepting pesticide and pollen drift) (by minimizing fugitive

dust from animal operations that may carry pathogens), greenhouse gases (net soil C sequestration)

Wildlife –habitat (by supporting beneficial organisms with food, cover and connectivity)

CROP PRODUCTION

NOP §205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard.

(a) The producer must select and implement tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil and minimize soil erosion. (b) The producer must manage crop nutrients and soil fertility through rotations, cover crops, and the application of plant and animal materials. (c) The producer must manage plant and animal materials to maintain or improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances. Animal and plant materials include:

(1) Raw animal manure, which must be composted unless it is: (i) Applied to land used for a crop not intended for human consumption; (ii) Incorporated into the soil not less than 120 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion has direct contact with the soil surface or soil particles; or (iii) Incorporated into the soil not less than 90 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion does not have direct contact with the soil surface or soil particles;

(2) Composted plant and animal materials produced through a process that: (i) Established an initial C:N ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1; and (ii) Maintained … 131 °F and 170 °F for 3 days using an in-vessel or static aerated pile system; or (iii) Maintained … 131 °F and 170 °F for 15 days using a windrow composting system … turned a minimum of five times.

(3) Uncomposted plant materials. (d) A producer may manage crop nutrients … in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water … by applying:

(1) A crop nutrient or soil amendment included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production (see page 16); (2) A mined substance of low solubility; (3) A mined substance of high solubility … used in compliance with the conditions established on the National List of nonsynthetic materials prohibited for crop production; (4) Ash obtained from the burning of a plant or animal material, except as prohibited in paragraph (e) of this section [or on] … the National List; and (5) A plant or animal material that has been chemically altered by a manufacturing process … [in compliance with] the National List …

(e) The producer must not use: (2) Sewage sludge (biosolids) … and (3) Burning as a means of disposal for crop residues produced on the operation … burning may be used to suppress the spread of disease or to stimulate seed germination.

Resource Considerations: The NOP soil fertility and crop nutrient standard addresses: Soil Erosion – sheet, rill, and wind erosion; concentrated flow Soil Quality – organic matter, salts or other chemicals, compaction, subsidence Water Quality – nutrients, pesticides, pathogens, heavy metals Plant Condition – productivity, health, and vigor (crops)

Implementing this standard can also benefit the following: Soil Quality – organic matter depletion

Owner, 09/15/14,

Possibly important to include, since EQIP offers CPS 338 Prescribed Burning, and several other Practice Standards include burning as a component. MS 6/28/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Relevant, as a few Practice Standards refer to biosolids and EPA regulations thereon. MS 6/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Summarizes NOP-allowed use of nonorganic (mineral) nutrient sources - this seems relevant to the work of NRCS. MS 6/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

All page references within this draft that I am adding are in red to indicate that they need to be adjusted to correct page numbers in the final Guidebook. MS 9/9/14

Water Quality – sediment (by minimizing erosion), excess pathogens (by diverse soil microbial organisms fostering predation, competition, and antagonism of plant and human pathogens)

Water Quantity – excess water, insufficient water (improved soil drainage and aeration) Air Quality – particulate matter (by minimizing wind erosion, and )by minimizing fugitive dust

from animal operations that may carry pathogens), greenhouse gases (net soil C sequestration, legume-fixed N saves fossil fuel; slow-release N sources release less NOx)

Plant Condition – plant productivity (by using fire to stimulate seed germination and reduce plant diseases)

Organic nutrient management systems that rely on manure for N can impact the following: Soil Quality – salts or other chemicals Water Quality – excess nutrients, pathogens, excessive salts

§205.204 Seeds and planting stock practice standard

(a) The producer must use organically grown seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock, except that:

(1) Nonorganically produced, untreated seeds and planting stock may be used … when an equivalent organically produced variety is not commercially available, except that organically produced seed must be used for the production of edible sprouts; (2) Nonorganically produced seeds and planting stock that have been treated with a[n allowed synthetic] substance included on the National List … may be used … when an equivalent organically produced or untreated variety is not commercially available; (3) Nonorganically produced annual seedlings may be used to produce an organic crop when a temporary variance has been granted in accordance with §205.290(a)(2); (4) Nonorganically produced planting stock to be used to produce a perennial crop may be sold, labeled, or represented as organically produced only after the planting stock has been maintained under a system of organic management for a period of no less than 1 year; and (5) Seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock treated with prohibited substances may be used to produce an organic crop when the application of the materials is a requirement of Federal or State phytosanitary regulations.

Seeds and planting stock for conservation plantings in organic systems:This Standard stipulates seed sources that organic producers may use for conservation plantings

such as cover crops, field borders, riparian buffers, grassed waterways, and wildlife habitat.

§205.205 Crop rotation practice standard.

The producer must implement a crop rotation including but not limited to sod, cover crops, green manure crops, and catch crops that:

(a) Maintain or improve soil organic matter content;(b) Provide for pest management in annual and perennial crops;(c) Manage deficient or excess plant nutrients; and

Owner, 09/15/14,

These were added back in at Harriet’s recommendation, as this could be important information for conservation planners, especially when habitat or buffer plantings are also food-bearing plant species harvested as organic. MS 8/12/14

(d) Provide erosion control.

From §205.2 – Terms Defined:

Crop Rotation: The practice of alternating the annual crops grown on a specific field in a planned pattern or sequence in successive crop years so that crops of the same species or family are not grown repeatedly without interruption on the same field. Perennial cropping systems employ means such as alley cropping, intercropping, and hedgerows to introduce biological diversity in lieu of crop rotation.

Resource Considerations:The NOP crop rotation standard addresses: Soil Erosion – sheet, rill, and wind erosion; concentrated flow Soil Quality – organic matter Plant Condition – productivity, health, and vigor (managing deficient nutrients); structure and

composition (cropping system biodiversity typically using non-crop vegetation); plant pests

Implementing this standard can also benefit the following: Water Quality – sediment (by controlling erosion), nutrients (by managing excess nutrients) Soil Quality – compaction (sod crops and deep-rooted crops in rotation) Air Quality –particulate matter, greenhouse gases (net soil C sequestration) Wildlife – habitat (in perennial crop systems)

§205.206 Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice standard.

(a) The producer must use management practices to prevent crop pests, weeds, and diseases including but not limited to:

(1) Crop rotation and soil and crop nutrient management practices … (2) Sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weed seeds, and habitat for pest organisms; and(3) Cultural practices that enhance crop health, including selection of plant species and varieties with regard to suitability to site-specific conditions and resistance to prevalent pests, weeds, and diseases.

(b) Pest problems may be controlled through mechanical or physical methods including but not limited to:

(1) Augmentation or introduction of predators or parasites of the pest species;(2) Development of habitat for natural enemies of pests;(3) Nonsynthetic controls such as lures, traps, and repellents.

(c) Weed problems may be controlled through:(1) Mulching with fully biodegradable materials;(2) Mowing;(3) Livestock grazing;(4) Hand weeding and mechanical cultivation;(5) Flame, heat, or electrical means; or(6) Plastic or other synthetic mulches, provided that they are removed from the field at the end of the growing or harvest season.

(d) Disease problems may be controlled through:(1) Management practices which suppress the spread of disease organisms; or

Owner, 09/15/14,

These include several key NRCS conservation activities - crop rotation and cover crops; strip cropping, alley cropping, intercropping, contour buffer strips, etc (interrupts spread by interposing strips of unrelated and non-susceptible vegetation), and just about any practices or enhancements that build soil quality and microbial diversity,. MS 6/28/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Since the non-use of herbicides and the concomitant increased reliance on tillage and cultivation for weed control create both conservation challenges (soil quality) and conservation benefits (less chemical spray use ) in organic systems, it seems important to present the full gamut of NOP-specified weed management tactics in the Guidebook. Knowing what organic producers can do and are encouraged by NOP to do against weeds in lieu of simply cultivating their topsoil repeatedly can be quite important for the conservation planner or NRCS field staff person working with an organic producer. MS 6/28/14

(2) Application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral inputs(e) When the practices … in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section are insufficient to prevent or control crop pests, weeds, and diseases, a biological or botanical substance or a substance included on the National List of [allowed] synthetic substances … may be applied … provided that the conditions for using the substance are documented in the organic system plan.(f) The producer must not use lumber treated with arsenate or other prohibited materials for new installations or replacement purposes in contact with soil or livestock.

Resource Considerations:The NOP crop pest, weed, and disease standard addresses: Plant Condition – productivity, health, and vigor ; plant pests

Implementing this standard can also benefit the following: Soil Quality – salts or other chemicals (reduced pesticide use) Water Quality – pesticides Plant Condition – structure and composition (by encouraging diversity and ecological function of

beneficial habitat plantings and) controlling of invasive plant species) Air Quality – ozone precursors (VOCs – pesticides) Animal Concerns – fish and wildlifeWildlife – habitat (protected through reduced use of

pesticides), and landscape connectivity improved)

Organic weed management practices, particularly cultivation, can impact the following: Soil erosion – sheet, rill, and wind erosion; concentrated flow Soil quality – compaction, organic matter, subsidence (Histosols)

§205.207 Wild-crop harvesting practice standard.

(a) A wild crop … represented as organic must be harvested from a designated area that has had no prohibited substance … for a period of 3 years immediately preceding harvest …(b) A wild crop must be harvested in a manner that [is] not destructive to the environment and will sustain the growth and production of the wild crop.

Resource Considerations:The NOP wild-crop harvesting standard generally requires non-degradation of all resources, and

specifically addresses: Plant Condition – productivity, health, and vigor (of the wild crop)

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

§205.236 Origin of livestock.

(a) Livestock products that are to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be from livestock under continuous organic management from the last third of gestation or hatching, except that:

(1) Poultry [must be] under continuous organic management beginning no later than the second day of life;

Owner, 09/15/14,

Important information for CPS 382 Fence and other structural practices in which lumber is used. MS 6/28/14

(2) Dairy animals [must be] under continuous organic management beginning no later than 1 year prior to the production of the milk or milk products sold, labeled, or represented as organic;(3) Breeder stock … may be brought from a nonorganic operation onto an organic operation at any time. [If] offspring are to be raised as organic livestock, the breeder stock must be brought onto the facility no later than the last third of gestation.

NRCS working lands programs have no provisions related to livestock origin, breeding, hatching, or rearing except as to how these activities might impact eligible lands.

§205.237 Livestock feed.

(a) The producer of an organic livestock operation must provide livestock with a total feed ration composed of agricultural products, including pasture and forage that are organically produced and handled by operations certified to the NOP…(b) The producer of an organic operation must not:

(1) Use animal drugs, including hormones, to promote growth; (2) Provide feed supplements or additives in amounts above those needed for adequate nutrition and health maintenance for the species at its specific stage of life …(7) Provide feed or forage to which any antibiotic including ionophores has been added …

(c) During the grazing season, producers shall:(1) … [Graze r]uminant animals daily… throughout the entire grazing season for the geographical region, which shall be not less than 120 days per calendar year …(2) Provide pasture of a sufficient quality and quantity to graze throughout the grazing season and to provide all ruminants … with … not less than 30 percent of their dry matter intake from grazing throughout the grazing season.

Resource Considerations:The NOP livestock feed standard addresses: Animal Concerns - livestock feed and forage

Implementing this Standard can also benefit: Plant Condition – productivity, health, and vigor; structure and composition (of pasture)

§205.238 Livestock health care practice standard.

(a) The producer must establish and maintain preventive livestock health care practices, including: (1) Selection of species and types of livestock with regard to suitability for site-specific conditions and resistance to prevalent diseases and parasites; (2) Provision of a feed ration sufficient to meet nutritional requirements … (3) … [A]ppropriate housing, pasture conditions, and sanitation practices to minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites; (4) … [Allowance] for exercise, freedom of movement, and reduction of stress …

Owner, 09/15/14,

These requirements may entail infrastructure with implications for one or more resource considerations (RCs). In the Conservation Planning subgroup (Guidebook section C1-2), the issue of planning the layout of farm infrastructure (buildings, irrigation, etc) so as to minimize possible future resource problems came up, and is succinctly addressed in the current working draft. MS 6/29/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Such species / types are also easier to care for successfully in resource-conserving, environmentally friendly ways (e.g., pasture based systems, minimum use of synthetics to prevent disease and parasites, etc).. MS 6/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

There is some redundancy here with the Pasture standard – not sure how best to get the vital information across without excessive redundancy. The 120 calendar day minimum grazing season is not spelled out in the Pasture standard. MS 6/28/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

We may or may not need this specific information in the Guidebook. It does have some indirect bearing on conservation / water quality resource considerations, since the non-use of items 1 and 7, and limited use of item 2 may reduce potential water pollution. MS 6/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is one section that might be deleted if there remains a need to shorten the Guidebook However, it might merit inclusion in the Guidebook since livestock have such a significant impact on resource considerations, and questions about livestock origins or breeder stock may arise in working with organic producers. MS 9/9/14

(6) …[V]accines and other veterinary biologics. (b) When preventive practices and veterinary biologics are inadequate to prevent sickness, a producer may administer synthetic medications [that] are allowed [on the National List] …(c) The producer of an organic livestock operation must not:

(2) Administer any animal drug, other than vaccinations, in the absence of illness; (7) Withhold medical treatment from a sick animal in an effort to preserve its organic status. All appropriate medications must be used to restore an animal to health when methods acceptable to organic production fail. Livestock treated with a prohibited substance must be clearly identified and shall not be sold, labeled, or represented as organically produced.

Resource Considerations:The NOP §205 livestock health care standard addresses: Animal Concerns Livestock – livestock feed and forage, and livestock shelter

Implementing this Standard can also benefit the following: Water Quality – pathogens and chemicals from manure, pesticides Wildlife – food (by not consuming forage contaminated by unhealthy livestock)

§205.239 Livestock living conditions.

(a) The producer of an organic livestock operation must establish and maintain year-round livestock living conditions which accommodate the health and natural behavior of animals, including:

(1) Year-round access for all animals to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas, fresh air, clean water for drinking, and direct sunlight, suitable to the species, its stage of life, the climate, and the environment ... Yards, feeding pads, and feedlots may be used to provide ruminants with access to the outdoors during the non-grazing season and supplemental feeding during the grazing season. … Continuous total confinement of ruminants in yards, feeding pads, and feedlots is prohibited.(2) For all ruminants, management on pasture … to meet the requirements of §205.237 …(3) Appropriate clean, dry bedding. When roughages are used as bedding, they shall have been organically produced …(5) … yards, feeding pads, feedlots and laneways … shall be well-drained, kept in good condition (including frequent removal of wastes), and managed to prevent runoff of wastes and contaminated waters to adjoining or nearby surface water and across property boundaries.

(b) The producer of an organic livestock operation may provide temporary confinement or shelter for an animal because of:

(1) Inclement weather; (2) The animal's stage of life [not including lactation for ruminants];(3) [To protect] the health, safety, or well-being of the animal;(4) Risk to soil or water quality;(5) Preventive healthcare procedures …;(6) Sorting or shipping animals and livestock sales …;(7) Breeding [confinement must end once animals are bred]; or(8) … [Y]outh projects, for no more than one week prior to a fair or other demonstration, through the event and up to 24 hours after the animals have arrived home …

Owner, 09/15/14,

I am not 100% sure that we need this entire list (1-8) – however it may be valuable for NRCS field staff to know under what conditions and for how long organic producers may confine livestock – especially since confinement entails manure accumulations with potential impacts on multiple RCs. MS 6/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

I added some detail from the regulation regarding yards, feedlots, etc since these areas definitely require management with regard to water quality and other RCs. It is quite a few extra words, but it seems important. Several Conservation Activities may help the organic producer simultaneously meet these regs and address RCs. MS 6/29/14


Wildlife found in association with contaminated livestock have a higher prevalence of human pathogens.

Owner, 09/15/14,

This point is important to cover in the Guidebook, as it impacts the Livestock aspect of Animal resource considerations, and may come up as an issue during work with organic producers. MS 6/28/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

i.e., no subtherapeutic antibiotics – reduces risks of antibiotic resistant virulent pathogens, etc. – which can impact water quality in a way dangerous to people and livestock MS 6/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Can reduce need for synthetics, indirect impact on RCs. MS 6/28/14

(e) The producer of an organic livestock operation must manage manure in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, heavy metals, or pathogenic organisms and optimizes recycling of nutrients, and must manage pastures and other outdoor access areas in a manner that does not put soil or water quality at risk.

Resource Considerations:The NOP livestock living conditions standard addresses: Animal Concerns – livestock shelter, water, feed and forage Soil Quality – organic matter, compaction, salts or other chemicals Water Quality – nutrients, pathogens, heavy metals, salts, sediment

Implementing this standard can also benefit: Air Quality – odors, particulate matter (including pathogen-laden dust from manure) Wildlife – habitat that provides food (when wildlife do not consume forage contaminated by

livestock carrying human diseases, they become less of a food safety risk, and lessening the risk reduces adverse reactions to destroy wildlife habitat);

Wildlife – habitat that provides cover and shelter (when shade trees are used)

§205.240 Pasture practice standard.

The producer of an organic livestock operation must, for all ruminant livestock [maintain] a functioning management plan for pasture.

(a) Pasture must be managed as a crop in full compliance with [NOP crop production standards].(b) Producers must provide and manage pasture to provide a minimum of 30 percent of a ruminant's dry matter intake (DMI) to minimize diseases and parasites; and to refrain from putting soil or water quality at risk. (c) A pasture plan must be included in the producer's organic system plan [stating]:

(1) Types of pasture provided (2) Cultural and management practices to ensure pasture of a sufficient quality and quantity (3) Grazing season for the livestock operation's regional location.(4) Location and size of pastures, including maps (5) [G]razing methods to be used(6) Location and types of [permanent] fences, location and source of shade and water.(7) Soil fertility and seeding systems.(8) Erosion control and protection of natural wetlands and riparian areas practices.

Resource Considerations:The NOP pasture standard addresses: Soil Erosion – sheet, rill, and wind erosion, concentrated flow, streambank/shoreline erosion Soil Quality – organic matter, salts and other chemicals, compaction, subsidence Water Quality – nutrients, pesticides, pathogens, salts, heavy metals, sediment Plants – productivity, health, and vigor; structure and composition (pasture, riparian area and

wetland) Animal Concerns – livestock feed and forage; fFish and wildlife habitat – food, cover and shelter, water and connectivity

Implementing this standard can also benefit:

Owner, 09/15/14,

Not specified in Ben’s summary, may be worth including since NRCS and conservation planners like to work with maps, etc. so that locations of production areas, infrastructure, and natural features are all easily seen together at a glance. MS 6/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Deleted here: “to ensure that the feed requirements of §205.237 are being met.” Types of pasture (which I interpret to mean “cool season / warm season; grass/legume/forbs/mix; native/introduced species, etc) were not included in Ben’s summary; they may be relevant since several Enhancements and one or two Practices address crop and forage species types along these categories. MS 6/29/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Some redundancy with sections 205.237 (livestock feed) and 205.239 (livestock living conditions) – so I attempted to make this succinct by omitting some of the words in the original Standard.. Perhaps we do not need all the ellipses (…) if omitting some of the words still leaves a sentence that reads smoothly – what do you think? MS 6/29/14 and 8/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Particulate matter is a resource consideration under Air Quality – the pathogen aspect relates directly to NOP requirement to manage manure so it does not contaminate crops, soil or water (see earlier comment on dust from livestock operations and food safety risks in produce) MS 8/12/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

This part of the Standard seems important to RCs. MS 6/28/14.

Air Quality – greenhouse gases (by protecting wetlands) Water Quality – intercepting pesticides, nutrients, sediments and pathogens (by conserving

riparian areas

Additional NOP Regulation and Guidance

The following paragraphs describe several other aspects of the NOP that may have a bearing on implementation of NRCS conservation programs and practices on organic farms: record keeping, the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, and NOP Guidance documents.

RECORD KEEPING

A certified operation must maintain records concerning the production, harvesting, and handling of agricultural products that are or that are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as…’organic’. [Records must] be maintained for not less than 5 years beyond their creation [and] be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. (Subpart B, Section §205.103)

THE NATIONAL LIST OF ALLOWED AND PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

Non-synthetic or “natural” substances are allowed in organic crop and livestock production unless they are specifically prohibited on the National List, (Subpart G, Sections §205.602 and §205.604). Synthetic substances are prohibited unless they are specifically allowed under Sections §205.601 and §205.603. The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances identifies these two groups of exceptions to the rule that synthetic substances are prohibited and non-synthetic are allowed. For example, arsenic is a natural or non-synthetic substance, but it is prohibited and thus on the National List. Aspirin is a synthetic substance, but allowed in organic livestock production to reduce inflammation. Some substances on the National List may only be used in specific situations or up to a maximum amount. For example, when used as an algicide in aquatic rice production, copper sulfate is limited to one application per field during any 24-month period.2

EXCLUDED METHODS: GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SEEDS AND INPUTS

In addition to being free from prohibited substances, products sold as organic must be produced and processed without the use of “excluded methods” (NOP Subpart B, Section §205.105, Allowed and prohibited substances, methods, and ingredients in organic production and handling). Excluded methods are defined as:

A variety of methods used to genetically modify organisms or influence their growth and development by means that are not possible under natural conditions or processes and are not

2 National Organic Program. “About the National List.” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateJ&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPNationalList&description=National%20List%20of%20Allowed%20and%20Prohibited%20Substances&acct=nopgeninfo

Owner, 09/15/14,

I added this section tonight when I realized it was missing from the Guidebook - Subpart C of the NOP Regulations (quoted extensively in the preceding pages) actually does not address GMOs, which are covered succinctly in Subpart B as “excluded methods”, a term defined in Subpart A Section 205.2, Terms Defined. This is an important piece for the Guidebook, so I added it. It may be possible to abbreviate it a bit. MS 9/9/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This excerpt of NOP record keeping requirements seems appropriate and relevant for the Guidebook, as do the next two topics. MS 9/9/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

The following material was deleted from this spot, as it did not seem necessary for this Giuidebook: Organic Handling Regulations --Commingling §205.272: “The handler of an organic handling operation must implement measures necessary to prevent the commingling of organic and nonorganic products and protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances.” MS 9/9/14

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateJ&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPNationalList&description=National%20List%20of%20Allowed%20and%20Prohibited%20Substances&acct=nopgeninfo



considered compatible with organic production. Such methods include cell fusion, microencapsulation and macroencapsulation, and recombinant DNA technology (including gene deletion, gene doubling, introducing a foreign gene, and changing the positions of genes when achieved by recombinant DNA technology). Such methods do not include the use of traditional breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, or tissue culture. (Subpart A, Section §205.2 Terms Defined)

Thus, genetically engineered crop seeds, seedlings, and planting stock; and biopesticides and other agricultural inputs based on or derived from genetically engineered organisms (or GMOs) cannot be used in organic systems

GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTION

The NOP periodically publishes guidance and instructions on the interpretation of the standards to help certified operations comply with the regulations. For example, the NOP has published guidance on the regulation covering the use of seeds and planting stock in organic production. The guidance describes practices for certified operations to demonstrate their efforts to procure all organic seeds; clarifies “equivalent variety;” and describes the form, quality, or quantity criteria that need to be met before seeds or planting stock can be categorized as commercially unavailable as organic. Instructions give in depth details for procedures record keeping by the certified producer, and pesticide testing. After all public comments on draft guidance have been reviewed, guidance documents are finalized and published in the NOP Handbook and in the Federal Register.3

National Organic Standards Board

The Organic Foods Production Act established a 15-member National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Members serve a five year term, are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and must represent one of the following members of the organic community: four farmers/growers; three environmentalists/resource conservationists; three consumer/public interest advocates; two handlers/processors; one retailer; one scientist (toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry); and one USDA accredited certifying agent. NOSB members also serve on standing subcommittees which meet between public meetings to develop recommendations for the full NOSB; subcommittees include: Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification; Crops; Handling; Livestock; Materials; Policy Development.4

NOSB Roles

The NOSB serves in an advisory capacity to the NOP. NOSB recommendations are not binding, but undergo a process of further evaluation by USDA before implementation.

3 National Organic Program. “NOP Guidance” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NOPDraftGuidanceNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&=NOPDraftGuidanceNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPDraftGuidance&description=NOP%20Draft%20Guidance&acct=noprulemakin 4 National Organic Program. “National Organic Standards Board New Member Guide 2013.” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=stelprdc5056875

Owner, 09/15/14,

Not sure if this additional statement is needed, but it seems like it fits here. MS 6/29/14.


Move some of the text from below here.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=stelprdc5056875

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NOPDraftGuidanceNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&=NOPDraftGuidanceNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPDraftGuidance&description=NOP%20Draft%20Guidance&acct=noprulemakin



The Board’s main roles are to make recommendations about whether a substance should be allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling, to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production, and to advise the Secretary on other aspects of OFPA implementation. In addition to the authority to make recommendations concerning additions to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, the NOSB must also review each substance on the National List every five years to confirm that it continues to meet all required criteria; this is referred to as the “sunset” review. If USDA agrees with the NOSB’s recommendation to remove a substance, then it may remove the substance from the National List. Changing the National List requires USDA to complete rulemaking, a process which includes another public comment opportunity. The NOSB makes recommendations on a wide variety of topics such as unannounced inspections at certified operations or criteria for commercial availability when searching for organic seeds.5

NOSB Meetings and Public Input

The NOSB typically meets two times a year for a public meeting in various locations across the country. Prior to meetings, NOSB subcommittees publish proposals with a request for public comments. During meetings, the NOSB listens to public comments, discusses their agenda items, and then votes in a public forum. The NOSB then submits their final recommendations to the USDA.

Accreditation of Organic Certifiers and Organic Certification of Operations

The NOP itself does not certify farms and other operations as organic; rather a USDA-Accredited Certifying Agent (ACA) which can be a private, state, or foreign entity is responsible for certification. Certifying agents are accredited by the USDA and are located throughout the United States and around the world. To become an ACA, entities must submit a fee and application which includes information such as: personnel policies and procedures, names and position descriptions of personnel, descriptions of qualifications, etc.; administrative policies and procedures (such as Certification Program Manual and document templates); and description of current certification activities. Using accreditation checklists, the NOP staff conducts an on-site assessment to review key activities, interview staff and contractors and possibly review certification files. Once approved, organizations are accredited for five years. An additional on-site assessment is conducted half way through the five years and at the end of that period for entities that renew.6

Most farms and businesses that grow, handle, or process products that are sold as organic must be certified. Organic certification verifies that farms or handling facilities located anywhere in the world comply with the USDA organic regulations. If an operation’s gross agricultural income from organic sales does not exceed $5,000 per year, it is considered to be an “exempt” operation. These operations do not need to be certified in order to sell, label, or represent products as organic. However, these operations 5 National Organic Program. “National Organic Standards Board.” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateQ&navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOSBHome&description=NOSB&acct=nosb 6 National Organic Program. “FAQ: Becoming a Certifying Agent.” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NOPFAQsHowAccredited&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPFAQsHowAccredited&description=FAQ:%20%20Becoming%20a%20Certifying%20Agent&acct=nopgeninfo

Owner, 09/15/14,

Just seems like the domestic private and state agents are most common, foreign would be listed last here. MS 6/29/14.


Hasn’t the NOP recently re-interpreted this so that there is only a review if one of the subcommittees of the NOSB require the five year review. A lawsuit has been filed against this new interpretation.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NOPFAQsHowAccredited&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPFAQsHowAccredited&description=FAQ:%20%20Becoming%20a%20Certifying%20Agent&acct=nopgeninfo



http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateJ&navID=NationalListLinkNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&rightNav1=NationalListLinkNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPNationalList&resultType=&acct=nopgeninfo

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateQ&navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOSBHome&description=NOSB&acct=nosb



must follow the USDA organic regulations. Operations that are interested in certification can work with any ACA to become certified in one or more of four categories of organic products: crops, livestock, processed products, and wild crops. To become certified, operations must complete an Organic System Plan (OSP) that describes their practices and substances used. An inspector conducts an on-site inspection to determine if the operation complies with USDA organic regulations. The producer must provide an update annually to maintain organic certification, and inspections are conducted annually.7

International Markets

Several other countries have separate organic standards and labels such as Canada, the European Union, Japan and Taiwan. Through trade agreements, organic products grown in the US can be sold in these countries as organic. There are only a few additional regulations that producers should be aware of if they are interested in these markets; an operation’s ACA can help ensure compliance with these regulations. For example, Canada requires livestock (except ruminants) be produced according to specified stocking rates.8

Compliance and Enforcement

To ensure the integrity of the organic standards and the use of the term organic, the USDA enforces the OFPA and the standards in a number of ways. ACAs verify compliance annually with an on-site inspection which can be either announced or unannounced. Additionally, at least 5 percent of certified organic operations’ products are tested for residues of prohibited substances (such as synthetic pesticides) every year. ACAs and the public also can submit complaints of alleged regulatory violations to the NOP. If the violation is confirmed, these investigations may result in: product label changes, uncertified farms and businesses becoming certified organic or other enforcement actions. Depending on the severity of the violation, punishments can include financial penalties up to $11,000 per violation and/or suspension or revocation of the farm or business’ organic certificate.9

From the perspective of an ACA, there are several steps that can be taken to address any potential issues with certified operations. An operation may be issued a Notice of Noncompliance for minor issues such as inadequate recordkeeping or major issues such as the application of a prohibited substance. If the issue is not adequately corrected, an ACA can issue a Notice of Proposed Suspension to give the operation some time to work on the noncompliance, achieve compliance, and be reinstated. In an instance where the noncompliance is deemed not correctable, a Notice of Proposed Revocation can

7 National Organic Program. “Becoming a Certified Operation.” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NOPFAQsHowCertified&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPFAQsHowCertified&description=FAQ:%20%20Becoming%20a%20Certified%20Operation&acct=nopgeninfo 8 National Organic Program. “Information for International Trade Partners.” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateJ&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPInternationalAgreements&description=International%20Agreements&acct=nopgeninfo 9 National Organic Program. “Compliance and Enforcement.” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateE&navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPComplianceandEnforcement&description=Compliance%20and%20Enforcement&acct=nopgeninf

Owner, 09/15/14,

Why would a confirmed violation result in a non-certified farm becoming certified? MS 6/29/14

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateE&navID=NationalOrganicProgram&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPComplianceandEnforcement&description=Compliance%20and%20Enforcement&acct=nopgeninf



http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateJ&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPInternationalAgreements&description=International%20Agreements&acct=nopgeninfo



http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=NOPFAQsHowCertified&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPFAQsHowCertified&description=FAQ:%20%20Becoming%20a%20Certified%20Operation&acct=nopgeninfo



be sent. When correction of a noncompliance is not possible, or when the violations are egregious or willful such as the sale of conventional products as organic, a Combined Notice of Noncompliance and Proposed Suspension or Revocation may be issued or the Notice of Noncompliance may be skipped and a Notice of Proposed Suspension or Revocation may be issued directly. Finally, a written notification of suspension or revocation may be sent when a certified operation fails to respond to the previous notices. A certified operation may appeal a notice of proposed suspension or revocation of certification directly to the USDA through the Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator.10

Resources:

Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA). Organic Seed Finder (website) lists sources of organic seeds for field crops, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers; indicates when no organic source of crop varieties with selected characteristics can be found. http://www.organicseedfinder.org/

Balfour, Lady Eve. 1948. The Living Soil. London: Faber & Faber. Currently out of print; available on-line through the Agricultural Library of the Soil and Health Library at http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01principles.html.

Balfour, Lady Eve. 1977. Toward a Sustainable Agriculture: the Living Soil. A talk about the Haughley Experiment, given by Lady Balfour at an IFOAM conference in Switzerland, 1977. http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01aglibwelcome.html.

Howard, Sir Albert. 1947. The Soil and Health: a Study of Organic Agriculture. Republished with a foreword by Wendell Berry in 2006, University Press of Kentucky, 307 pp.

Organic Materials Review Institute maintains listings of generic and brand names of fertilizers, soil amendments, microbial inoculants, soil conditioners, pest controls, and other inputs that are allowed, restricted, or prohibited for certified organic production. OMRI evaluates new products as they become commercially available for their compatibility with NOP Standards. http://www.omri.org.

Pfeiffer, Ehrenfried. 1938. Bio-dynamic Farming and Gardening. Anthroposophic Press, New York, NY. 240 pp.

Rodale, J. I. 1942. Founder of Rodale Press and publisher of the popular periodical Organic Farming and Gardening, now published as Organic Gardening.

USDA National Organic Program: Home Page http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop.

USDA NOP Program Handbook provides supplemental information to facilitate understanding and implementation of the Standards, including Guidance Documents, Instruction Documents, and Policy Memos. Guidance Documents give additional information on topics related to the Standards, such as seeds and planting stock, estimating dry matter intake from pasture, and the use of processes animal manures in organic production. Guidance is not legally binding regulation. Instruction Documents give step by step instructions for procedures such as inspections, record keeping by the certified producer,

10 National Organic Program. “Instruction: National Organic Program Enforcement.” http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5087117

Owner, 09/15/14,

This paragraph describes the process up through the “notice of proposed suspension or revocation.” – it might be worth spelling out what happens between that point and the final actual suspension or revocation, including: How an appeal is handled and decided How the certification is actually suspended or revoked. How an operation with a suspended (not permanently revoked) organic certification can get that certification reinstated (e.g., - correct the problem, but then what additional hoops must s/he jump through – reapply from scratch? Wait 3 years if a prohibited substance was applied? Etc etc. MS 6/29/14

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop

http://www.omri.org/

http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01aglibwelcome.html

http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01principles.html

http://www.organicseedfinder.org/

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5087117

accreditation of certifiers, handling of complaints, and pesticide testing, as well as the certification process itself. Policy Memos are issued as needed to address questions as they arise such as whether a particular material or procedure is allowed or prohibited under NOP. For example, recent memos clarified that electrolyzed water (containing hypochlorous acid) is not an allowed sanitizer, and that ammonium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are allowed for alkali extraction of humic acids to be used as soil amendments.Introduction: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5087130 Table of Contents: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5096778 The Table of Contents provides links to pdf files of all documents.

USDA NOP Guidance 5029: Seeds, Annual Seedlings, and Planting Stock in Organic Crop Production. Clarifies the Seeds and Planting Stock Standard (NOP 205.204) and its interpretation.


A-3 Resource Conservation Needs, Opportunities, and Challenges in Organic Agriculture

The National Organic Program’s definition of organic production codifies the organic movement’s historical emphasis on ecologically sound practices and resource conservation:

Organic production: A production system that is managed … to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. (NOP205.2, Terms Defined)

The organic producer aims to respond to site-specific conditions by assessing the resources and resource conditions on her/his particular farm, and designing the farming system accordingly. Cycling of resources keeps soil, nutrients, water, organic matter, beneficial organisms, and resources on the farm to perform their vital functions for multiple seasons, thereby enhancing efficiency and protecting water quality. Organic farmers strive to promote ecological balance by choosing production practices that minimize disturbance to the soil, the farm ecosystem, and nearby natural areas. They seek to conserve biodiversity at the levels of soil life, crop rotations, livestock, insects, native plant communities, wildlife, ecological processes. and the farming system as a whole.

The 2008 USDA Organic Production Survey showed that most organic producers use a number of conservation practices, including:

Green manures and/or animal manures as nutrient sources – 65% of respondents Buffer strips – 58% Organic mulch or compost – 51% Water management practices – 51% No-till or minimum-till – 38% Select planting locations to avoid pests – 35% Pest-resistant varieties – 33% Beneficial habitat (insects and vertebrates) – 32% Biological pest management – 31%

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is one snippet of the NOP Rule that I cite twice in this draft (here and in A2 above) because it so succinctly encapsulates organic principles and practices. MS 9/9/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Title of A3 changed to reflect the fact that Resource Concerns / Considerations in relation to NOP rules are covered in A2 (above) in this draft. MS 9/9/14




Planting to avoid cross-contamination – 26% Rotational grazing – 21% Release beneficial organisms – 16%

The cropping systems and enterprise mixes of many organic farms reflect the principle of biodiversity. For example, in Virginia, over half of organic farms produce and market both crops and animal products, and three-quarters of vegetable growers produce six or more crops (Sterrett et al., 2005). [Space holder: one or several additional examples of state or regional surveys of organic farms.] When compared with US agriculture as a whole, organic farmers made a much higher proportion of their annual gross sales from specialty crops (39% vs 11%) and less from commodity grains (17% vs 28%) and livestock and animal products (39% vs 50%) (USDA, 2008 Organic Production Survey).

As the organic farming sector continues to expand in the United States, both new and established organic farmers will seek NRCS assistance to clarify and meet their resource stewardship goals. The high diversity and emphasis on specialty crops characteristic of many organic farms creates both opportunities and challenges for the conservation professional.

Goals and Objectives of Organic Farmers

Organic and transitioning producers choose to farm organically for a variety of reasons and the farmer’s motivations can shape her/his approach to resource conservation. The organic farmer with whom you work may have one or several of the following goals and objectives:

Make a sustainable living – economically, environmentally, and satisfactory quality of life for the farmer and farm family – an essential triple bottom line for all farmers.

Serve customers or buyers who demand organic, pesticide-free food, or food grown in a way that conserves resources and protects the environment.

Provide quality food to the local community. Provide quality food to low-income families, senior citizens and others who face food insecurity.

This requires frugal business management to keep farm products affordable. Provide a complete diet from a highly diversified and integrated crop-livestock farm. Maximize land and resource stewardship: carbon-neutral operation, zero erosion or pollution,

minimum off-farm inputs, optimum health of farm and surrounding natural areas. Such farmers often manage advanced systems such as permaculture or no-till without herbicides.

Restore wildlife habitat, create natural area sanctuary as part of the farm. Provide educational opportunities – agri-tourism, workshops, youth programs, farmer training

and internships, etc.; opportunity to showcase conservation practices. Concern for the health of the farmer and farm family, neighbors, and customers; desire to avoid

use of and exposure to potentially toxic materials. Concern that corporations are setting the future of our food and agricultural system; desire to

farm in a self-sufficient manner independent of corporate power.

Resource Conservation Assistance Needs of Organic Farmers in Various Circumstances

Owner, 09/15/14,

I made essentially no changes to this section or the next one (conservation assistance needs of organic farmers) MS 9/9/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This introductory part of Section A3 has been somewhat condensed and reorganized, hopefully an improvement. MS 9/9/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Surely there are other state level surveys that indicate the level of farm diversification in organic systems – does anyone on this team know of such surveys? MS 8/28/14

In addition to producer goals and objectives, the farmer’s experience level and the farm’s current resource condition help determine conservation needs. Some examples of the circumstances within which an organic producer might seek NRCS assistance include:

Brand new organic farmer with high ideals breaking ground on newly purchased land: faces steep learning curve. Provide assistance in recognizing resource concerns.

New organic farmer working land with history of organic management; resources may be in good condition. Show new farmer how to maintain or improve resource condition.

Organic farmer with some experience begins farming on new land in a different climate, bioregion, topography, or soil type. Help the farmer recognize and address resource concerns with which s/he may not be familiar.

Established organic farmer wants to upgrade her/his resource stewardship. Address the farmer’s specific resource concerns; provide tools to realize optimum resource condition.

Organic farmer beginning production on farmland with conventional management history; 3-year transition period. Help farmer restore soil and other resource conditions.

Conventional farmer making a transition to organic on their farm: learning organic practices; 3-year transition period. Offer practices to help farmer meet NOP requirements.

Organic farm abuts neighbors farming conventionally, or split operations with part of farm organic and part conventional. Suggest buffers and other conservation practices that help keep NOP-prohibited substances away from organic fields and products.

Farmer with limited resources purchasing affordable new land: land that is “a bargain” is often degraded (eroded, depleted, overgrazed, deforested, invasive plants, low water quality, etc.). Help farmer restore land and resources, and make a living at the same time.

Organic farmer intensively working a small land area for high value crops: trying to make a living on a few acres can appear to limit conservation options (cover crops, crop rotation, reduced till, nutrient management, etc).

Organic farmer with large acreage: some organic inputs and methods may not be economically feasible at this scale; going organic simply by omitting conventional inputs can “mine” soil nutrients and degrade soil or pasture quality.

Nonfarming landowner working with renter or overseeing a custom operator. Landowner wants to protect the resources of land they inherited or purchased, has strong ethic to “do the right thing” but little knowledge of farming practices or conservation. Help land owner and renter/operator understand and address resource considerations.

Organic farmer who does not own the land s/he is farming. Ensure that the producer has adequate control over the land (through a multi-year lease or other arrangement with the land owner) so that s/he can implement a conservation plan and conservation practices.

NRCS Resource Considerations Directly Addressed or Indirectly Affected by NOP StandardsSection deleted – see comment in margin

Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming Systems

Organic farming systems can benefit environmental quality in several ways. First, the non-use of most synthetic agricultural chemicals can protect water quality and non-target organisms, especially pollinators, natural enemies of insect pests, fish and wildlife, and native plants. Organic pest management strategies often include diversified crop rotations, beneficial habitat plantings, and other practices that enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

Owner, 09/15/14,

In this “shortcut” version I have deleted this section and incorporated the information into the A2 section above where resource considerations for each NOP standard are cited. Resource considerations (or concerns) are taken from the current official list for NRCS conservation planning (Dec 2013) MS 9/9/14

Second, the organic approach to soil fertility and crop nutrition relies mainly on slow-release forms of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), thereby reducing risk to water quality from nutrient leaching and runoff, and reducing emissions of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). By using legumes, compost, and other organic materials for N instead of synthetic fertilizer, organic farms avoid substantial CO2 emissions related to industrially fixed N. In addition, many organic and natural mineral nutrient sources provide secondary and micronutrients, thereby helping to maintain nutrient balance in the soil.

Third, soil and nutrient management practices mandated by NOP standards, especially cover crops and application of organic materials, replenish soil organic matter and feed the soil life, thereby improving soil quality and nutrient cycling.

Fourth, the higher level of enterprise diversity characteristic of many organic farms opens opportunities to enhance biodiversity and provide habitat for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, and native plants. Integration of crop and livestock enterprises can improve efficiency of on-farm nutrient cycling, allowing producers to reduce nutrient imports and thus mitigate risks to water quality.

Fifth, non-use of herbicides maximizes flexibility in designing crop rotations for organic farms. Any crop can be grown as soon as the preceding crop is finished, or relay intercropped into a standing crop, thereby minimizing exposure of the soil surface to compaction and erosion. The farmer can design tight, diversified crop rotations that enhance the quantity and variety of plant residues, and maintain living or decaying roots throughout the soil profile year round to feed soil life.

Finally, compliance with NOP requirements for pasture for ruminants opens opportunities for resource-conserving grazing systems such as rotational grazing, mob grazing, and multispecies grazing.

Environmental Challenges of Organic Farming Systems

Organic farming systems also present some distinct environmental challenges. First, the non-use of herbicides makes organic annual crop production more reliant on tillage and cultivation for weed management and seedbed preparation. This can lead to soil erosion, compaction, and organic matter loss. Organic producers need to implement integrated, ecological weed management strategies, including cover crops and rotation, to reduce reliance on cultivation. Awareness of this issue has led an increasing number of organic farmers to implement reduced-till and sometimes no-till systems.

Second, reliance on manure and compost to provide adequate N for organic crops can lead to nutrient imbalances, especially a buildup of excessive soil P. Inadequate crop-available N, especially when the soil is cool, is a common production constraint for organic farms. Legume cover crops can address this constraint without adding P or other nutrients.

Third, specialty crop rotations, while typically quite diverse, often do not provide sufficient crop residues to replenish soil organic carbon or prevent erosion. Farmers producing high-value crops on limited acreages may find it difficult to implement a crop rotation with substantial residue return because of financial or logistical constraints. While this challenge applies to all specialty crop production, it is often encountered on organic farms, which, on average, derive a higher percentage of their income from low-residue vegetables and other annual horticultural crops.

Finally, the required 3 years free of NOP-prohibited materials can create an incentive for a farmer in transition to organic production to break sod to initiate annual vegetable or row crop production if existing cropland has had recent use of NOP-prohibited materials, while areas in sod have not. Breaking sod located on sloping land, Highly Erodible Land, or High Conservation Value Land such as native grassland or prairie especially raises concerns about resource degradation.

Resources

Schonbeck, M. W. 2014. Organic Farming Principles and Conservation. Based on powerpoint presentation developed for SARE PDP agricultural professional trainings offered by Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, 2011 – 2013. 16 slides.

Sterrett, S.B., Groover, G. E., Taylor, D. B, and Mundy, K. 2005. Describing Organic Agricultural Production in Virginia: Results of the 2004 Farm Survey.

USDA 2008 Organic Production Survey: http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/Organic_Production_Survey/

Additional surveys conducted at state level in different parts of the US should be consulted to verify the characterization of organic farms as “more diverse than conventional farms” on average.

Group leader (for sections A1, A2, and A3): Pedro Torres [email protected]

Group team members:Pedro A. Torres, NRCS CAGlen Abney, NRCS, KYMark Schonbeck, VBFAJeff Schahczenski (as reviewer), NCATCheryl Simmons, NRCSBen Bowell, Oregon TilthGreg Fogel, NSACHarriet Behar, MOSESBen Bowell, Oregon TilthJo Ann Baumgartner, Wild Farm Alliance

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B. Overview of the Organic Certification Process through NOP - focused on the mechanics of certification such as what are the steps, finding a certifier, the inspection process etc.

1. Transition Process - the requirements of certification for transitioning producersa. recordkeepingb. the basics of maintaining their operation so the activities and

documentation are in place when they wish to get certified to sell their first organic crop.

2. Organic System Plans (OSP) requirements- demystifying the organic system plana. what is required

Owner, 09/15/14,

Has a draft been submitted for Section B? MS 9/9/14

http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/Organic_Production_Survey/

b. why it is necessaryc. who maintains, oversees and verifies.

Group leader: Harriet Behar [email protected]

Group team members:Harriet Behar, MOSESRex Dufour ,NCATCheryl Simmons, NRCS CNTSCSarah Brown, Oregon TilthTom Akin, NRCS, MAEbonie Alexander, BFLT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Conservation planning with existing organic and transitional Producers (Sustainable production)

1. Organic and transitioning objectivesa. Certified organic objectivesb. Transitioning objectives

How to Integrate Organic Principles with the Nine Steps of Conservation Planning

This section of the guidebook assumes the user’s basic understanding of NRCS conservation planning as it relates to traditional (conventional) agricultural operations. This guidebook attempts to illuminate operational issues unique to organic production that may require a different perspective from the planner to work effectively with organic producers.

The conservation planning process moves through three phases, comprised of nine elements or steps, as shown in the following diagram.


Possibly place this graphic in a larger NOP circle showing this all occurs within the context of the NOP. Also, I now wonder if we might want to add Roman numeral “IV. Plan Incorporated into NOP Process” and then an arrow pointing down from the lower circle on the left, to a new circle with this text: “Plan Given to Producer to Include in Their OSP.” Because that is what should happen.

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is the latest version I have of the intro and Phase 1 (steps 1-4) section of Conservation Planning drafted by our group (called Draft 4 and sent out July 18). As far as I know, no work has been done yet on Phases 2 and 3. (Steps 5-7 and 8-9, respectively) MS 8/28/14

The conservation planning process applies to all types of agricultural operations. However, when working with organic producers, the planner needs to keep in mind the fundamental principles that underlie organic production practices (see Chapter 1, Organic and Sustainable Farming System Principles). For example, organic farmers rely on ecological approaches to fertility and crop protection, generally do not use synthetic agrochemicals, and thus may have different resource problems and opportunities related to nutrient and pest management than most conventional producers.

A note regarding terminology in the following discussion: The terms “organic agricultural operation” and “organic farm” mean a USDA certified organic farm or ranch, its crop and livestock production enterprises including any wild crop harvesting, and any processing or value-adding of organic products conducted within the boundaries of the farm or ranch. The terms “organic farmer,” “organic grower,” and “organic producer” mean the manager of such USDA certified organic operation.

A conservation plan developed for an organic producer with NRCS’ assistance will be included in the producer’s Organic System Plan, and will undergo review by the organic certification inspector before implementation. Thus, the conservation planning process on an organic farm might look like this:

Conservation Planning Process on a USDA Certified Organic farm

Owner, 09/15/14,

I suggest this clarifying paragraph regarding terminology to address the terminology issues raised during the most recent review of Draft 3. I think it would be good to be able to use the terms “farm” and “agricultural operation” interchangeably. “Agricultural operation” can be used consistently in headings, but it would be helpful to be able to use the simple and familiar term “farm” sometimes in the text to help the narrative flow more smoothly and succinctly. MS 7/18/14 Todd Peplin (7/24 e-mail) suggests that these and other terms can be defined in a Glossary at the end of the Guidebook. MS 8/28/14

Context: the National Organic Program (NOP) Rule and StandardsI. Collection and Analysis:

Identify problems, Determine objectives, Inventory resources, Analyze resource dataII. Decision Support

Formulate alternatives, Evaluate alternatives, Make DecisionsIII. Integration of Plan into Organic Certification Process

Submit conservation plan as part of Organic System Plan (OSP); Review by certifierIV. Application and Evaluation

Implement the plan, Evaluate the plan (may include evaluation by inspector/certifier)

New and transitioning organic growers will likely need the most assistance in effectively managing their soils, nutrients, pests, weeds, water, and wildlife in accord with National Organic Program (NOP) rules and standards. Challenges include:

understanding and preventing soil erosion, providing adequate crop-available N while protecting soil and water quality from P excesses learning ecologically sound organic pest, weed, and disease management practices co-managing wildlife resources, food safety, and crop protection

More experienced organic producers may encounter nutrient management and other resource challenges, especially when bringing new land into production. Conservation planning with the organic producer can reveal opportunities to meet conservation objectives and NOP requirements simultaneously through multi-functional practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and habitat plantings in buffer zones and in areas that are too steep or otherwise not well suited to crop production.

NRCS staff and Technical Service Providers (TSPs) can approach conservation planning in organic systems through addressing the SWAPA-EH (soil, water, air, plants, animals, energy, human considerations) suite of resource considerations. However, when working with organic growers, the planner needs to be aware that NRCS conservation practice standards and specifications have evolved in the context of mainstream agricultural technologies that have historically diverged from the principles of organic systems. Thus, the planner needs to exercise some flexibility when applying certain practice specifications to address resource problems on organic agricultural operations.

Although NOP standards regarding natural resources (page 7) do not set quantitative criteria, they require the producer to maintain resources in a non-degradation status, encourage them to improve resource condition, and implicitly require compliance with Farm Bill provisions for highly erodible lands, sod saving, and swamp busting. Conservation planners can use NRCS resource quality criteria to help the organic client identify resource problems, meet NOP and Farm Bill requirements, and achieve the client’s conservation goals.

NOP Standards prohibit the use of most synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, and genetically engineered crop seed or materials (page 16), and requires producers to establish buffers or

Owner, 09/15/14,

In the following couple of pages I slashed-and-burned some of the redundancy I contributed earlier in process; in particular I cut quotes o NOP rules and simply referred the reader to the appropriate pages in A2. MS 9/9/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Spelled out SWAPA-EH at Todd Peplin’s recommendation. MS 8/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is my clumsy attempt to illustrate Jo Ann’s concept of the overarching NOP context and the fourth phase related to NOP – this actually seems like a new third phase, as the plan goes into the OSP which is part of the application for USDA Organic Certification, and needs to be approved before implementation. I tried for 15 minutes to figure out how to make ellipses and other shapes in Word – found the shapes but could neither write in them nor place them over existing text in a way that the text remained visible. So I ended up with this crude outline – the NOP context being the big circle, and the four phases the smaller circles within. Phase 4 might feed back into Phase 3 on an annual basis when the farmer renews certification. MS 7/17/14.


Thanks Mark for creating these steps. Otherwise, since the above figure only tells part of the story. JB 9/15/14

barriers to ensure that organic crops and livestock are not exposed to prohibited materials (page 8). Buffer zones such as riparian buffers, hedgerows, windbreaks, field borders, filter strips, and diversions established to exclude prohibited substances from organic production areas create opportunities to address other conservation objectives such as preventing soil erosion or nutrient runoff into streams, and providing habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

In lieu of synthetic NPK fertilizers, organic producers use crop rotations, cover crops, compost, other plant- and animal-based materials, and natural minerals to provide for crop nutrition (page 9). Most of these nutrient sources release their nutrients gradually, and thus pose less risk to water quality than equivalent amounts of conventional fertilizers. Thus, technologies such as split N applications, mid-season soil or foliar N testing, and precision agriculture may not be as applicable or necessary on the organic farm. However, heavy reliance on manure and compost to provide sufficient crop-available nitrogen (N) can lead to a buildup of excessive soil phosphorus (P) and increased risk of P runoff into streams. Growers new to organic production may need more guidance with respect to soil function, nutrient cycling, and nutrient management to protect resources while ensuring adequate crop nutrition.

The NOP pest management standard requires the organic producer to implement pest prevention and avoidance measures, monitor pest levels, and utilize biological, cultural, and physical pest controls, and to use NOP-allowed pesticide sprays for pest suppression only when these other measures fail (page 11). Thus, resource considerations related to pest control practices on an organic agricultural operation may differ from those on conventional operations, and thus require a different planning approach. While a conventional producer may seek to implement a “basic” scenario of CPS 595 Integrated Pest Management geared toward mitigation of impacts of pesticide use on one or more resource concerns, the organic grower would most likely want to implement an “advanced” or “risk prevention” scenario that entails development and implementation of a full IPM plan with pest prevention, avoidance, and monitoring as well as suppression (PAMS) and measures to minimize impacts of suppression tactics on all resources.

The planner must be prepared to develop specifications and practice requirements for IPM appropriate to a farmer who strives to avoid the use of pesticides altogether by relying more on soil health, biological pest controls, and other ecological approaches to crop protection (Altieri, 2005; SARE, 2003).1 In addition, organic clients may seek to address resource problems related to cultivation for weed control, to implement conservation tillage methods that are practical for organic producers, as well as adopting conservation measures that minimize the need for NOP-allowed pest and disease control sprays, and mitigating resource impacts when sprays become necessary.

1Altieri, 2005: Manage Insects on Your Farm: a Guide to Ecological Strategies . by Miguel A. Altieri and Clara I. Nicholls with Marlene A. Fritz. Published 2005. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) handbook. 128 pp. http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Manage-Insects-on-Your-Farm.

SARE, 2003: A Whole-Farm Approach to Managing Pests. 2003. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) bulletin. 20 pp. http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Bulletins/A-Whole-Farm-Approach-to-Managing-Pests.

NOTE: everything up to this point is the same as what I sent on 9/9/14. My main focus today (9/11/14) will be on the Conservation Practices (C6) section. – Mark Schonbeck

Owner, 09/15/14,

This bulletin is so packed with vital practical information on everything from biological pest management to judicious tillage (when is no-till, reduced-till, or full width till best?) that I highly recommend it to everyone in this Guidebook team as well as NRCS field staff and farmers –organic and otherwise – everywhere. MS 7/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

I changed this example significantly based on a review of CPS 595 scenarios offered in FY2014 in three regions (CA, Appalachia, midAtlantic) – all three included both basic mitigation and advanced full PAMS as well as risk prevention (strongest emphasis on prevention and avoidance). MS 9/9/14

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Bulletins/A-Whole-Farm-Approach-to-Managing-Pests


http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Manage-Insects-on-Your-Farm

Conservation Planning Phase I: Collecting and Analyzing InformationStep 1: Identify Problems and OpportunitiesStep 2: Determine ObjectivesStep 3: Inventory ResourcesStep 4: Analyze Resource Data

Conservation planning with an organic producer begins with a site visit during which the planner works with the client to identify resource problems and opportunities in relation to current and future organic production activities, determine conservation objectives for the organic operation, and develop an inventory of its resources. As the planner and client analyze the resource inventory and evaluate identified problems in relation to NRCS quality criteria and NOP requirements, additional resource considerations that require attention may emerge, and the client may choose to refine or expand her/his objectives. During this process, the planner and client will utilize the Environmental Evaluation Worksheet (Form NRCS-CPA-52) to identify and assess any special environmental concerns and opportunities related to natural areas, invasive species, or requirements of the Clean Air Act and other federal, state, or local environmental policy.

Undertaking these four steps together rather than in a linear sequence can be especially helpful to the organic producer, who must develop integrated production and conservation strategies based on the unique features of her/his farm. For a beginning farmer or a farmer who plans to install new buildings, irrigation, or other infrastructure, NRCS planners should encourage the client to think strategically early in the process. Placement of infrastructure should take into account resource considerations as well as efficiency of farming operations. For example, if storm water management is a challenge on the farm, it should be given highest priority and addressed prior to placement of access roads, buildings, high tunnels, and other farm infrastructure.

Evaluating Resource Conditions on Organic and Transitioning Agricultural OperationsA few questions to consider in conservation planning for an organic operation include: What has the client observed regarding resource conditions on the farm or ranch, and what

resource problems have s/he identified within organic production areas? What resource problems has the client identified in natural areas and other non-production

areas within farm boundaries or in its immediate surroundings? What resource opportunities has the client identified in natural areas of the operation that may

tie to larger conservation goals in the region? Has the client recently moved to this region to begin a new organic agricultural operation, and

thus may be unfamiliar with common local resource problems and opportunities? Does the client intend to install roads, buildings, irrigation, or other infrastructure that might

impact resource considerations? How can careful planning of the location and installation of new infrastructure prevent future resource problems?

Is the client undertaking a transition from conventional to organic production? Have any NOP-prohibited substances been applied within the past three years to current or

planned organic production areas? Must the client break sod in order to gain access to cropland that does not have a recent history

of prohibited substances? If so, is the sod located on sloping or highly erodible land, or on high-value conservation land such as native prairie? Is the farm located within a region covered by current Sodsaver provisions?

Owner, 09/15/14,

The phrase originally added here by Jo Ann is: “whether or not it is in a state where the sodsaving provision exists.” – did you mean that the planner should keep in mind whether the state is under the sodsaver provision, or did you mean that the planner should ask this question regardless of whether the farm is in a Sodsaver area or not? I tend to think both – the questions need to be asked for all producers, and it is helpful to know whether a Sodsaver requirement is in effect (similar to needing to know about Special Environmental Concerns covered by CPA-52). MS 7/18/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

In a July 24 e-mail, Todd P. comments: “Stay focus on the resource concerns I see language about practices (example: buildings, irrigation, infrastructure) Planning is about identifying resource concerns and developing alternatives to solve those resource concerns. The producers may think they know what they want but it’s the planner that needs to determine the severity (if it meets quality criteria) of the resource concern in order to develop alternatives ( system of conservation practices) for the land owner to choose. Too many times we jump to conclusion of one practice before we have assessed the resource. Often when the resource is assessed, many practices or a system of practices can solve the problem; some with a lower cost to the producer.” Not sure whether and how we need to address this concern – perhaps some of this belongs under Conservation Practices (section C6) below. MS8/28/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Explicitly adding CPS-52 to the context of the planning process.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Ditto preceding comment – the organic producer participating in NRCS programs will need to meet both sets of criteria. MS 7/18/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Phrase added to “anchor” the paragraph more firmly in the organic context - in response to comment from Ron that the original description is “same as for non-organic” and thus redundant. MS 7/18/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Iam not attempting to shorten this section (pp 30-40) at this time. Having created this somewhat long winded draft a few weeks ago, I am fine with others on the team working on it to make it more succinct if I don’t get to it. MS 9/9/14

Does the client intend to manage the entire operation organically, or are there organic and non-organic sections, which need to be separated by effective buffers and barriers?

Has the client identified potential exposure of organic production areas to prohibited substances from off-farm sources, for which suitable buffers, barriers, or diversions might be needed?

What are the client’s marketing goals, challenges, and opportunities for the organic agricultural operation, and how might these impact her/his perspective on resource conservation objectives?

Resource degradationOrganic producers who purchase new land for their operation or bring additional land into organic

production may need to address pre-existing resource degradation. This includes resource conditions that do not meet NRCS basic assessment quality criteria posted on the electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG), or for which NOP standards may require pro-active measures to improve condition. Planners can help clients identify these problem areas by using national and state quality criteria for each resource of concern. Some questions to explore include:

Have past cropping practices resulted in soil, water, or other resource problems? Have past livestock production practices degraded water, soil, or other resources? Are riparian zones or other uncultivated natural areas and sensitive habitats affected by soil

erosion, pollution, invasive exotic plants, or other forms of resource degradation?

Resource problems can also develop on established organic operations when producer have not yet successfully integrated production and conservation goals. Some questions to consider include:

On small, intensively-managed, organic cropland acreages, has the client monitored trends in soil nutrient levels and soil quality through regular soil testing and field evaluation? If so, what do the data show regarding soil quality and nutrient considerations?

On larger organically-managed acreages, does the client have access to sufficient organic materials and NOP-allowed nutrient sources to maintain soil quality and fertility?

Does the water leaving the operation contain more sediment, nutrients, or other contaminants than when it comes into the farm?

For livestock operations, are pasture quantity and quality adequate for the herd or flock, or has the client developed a plan that responds to regional ecological conditions to ensure adequate forage?

Are livestock, grazing schedules, and manure managed adequately to protect water, other resources, and livestock health?

Has resource degradation continued in riparian zones or other non-cropped areas because the client has lacked the time, finances, or technical knowledge to address the problem?

Resource non-degradationResource non-degradation occurs when resource condition is satisfactory and not declining. A truly

sustainable agriculture can continue indefinitely without degrading or depleting any resources on the farm or elsewhere. Questions to address with the client include:

What resources in the operation’s inventory exhibit a satisfactory condition for the client’s organic production objectives?

Are there any resources whose condition is stable and meets NRCS quality criteria, but that the client seeks to improve?

Resource Enhancement

Owner, 09/15/14,

Under this heading, Rex commented: “Perhaps this can be combined with “Resource Enhancement”? “ I am OK with this; however the working outline for the Guidebook includes this as a separate subheading, so I am leaving this as is for now. If the majority of the group believes it can be melded with Resource Enhancement, then I am fine with that change. MS 6/26/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Based on question suggested by Jo Ann, which asked whether the water leaving the farm is “dirtier” than when it entered. MS 7/18/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Another phrase added to set this discussion in the organic context so it does not simply read like a reiteration of material from th National Planning Procedures Handbook. MS 7/18/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This added question is an attempt to address Ebonie’s point that the farm’s market needs impact its ability to implement conservation practices and thus its choice regarding what practices to implement and how. Most of the “marketing needs filter” will come into play in Phase 2 Decision Support (formulating and evaluating alternatives and making decisions); however it does not hurt to begin exploring it here. MS 7/18/14

NOP standards for soil, nutrient, and pest management, and the general requirement to “maintain or improve the natural resources of the operation” create opportunities to enhance resource condition on an organic agricultural operation beyond the non-degradation level. The conservation planner can explore these opportunities with the client by asking questions such as:

Can buffer plantings installed to protect organic fields from prohibited substances serve additional conservation goals such as erosion control or beneficial habitat?

Can the client meet NOP pasture requirements for ruminants (NOP 205.240) through resource-enhancing practices such as management-intensive rotational grazing?

Does the client’s vision for the operation include development of riparian and other natural areas for enhanced wildlife and beneficial habitat, native plants, biodiversity, improved water quality and aquatic habitat, or overall ecosystem health?

Are there other NRCS conservation activities that might help the client meet NOP production standards in ways that maximize conservation benefits for soil, plant, animal, and other resources?

Assessing Resources Considerations on Organic Agricultural OperationsSoil Erosion and Soil QualityInventory and Analysis:

Soil tests – nutrients, pH, organic matter, cation exchange, etc. Nutrient budget(s) for the main crop(s) being grown, including anticipated or target yield Soils map, showing soil series and land capability class of each soil management unit

o Do the client’s production plans match land capability? Topographical features – slope, aspect, land forms Current soil condition – tilth, soil life, vegetative cover, erosion, compaction

Problems: Has past use of cropland left soils compacted, eroded, depleted of organic matter, or otherwise

degraded so that they do not meet NRCS basic quality assessment criteria?o Is there visible evidence of sheet, rill, gully, or wind erosion?o Do estimated soil erosion rates as calculated by the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation

(RUSLE2) or Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) exceed T?o Has management-induced compaction limited root depth, plant growth, or soil

biological activity? o If peat or muck soils (Histosols) are present, do they show signs of subsidence?

Have past grazing/haying practices left pastures compacted, eroded, depleted, or otherwise degraded so that they do not meet the NRCS basic quality assessment criteria?

o Is the soil surface less than 80% covered by vegetation?o Does the Pasture Condition Score (PCS) show inadequate plant and residue cover?

Does rangeland show visible erosion, compaction, poor plant growth, excess manure deposition, or other signs of degradation?

o Does a Range Health Assessment (RHA) confirm inadequate soil stability? Have NOP-prohibited substances been applied to cropland, pasture, or other production areas

in the past three years? Are riparian zones, wetlands, woodlands or other natural areas affected by soil erosion or poor

soil quality? Has intensively managed organic cropland lost soil organic matter or quality as a result of

frequent cultivation for weed control or low-residue crop rotations?

Owner, 09/15/14,

This heading was formerly “Soil Conservation and Soil Health” – however, it was suggested during recent comments on Draft 3 that terminology should stick as closely as possible to current NRCS listing of resource considerations. I happen to prefer “Soil Conservation and Soil Health” but I am fine with sticking with official terminology when specifically addressing resource considerations. Other headings in this section have also been harmonized with the current RC list. MS 7/18/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

The heading was formerly “…Organic and Sustainable Farms” – this was probably my confusing the CIG project (which covers both USDA certified organic and other sustainable ops) and the Guidebook, which is specifically Organic. MS 7/18/14

o Is the Soil Conditioning Index (SCI) for cropland below 0? Has reliance on manure or manure-based compost to provide crop-available N led to a buildup

of excessive soil P? Have inadequate nutrient inputs resulted in “mining” of soil P, K, and other nutrient reserves in

organic hayfields or other organic cropland?

Opportunities: Can the client optimize soil quality by combining organic soil and nutrient management practices

with conservation practices like reduced till, conservation crop rotation, and high-biomass multispecies cover cropping?

Can the client utilize enterprise diversity to match production systems with topography and land capability class (e.g., annual crops on level areas; perennials on sloping land)?

Can the client integrate crop and livestock enterprises to optimize on-farm nutrient cycling and utilization, and thereby enhance soil fertility and soil quality?

Water Quality and QuantityInventory and Analysis:

Inventory of surface and groundwater resources on or adjacent to the operation Direct observations of water quality – turbidity, biota, etc. Water testing – nutrients, salinity, pathogens, etc. Assessment of aquatic wildlife habitat Irrigation water sources – adequacy for current or planned production; water quality Irrigation equipment – adequacy, efficiency, losses to evaporation or runoff Presence of poorly drained, frequently flooded or excessively drained (dry) soils.

Problems: Have water resources become contaminated or otherwise degraded by past crop or livestock

production practices, so that basic quality assessment criteria are not met? Have certain production practices (heavy compost or manure applications, frequent cultivation,

heavy grazing) led to nutrient, sediment, or pathogen runoff or leaching to water resources?o Are nutrient applications based on soil or tissue tests, and realistic yield goals?o Are additional conservation measures needed to prevent nutrient and pathogen

pollution?o Do current management practices adequately control erosion from upslope areas?o Are manure and other organic materials stored, handled, and applied in a manner that

mitigates negative impacts on surface and groundwater resources?o Are riparian areas and wetlands degraded so much that they are a source of pollution

instead of a sink that captures it? Have past or current crop production or grazing practices compromised soil drainage or

moisture-holding capacity?o Are crop yields limited by excessively wet or dry soil conditions?o Does the Pasture Condition Score (PCS) or Rangeland Health Assessment (RHA) indicate

that inefficient moisture management limits forage quantity or quality? Is irrigation water used inefficiently?

o Does the irrigation system fail to meet state irrigation efficiency criteria?

Opportunities:

Can the client combine organic soil and nutrient management practices (NOP §205.203) with conservation practices to prevent nutrient transport to streams and groundwater, and enhance soil drainage, rain infiltration, and moisture holding capacity?

Can the client integrate crop and livestock enterprises to optimize nutrient cycling, reduce nutrient imports and thereby protect water quality on the farm and in its surroundings?

Can the client combine organic pest, weed, and disease management strategies (NOP §205.206) and conservation buffers to maximize beneficial habitat and thereby minimize the need for potentially water-polluting pest control sprays?

Can the client create a crop (NOP §205.203-205.206) or pasture (NOP §205.240) management plan that improves the riparian or wetland resources?

Can concentrated water flow be redirected into a newly created wetland so that the water leaving the farm is cleaner than when it entered?

Animals – Livestock Feed, Forage, Shelter, and Water; Fish and Wildlife HabitatInventory and Analysis:

Livestock species, numbers, and management system(s) Livestock condition Adequacy of shelter, water, feed, and pasture for each livestock species Inventory of current and desired wildlife resources on the farm or ranch and in its surroundings Existence and condition of wildlife species, communities, and habitats on the operation

Problems: Have past livestock production practices resulted in resource problems such as poor pasture

quality or adverse impacts on wildlife habitat that the client must address to meet NOP Standards for pasture (NOP §205.240) or natural resources (NOP §205.200)?

o Does the NRCS Grassland Resources Analysis indicate inadequate grazing or water resources for the number and kind of livestock on the farm or ranch?

o Are pastures inadequate to provide 30% of dietary dry matter for ruminants? (See NOP Guidance Documents 5017-1 through 5017-5 on dry matter calculations, at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5096778, and ATTRA bulletin Organic Standard for Livestock Production, at https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=159.)

Do current livestock management practices, infrastructure, and pasture protect watern and other resources, and do they adequately meet NOP Standards for livestock feed (NOP §205.237) and living conditions (NOP §205.239)?

Do riparian zones, wetlands, woodlands, or other uncultivated areas require restoration in order to meet the client’s goals for wildlife habitat?

o Does current habitat fail to meet NRCS quality assessment criteria for food, water, cover, or habitat connectivity?

Opportunities: Does the client produce both crops and livestock, and thus have an opportunity to establish an

integrated system to provide organic livestock feed (required by NOP §205.237) from on-farm sources, and simultaneously enhance on-farm nutrient cycling?

Can the client implement management-intensive grazing systems that support compliance with NOP standards for livestock nutrition, health, living conditions, and pasture (NOP §205.237 – §205.240) while also improving soil, water, and other resources?

Can beneficial insect habitat plantings also provide or expand wildlife habitat?

https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=159


Plants – Productivity and Vigor, Structure and Composition (biodiversity and habitat), Wildfire Hazard (excessive biomass/fuel accumulation)Inventory and Analysis:

Cropping system, crop rotation and diversity Crop condition: yields, quality, stress tolerance, foliar nutrient analysis results Pasture or rangeland condition, including vigor, diversity, palatability, nutrient and digestibility

analysis Plant community diversity and condition in riparian, wetland, woodland, and other natural areas

Problems: Do production crops show poor vigor, low yields or quality, or excessive pest pressure?

o Does the client report that crops show low vigor or unsatisfactory yields? Do one or two plant families dominate the crop rotation or cropping system (low diversity),

making the system more susceptible to pests, disease, and other stresses? Have pastures or range become weedy, eroded, overgrazed, compacted, or of low forage

quality?o Does the Pasture Condition Score (PCS) or Rangeland Health Assessment (RHA) indicate

excessive insect or disease pressure, forage species poorly adapted to the locale, or overall low vigor?

Do riparian zones, wetlands, woodlands, or other uncultivated natural areas exhibit poor vegetative cover, low biomass, low biodiversity, or infestations of invasive exotic plants?

o Does the plant community show inadequate diversity, composition, or structure to perform desired ecological functions or meet client goals?

o Do wildfire hazards exist as a result of excessive biomass / fuel accumulations?

Opportunities: Can the client take advantage of the planting flexibility afforded by the non-use of herbicides to

design tight, diverse crop rotations (NOP §205.205) that maximize plant biomass, soil coverage, and the pest management benefits of crop species diversity?

Can habitat plantings for natural enemies of crop pests, for water quality improvements, or for carbon sequestration be designed to employ native plants and to maximize the diversity and vigor of perennial plant communities?

Air QualityInventory and Analysis:

Off-farm sources of chemical spray drift, airborne soil particulates (dust, including that which may contain pathogens), and odors

On-farm sources of NOP-allowed pesticide spray drift, dust, and odors Production practices or system components that entail either greenhouse gas emissions or net

carbon sequestration

Problems: Do airborne contaminants from off-farm sources, such as pesticide spray drift, threaten the

NOP-certified status of the farm and farm products, or degrade on-farm air quality? Does fugitive dust from neighboring concentrated animal feeding operations threaten food

safety of freshly eaten crops?

Owner, 09/15/14,

New question added based on this resource sub-consideration under Plant Condition. MS 7/18/14

Do farm, ranch or handling operations generate dust or odors that could become problematic for the operation’s managers, employees, or customers, or for neighbors?

o Are dust and odors managed sufficiently to meet client objectives?o Is dust with possible pathogens managed sufficiently to meet the requirements of the

client’s produce buyers? Has the client identified potential sources of excessive greenhouse gas emissions, such as

energy-intensive farm operations or anaerobic manure storage that generates methane?o Are greenhouse gas emissions managed adequately to meet client objectives?

Opportunities: Can the client utilize hedgerows, windbreaks, riparian vegetation, wetlands, and other

barrier/buffer plantings and natural areas to mitigate airborne soil particulates from on-farm or off-farm sources?

Can air filtration and scrubbing (CPS 375) help to capture dust particles in animal housing or other enclosed structures.

Can manure harvesting and the applications of water (Dust control for animals, CPS 371) help to reduce dust and airborne pathogens arising from animal activity on open lot areas, holding pens, and corrals?

Can organic soil quality and nutrient management practices (NOP 205.203), combined with conservation practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping, minimize the operation’s carbon footprint by reducing fossil fuel use and sequestering carbon in the soil?

EnergyInventory and Analysis:

Energy audits to determine total energy consumption by the operation Energy efficiency rating of irrigation pumps, tractors, and other farm equipment Estimation of embodied energy in off-farm sourced inputs including transportation

Problems: In adopting a no-herbicide production system, has the operation incurred increased energy use

for tillage and cultivation to manage weeds, cover crops, and crop residues? Does the organic production system entail the use of off-farm inputs with considerable

embodied energy costs for mining, manufacture, and transportation?

Opportunities: Can the client reduce energy use in crop production by relying on natural processes such as

legume nitrogen fixation, nutrient release by soil life, and pest suppression by beneficial insects to reduce the need for off-farm inputs and field operations?

Can the client reduce energy use in annual cropping systems by adopting organic no-till or reduced-till methods, such as killing cover crops by roll-crimping?

Can the client reduce energy use in livestock production by maximizing time spent on pasture, thereby distributing manure without hauling, and deriving a higher percentage of livestock nutrition from grazing?

Human ConsiderationsInventory and Analysis:

Human and financial resources and constraints in addressing natural resource issues – capital, labor, management skills, risks and marketing considerations

Owner, 09/15/14,

Added to address Ebonie’s point about markets. MS 7/18/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Brief summary of Human Considerations on page 7 of CPS-52. MS 7/18/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Phrase added, as it is implied by the sub-questions that follow. MS 7/18/14

Human health impacts of current resource condition and of the agriculture operation itself Quality of life for the farmer and farming family

Problems: Do exposures to dust, pathogens, mold, pesticide residues, or poor quality water from on-farm

or off-farm sources cause potential health problems? In the context of this farm’s operations, are there sufficient management skills and financial,

labor, and infrastructure / equipment resources to implement the conservation plan? Do marketing and business management considerations, or actual or perceived risks affect the

client’s capacity or willingness to implement conservation practuces?

Opportunities: Can a conservation plan enable the client to better realize his/her conservation goals and more

easily meet NOP requirements? Can implementation of the conservation plan help reduce the work load on the client, or open

opportunities to receive financial and technical assistance to implement needed conservation measures, thereby relieving stress on the farmer and farming family?

Can implementation of the conservation plan improve the aesthetic value of the operation (e.g., flowering plants and desirable native plants in habitat, buffer, or barrier plantings; elimination of gullies and manure lagoons), and thereby make the operation a pleasant and healthful working environment?

Assessing Special Environmental Concerns on Organic Agricultural Operations – the Environmental Evaluation WorksheetClean Air ActInventory and Analysis:

Current emissions from the agricultural operation of airborne particulates (dust), ozone precursors [oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including pesticides], and other air pollutants regulated at federal, state, or local levels.

Problems: Do current or planned farming operations or entailcause potential generation of regulated air

pollutants at levels that might exceed criteria of the Clean Air Act? Does implementation of conservation infrastructure and practices under consideration have the

potential to increase emissions of airborne dust or other regulated air pollutants?

Opportunities: Can conservation measures adopted to meet NOP requirements regarding management of soil

erosion, nutrients, pests, and weeds, and livestock areas reduce emissions of dust, ozone precursors, or other regulated air pollutants from the organic agricultural operation?

Can windbreaks, hedgerows, and other buffers and barriers installed to exclude NOP-prohibited substances from the operation also help bring or keep the operation itself in compliance with the Clean Air Act?

Invasive SpeciesInventory and Analysis

Owner, 09/15/14,

I see from the CPA-52 itself that the its intent it to evaluate environmental impacts of conservation activities - “alternatives” versus “no action” – thus it seems that this is part of Step 6 – Evaluate Alternatives after the alternatives have been formulated in Step 5. Thus, this section may actually belong in Phase 2. Since the baseline condition (“no action”) is also considered, perhaps it also belongs here? What do folks think? Additional note: I “punted” on the CPA52 material – it is a first draft of this section, not a 4th draft, and it is very rough, probably too long and maybe way off the mark – please comment, critique, slash-and-burn, or downsize as needed. Keep what seems worthwhile and chuck the rest. MS 7/18/14


These are priority issues that should take president over everything else related to natural resources conservation. Mark did a good job of compressing a lot of information into these sections. I’ve added text where appropriate.

Invasive plant species (plant species included on federal or state-specific noxious weed lists) present on or immediately adjacent to the organic farm or ranch

Other invasive species (animals, insects, fish, fungi, etc) present on or immediately adjacent to the organic farm or ranch

Invasive species present within the bioregion in which the agricultural operation is located, that may pose a risk to production areas or natural areas of the operation

Areas within the agricultural operation affected by, or at risk from, the invasive species. Possible sources of invasive species (uncomposted manure and other soil amendments, or

movement of equipment from one farm to another) Potential impacts of invasive species on the natural resources of the organic operation.

Problems Are riparian zones, woodlands, wetlands, prairie lands, or other natural areas on the organic

farm currently degraded by, or at risk from, invasion by one or more invasive species? Have invasive plant species adversely affected productivity or quality of cropland, pasture, or

other organic production areas? Have Has the client or planner observed invasive fish or aquatic plants in streams or other

surface water resources of the organic operation? Do any conservation activities under consideration entail increased risk of invasion by noxious

weeds (e.g., soil disturbance during restoration projects) or other invasive species?

Opportunities Can the organic producer effectively address noxious weed or other invasive species problems

through pasture and hayland planting, prairie restoration, riparian buffers, or other conservation plantings implemented to meet NRCS or NOP mandated conservation objectives?

Can the organic producer reduce or eliminate invasive species from pasture or range management such as mowing at critical times or through best grazing management practices such as intensive rotational grazing implemented to comply with the NOP Pasture Standard?

Can the organic producer effectively combat invasive species through integrated, ecological pest management strategies in compliance with the NOP Pest, Weed, and Disease Management Standard?

Are there areas on the farm where the operator should monitor for invasive species, such as near neighboring lands with known populations of invasives, or along river frontage where invasive species are known to occur upstream.

Natural AreasInventory and Analysis

Land and water areas within the organic agricultural operation that have been designated natural areas by the federal government, foundations, or conservation organizations.

Land and water areas within the operation that the client wishes to maintain in a natural condition.

Natural area abutting the agricultural operation, whether mandated by government, foundation or conservation organization; or by the land owner

Resource condition of each natural area; whether and to what extent natural conditions have been maintained.

Problems

Is the operation planning on converting a natural area of high conservation value to organic crop or livestock production?

Do terrestrial or aquatic natural areas within the boundaries of the organic agricultural operation show signs of soil erosion, impaired water quality, or other resource degradation?

Do natural areas in areas abutting or close to the operation show signs of degradation? Do current production activities by the organic producer or neighboring producers expose on-

farm or nearby natural areas to pesticide drift or nutrient runoff, or otherwise put them at risk? Do conservation activities under consideration through the planning process have the potential

to adversely impact terrestrial or aquatic natural areas, on farm or nearby?

Opportunities Is the operator interested in learning why the natural area is of high conservation value, and

how converting it to pasture would be less harmful than cropland; or only converting a part of it with the least conservation value is also another option? Can plantings of windbreaks, hedgerows, riparian

buffers, or other conservation buffers help to protect and restore existing natural areas, either on the farm or on adjacent properties?

Can conservation activities implemented to meet NRCS conservation objectives and NOP Standards regarding conservation of resources and biodiversity, crop production, and soil and nutrient management be designed to also protect, improve, or expand natural areas?

Can the client improve the condition of natural areas through pasture management practices implemented to meet other conservation objectives, and/or the NOP Pasture Standard?

Special Environmental Concerns Related to Water ResourcesInventory and Analysis:

Components of the farm or ranch landscape, or the organic agricultural operation that may come under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act or other federal, state, or local regulation regarding water resources, including coastal zones and coral reefs.

Map showing rivers, streams, flood plains, wetlands, coastal zones, and other water resources within the boundaries of, or adjacent to and potentially affected by, the organic agricultural operation.

Federally or state-designated wild and scenic rivers flowing through or adjacent to the organic farm or ranch.

Problems: Have past or current crop or livestock agricultural activities impaired water quality through

excessive sediments, nutrients, or bacteria that render the agricultural operation out of compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act?

Do existing resource conditions related to past or current agricultural practices cause excessive nutrient, sediment, or bacteria levels in, or otherwise adversely affect riparian areas, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or other water resources of special environmental concern?

Could conservation activities or installment of conservation infrastructure under consideration through the planning process put the operation out of compliance with the Clean Water Act, disrupt the free flow of wild and scenic rivers, or otherwise adversely affect riparian areas, wetlands, floodplains, coastal zones, or other water resources of special environmental concern?

Opportunities: Can conservation activities be implemented that simultaneously:

o reduce nutrient, sediment, and bacteria loading of water resources and thereby bring or keep the agricultural operation in compliance with the Clean Water Act;

o protect and restore wetlands, riparian areas, wild and scenic rivers, or other water resources of special environmental concern;

o Meet client goals for the conservation plan; and o facilitate compliance with NOP requirements regarding resource conservation and crop

and livestock production?

Endangered and Threatened Species, Essential Fish Habitat, Migratory Birds and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection ActInventory and Analysis:

Listed endangered or threatened species (plants, animalsmammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, insects, etc) present on the organic agricultural operation or in its immediate surroundings

Endangered or threatened species present in the region watershed in which the operation is located

Streams, rivers, estuaries, or other surface water resources within the organic agricultural operation that include federally designated essential habitat for marine fish or fish that migrate between fresh water and marine environments (e.g. salmon)?

Presence of breeding pairs of bald or golden eagle on the farm or ranch. Presence of mMigratory bird routes passing over or through nesting sites on the farm or ranch.

Problems: Do resource conditions related to past or current agricultural practices harm endangered or

threatened species, essential fish habitat, migratory birds or eagles in any way? Could conservation activities or installment of conservation infrastructure under consideration

through the planning process adversely affect endangered or threatened species, essential fish habitat, migratory birds or eagles in any way?

Opportunities: Can the client provide, improve, or expand habitat for endangered and threatened species by

installing woodlands, riparian buffers, wetlands, shallow water ponds, hedgerows, windbreaks, field borders, filter strips, beneficial habitat, or other conservation plantings intended to meet NOP and/or NRCS program criteria?

Can the client protect or improve essential fish habitat, eagle nesting sites, or migratory bird routes by installing or expanding woodlands, riparian buffer zones, wetlands, shallow water ponds, or implementing other conservation practices to meet conservation and/or NOP compliance goals?

a. Step 1 – Identify Problems and Opportunities b. Step 2 – Determine Objectives c. Step 3 – Inventory Resources (CPA-52)d. Step 4 – Analyze Resource Data e. Step 5 – Formulate Alternatives f. Step 6 – Evaluate Alternatives g. Step 7 – Make Decisions

h. Step 8 – Implement the Plan i. Step 9 – Evaluate the Plan

Group leader: Todd Peplin [email protected]

Group team members: Todd Peplin, NRCS ORJim Howard, NRCS CA Patrick Murphy, NRCS WIRon Wood, NRCS VAMark Schonbeck (mostly reviewer), VBFARex Dufour, NCATRafael Vega, NRCS INLindsay Haines, NRCS NHQEbonie Alexander, BFLTJo Ann Baumgartner------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C.3. Technical Service Providers (TSPs)

The Technical Service Provider program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was created to increase the quantity of conservation technical assistance delivered to farmers. Technical Service Providers (TSPs) are private consultants who have the same technical expertise in conservation planning and design as do NRCS or Conservation District personnel. NRCS maintains a registry of certified TSPs (an online database called “TechReg”) who have completed required NRCS trainings, verification of education and professional licenses as well as knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). TSPs are certified for specific KSAs by state. Farmers apply at their local NRCS office for financial assistance offered through the “Environmental Quality Incentives Program” (EQIP) to defray the costs of hiring the TSP. TSPs can also be used to implement conservation enhancements through funds provided under the “Conservation Stewardships Program (CSP)”. Upon receiving financial assistance, the farmer then hires the TSP to provide conservation planning services on behalf of NRCS. NRCS staff must not assume any role in hiring of a TSP or the development of the agreement between the participant and TSP. TSP's provide conservation planning services to farmers in two broad areas: 1) Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) development, and; 2) Conservation Practice design, installation and checkout. There are 17 separate CAPs and several different practice categories, each with individual TSP eligibility requirements.Conservation Activity Plans (CAPs)Farmers hire TSPs to develop CAPs to identify conservation practices needed to address a specific natural resource need/concern. A CAP plan does not have to meet the same requirements for a conservation plan developed by NRCS staff nor can States add work for the TSP beyond what the CAP criteria requires. Conservation Activity Plans may only be prepared by certified Technical Service Providers and the payment rates for this service reflect only those activities that TSPs are required to complete as outlined in the planning criteria. The technical criteria for each CAP (the details of what must be included in each CAP) are available for download from the NRCS website under “Technical Assistance Technical Service Providers”. The CAP 138 is a Conservation Activity Plan that helps farmers who are interested in transitioning from conventional farming practices to organic production by addressing the natural resource concerns on their operation.

Akin, Thomas - NRCS, Amherst, MA, 09/15/14,

I am checking with Dana Larsen in WDC on this one.

jeffs, 09/15/14,

This is from funds received through the CSP contract?

The CAP 138 may supplement an OSP, but it is not a replacement for one. The information included in either a CAP 138 or a regular NRCS conservation plan can be relevant and/or useful in helping the producer apply for organic certification, however the producer is responsible for completing all of the OSP requirements that a conservation plan does not address. Some TSPs have voluntarily provided additional information needed to meet requirements of an OSP, as part of their deliverables for the CAP 138; however, NRCS payment rates do not include or address this extra work. It is important that when approving EQIP CAP agreements that the participant is informed that NRCS will not reimburse producers for any extra work provided by TSP beyond the CAP requirements and the grower will be responsible for any additional charges from the TSP. After receiving a CAP, farmers can then apply for financial assistance through NRCS to implement the needed items identified in the CAP. Conservation practices may be funded through EQIP and/or “enhancements” may be funded through the CSP. Farmers should check with their local NRCS office; some States may not support all CAPs. Farmers should also consult with their NRCS office to determine application ranking criteria, priority resource concerns, lists of eligible practices, payment rates, information about financial eligibility requirements, and other program requirements.

Conservation Compliance

Conservation provisions for The Highly Erodible Land (HEL), and Wetland Conservation provisions have been in effect since the enactment of the 1985 Farm Bill (The Food Security Act of 1985). The first provisions for Sodsaver were enacted in the 2008 Farm Bill and focused to six states in the 2014 Farm Bill. These provisions are in place to protect highly erodible land from excessive soil erosion and to protect wetlands and un-plowed sod. In order for producers to receive some USDA benefits (ex: NRCS conservation programs, crop insurance, and farm loans) they must be in compliance with these provisions.

Highly erodible land can erode at an excessive rate due to the climate factors, soil type, field slope and slope length. If the maximum annual rate of soil erosion causes a decline in sustainability, it is highly erodible. NRCS routinely makes HEL determinations for program participants and can make an HEL determination upon request.

Wetlands are areas that have soils formed under wet conditions; are water-saturated enough to support plants adapted to growing in wet conditions, and; under normal conditions would support those plants.

Sod is land that has never been tilled or cases where the producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled.

To access some USDA program benefits producers must self-certify (form AD-1026) that they are in compliance with the HEL and Wetland Conservation provisions by agreeing to the following:

NOT to plant or produce an agricultural commodity on highly erodible fields unless actively applying an approved conservation plan or maintaining a fully applied conservation system.

NOT to plant or produce an agricultural commodity on wetlands converted after December 23, 1985.


From: Stubbs, M. 2014. Conservation Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (PL 113.79). Congressional Research Service http://nationalaglawcenter.org/wp-content/uploads//assets/crs/R43504.pdf


Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska


I’ve added sodbuster because un-un-plowed sod is dwindling resource with high conservation value that should be maintained by organic farmers. Plowing sod is causing the decline of many grassland birds and other species. By including Sodsaver here, all the conservation compliance provisions are addressed. This also ties in with the above section Evaluating Resource Conditions.

http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/AD1026.PDF

NOT to convert wetlands by draining, dredging, filling, leveling, removing woody vegetation or any other means that would allow the planting of any crop, pasture, agricultural commodity, or other such crops.

NOT to use proceeds from any FSA farm loan, insured or guaranteed, or any USDA financial assistance program, in such a way that might result in negative impacts to wetlands, except for those projects evaluated and approved by NRCS or Army Corps of Engineers.

NOT to plow land that has never been tilled in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska.

When producer’s answers to questions on the 1026 indicate a determination has not been made or needs to be checked, NRCS is granted permission to complete the determination. All producers with HEL, and wetland, and sodsaver determinations must develop and implement a conservation plan to address the sustainability of these areas. Conservation compliance on HEL lands allow for twice the tolerable soil erosion than the lower standard of a basic conservation systems.(Plan?)

Generally, after an AD-1026 form is completed, conservation compliance is not questioned unless: The producer is included as part of the 5 percent quality assurance review that are done

annually. A whistle blower complaint requires a determination of compliance. An NRCS planner identifies concerns on an operation.

Producers who are found out of compliance have a year to work with NRCS to get into compliance. Additionally, producers not participating in USDA programs can request an HEL or wetland determination and assessment from NRCS.

According to NOP regulation 205.203, “The producer must select and implement tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil and minimize soil erosion.” Additionally, in 205.200, producers must “maintain or improve the natural resources of the operation, including soil , water wetlands, woodlands and wildlifeand water quality”. Thus organic farms must not only remain in compliance to retain options for support under many USDA programs but also to maintain organic certification..

All fields are visited and soil erosion concerns are relayed to the organic certification agency in the annual inspection report. The certification agency may require remedial action and this concern and any mitigating activities will be reviewed and reported in the following year’s organic inspection.

Finally, in 2014, the USDA NOP was developing guidance on the assessment of and penalties related to soil erosion on organic farms. Check for policy updates on the NOP website on this topic. Search for this specific topic in the National Organic Program Policy Handbook.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateR&navID=ProgramHandbookNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&rightNav1=ProgramHandbookNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPProgramHandbook&resultType=&acct=noppub

Group leader: Tom Akin [email protected]

ncat, 09/15/14,

I am sure that there are instances of non-organic farms not being in compliance as well….. the point is the there is a higher probability that certified organic farms will be in compliance. Remember non-organic farms can be out of compliance IF they choose not to utilize USDA support dollars…organic farms do not have that option if they are to retain organic certification EVERY organic farm is “checked” for organic compliance annually, AT BEST only 5% of non-organic farms are checked for compliance with HEL and wetland conversions….

Trice, Kalven - NRCS, Little Rock, AR, 09/15/14,

First, yes NRCS would schedule the request to be carried out. This could be high workload activities. This would be lower priority work since there is no pending USDA payments or benefits. Once clients sign up for program benefits and sign 1026, then this would be high priority work. To encourage all organic producers to go in and ask for a HEL or wetland determination is not a good idea.


What?




Group team members:Pedro A. Torres, NRCS CAKalven Trice, NRCS NHQRuth Shaffer, NRCS MIHarriet Behar (with a focus on TSPs and CAPs), MOSESJeff Schahczenski, NCATLindsay Haines, NRCS NHQSarah Brown, NRCS NHQTom Akin, NRCS, MARex Dufour, NCAT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C6- Conservation ActivitiesIntegral Conservation Activities for Organic Production Systems

The NRCS and the organic sector of agriculture share a commitment to resource conservation and environmental stewardship. The National Organic Program (NOP) Production Standards (pp 7-16) require USDA certified organic producers to adopt crop and livestock production practices that:

prevent soil erosion, protect soil and water quality, maintain and improve woodlands, wetlands, wildlife, and other resources, and conserve and enhance biodiversity.

Implementation of NRCS conservation activities offered through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) can assist organic producers in meeting these NOP requirements. Some Conservation Practices can play an integral role in organic farming and ranching systems, and help transitioning organic producers bring their land and farming operations into compliance with NOP Standards during the transition period. Many CSP Enhancement Activities that build upon these Practices, thus provideing an opportunity for organic producers to attain higher levels of resource stewardship.

Table 1 lists integral Conservation Practices for each of several NOP production standards, and examples of related CSP Enhancements offered during the 2014 signup period.

In addition to these integral practices, mMany other NRCS conservation activities can contribute to effective resource conservation on organic farms and ranches, and nearly all offer NOP-compatible implementation scenarios. NRCS maintains up-to-date Organic Crosswalk documents for EQIP and CSP that show the correlation between the NOP Rule and all relevant conservation activities. For each NOP Production Standard, the EQIP Organic Initiative Crosswalk of NOP-NRCS Practices, at [URL] lists the NRCS resource concern categories addressed by the NOP Standard, NRCS Practices to consider, and definition, purposes and guidance specific to organic operations. For a listing of CSP Enhancement Activities related to each NOP Production Standard, see Conservation Stewardship Program’s Contribution to Organic Transitioning – The Organic Crosswalk at [URL].

The following pages provide an annotated bibliography of resources designed to help producers and NRCS field staff implement the Conservation Practices listed in Table 1 in the context of organic production systems.

Table 1. Integral NRCS Conservation Activities for Organic Systems

NOP Standard Integral Conservation Practices

Examples of CSP Enhancements (2014 Signup)

Natural Resources & Biodiversity Maintain / improve soil, water,

woodlands, wetlands, wildlife Conserve biodiversity

CPS 395 Stream Habitat Improvement and Management

CPS 612 Tree/Shrub Estab. CPS 643 Restoration and

Management of Rare and Declining Habitats

CPS 644 Wetland Wildlife

ANM 21 Prairie restoration for grazing and wildlife habitat

ANM 23 Multi-species native perennials for biomass / wildlife habitat

ANM33 Riparian buffer terrestrial and aquatic wildlife

Owner, 09/15/14,

Suggest moving this to after the table, stated a bit more succinctly. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Again, page cross-references within the Guidebook will need to be adjusted when the final pagination of the document is done. Since today’s (9/11/14) suggested changes are entered in Track Changes, the red font color does not actually show until a tracked change is accepted. Until then, it is indicated as a formatting change in the comments margin. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is such a fundamental statement that I think it belongs earlier in the Guidebook (it almost seems redundant here) – so I moved it to the top of page 7, at the beginning of the A2 section, which cites those parts of the NOP rule most directly relevant to conservation. MS 9/11/14

Habitat Management CPS 645 Upland Wildlife Habitat

Management And all practices listed in the

following sections

habitat ANM37 – Prescriptive grazing

management system for grazing lands

Land Requirements 3 years without prohibited

substances

Buffers / barriers to protect organic production areas

CPS 362 Diversion CPS 380 Windbreak/Shelterbelt CPS 386 Field Border CPS 390 Riparian Herbaceous

Cover CPS 391 Riparian Forest Buffer CPS 393 Filter Strip CPS 422 Hedgerow

WQL19 Transition to organic

grazing system WQL20 Transition to organic

cropping system

ANM07 Extend existing field borders

ANM32 Extend existing filter strips and riparian herbaceous cover

PLT06 Renovation of windbreak, shelterbelt, or hedgerow

Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient Management Implement tillage practices that

improve soil condition and minimize erosion

Manage nutrients through rotations, cover crops, and use of plant and animal materials

Avoid contamination of crops, soil, water

CPS 329 No-till CPS 332 Contour Buffer Strips CPS 345 Reduced Till CPS 585 Stripcropping CPS 340 Cover Crop

CPS 590 Nutrient Management

SOE05 Intensive no-till SQL05 Deep-rooted crops to

break up soil compaction

ENR10 Legumes, manure, compost to supply 90+% of N

ENR12 Legume cover crops as N source

SQL04 Cover crop mixes

WQL10 Cover crop to scavenge N

Crop Rotation Including sod, cover crops,

green manures, catch crops Control erosion, increase soil

organic matter, manage nutrients and pests

Alley cropping, intercropping, hedgerows, etc. for perennials

CPS 328 Conservation Crop Rotation

CPS 340 Cover Crop

CPS 311 Alley Cropping CPS 422 Hedgerow

CCR99 Resource-conserving crop rotation

SQL12 Intensive cover cropping in annual crops

SQL08 Intercropping SQL11 Cover cropping in

orchards and other woody perennial crops

Crop Pest, Weed, & Disease Management Crop rotation, cultural practices

for crop health

Habitat for natural enemies of pests

Mowing, mulching, grazing, cultivation for weeds

CPS 595 Integrated Pest Management

CPS 327 Conservation Cover CPS 386 Field Border

CPS 484 Mulching

WQL21 IPM for organic systems

PLT15 Establish pollinator and/or beneficial insect habitat

PLT20 High-residue cover crops for weed suppression and soil health

Owner, 09/15/14,

Even though NRCS does not currently consider weed suppression or pest management as conservation purposes for CPS 484, organic producers very often use organic mulch as habitat for pest predators (spiders, ground beetles, etc), and either organic or synthetic mulches for weed management. MS 8/12/14

Livestock Living Conditions Access to outdoors, sun, shade,

clean water, shelter, pasture (ruminants)

Manage manure, outdoor areas to protect water and soil

CPS 311 Alley Cropping (shade) CPS 380 Windbreak (shelter) CPS 516 Livestock Pipeline CPS 576 Livestock Shelter CPS 614 Watering Facility CPS 317 Compost Facility CPS 367 Roofs and Covers CPS 558 Roof Runoff Structure CPS 590 Nutrient Management

WQL22 On-farm Composting WQL26 Reduce concentration

of nutrients imported on farm WQL03 Rotate supplement and

feeding areasPasture (Ruminants) 30% of dry matter intake Pasture quality Minimize diseases & parasites

Fencing, shade, water Protect soil & water quality Prevent erosion Protect wetlands and riparian

areas

CPS 511 Forage Harvest Management

CPS 512 Forage Planting CPS 550 Range Planting CPS 381 Silvopasture

Establishment CPS 528 Prescribed Grazing

CPS 382 Fence CPS 390 Riparian Herbaceous

Cover CPS 391 Riparian Forest Buffer CPS 657 Wetland Restoration

PLT16 Intensive rotational grazing

ANM29 On-farm forage-based grazing system

PLT02 Monitor grazing areas to improve grazing management

ANM25 Stockpiling of forage ANM03 Incorporate native

grasses and legumes to 15% of total productivity

ANM05 Extend riparian forest buffers

ANM33 Riparian buffer, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat

The following sections include resources that can help producers and NRCS field staff implement the Conservation Practices listed in Table 1 in the context of organic production systems.

Nutrient Management, Cover Crops, Compost, Crop Rotations, Tillage and Residue Management

Nutrient Management Organic growers rely on a healthy soil ecology to release crop-available nutrients from soil organic matter and organic amendments. To support this ecology, they must continually replenish maintain or improve organic matterials in the soil. levels as the foundation of organic nutrient management. Because synthetic fertilizers are generally not allowed in organic systems, the majority of nutrients must come from plant-derived or animal-derived products, in which nutrients are embedded in combined with carbon(C). In organic systems, the N and C cycles are closely linked, and nutrients, particularly N, must be managed with this in mind. In most conventional systems, use of synthetic chemical fertilizers has separated N cycling from C cycling.

susan.samson-liebig, 09/15/14,

I would suggest using soil food web. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Might farmers and NRCS field staff be more familiar with “soil food web” than with “soil ecology”? MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

These practices also help provide the quantity and quality of pasture required by NOP for ruminants. The three can be covered together in the Resources listings. MS 8/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Same comment as above

Owner, 09/15/14,

Although these practices might not be specifically “integral” to organic systems, they are important to all livestock producers, and seemed to belong here. There may be some NOP Regulation constraints on materials used for livestock watering infrastructure. MS 8/12/14

Compared to conventional fertilizers, most organic fertilizers usually have lower concentrations of nutrients and are generally slower-actingact more slowly because nutrient release depends on the level of soil life biological activity in order to interacting with (and releasing) the nitrogen embedded in carbon. Because of this slower, digestive processdigesting the applied materials. As a result, some portion of the nutrients will be released in years subsequent to the year of application. In this context, resource considerations related to nutrient Nutrient management Management (CPS 590)may differ for organic versus conventional systems. NRCS can help organic and transitioning producers to better understand nutrient cycling in their soil, develop nutrient budgetsing, and help them implement practices that support and build soil health.

Nutrient Management Plan (590) for Organic Systems: Western State Implementation Guide (Oregon Tilth, NCAT, NRCS) http://tilth.org/files/r-e/ocp/nutrient-management State-specific versions of this guide are being developed for certain states; final versions will be available here: http://tilth.org/education-research/organic-conservation-program/conservation-practices-in-organic-systems This publication gives extensive practical guidance on estimating plant available N from soil organic matter, cover crops, and other current and past year inputs; and covers management of other major and minor nutrients. It addresses environmental risks from applied N and P, how to minimize them in managing nutrients, and discusses CPS 590 as a tool for meeting NOP nutrient management requirements and minimizing environmental risks from applied N and P. It covers major and minor nutrients, and how to estimate N release from cover crops, past organic inputs, and soil organic matter.

Soil Fertility in Organic Systems: A Guide for Gardeners and Small Acreage Farmers (Washington State University) https://pubs.wsu.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=15585&SeriesCode=&CategoryID=&Keyword=646 This Extension bulletin provides excellent background information oncovers soil and nutrient dynamics in organic systems, and provides nutrient management and fertilizer recommendationsguidelines for coastal (humid) and inland (dry) parts of the Northwest that take into account nitrogen (N) credits for cover crops, soil organic matter, and past inputs, and environmental (water quality) concerns. Nutrient management guidelines address soil and climate factors in both coastal (humid) and inland (drier) parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Soil Fertility Management for Organic Crops. (University of California)http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/7249.pdf Written specifically for California climate, soils, and production systems, this bulletin offers practical guidance on nutrient sourcing from soil organic matter, cover crops, compost, and purchased organic fertilizers, including detailed instructions for estimating soil N mineralization.

Managing Manure Fertilizers in Organic Systems (U of Illinois, eOrganic)http://www.extension.org/pages/18628/managing-manure-fertilizers-in-organic-systems This article thoroughly covers NOP regulations and guidance regarding storage, composting, and use of manure as a nutrient source in certified organic crop production. of vegetables and other crops, and It addresses both food safety and environmental considerations, and provides protocols. It also gives detailed procedures for manure testing, choosing and determining application rates, and monitoring based on soil test trends. for nutrient excesses or imbalances.

Owner, 09/15/14,

We have three resources on nutrient management west-coast states (WA, OR, CA) – we may not need all three. However, it is hard to say which one(s) should be deleted. MS 9/11/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Priority resource (IMHO) – MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

We might want to refer to Conservation Practice codes where appropriate. MS 9/11/14


Nutrient mineralization and release is dependent upon level of soil microbial activity and their soil habitat. Susan

http://www.extension.org/pages/18628/managing-manure-fertilizers-in-organic-systems

http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/7249.pdf

https://pubs.wsu.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=15585&SeriesCode=&CategoryID=&Keyword=646

http://tilth.org/education-research/organic-conservation-program/conservation-practices-in-organic-systems


http://tilth.org/files/r-e/ocp/nutrient-management

Nutrient Management on Organic Vegetable Farms (U of Vermont) http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/Nutrient%20Management%20on%20Organic%20Vegetable%20Farms.pdf This bulletin covers Ppractical nutrient management for New England organic producers, beginning with including crop rotation, and cover crops, and as the foundation of healthy soil and crop nutrition. The article also provides easy-to-follow instructions and examples for determining how much N, P, and K application rates, taking into consideration need to be applied, considering nutrient credits from cover crops, manure, compost, and mineralization from soil organic matter.

Managing Soil Fertility and Organic Matter. Moses Fact Sheet. http://mosesorganic.org/wp-content/uploads/Publications/Fact_Sheets/08ImportanceOrganicMatterToFertility.pdfSuccinct summary of organic soil and nutrient management practices.

Manures for Organic Production. ATTRA. https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=182Livestock manures are an important resource for sustainable and organic vegetable crop production. This publication discusses the problems and challenges associated with using bothuse of raw and composted manures in organic vegetable production, including, (environmental and human health considerations, NOP regulations, on use of raw manure in organic production, and nutrient management for optimum, cost effective crop nutrition) and some of the solutions. Because it is a similar material with related concerns, guano is also dealt with in this document.

Organic Fertilizer and Cover Crop Calculator. By Nick Andrews, Dan Sullivan, Jim Julian, and Kristin Poolhttp://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Western-SARE-Project-Products/Organic-Fertilizer-and-Cover-Crop-CalculatorThis free, online tool compares the nutrient value and cost of cover crops, organic and synthetic fertilizers and compost, and helps the producer estimate N mineralization from organic inputs, and match crop nutrient needs with choice and rate of fertilizer. Use the Excel Calculator to estimate N release by cover crops and develop well balanced and cost effective nutrient management programs for your farm. A webinar is offered to explain how the calculator is used.

Sources of Organic Fertilizers and Amendments. ATTRA database.https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/org_fert/Click on the state in which the farm is located to view a listing of suppliers of organic fertilizers, soil amendments, compost, and mycorrhizal and other inoculants for compost or soil.

Interpreting Soil Health Tests in New Hampshire. http://soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu/extension/pdfs/NH_NRCS_SoilHealthManagementOptionsTable.pdfAlthough specific to the north east of the US, tThis 2-page sheet is a table which lists various soil-related physical, biological and chemical concerns, and provides guidance as to both short- and long-term management practices as well asincluding NRCS cost-share practices which willto address the each concern.

Using Organic Nutrient Sources, by Elsa Sanchez, Pennsylvania State U. Northeast SARE project product. 16 pp. Project: Whole Farm Nutrient Planning for Organic Farmhttp://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Whole-Farm-Nutrient-Planning-for-Organic-Farms

Owner, 09/15/14,

We may or may not need this resource – if one or more of the other resources in the guidebook refers the reader to this calculator, it may not be essential to list this item in the Guidebook itself. MS 9/11/14

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Whole-Farm-Nutrient-Planning-for-Organic-Farms

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Whole-Farm-Nutrient-Planning-for-Organic-Farms

http://soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu/extension/pdfs/NH_NRCS_SoilHealthManagementOptionsTable.pdf

https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/org_fert/

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Western-SARE-Project-Products/Organic-Fertilizer-and-Cover-Crop-Calculator

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Western-SARE-Project-Products/Organic-Fertilizer-and-Cover-Crop-Calculator


http://mosesorganic.org/wp-content/uploads/Publications/Fact_Sheets/08ImportanceOrganicMatterToFertility.pdf

http://mosesorganic.org/wp-content/uploads/Publications/Fact_Sheets/08ImportanceOrganicMatterToFertility.pdf

http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/Nutrient%20Management%20on%20Organic%20Vegetable%20Farms.pdf

http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/Nutrient%20Management%20on%20Organic%20Vegetable%20Farms.pdf

This resource tackles the challenge of managing nutrients on an organic farm, including covers how to: use a soil test report to guide organic nutrient management and compost application rates, how to account for the slower release of organic sources, provide balanced crop nutrition, optimize cost efficiency, protect water and other resources, and meet NOP requirements. and how to choose materials and application rates that:Provide balanced crop nutrition for optimum crop healthOptimize cost efficiencyProtect water and other resources, andMeet NOP requirements regarding soil and nutrient managementThe booklet includes tables listing the Tables show nutrient content and rates of release of manures and other organic and natural mineral amendments., and detailed instructions for determining compost application rates to meet but not exceed crop nutrient requirements

USDA-ARS-Brookings, SD - http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=54-02-07-00This website has links to research projects and publications pertaining to Soil Plant Nutrient research in the north central region, some of which is relevant to organic production.

Cover Crops

The purposes of cover cropping (CPS 340) in organic systems do not differ from those in conventionally managed systems. However, the role ofmultiple functions of cover crops to support soil function takes on greater importance in organic systems because use ofin which synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides are generally not allowedused. Cover crops play a vital role in organic production because of their multiple functions. They fix N (legumes), improve availability of P, K, and other soil nutrients, add organic matter and feed the soil food web, protect the soil from erosion and compaction, suppress weeds, disrupt pest and disease life cycles, and provide habitat for beneficials. NOP Standards cite cover cropping as an important component of organic crop rotations and a key practice for soil and nutrient management. NRCS staff can help producers by understanding the farmers’ goals for their cover crop, and helping them design a cover crop mix that is both manageable and that meets their needs.

Beyond Black Plastic: Cover crops and no-till for organic vegetable production. Rodale Institute. Jessica Feeser, Research Technician; Dr. Gladis Zinati, Interim Research Director; Jeff Moyer, Farm Director. 2014. Northeast SARE project producthttp://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Beyond-Black-Plastic Organic no-till research results at Rodale and on four working organic farms, and guidelines for cover crop based organic no-till vegetable production in the Northeast.

Cover Crop (340) in Organic Systems: Western State Implementation Guide (Oregon Tilth, NCAT, NRCS, Xerces Society) 2013.http://tilth.org/files/r-e/ocp/cover-crop-in-organic-systems State-specific versions of this guide are being developed for certain states; final versions will be available here: http://tilth.org/education-research/organic-conservation-program/conservation-practices-in-organic-systems

Owner, 09/15/14,

I would rate this high priority for this resource listing. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Possibly delete this resource –it covers no-till organic systems with cover crops, as does the 2011 Rodale bulletin (which I suggest keeping under the Tillage topic below) . MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Moved here from the Tillage section – it seems to belong here, though I do not know how high a priority resource it would be. MS 9/11/14



http://tilth.org/files/r-e/ocp/cover-crop-in-organic-systems

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Beyond-Black-Plastic

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Beyond-Black-Plastic

http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=54-02-07-00

This 20-page guide helps organic producers select and manage cover crops for various objectives (nitrogen, organic matter, beneficial insects, etc), soils and climates, cropping systems, and seasonal niches in the crop rotation. It also gives detailed recommendations oncovers seeding rates, planting dates, field preparation, and planting and termination methods for different objectives, cropping systems, and scales of operation.

Cover Crops and No-till Management for Organic Systems. Rodale Institute. 2011. Northeast SARE project product. 16 pphttp://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Cover-Crops-and-No-Till-Management-for-Organic-Systems Cover crop-based organic no-till research and practice for commodity crops (corn and soybean) and vegetable crops. Roller-crimpers for organic no-till, choice of cover crops and management for northeastern US applications, and research results at Rodale Institute, Emmaus, PA.

eOrganic cover crop page http://www.extension.org/pages/59454/cover-cropping-in-organic-farming-systems This website provides practical, research-based informationhas species-specific information on cover crops in organic systems: brassicas, buckwheat, cereal rye, hairy vetch, radishes, etc; resources organized by cover crop species and cover cropping purpose. It is designed to help organic producers across the US to better understand the cover crops and get the most benefit out of them, and includes purpose of cover crop: weed suppression, disease suppression, etc; and many videos featuring innovative cover cropping techniques. Articles, videos, and webinars provide extensive, research-based, and practical information to help organic producers across the US to better understand the cover crops and get the most benefit out of them.

Cover Crops for Organic Farms (Center for Environmental Farming Systems, NC Extension) by Keith Baldwin and Nancy Creamer. 2009. 22 pp. http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/organicproductionguide/covercropsfinaljan2009.pdf This publication lists discusses cover crop species best suited for the southeastern United States, outlines planting and termination methods, and discusses the and their benefits and potential drawbacks of different cover crop in relation to the region’s soils, climates, and prevalent insects (pest and beneficial), pest nematodes, and crop diseases. The articleIt also offers instruction on cover crop planting and termination, and gives detailed instructions for estimating cover crop biomass, total and available N, and N availability to the following production crop.

Crop Rotation and Cover Cropping: Soil Resiliency and Health on the Organic Farm (For details and links, see Crop Rotation section)

Managing Cover Crops Profitably 3rd edition. Andy Clark, ed. 2007. 244 pp.http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Managing-Cover-Crops-Profitably-3rd-EditionThis handbook describes explores how and why cover crops work, and provides all the information needed to buildhow to integrate cover crops into various any farmingcropping systems operation in the US. Chapters provide guidance on cover cropping for soil fertility, pest management, conservation tillage systems, and different cropping systems, andand other purposes. detailed management information on the most commonly used species—including grasses, grains, brassicas and mustards, and legumes. A handy set of charts summarizes best cover crops for different regions, seasons, and objectives; and advantages, drawbacks, and best planting rates and methods for each cover crop species, and detailed chapters cover 20 of the most widely used grass, legume, and other cover crops.


I would keep in as we are still promoting this resource for NRCS and organic producers in our region. Still think there maybe some NRCS staff that are not aware. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is kind of a “bible” of cover cropping for the US – though if this resource is already widely known and used within NRCS, its listing in the Organic Guidebook may not be essential. It addresses both conventional and organic systems. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Excellent regional resource – possibly a priority resource for the Guidebook, especially if other regions (northeast, Midwest, west) are covered by similarly good resources. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

A good “go-to” web link – I would prioritize this one. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is listed both here and under Residue and Tillage Management – I suggest keeping it under the latter, and deleting it here. Also see comment on “Beyond black plastic…” above. MS 9/11/14

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Managing-Cover-Crops-Profitably-3rd-Edition

http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/organicproductionguide/covercropsfinaljan2009.pdf

http://www.extension.org/pages/59454/cover-cropping-in-organic-farming-systems

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Cover-Crops-and-No-Till-Management-for-Organic-Systems


SmartMix Cover Crop Calculatorhttps://greencoverseed.com/smartmix-calculator/ This site has a clever on-line calculator that allows the user to choose among a variety of different types of cover crops, input info about rainfall, and provides a 1-10 rating scale of the mix you select with respect to N-fixation, grazing, winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and other characteristics. It provides the estimated cost of seed per acre and other associated costs (inoculant, seed mixing & bagging).

Midwest cover Crop Council -www.mccc.msu.eduResource clearinghouse for cover cropping in the Midwest, includes research reports and info sheets on a wide range of cover crop species, cover crop selector tools for field crops and vegetables, and innovator profiles – over 40 farmers stories about cover crop use in agronomic crop rotations, gathered by Western Illinois University students, including a few on from certified and transitioning-organic farms.

USDA-ARS-Northern Great Plains Cover Crop Chart http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=20323This chart mimics the periodic table of elements, with cover crop species, color coded as to general type, replacing the elements. Each cover crop species is hot-linked to additional information about that particular cover crop species. Information includes crop production, economics, plant diseases, weeds, water use, and surface soil properties to aid producers in their evaluation of management risks associated with different crop sequences.

Virginia Association for Biological Farming – Information Sheets on Cover Crops http://vabf.org/information-sheets/

Cover Crops for All Seasons: expanding the cover crop tool box for organic vegetable producers, by Mark Schonbeck and Ron Morse. 2006. 6 ppInformation in narrative and tabular form on the performance, benefits, and best planting and management methods for over 30 cover crops evaluated for organic vegetable cropping systems in the mid-Atlantic and upper SoutheastReduced Tillage and Cover Cropping Systems for Organic Vegetable Production, by Mark Schonbeck and Ron Morse. 2007. 7 ppPractical recommendations for cover crop management and no-till cover crop termination and cash crop planting for organic vegetable production, based on research conducted at Virginia Tech (Appalachian region of Virginia) and elsewhere in the mid-Atlantic and upper Southeast.

A Whole-Farm Approach to Managing Pests. 2003. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) bulletin. 20 pp. http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Bulletins/A-Whole-Farm-Approach-to-Managing-Pests. This 20-page bulletin helps producers and agricultural professionals design farm-wide, ecological approaches to controlling weeds, insect pests, and crop diseases, with a strong emphasis on the use of cover crops to suppress weeds (one of the stated purposes of CPS340 Cover Crop). The bulletin includes several highly successful practical examples of working organic farms using cover crops as a major component of their integrated weed management strategies.

Owner, 09/15/14,

In the interest of keeping the Guidebook not-too-long, I now advocate for listing this fabulous and succinct resource just ONCE – under Pest Management below. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

As co-author of these two info sheets, I will leave it to other, less-biased members of the team to decide whether or not to include them. I am not attached to them being listed in the guidebook, and won’t be miffed if they are not. MS 9/11/14


Can add if there is not an issue for room. Susan


A basic resource that is reported as being downloaded across the globe by individuals almost daily – some are organic producers. NRCS staff has really taken a liking to it with some states developing their own charts with similar info to fit their region. Also noticing at a few recent national meeting some cover crop seed companies designing promotional displays/ booths with a similar concept. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Creative and interesting, but does not seem like a high priority resource. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

If we want to pare down the list, we might delete this one, especially if it can be reached via link from one of the other resources. However, if others think this is vital information for conservation planners and participant farmers, keep it in. MS 9/11/14



http://vabf.org/information-sheets/

http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=20323


http://www.mccc.msu.edu/

https://greencoverseed.com/smartmix-calculator/

2013 Cover Crop Innovations Webinar Series. Pennsylvania State U. Northeast SARE project product. http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/2013-Cover-Crop-Innovations-Webinar-Series This winter 2013 cover crop webinar series from Penn State Extension includes: topics on cover crops for organic no-till corn and organic reduced- tillage in organic vegetable systems, interseeding cover crops into standing corn, cover crops for small dairy farms, managing beneficial and pest insects, nutrient and weed management in organic no-till cover crop systems, and managing nitrogen with cover crop mixtures. Several of the webinars are directly addressed to organic systems, including organic no-till corn.

Compost

Compost of good quality is an important soil amendment for many organic farms, because it provides an inoculum of beneficial soil organisms as well as humus, micronutrients, and slow-release NPK. When farms or fields with poor soil quality and low nutrient levels are first brought into organic production, heavy compost applications (10-20 tons/acre) can be the quickest way to improve soil quality. Manure-based compost may have relatively high levels of salts, as well as phosphorous, so the grower should ask the supplier to provide information about levels of nutrients and salts, and conduct soil tests regularly to determine appropriate compost application rates.

Organic livestock producers can optimize nutrient cycling and protect water and other resources through proper composting of manure accumulations. NRCS can assist organic producers in constructing a suitable composting facility (CPS 317), and/or applying compost in a manner consistent with sound nutrient management (CPS 590).

Making and Using Compost for Organic Farming by Emily Marriott and Ed Zaborski, U of Illinois Extension, eOrganic. 2013http://www.extension.org/pages/18567/making-and-using-compost-for-organic-farmingThis article discusses NOP regulations and guidance regarding composition, production, and use of compost on organic farms; and briefly summarizes the composting process, benefits and properties of compost, and farm-scale composting methods (windrow, aerated static pile, in-vessel), with links to other resources with more information.

Compost, Vermicompost, and Compost Tea: Feeding the Soil on the Organic Farmby Grace Gershuny. NOFA Handbook. A Northeast SARE project product. http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/compost_vermicompost_and_compost_tea:paperbackThis handbook covers on farm scale composting methods and materials, with useful tables showing the N content, C:N ratio, and moisture content of various raw materials for composting. It also includes chapters ondiscusses compost tea and other on-farm brewed microbial inoculants, and regulations (NOP and other) related to compost and composting.

Compost(ing) for Organic Farms (Center for Environmental Farming Systems, NC Extension)

Crop rotations

Crop rotations are required on organic farms because this practice is effective inhelps preventing pest and disease problems, reduces weed pressure, and helps prevent reduces soil erosion, builds organic

Owner, 09/15/14,

I am pretty sure that there is an extensive bulletin on composting posted by CEFS – however, I could not gain access to it, even via the URL for the cover crop or crop rotation article. If this bulletin exists, it should be listed as a resource under Compost. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

I suggest adding this statement to link the topic directly with NRCS practices. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Again, to pare down the list, we might want to choose between this and the 16 page 2011 Rodale bulletin – they are both from PA. I will leave it to others on the team to evaluate the two and decide which is most valuable.

http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/compost_vermicompost_and_compost_tea:paperback

http://www.extension.org/pages/18567/making-and-using-compost-for-organic-farming

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/2013-Cover-Crop-Innovations-Webinar-Series

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/2013-Cover-Crop-Innovations-Webinar-Series

matter, and supports a diverse soil microbial community. Diverse - Rrotations which that include several crops of different plant families are much more effective in supporting better soil healthy soils than simpler rotations such as corn-soy. which include just a few crop species. A diverse crop rotation that includes nitrogen fixing legumes and deep rooted crops can also enhance the efficient cycling and utilization of crop nutrients. On sloping land, integrating a conservation crop rotation (CPS 328) with other practices such as strip cropping (CPS 585) or contour buffer strips (CPS 332) can greatly reduce soil erosion and thus protect soil quality.

Crop Rotation and Cover Cropping: Soil Resiliency and Health on the Organic Farmby Seth Kroeck NOFA Handbook. A Northeast SARE project product. http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/crop_rotation_and_cover_cropping:paperback This handbook outlines the history, benefits, and current uses of crop rotation in the northeastern United States. After a brief outline of the benefits of crop rotation, the authors describe in depth theThe book describes a process of for developing a crop rotation including cover crops, provides that utilizes cover crops to maximize benefits. The book includes practical examples from working farms, and offers an economic analysis of crop rotation.

Crop Rotation on Organic Farms: A Planning Manual (SARE) Charles A. Mohler & Sue Ellen Johnson, eds. 2009. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (NRAES), Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, NY. 154 pphttp://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Crop-Rotation-on-Organic-Farms Utilizing input from experienced organic farmers, Tthis manual gives practical applications of cropdetailed guidance in designing a crop rotation, to improve soil quality and health under different field conditions;, and manage pests, diseases, and weeds for various crops; and support the transition to organic farming. Utilizing input from expert organic farmers, the authors offer:The book lists problems and opportunities for over 500 crop sequences, outlines pest and disease considerations for more than 60 crops and 70 weed species, and provides 13 examples of crop rotations from working organic farms. Rotation strategies for various crops and field conditions, including 13 examples of 4- and 5-year

vegetable and grain crop rotations from working organic farms, Instructions and worksheets for developing crop rotations and rotation planning maps, Problems and opportunities for over 500 crop sequences Characteristics of more than 60 crops and 70 weeds Crop disease considerations, including weed hosts and modes of transmission Discussion of transition to organic farming

Crop Rotations on Organic Farms (Center for Environmental Farming Systems, NC Extension)http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/organicproductionguide/croprotationsfinaljan09.pdf This publication offers practical information on designing and implementing crop rotations to provide for soil fertility, enhance organic matter, and manage crop pathogens, plant-parasitic nematodes, insects pests, and weeds prevalent in North Carolina and elsewhere in the southeastern US.

USDA-ARS-Northern Great Plains Crop Sequence Calculator http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=10791

A Whole-Farm Approach to Managing Pests. 2003. (For details and links, see Cover Crop section)

Owner, 09/15/14,

Excellent resource – for brevity, I suggest listing it once – under pest management. MS 9/11/14


Agree. Susan

Owner, 09/15/14,

Suggest saving a bit of space by not using a bulleted list in a resource annotation. I did not reduce #words much, but it fits on fewer lines. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Top priority resource – excellent manual. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Again, suggest adding this to link the topic to specific Conservation Practices. MS 9/11/14


http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/resources/organicproductionguide/croprotationsfinaljan09.pdf

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Crop-Rotation-on-Organic-Farms

http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/crop_rotation_and_cover_cropping:paperback

Tillage & Residue Management

Tillage is an important component of organic growers’ weed management. However, excessive tillage is harmful to soil, increasing organic matter degradation, disturbing and killing soil organisms, creating compaction layers, and bringing weeds seeds to germination depth, not to mention giving a grower poor scores on the Soil Conditioning Index (SCI). Residue management goes hand-in-hand with tillage, and there is an increasing effort and focus on organic no-till or reduced till to support soil health. NRCS staff can support innovative organic farmers by advising them on reduced till/no-till cost share opportunities (CPS 345 and CPS 329), as well as providing information on effective tillage implements.

Use of Tillage in Organic Farming Systems: The Basics (U of Illinois, eOrganic) http://www.extension.org/pages/18634/use-of-tillage-in-organic-farming-systems:-the-basics This article provides a valuable discussion that helps new organic producers understand the benefits and drawbacks of different forms of tillage, and considerations to keep in mind when making decisions about tillage and tillage implements. Conservation tillage and no-till are also discussed briefly.

Cover Crops and No-Till Management for Organic Systems (Rodale Institute) 2011. Northeast SARE project product. 16 pphttp://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Cover-Crops-and-No-Till-Management-for-Organic-Systems Description of cover crop based organic no till systems developed at Rodale Institute (Pennsylvania) for the Northeast / and mid-Atlantic regions, including rotations for vegetable and agronomic crop rotationsproduction, cover crop selection, roller-crimpers for cover crop termination, no-till planting equipment and techniques for no-till cover crop management and cash crop planting, and energy budget and financial analyses budgets for no till versus tilled production systems.

Pursuing Conservation Tillage Systems for Organic Crop Production (ATTRA) https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/viewhtml.php?id=107 This bulletin provides an overview of organic conservation tillage options, including mulch till, ridge till, zone/strip till, killed cover crop mulch for no-till, and living mulch systems. Examples of innovative farmers applications of organic conservation tillage are included.

Manitoba – North Dakota Zero Tillage - http://mandakzerotill.org/Extensive web site with lots of information and strong focus on soil health, but does not seem to be tailored for organic systems per se. The web site includes a link to book-length proceedings of annual conferences from 1989 through 2014.

USDA-ARS-Brookings, SD - http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=54-02-07-00This website has links to research projects and publications pertaining to Soil Plant Nutrient research in the north central region, some of which is relevant to organic production.

Beyond Black Plastic: Cover crops and no-till for organic vegetable production. (For details and links see Cover Crop resources.)Cover Crops and No-till Management for Organic Systems. (For details and links see Cover Crop resources.)

Integrated Pest Management

Owner, 09/15/14,

These are the two Rodale references – we probably don’t need both, and the second is already listed with annotation a few paragraphs above this. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

I think this belongs under nutrient management, not tillage. MS 9/11/14

http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=54-02-07-00

http://mandakzerotill.org/

https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/viewhtml.php?id=107



http://www.extension.org/pages/18634/use-of-tillage-in-organic-farming-systems:-the-basics

Broadly speaking, pPest management in organic systems begins with is based on preventing pest populations from reaching economically damaging levels, and enhancing the resilience of the plants to pest attack. NRCS conservation planners can help farmers protect resources, manage pests, and minimize their need for pesticide sprays by supporting good soil management practices which in turn support healthy, resilient plants. Crop rotation, cover crops, organic mulches, and various conservation tillage practices are all part of an ecological pest management system, as is supporting biodiversity above ground through the use of hedgerows, buffers, raptor perches, bat boxes, etc.and movement corridors for predators.

The goal of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) (code 595) conservation practice standard is to reduce or mitigate the risks associated with pest management practices to natural resources. This goes beyond a definition of ‘pest management’ as merely a means of meeting crop production goals. Conservation practice purposes include preventing or mitigating the risk of pesticides to surface and ground water; preventing or mitigating off-site pesticide risks from drift or volatilization losses; and preventing or mitigating on-site pesticide risks to pollinators and other beneficial organisms. IPM practices to reduce risks given in Agronomy Technical Note 5 include measures to reduce the need for pesticide applications. Agronomy Technical Note 9 provides additional information on pollinators and pollinator conservation.

Pest management on organic or transitioning farms relies on the ‘PAMS’ strategy: Prevention, Avoidance, Monitoring and Suppression, with a strong emphasis on prevention and avoidance. The NOP Standards allow use of certain botanical and other natural pesticides as a last resort for tough pest problems. This approach is consistent with the definition of IPM given in the Integrated Pest Management practice standard (code 595), and is supported by “advanced” and “risk prevention” scenarios for implementing CSP 595. However,In addition, organic producers can prevent and avoid many pest and disease problems through other NRCS conservation activities such as Conservation Crop Rotation (code 328), Cover Crop (code 340), Field Border (code 386), Hedgerow (code 422), IPM for Organic Systems (CSP Enhancement WQL21), and many others.

In addition, Ssome pesticides allowed in organic farming can pose significant risks to natural resources, such as pyrethrum to fish, spinosad to bees, or any botanical or soap-based pesticide to non-target and beneficial arthropods. Implementation of CPS 595 in conjunction with other practices can help the organic producer eliminate or mitigate these risks.

When providing technical assistance to organic producers or producers transitioning to organic, the conservation planner must be aware that all inputs must comply with NOP regulations. Most synthetic inputs, including synthetic pesticides and seed treatments as well as genetically modified organisms, are prohibited under the NOP, unless specifically allowed on the NOP National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. It is important for the grower to work closely with their organic certifier, to assure that pest suppression and pesticide mitigation and management practices described in the pest management component of their conservation plan are consistent with their Organic System Plan (OSP) and NOP standards.

The last purpose in the IPM (595) conservation practice standard addresses the risk that a cultural, mechanical, or biological mitigation technique used in lieu of chemical methods to protect one resource may cause an impact on other resources. An example would be tillage for weed control, which replaces

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is already covered under sections A2 (NOP regs) and C1-2 (conservation planning), and seems redundant here.


I would suggest use of “CPSXXX”. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

At some point, we need to decide whether to refer to practices as “CPS XXX” or “Code XXX” and then be consistent throughout the Guidebook. MS 9/11/14

herbicide applications, but which could adversely impact soil quality. To maintain soil health, other practices such as mulching (CPS 484), conservation crop rotation (CPS 328), cover crops (CPS 340) or any of the residue management practices could be used as well. This combination of practices would also support the goals of an OSP to maintain or improve the natural resources of the operation.

Resources:

Ecological Pest Management Data-base. ATTRA. https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/biorationals/ This user-friendly tool provides information on organic and “softer” pesticides as well as preventive measures for common pests;. The user-friendly database allows searches by pest, trade name, or active ingredient;, and has links to labels and manufacturer information; and. Also includes information about Pest Prevention for commonly encountered pests. The d-base notes which materials are listed by OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute). Because OMRI listings are frequently updated, organic growers should always check with their certifiers prior to applying any materials to their crops or livestock.

Farming with Native Beneficial Insects. The Xerces Society. 2014. At 272 pages, this comprehensive guide discusses the ecology of native beneficial insects and shows you how to create a farm or garden habitat that will attract beneficial insects and thereby reduce crop damage from pests without the use of pesticides. The Xerces Society)-Authors Eric Lee-Mäder, Jennifer Hopwood, Mace Vaughan, Scott Hoffman Black, and Lora Morandin, 2014

Manage Insects on Your Farm. A Guide to Ecological Strategies. SARE Publication. 2005.http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Manage-Insects-on-Your-Farm is by Miguel A. Altieri and Clara I. Nicholls with Marlene A. Fritz and was published in 2005. This book covers key ecological pest management practices used on organic farms, such as improving soil health, building and managing plant and microbial biodiversity, cover cropping, farmscaping (beneficial habitat), hedgerows, and trap cropping. It includes photo illustrationes a wide range of pests and their beneficial (natural enemiesy) insect species, and includesmany farm stories of successful practical applications, including many from on organic, and transitioning, and conventional farms.

Common NRCS Practices Related to Pest Management on Organic Farms. Sarah Brown and Giulio Ferruzzi Oregon Tilth. 2013http://tilth.org/files/r-e/ocp/pest-management-resources/at_download/file This publication outlines the application of CPS 595 Integrated Pest Management to organic systems, and provides guidance about how several other key NRCS practices that have primary resource protection benefits can also offer significant Integrated Pest Management (IPM) benefits to organic producers.

A Quick Guide to Establishing Wildflower Plantings for the Conservation of Beneficial Insects. This video is an introductory guide to help establish wildflower plantings for the conservation of beneficial insects. It is a SARE project recorded by Brett Blaauw of Michigan State University in 2012. He writes, "Due to the loss of natural habitats, there has been an observable decrease in beneficial insects over the years. This loss of insects may lead to a decrease in the ecosystem services they provided. By reintegrating wildflowers back into the landscape, many beneficial insects will be able to have access to the floral resources they need to survive."

A Whole-Farm Approach to Managing Pests.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Top priority resource – although it also gives lots of info on crop rotation and cover crops, its primary focus is pest management, and it belongs here. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is first mention of the mulching practice, so we want the code number. May not be necessary for rotation and cover crops – just added them for consistency within the statement. MS 9/11/14

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/North-Central-SARE-Project-Products/Video-A-Quick-Guide-to-Establishing-Wildflower-Plantings-for-the-Conservation-of-Beneficial-Insects

http://tilth.org/files/r-e/ocp/pest-management-resources/at_download/file



http://www.xerces.org/farming-with-native-beneficial-insects/

http://www.omri.org/

https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/biorationals/

This bulletin is an excellent resource for organic pest management. It covers field border plantings and other farmscaping methods among a full range of ecological pest management practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and tillage/residue management, and showcases successful field applications by farmers, including several organic grain, vegetable, and fruit growers from different regions..2003. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) bulletin. 20 pp. http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Bulletins/A-Whole-Farm-Approach-to-Managing-Pests.

This 20-page bulletin helps producers and agricultural professionals design farm-wide, ecological approaches to controlling pests, with emphasis on crop rotations and cover crops. The authors discuss integrated insect pest, weed, and disease management strategies based on cutting-edge research and= successful field applications by farmers, including several organic grain, vegetable, and fruit growers from different regions. Ecological Farm Design for Pest Management in Organic Vegetable Production: Successes and Challenges on Two Farms This webinar describes the more than 20 year journeys of Pinnacle Farm, San Juan Bautista, CA and Biodesign Farm, Stevensville, MT. These farms increased plant diversity though practices such as planting insectaries and hedgerows, and employed reduced tillage, pest thresholds and crop planting timing to manage pests in vegetable crops with minimal or no spraying. It was recorded by Helen Atthowe and Doug O’Brien through e-Extension in January 2012.

Ecological Understanding of Insects in Organic Farming Systems: Insects in Communities. This article by Mary E. Barbercheck of Penn State University describes ecological principles and community interactions of insects, and was written in April 2011.

Farmscaping to Manage Insect Pests This powerpoint presentation by Doug Landis of Michigan State University was given in 2008 at the American Farm Conference. Thought of looking at your farm from an insect’s point of view? Find out how to control insect pests by arranging fields, forests and borders into an insect-managing “farmscape” that helps grow healthier, more productive crops.

Growing Healthy Vegetable Crops: Working with Nature to Control Diseases and Pests Organically by Brian Caldwell, illustrated by Jocelyn Langer. 2004, revised and updated 2011. Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Organic Principles and Practices Handbook Series, a Northeast SARE Project Product. 95 pp.This succinct yet complete manual offers an ecological perspective on crop pests and diseases, their prevention, and control. It covers describes major elements of organic pest prevention and management strategies including cropping system design and rotations, beneficial habitat, varietal resistance, sanitation, and other cultural methods, as well as NOP-allowed pesticides control sprays. Written from a Northeastern US perspective, the book offersIt also provides detailed information on life cycles and organic management of the region’s leadingfor major insect pests and pathogens in of over 20 vegetable crops in the Northeastern US.

Managing the Soil to Reduce Insect Pests. eOrganic. Geoff Zehnder, Clemson University. 2014. https://www.extension.org/pages/18574/managing-the-soil-to-reduce-insect-pests This article addresses some of the main elements of soil management that can help to reduce insect pest problems, including soil and fertility management, below-ground biodiversity (enhancing the soil food web), use of mulches, and sanitation.

Owner, 09/15/14,

High priority, excellently written and informative, easy to read. MS 9/11/14.

https://www.extension.org/pages/18574/managing-the-soil-to-reduce-insect-pests

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Conference-Materials/The-New-American-Farm-Conference/Breakout-Sessions/Farmscaping-to-Manage-Insects

https://www.extension.org/pages/18908/ecological-understanding-of-insects-in-organic-farming-systems:-insects-in-communities#.U_Jm0kj8W58

http://www.extension.org/pages/61953/ecological-farm-design-for-pest-management-in-organic-vegetable-production:-successes-and-challenges#.U_KlpUj8X6R



Steel in the Field: a Farmer’s Guide to Weed Management Tools. Greg Bowman, ed. 2001. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) handbook. 128 pp. http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Steel-in-the-Field. Steel in the Field describes a wide range of cultivation tools available to farmers, and how to use them effectively in weed-management systems that exclude or minimize the use of herbicidesfor mechanical weed control. The book summarizes what farmers and researchers have learned aboutalso covers cost-effective weed-management strategies that integrate improved cultivation tools, with cover crops and new crop rotations, thereby setting cultivation within a wider context that can help organic producers get the most weed suppression for the least soil disturbance.

Integrated Weed Management – One Year’s Seeding. Karen Renner & Christy Sprague. 2005. 112 pp. North Central SARE project producthttp://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/North-Central-SARE-Project-Products/Integrated-Weed-Management-One-Year-s-Seeding

Michigan State University Extension bulletin. This is a colorfully illustrated manual, particularly well suited to visual learners, on integrated weed

management based on an ecological understanding of weed-crop-soil interactions. Although the manual includes some materials that organic producers cannot use (herbicides, GMO crop varieties) it offers a lot of sound, practical advice from experienced farmers and weed scientists applicable to all systems, as well as information specific to organic systems.

Organic Soil Fertility and Weed Management by Steve Gilman. 2011. 127 pp. Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Organic Principles and Practices Handbook Series, a Northeast SARE Project Product.Written by an experienced organic vegetable farmer, this manual takes a different approach to weeds based on holistic organic farming principles Taking account of theconsiders beneficial as well as harmful effects of the volunteer plantweed species, called “weeds,” the authorand offers sound practical advice on how to preventing weeds from hurting organic crop production.. The first half of the book focuses on soil fertility, the foundation of vigorous, weed-competitive crops. The second half covers organic, living, and plastic mulches; preventive tactics based on an understanding of weed life cycles and weed seed banks and preventive measures; and how to manage weeds and protect soil quality through conservation tillage and judicious cultivation.

Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management, 2nd Edition. Brian Caldwell, Eric Sideman, Abby Seaman, Tony Shelton, and Chris Shelton. 2013. Northeast SARE project product. 210 pp.http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Resource-Guide-for-Organic-Insect-and-Disease-Management This manual provides in-depth information on organic management of vegetable crop pests and diseases in the Northeast, including cultural controls and NOP-allowed materials for each major pest and pathogen; a photo section to assist identification; and material fact sheets for 17 classes of biological, botanical, mineral, and other NOP-approved materials. Fact sheets include use rates and methods; health, environmental, and resource considerations (water, fish, wildlife, and beneficial insects); and research data on efficacy against target pests. Appendices cover plant resistance to pests and diseases, beneficial insect habitat, trap cropping, and more. Biointensive Integrated Pest Management, by Rex Dufour. 2001. 52 ;;

Owner, 09/15/14,

High priority

Owner, 09/15/14,

High priority for Guidebook. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Medium priority – may not be essential if the team believes there are more references than we need for weed management. MS 9/11/14


I would drop if we need to. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

In his review of the last draft, Giulio F. said to keep it. However, if push comes to shove and we need to pare down the list, this one might go, since it discusses at some length materials and methods not allowed under NOP. MS 9/11/14

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Resource-Guide-for-Organic-Insect-and-Disease-Management

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Northeast-SARE-Project-Products/Resource-Guide-for-Organic-Insect-and-Disease-Management

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/North-Central-SARE-Project-Products/Integrated-Weed-Management-One-Year-s-Seeding

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/North-Central-SARE-Project-Products/Integrated-Weed-Management-One-Year-s-Seeding

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Steel-in-the-Field

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (aka ATTRA) – Organic Control of Pests. https://attra.ncat.org/organic.html#pests Includes:Biointensive or high-level IPM utilizes ecological principles to understand and manage pests within the context of the whole farming ecosystem, including crops, pests and their, natural enemies of pests, soil life, livestock, etc. This manual presents the tools and techniques of biointensive IPM, fromcovers planning based on knowledge of pest and beneficial life cycles, cropping system design, and getting to know pest and beneficial species on the farm, to sanitation and other preventive cultural practices, and physical, mechanical, biological, and chemical (including botanical) controls.

Farmscaping to Enhance Biological Control, by Rex Dufour. 2000. 40 pp.National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (aka ATTRA) – Organic Control of Pests. https://attra.ncat.org/organic.html#pests Includes:This bulletin gives in-depth guidance on developing a beneficial insect habitat based on farmer objectives, crops to be protectedgrown, prevalent pests and natural enemies, and characteristics of a wide range of various annual and perennial insectary plants. It also provides additional information oncovers habitat for predatory birds and bats, and includes an annotated bibliography of information resources.

Principles of Sustainable Weed Management in Organic Cropping Systems, by Mark Schonbeck – 3rd Edition – September, 2011. Information sheet developed for NRCS and other agricultural professionals attending Southern Region SARE-PDP funded workshops presented by Clemson University in 2009-2011, and by Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (www.ssawg.org) 2011-2014. This article covers practical applications of an ecological understanding of weeds and organic weed management, includingEcological strategies covered include: minimizeing niches for weeds, maximizeing cash crop competition, cover cropsping, crop rotation, weed seed bank reduction, and more.)

Mammal Pest Management (may be needed to protect conservation plantings) Pocket gophers , deer mice, voles, rabbits, and ground squirrel management. These five

separate webpages by Univ. of CA have many (but not all) organically approved recommendations.

Exclusionary Methods and Materials to Protect Plants from Pest Mammals--A Review. Written by Rex E. Marsh, Ann E. Koehler, and T. P. Salmon, and published in 1990, this paper covers pest mammal management methods for organic and sustainable agriculture. It includes various materials wrapped or tied directly on the tree trunks, the larger loose-fitting protective cylinders or other individual exclosures, shields, or bands to prevent access to the upper tree portions via the trunk, mounding soil, or other materials around the base of trees to restrict feeding or to make the habitat less favorable to pest species.

How can I control rodents organically? The answer is posted on the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service and goes into trapping, habitat modification, predator control, and approved organically rodenticide materials.

Organic Grazing Guide


Moved the Insect Pest management resources to IPM section JB 9/14/14


Should this Mammal Pest Management also be moved to the IPM section?

Owner, 09/15/14,

Medium priority – may not be essential if the team believes there are more resources than we need for weed management. MS 9/11/14

rexd, 09/15/14,

Mark, Yes, this is due to be updated, especially as the CSP page is way out of date. It’s somewhat western oriented, but has good information for the whole country. RBD 8/11/14 Rex was responding to a query from Mark about updating. Many of the plant, insect, bird, and bat species discussed are widely distributed around the US, and the principles apply generally, so I don’t think we need to make a big deal about the western region focus. MS 8/27/14

https://attra.ncat.org/calendar/question.php/2007/03/12/how_can_i_control_rodents_organically

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1058&context=vpc14

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7438.html





http://www.ssawg.org/

https://attra.ncat.org/organic.html#pests

This section is not intended to teach a planner how to develop a Prescribed Grazing (528) plan, nor to develop a grazing system. It assumes the user has a basic understanding of NRCS planning on grazing land, and the associated practices that support a grazing system and/or address resource concerns.The National Organic Program (NOP) rules affect way producers manage and feed their livestock. The NOP Pasture Practice Standard is specific to organic ruminant livestock producers and their grazing management. It does not apply to pigs, poultry, or other non-ruminant livestock.

§205.240 Pasture practice standard requires a pasture plan that provides sufficient quality and quantity of grazing to meet certain forage intake criteria, controls erosion, and protects soil quality, water quality, wetlands and riparian areas. A pasture plan must be included in the producer's organic system plan, and must include:

(1) Types of pasture provided …(2) Cultural and management practices … to ensure pasture of a sufficient quality and quantity …(3) Grazing season for the livestock operation's regional location.(4) Location and size of pastures, including maps ...(5) … grazing methods to be used ...(6) Location and types of [permanent] fences … location and source of shade and … water.(7) Soil fertility and seeding systems.(8) Erosion control and protection of natural wetlands and riparian areas practices.

The NOP Pasture Standard requires the livestock producer to provide pasture of sufficient quantity and quality to meet 30% of the dry matter nutritional needs of ruminants (cattle, goats, sheep, etc.) during the grazing season (page 15). The producer must provide, as part of the OSP, a detailed pasture management plan adequate to meet these criteria, prevent erosion, and protect soil and water resources and wetlands and riparian areas. Implementation ofA planned Conservation Practice 528, Prescribed Grazing, will can help the organic producer meet NOP pasture requirements. Grazing plans under CPS 528 include provide the producer with pasture system maps, soils maps and information, typical grazing season or seasons, tools to ensure and document adequate herd dry matter intake from pasture, and the need for contingency management measuresactivities, such as reduced stocking rates, temporary removal from pasture due to drought, mud, or winter conditions, and/or the need for supplemental feed. Other conservation practices, such as Forage and Biomass Planting (CPS 512), Forage Harvest Management (CPS 511), Range Planting (CPS 550), and Silvopasture Establishment (CPS 381) can help the grower meet NOP requirements for adequate pasture and forage. in a producer’s Conservation Plan may address some of the other items listed above. Practices such as Riparian Herbaceous Cover (CPS 390), Riparian Forest Buffer (CPS 391), and Fence (CPS 382) in conjunction with Livestock Watering Facilities (CPS 614) to keep animals away from streams, can help protect water quality and prevent streambank erosion.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Again, provide practice names and codes related to the topic. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Redundant with section A2 – succinct statement with reference to the relevant pages is suggested as alternative. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

I would not start this section with a disclaimer, just go right into why grazing practices are important for organic producers and for conservation. MS 9/11/14

NOP section §205.238 Livestock health care requires a feed ration (including pasture for ruminants) that provides adequate livestock nutrition, and pasture management to help minimize the occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites. NOP sections §205.237 Livestock feed and §205.240 Pasture practice standard require the organic producer’s pasture system to supply 30% or more of all ruminant animals’ dry matter intake over the course of the grazing season. This grazing season is defined as a minimum of 120 days, which can be non-contiguous for brief periods of time if the need arises. This information may be provided by or supported by a grazing plan developed in accordance with the Prescribed Grazing (528) standard.

To remain in compliance with NOP, producers need to demonstrate in their records, the herd’s average Dry Matter (DM) intake value over the entire grazing season. Prescribed Grazing, which requires an estimation of an animal/forage balance, may help to supply that documentation. In developing a Prescribed Grazing plan, the planner calculates the amount of pasture dry matter needed to meet the needs of the livestock, and estimates the potential for the pasture to provide it. This information can be used by an organic producer to demonstrate compliance with NOP requirements for 30% or more of forage intake from pasture.

Pastures – regardless of organic status - may be over-grazed due to insufficient land resources, lack of management, or both. Over-grazed pastures can contribute to livestock internal parasite problems, nutritional deficiencies, soil compaction, erosion, degradation of forage diversity and vigor, spread of diseases to wildlife, and environmental water quality problems; all of which an organic producer must address. To meet the organic objectives, a pasture must be treated as a crop, and maintainedNOP standards require the producer to maintain pasture in a state of good health and productivity through. It is important to develop management strategies that promote good forage quality and quantity, weed control, infiltration of precipitation, and erosion control. Typical good Some best management practices for improving developing and maintaining a healthy and productive pastures forage and cover include:

Rotational grazing system and nutrient management appropriate for the climate and terrain. This is not particular to organics, but rotation is vital to pasture health and reduced environmental impacts, as required by NOP.

Occasional mowing or mixed-species grazing to reduce weeds and stimulate growth of desirable species. Note that burning (or Prescribed Burning) is not allowed by NOP.

Establishment of desirable or more productive forages as needed. Some producers may include annual plantings to extend the grazing season, provide forages during seasons when perennials are typically less productive, or to have animals deposit manure on cropland. Note that organic-certified seed and organic fertility requirements must be satisfied.

Use of infrastructure such as animal trails and/or strategic locations of watering facilities, minerals, shade, and supplemental feed to support pasture rotation and utilization. Note that NOP requires access to shade.

Owner, 09/15/14,

If you decide to include the language I offer regarding livestock living conditions on the preceding page, we may not need this statement here. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Do we need this here, or is it already covered in section A2 (NOP regs cited)? I also circumvented the formatting glitch that kept this statement out of the bulleted list. MS 9/11/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

I know this is draconian slash-and-burn editing – but simply referring the reader to Section A2 (page 15) may cover most if not all of this ground. Feel free to undo some or all of these cuts if I went too far. MS 9/11/14

Infrastructure and management practices may also be used to meet NOP requirements to protect environmentally sensitive areas in or adjacent to the pasture.

Ideally, a grazing system includes sufficient acreage to meet the maximum DM intake needs of the herd. In instances where there is insufficient acreage, and where a reduction in stocking rate is not possible, daily supplemental feeding will be required. In addition, diligent pasture management and rotational grazing are essential to prevent overgrazing while maintaining as high a DM intake as practical. Supplemental feeding will reduce the amount of intake from pasture, and may help to prevent over-grazing of the pasture. However, in these circumstances the producer must be diligent to prevent over-grazing: aAnimals must be moved frequently and in accordance with planned target grazing heights, dry matter estimates, and targeted post-grazing residuals. The 30% DM from pasture requirement must always be met.

When extenuating circumstances beyond the producer’s control result in less than the required30% of total seasonal DM intake being obtained from pasture, a the organic producer must request written variance must be requested from the certifying agent.

Resources:

Organic Standards for Livestock Production. A concise, 16-page AATTRA publication. This collection of standards from the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) provides the reader with key standards relevant to certified organic livestock production.https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=159

Pastures: Going Organic. A good, general, 20-page AATRA guide to organic grazing. https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=179

Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock – Understanding and Implementing the NOP Pasture Rule. A 32-page AATTRA publication which explains the Pasture Rule and includes information on determining available DM on both pasture and rangeland. https://attra.ncat.org/attrapub/summaries/summary.php?pub=360

Calculating Dry Matter Intake from Pasture. This publication describes dry matter intake and a method to estimate it.http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5082661&acct=noprulemaking

eOrganic: Grazing Management on Organic Farms. An excellent library of fact sheets and webinars on organic grazing. https://www.extension.org/pages/59464/grazing-management-on-organic-farms


I believe you are correct with the 100%. We have producers here that are 100%. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Would this be 100%? It is my understanding that ruminants can be 100% grassfed. MS 9/11/14

https://www.extension.org/pages/59464/grazing-management-on-organic-farms

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5082661&acct=noprulemaking

https://attra.ncat.org/attrapub/summaries/summary.php?pub=360




AATRA Guide for Organic Livestock Producer. A 112-page publication on organic livestock production in general. Includes the following: Topics include hay, silage, and haylage harvest; seeds and planting stock; the NOP grazing rule; organic soil and weed management for pasture and hayland; and grazing for parasite management.

Hay, silage and Haylage Harvest, p 39Seeds and Planting Stock, p 35Grazing:

Grazing Rule, p 40Org. Soil Man. for Pasture and Hay Crops, p 24Weed Man. in Pasture and hay crops, p 30Grazing and Parasite Man. , p 56


Livestock Living Conditions, Facilities, and /Structures


I suggest taking out page numbers. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Paragraph form takes less space; and we may not need the page numbers (but if others on the team think the current format with page numbers makes this more accessible to NRCS field staff and other users, stick with it). MS 9/11/14.


The National Organic Program (NOP) standard for livestock living conditions requires producers to provide all livestock and poultry with year round access to the outdoors, sunlight, shade, shelter, fresh air, exercise areas, clean water, and adequate nutrition (pages 14-15). Temporary confinement is allowed under certain circumstances such as severe weather. Producers can implement practices such as Livestock Watering Facility (CPS 614), Livestock Pipeline (CPS 516), Windbreak Planting (CPS 380), Silvopasture Establishment (CPS 381), and Livestock Shelter Structure (CPS 576) as part of their plan to meet NOP requirements regarding water, shade, and shelter.

Organic livestock producers must manage animal wastes and outdoor access areas in a way that protects soil and water quality, and prevents contamination of water, soil, or crops with nutrients, pathogens, and other contaminants (pages 14-15). In some locations at certain times of the year, it can be a challenge to provide livestock outdoor access “in a manner that does not put soil or water quality at risk”. Outdoor feeding and confinement areas may require Heavy Use Area Protection (CPS 561) and/or other practices to protect ground and surface water, and to allow for removal and management of wastes. A suitable Composting Facility (CPS 317) can provide improved waste management and stabilize manure nutrients so that they do not leach or run off.

Some sites may not have sufficient separation from ground and surface water to provide treatment of contaminated runoff from these facilities. In such cases, a roof (Roofs and Covers, CPS 367), or Roof Runoff Structure (CPS 558) may be needed to prevent runoff from transporting contaminants into nearby streams or lakes. In the event that site conditions demand a roofed Heavy Use Area to prevent environmental impacts from a livestock confinement area, it is very important to work with the certifying agency to ensure that the design does not conflict with the agent’s interpretation of livestock access to the outdoors or to direct sunlight. In some cases, the producer may need to consider moving the livestock to another site where they can be managed in a manner that will meet NOP requirements for both livestock outdoor access and protection of water resources.

regulations affect way producers manage their livestock housing and confinement, and manure storage and/or composting. They affect not only the way the livestock and waste are managed, but also the materials allowed in, on, or in contact with animals, feed, and the soil in which feed is grown. While the Pasture Standard applies only to ruminant livestock, other parts of the rules apply to all species, or as stated.

Treated Lumber

The NOP§205.206 Crop crop pest, weed, and disease management practice standard (page 12) does not allow the use of lumber treated with prohibited materials if the lumber anywhere it will contact animals, manure, compost, plants, or soil that are parts of the organic production system. New or replacement fence posts for pastures, and building materials for animal shade, shelter or confinement structures, and for composting facilities, shade structures and waste storage facilities must be comprised of materials such as metal, naturally rot-resistant wood, wood treated with NOP-allowed materials, metal, concrete,

fiberglass, composite, or other man-made materials. At the time of this printing, raw linseed oil is the only NOP-approved wood preservatives, but other products could become available in the future.

When CCA-pressure-treated lumber or other treated materials must be used for structures, it may be necessary to the producer must provide a protective sheathing and/or setback to prevent livestock, feed, hay, manure, or compost from coming into direct contact with the materials. Likewise, fence posts that come into contact with crop or pasture land soils should be metal, fiberglass, composite, rot-resistant wood, or wood treated with allowed preservatives. At the time of this printing, only raw linseed oil is approved, but other products could become available. Contact your local certifying agency to confirm that your plans for the items you wish to use are compliant with NOP rules.

When planning a structurale conservation practice on an organic livestock operation, it is very important to communicate with the certifying agency to ensure that the design and materials will not place the producer in conflict with NOP regulations.

The following links provide guidance on this issue.

Resources

AATRA Guide for Organic Livestock Producer. A 112-page publication on organic livestock production in general. Includes the following:

Livestock Living Conditions, Facilities, and Handling, p 66 Management of Manure, Compost, Mortalities and Waste Materials, p 71https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=154

Frequently-Asked Questions on Organic Oregon Tilth website. http://tilth.org/certification/frequently-asked-questions/producer-farm-faqs

Treated Lumber and Wood. A 2-page fact sheet on organic materials. http://certification.oeffa.org/certfiles/facts/Treated%20Wood.pdf

Treated Wood on Organic Farms. 4-page fact sheet. https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W235-H.pdf

Pressure-Treated Wood: Organic and Natural Alternatives. This publication includes a discussion of currently used materials, lumber treatments using less-toxic materials, decay-resistant lumber species, and an explanation of the National Organic Program Regulation. (Available for a small fee.)https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=73

Access to the Outdoors

Owner, 09/15/14,

These two sentences seem redundant with the material preceding and following. Correct me if I am wrong, and reinstate any of this language that seems needed. MS 9/11/14


https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W235-H.pdf

http://certification.oeffa.org/certfiles/facts/Treated%20Wood.pdf

http://tilth.org/certification/frequently-asked-questions/producer-farm-faqs

http://tilth.org/certification/frequently-asked-questions/producer-farm-faqs


NOP§205.239 Livestock living conditions requires that all animals have access to the outdoors year-round. There are some exceptions for limited confinement based upon life stage, health, inclement weather and other circumstances, but this is not the rule. The rule also requires that manure, pasture, and all outdoor access areas be managed to protect soil and water quality. In some locations at certain times of the year, it can be a challenge to provide livestock outdoor access “in a manner that does not put soil or water quality at risk”.

Outdoor feeding and confinement areas may require Heavy Use Area Protection (316) and/or other practices to protect ground and surface water, and to allow for removal and management of wastes. Some sites may not have sufficient separation from ground and surface water to provide treatment of contaminated runoff from these facilities. In such cases, a roof (Roofs and Covers, 367) may be needed to prevent contaminated run off from waste storage facilities, HUAs and other structures.

In the event that site conditions demand a roofed HUA to prevent environmental impacts in a livestock confinement area, it is very important to work with the certifying agency to ensure that the design does not conflict with the agent’s interpretation of livestock access to the outdoors or to direct sunlight. Although a livestock shelter or housing may have open sides, the certifying agency is not likely to allow it. The producer may need to consider the feasibility of moving the livestock to another facility where they can be managed in a manner that will meet NOP requirements.

AATRA Guide for Organic Livestock Producer. A 112-page publication on organic livestock production in general. Includes the following:Livestock Living Conditions, Facilities, and Handling, p 66 Management of Manure, Compost, Mortalities and Waste Materials, p 71https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=154

Buffers and Natural Areas

General DescriptionConservation of buffers and natural areas supports several organic biodiversity compliance needs while aiding in production goals.

Buffers come in all sizes and shapes and may be located in the middle or on the edges of crop and pasture lands, depending on their functions. Valuable farmland may be converted, or the buffers may be situated in areas too wet, steep or oddly shaped to be worked by a tractor. They may replace weedy areas, or take advantage of unused fences, roadsides, and property lines. While buffers are often used by organic growers to intercept pesticide and GMO pollen drift, they are also frequently used to draw predatory and parasitic insects into the middle of fields, support pollinators, protect crops from dust and wind, and hold the soil in place. Sometimes they help the organic producer provide shade for their livestock. Buffers important to organic growers include: 386 field borders, 422 hedgerows, 380 windbreaks/shelterbelts establishment, 650 windbreak /shelterbelt renovation, 390 riparian herbaceous cover, 391 riparian forest cover, 327 conservation cover, and 393 filter strip. While 386 362 diversion and 412 grassed waterways aren’t used to buffer as much as to divert and convey water, they are included here because buffers and

Owner, 09/15/14,

This was moved to the Resources on page 63. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Most of the material in these three paragraphs has been incorporated into text on page 62 in my proposed re-organization of this section. MS 9/11/14


diversions are addressed together in the NOP regulations for keeping pollution from entering the farm and contaminating the organic crop.

Natural areas are non-agricultural areas that support ecological processes and native species. Since not all organic growers enroll their natural areas in organic certification, the requirement to meet the NOP regulations for maintaining and improving soil, water, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife in these areas depends on the certification status. Conservation of the natural areas may significantly improve food, shelter and reproduction sites for wildlife, sequester carbon in woody biomass, filter pollutants, conserve water, dissipate floodwaters, serve as wildlife corridors, and support rare species. Natural areas include: 395 Stream Habitat Improvement and Management, 612 Tree/Shrub Establishment, 643 Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitats, 644 Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management, 645 Upland Wildlife Habitat Management, 647 Early Successional Habitat Development / Management, and 666 Forest Sstand Iimprovement.

An important management consideration of buffers and natural areas is the prevention and control of invasive species. The following conservation practices can help: 314 Brush Management, 315 Herbaceous Weed Control, 342 Critical Area Planting, 511 Forage Harvest Management, 550 Range Planting, and327 Conservation Cover.

While buffers and natural areas do not typically produce organic food and fiber, they should be managed as if they do, with regard to NOP compliance. Growers should obtain organically grown non-crop seeds and planting stock, whenever possible. They should recognize the restrictions on synthetic pesticides, treated wood, plastic mulches, and burning under certain conditions. By first checking in with the certifier before planting the buffer or restoring the natural area, the grower will ensure they are in compliance. (NOTE: this may seem obvious to some, but I’ve seen that it is not obvious to most growers and so think it should be reiterated here even though it is covered elsewhere in the document.)

Resources

Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management Agroforestry Planning, Practices, and Design is a SARE project product - The A team has

writtenwrote a Handbook for Agroforestry Practices and Design, and a Training Manual for Applied Agroforestry Practices. 2013.

Biodiversity and Natural Resources Conservation Guidance will be published this fall by the NOP. A draft Biodiversity Conservation Guidance was sent to the NOP in 2012 by Wild Farm Alliance, with comprehensive input from the organic community. This is a placeholder for NOP’s version when it is published.

Biodiversity and Organic Agriculture webinar. This 10-minute webinar was part of a set of webinars presented by the University of Nebraska on organic farming. James R. Brandle of UNL, John E. Quinn of Furnam Univ. and R. J. Johnson of Clemson Univ. conducted the research that is presented. This webinar was recorded by e-Extension in March 2013.

Biodiversity Compliance Assessment in Organic Agricultural Systems is a Wild Farm Alliance publication that summarizes major biodiversity noncompliance indicators and detailed guidance of positive compliance approaches. 2009.

Biodiversity Conservation: An Organic Farmer’s Guide is a Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) publication that provides a range of farm management practices that maintain and enhance biodiversity as they relate to the NOP regulations. 2006.

http://www.wildfarmalliance.org/resources/BD%20Guide%20Organic%20Farmers%20.pdf

http://www.wildfarmalliance.org/resources/Biodiversity%20Compliance.pdf

http://www.extension.org/pages/67368/organic-farming-systems-research-at-the-university-of-nebraska#part%205

http://www.wildfarmalliance.org/resources/NOP_WFA_BDGuidance.pdf

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/North-Central-SARE-Project-Products/Agroforestry-Practices-Planning-and-Design

Biodiversity Principles This section describes eight agricultural biodiversity principles. It is part of a bigger publication by the Canada-BC Environmental Farm Plan Program and while it does not specifically address organic agriculture, it is still very useful.

Farmscaping: Making Use of Nature’s Pest Management Services is an e-Extension publication by Geoff Zehnder of Clemson University. It covers farmscaping methods including the use of insectary plants, hedgerows, cover crops, and water reservoirs to attract and support populations of beneficial organisms such as insects, spiders, amphibians, reptiles, bats, and birds that parasitize or prey upon insect pests.

How NRCS TSPs Support Biodiversity in Organic Systems webinar covers how TSPs can write conservation plans for practices that address the biodiversity conservation needs of the farm including those offered in the “CAP 138 development criteria” list for transitioning farmers, and others newly listed on the TSP registry which could likely be used tothat support woodland, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Jo Ann Baumgartner of Wild Farm Alliance, Harriet Behar of Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), and Sam Earnshaw of Hedgerows Unlimited; March 2013. This webinar was recorded in March 2013 by Wild Farm Alliance, MOSES, and Hedgerows Unlimited through NCAT; it was funded by an NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant.

Incorporating Prairies into Multifunctional Landscapes is a product of a SARE project product by Meghann Jarchow and . It was published in 2011. This publication looks at ways thatdescribes how prairies can be incorporated into farms and, how they affect nearby crops., and it gives resources to establish prairies. Necessary steps and resources to establish and manage prairies are covered, as are the various uses for prairies: livestock grazing, hay production, biomass feedstocks, and carbon sequestering.

Increasing Plant and Soil Biodiversity on Organic Farmscapes webinar. This recording examines research results from a case study in California on an organic farm with hedgerows, preservation of a riparian corridor, and tailwater ponds. It was recorded through e-Extension in May 2010 by Louise Jackson of the University of California at Davis.

Linking Biodiversity Requirements, Organic Systems, and NRCS Conservation Practice Standards , Wild Farm Alliance, 2012 Cwebinar covers conservation practice standards that improve soil and water resources, support beneficial organisms and natural functions, and protect and restore wildlife habitat are covered in this webinar. Also presented are real life examples of these practices used by an organic farmer on his operations. Jo Ann Baumgartner of Wild Farm Alliance, Jim Riddle of University of Minnesota, and Tom Broz of Live Earth Farm; September 2012. This webinar was recorded in September 2012 by Wild Farm Alliance e-Organic, and Live Earth Farm through NCAT; it was funded by an NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant.

Natural Resources in the NOP’s Crop and Livestock model Organic System Plan On pages 7 and 8 of this NOP document, is background information and suggested questions to ask about natural resources in a Organic System Plan.

Promoting High Quality Conservation on the Organic Farms webinar. (Note, since this webinar is scheduled for 9/10/14, a link to it will be provided after that.) Organic farmers and ranchers conserve biodiversity and natural resources because their agricultural production systems depend upon healthy ecosystems. Conservation professionals and landowners learn how NRCS conservation practices and enhancements can provide high value production and biodiversity benefits while at the same time aiding producers in obtaining or maintaining their USDA organic status. Harriet Behar of MOSES and Jo Ann Baumgartner of Wild Farm Alliance; This webinar will be recorded in Septemeber 2014. by Wild Farm Alliance and Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) through NCAT; it was funded by an NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant.

Buffers Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems is a publication created by National Center for Appropriate

Technology (NCAT), Oregon Tilth, and the Xerces Society that covers design, preparation and

Owner, 09/15/14,

Again, not sure if this level of details is needed here if it is given in the webinar itself. MS 9/11/14.


Agree. Susan

Owner, 09/15/14,

Not sure that we need this information here, so long as it is given as part of the webinar itself. Perhaps give the author and date here. MS 9/11/14

http://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Tilth-NRCS-Conservation-Buffers-in-Organic-Systems-Guide.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HENSvtveY0U&feature=youtu.be


http://www.extension.org/pages/27049/increasing-plant-and-soil-biodiversity-on-organic-farmscapes-webinar#.U-0yukj8W58

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/North-Central-SARE-Project-Products/Incorporating-Prairies-into-Multifunctional-Landscapes

http://www.wildfarmalliance.org/resources/organic_BD.htm#WebinarTSPs

http://www.extension.org/pages/18573/farmscaping:-making-use-of-natures-pest-management-services#.U-01rUj8W58

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/EnviroFarmPlanning/EFP_Biodiversity_Guide/2010_Web_PDF_Documents/BiodiversityGuide2010_Chapter2_BiodiversityPrinciples.pdf

maintenance of field borders, hedgerow plantings, herbaceous wind barriers, windbreaks/shelterbelt establishment, riparian forest buffers, and conservation cover.

Hedgerows for California Agriculture This manual was written by Sam Earnshaw, then of Community Alliance with Family Farmers in 2004. It helps growers choose and care for appropriate plants that attract beneficial insects and prevent erosion.

GMO Contamination: What’s an Organic Farmer to Do? This webinar summary (not live) was given by Jim Riddle of the Univ of Minnesota in March 2011. It discusses buffers that can help with GMO drift.

Planting Habitat on Farms: Design, Techniques and Issues is a webinar. This presentation shows a diversity of projects, focusing on established practices and lessons learned from 20 years of planting habitat on farms. by Sam Earnshaw of Community Alliance for Family Farmers recorded in November 2012.

Climate Change Biodiversity for Climate Resilience This webinar discusses the climate benefits and additional

environmental and economic benefits of on-farm biological diversity in farm products and in the landscape, as well as some tools and the practical considerations. Speakers: Louise Jackson of UC Davis, Department of Land, Air, Water Resources, Sam Earnshaw of Hedgerows Unlimited, Judith Redmond of Full Belly Farm. California Climate Action Network, 2014.

Climate Change Benefits of Farmscaping in Yolo County . This webpagesite covers many specific climate change benefits ofways in which farmscaping can enhance system resilience to climate change, including carbon storage and greenhouse gas mitigation; biodiversity, resilience and adaptation; and practical constraints to successful farmscaping.

Effects of Climate Change on Insect Communities in Organic Farming Systems Webinar . This webinar outlines the potential for climate change to affect insect communities, and their interactions with plants, in cropping systems. Topics covered include the effects of climate change on biodiversity and the functioning of agricultural ecosystems, and the role of organic farming practices in mitigating negative effects of climate change. It was recorded by David Crowder at Washington State Univ. through e-Extension in February 2013.

Farming for Success in the 21st Century: Increasing Biodiversity . This fact sheet covers crop, landscape and species diversity practices related to climate change adaption and mitigation. California Climate Action Network.

Co-Managing Food Safety and Conservation A Farmer's Guide to Food Safety and Conservation: Facts, Tips and Frequently Asked Questions is a

Wild Farm Alliance and Community Alliance with Family Farmer’s publication that goes over basic factors that affect the survival and movement of food borne pathogens on the farm, and how healthy diverse ecosystems can help to keep pathogens in check. A set of frequently asked questions addresses everything from wildlife and compost issues, to CSA visitors on the farm. Another section gives tips on how to have a successful food safety inspection, and the resources list includes links to web pages where your auditor can learn about the co-management of food safety and conservation. 2013.

Co-managing Food Safety and Conservation Objectives in Specialty Crops . Later this year, NRCS will be publishing this technical note that the Wild Farm Alliance wrote. Funding was from an NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant. This technical note helps NRCS conservation planners who work with specialty crop growers understand food safety risks in the growing environment, and it teaches details of how specific management practices may reduce or increase food safety risk, and how to help. Once NRCS conservationists are knowledgeable about basic food safety issues, they can better assist specialty crop growers with implementing co-management practices that benefit natural

Owner, 09/15/14,

May not be needed if this information is in the webinar itself. MS 9/11/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This is my guess as to what this is about – want to tell a bit more than the title itself does. MS 9/11/14

http://www.wildfarmalliance.org/resources/FS_FactsTipsFAQ.pdf

http://calclimateag.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/BIodiversity-Fact-Sheet.pdf

http://www.extension.org/pages/66899/effects-of-climate-change-on-insect-communities-in-organic-farming-systems-webinar#.U-00KUj8W58

http://agadapt.ucdavis.edu/farmscaping/

http://vimeo.com/90807898

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4YwpkOSVTA&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

https://www.extension.org/mediawiki/files/0/09/RiddleGMOMarch92011.pdf

http://caff.org/programs/bio-ag/hedgerows/

resources and biodiversity. At the time this was written, the technical note was predicted to be finalized by NRCS in a couple of months. Check on NRCS website for link. 2014.

On-Farm Food Safety and Conservation This webinar covers how pathogens get on the farm, their prevalence in animals, and environmental factors that influence pathogen reduction. A multi-barrier approach is discussed where conservation practices and food safety Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are used to minimize food safety concerns. Jo Ann Baumgartner of WFA, 2014. If one barrier fails, others are in place to prevent contamination of crops and water supplies.

Conversion of High Value Conservation Lands into Organic AgricultureJust as growers should carefully consider many factors when bringing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land back into production, they should do the same before converting high value conservation areas into organic production. The NOP can potentially incentivizes the conversion of High Conservation Value Lands (such as prairies) into cropland because of the three-year waiting period between using land that has had applications of pesticides and harvesting an organic crop. Links that discuss factors to be considered as they relate to CRP land conversion are below: ANM35 Enhance wildlife habitat expired grass legume covered CRP acres ANM36 Enhance wildlife habitat expired tree covered CRP acres

Conservation Reserve Program: Alternatives and Options Factors to Consider when Bringing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Land or Idle Land Back

into Production Converting CRP Land to Cropland or Pasture/Hayland: Agronomic and Weed Control

Considerations Converting CRP Fields to Grain Crop Production Options for Expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Land We need to create a new handout similar to these above, but specifically for the conversion of High

Conservation Value Lands into organic production.

Farm Bill Provisions that are Required by NOP Regulations Highly Erodible Land Conservation Compliance Provisions Since organic farmers must maintain or

improve soil, and control soil erosion, they need to comply with these provisions. Sodsaverbuster Provisions . Since organic farmers must conserve biodiversity and maintain or

improve soil, they need to comply with these provisions to conserve un-plowed sod. We still need a good resource link that describes the current sodbuster provisions for the 6 states.

Wetland Conservation Provisions (Swampbuster) . Since organic farmers must maintain or improve wetlands, they need to comply with these provisions.

Mammal Pest Management (may be needed to protect new plantings)Pocket gophers, deer mice, voles, rabbits, and ground squirrel management. These five separate webpages by Univ. of CA have many (but not all) organically approved recommendations.Exclusionary Methods and Materials to Protect Plants from Pest Mammals--A Review. Written by Rex E. Marsh, Ann E. Koehler, and T. P. Salmon, and published in 1990, this paper covers pest mammal management methods for organic and sustainable agriculture. It includes various materials wrapped or tied directly on the tree trunks, the larger loose-fitting protective cylinders or other individual exclosures, shields, or bands to prevent access to the upper tree portions via the trunk, mounding soil, or other materials around the base of trees to restrict feeding or to make the habitat less favorable to pest species.How can I control rodents organically? The answer is posted on the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service and goes into trapping, habitat modification, predator control, and approved organically rodenticide materials.


Moved the Insect Pest management resources to IPM section JB 9/14/14


Moved the Mammal Pest Management to the IPM section

Owner, 09/15/14,

NOP incentivizes such conversion only when the High Conservation Value Lands are the only areas with suitable soil conditions and no prohibited substances within past 3 years. I suggest softening the language so as not to make NOP look like a “bad guy”. MS 9/11/14

https://attra.ncat.org/calendar/question.php/2007/03/12/how_can_i_control_rodents_organically

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1058&context=vpc14






http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/alphabetical/camr/?cid=stelprdb1043554

http://nationalaglawcenter.org/wp-content/uploads//assets/crs/R43504.pdf

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/alphabetical/camr/?cid=nrcs143_008440

http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-7247/NREM%209016web.pdf

http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G1651

http://ohioline.osu.edu/agf-fact/0024.html

http://ohioline.osu.edu/agf-fact/0024.html

http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id124/id124.htm

http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id124/id124.htm

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_019293.pdf

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=stelprdb1240371&ext=pdf

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=stelprdb1240370&ext=pdf

http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/on-farm-food-safety-and-conservation

Pest and Beneficial Insect Management A Quick Guide to Establishing Wildflower Plantings for the Conservation of Beneficial Insects . This

video is an introductory guide to help establish wildflower plantings for the conservation of beneficial insects. It is a SARE project recorded by Brett Blaauw of Michigan State University in 2012. He writes, "Due to the loss of natural habitats, there has been an observable decrease in beneficial insects over the years. This loss of insects may lead to a decrease in the ecosystem services they provided. By reintegrating wildflowers back into the landscape, many beneficial insects will be able to have access to the floral resources they need to survive."

A Whole-Farm Approach to Managing Pests . This SARE bulletin, published 2003, is an excellent resource for organic pest management, covers field border plantings and other farmscaping methods among a full range of ecological pest management practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and tillage/residue management.

Ecological Farm Design for Pest Management in Organic Vegetable Production: Successes and Challenges on Two Farms This webinar describes the more than 20 year journeys of Pinnacle Farm, San Juan Bautista, CA and Biodesign Farm, Stevensville, MT. These farms increased plant diversity though practices such as planting insectaries and hedgerows, and employed reduced tillage, pest thresholds and crop planting timing to manage pests in vegetable crops with minimal or no spraying. It was recorded by Helen Atthowe and Doug O’Brien through e-Extension in January 2012.

Ecological Understanding of Insects in Organic Farming Systems: Insects in Communities . This article by Mary E. Barbercheck of Penn State University describes ecological principles and community interactions of insects, and was written in April 2011.

Farmscaping to Manage Insect Pests This powerpoint presentation by Doug Landis of Michigan State University was given in 2008 at the American Farm Conference. Thought of looking at your farm from an insect’s point of view? Find out how to control insect pests by arranging fields, forests and borders into an insect-managing “farmscape” that helps grow healthier, more productive crops.

Manage Insects on Your Farm: a Guide to Ecological Strategies is by Miguel A. Altieri and Clara I. Nicholls with Marlene A. Fritz and was published in 2005. This book provides extensive information on ecological pest prevention and management practices, with a particular emphasis on bio-diverse buffer plantings designed to maximize habitat for beneficial insects. Farmer stories, many from organic and transitioning farms, illustrate implementation of the principles discussed.

Organic Control of Pests . Includes Farmscaping to Enhance Biological Control, by Rex Dufour, at National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. This was published in 2000.

Farming with Native Beneficial Insects (published in 2014 by The Xerces Society)-Authors Eric Lee-Mäder, Jennifer Hopwood, Mace Vaughan, Scott Hoffman Black, and Lora Morandin discuss the ecology of native beneficial insects and how to increase their numbers on your farm through simple conservation strategies (has a page on solarization).

Pollinator Habitat Managing Alternative Pollinators: a Handbook for Beekeepers, Growers, and Conservationists

Written in 2010 by Eric Mader of the Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Program; Professor of Entomology Marla Spivak; and Elaine Evans, author of “Befriending Bumble Bees,” the book includes expert information on the business and biology of pollination, and color-illustrated how-to guidance on raising the alternative bee species. There is a step-by-step, full-color guide for rearing and managing bumble bees, mason bees, leafcutter bees and other bee species that provide pollination alternatives to the rapidly declining honey bee.

Organic Farming for Bees Toolkit is a Xerces Society guide that contains both of the fact sheets, as well as information about native bee biology, artificial nest management, and regional plant lists for pollinator habitat restoration.


This paragraph is from Sudie. This is a good publication and if we don’t already have it mentioned somewhere, we could add here. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

Also listed under the Pest Management section above. MS 9/11/14


I could go either way on this. I lean more to not repeating in both places. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

This resource is also listed under Pest Management – do we want it in both places? MS 9/11/14.

Owner, 09/15/14,

Does this section belong here, or under Pest Management? There is some overlap and potential redundancy here. MS 9/11/14.

http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/organic-farming-for-bees-xerces-society.pdf

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Managing-Alternative-Pollinators

http://www.xerces.org/farming-with-native-beneficial-insects/

https://attra.ncat.org/organic.html#pests


http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Conference-Materials/The-New-American-Farm-Conference/Breakout-Sessions/Farmscaping-to-Manage-Insects

https://www.extension.org/pages/18908/ecological-understanding-of-insects-in-organic-farming-systems:-insects-in-communities#.U_Jm0kj8W58




http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/North-Central-SARE-Project-Products/Video-A-Quick-Guide-to-Establishing-Wildflower-Plantings-for-the-Conservation-of-Beneficial-Insects

Pollinator Habitat Assessment Form and Guide for Organic Farmers is a Xerces Society guide that assesses pollinator habitat in orchards and field crop settings.

Xerces Society Pollinator Short Course . This SARE funded short course was offered at various locations during 2012-2013, and can now be downloaded. The purpose of the short course is to draw attention to declining populations of pollinators and promote conservation by helping to protect their natural habitats. The short course provides both classroom and field training components and coversin such topics as principles of pollinator biology, the economics of insect pollination, basic bee field identification, and pollinator conservation through land management practices, habitat restoration, and plant selection. Six modules include: The Importance and Decline of Pollinators, Basic Bee and Butterfly Biology and Identification, Pollinator-Friendly Farm Practices, Planning New Pollinator Habitat, NRCS Practices and Bee Conservation, and Additional Resources.

Attracting Native Pollinators (Xerces Society, published in 2011) - coauthored by four Xerces Society staff members Eric Mader, Matthew Shepherd, Mace Vaughan, and Scott Black in collaboration with Gretchen LeBuhn. Provides dramatically expanded breadth and detail, reflecting the latest understanding about creating and managing pollinator habitat. Illustrated with hundreds of color photographs and dozens of specially created illustrations.

Riparian Areas Maintenance of Natural Sustainable Riparian Communities Fact Sheet Series . A SARE project

product by Miranda Meehan. 2011. Five Extension fact sheets based on a study of riparian ecosystems along the Middle Sheyenne River of North Dakota. Four of them relate to proper grazing management of these ecosystems.

Protecting Riparian Areas: Farmland Management Strategies This 2003 publication by Barbara C. Bellows is designed to help farmers, watershed managers, and environmentalists understand what healthy riparian areas look like, how they operate, and why they are important for the environment and society. It also provides information ondiscusses the costs and benefits of riparian management, and discusses how watershed residents can work together to protect this vital resource. Tables included in the publication are designed to help the readeryou evaluate riparian protection strategies from the perspective of yourbased on local environment, surrounding land use practices, and land management objectives. It was published 2003.

Wildlife Friendly Fencing (may be needed to protect new plantings) Wildlife Compatible Fencing by Arizona Game and Fish covers fence design for landowners. Wildlife Friendly Fencing Wildlife friendly fencing is an important factor in maintaining habitat

connectivity for wildlife. This website has many publications on the subject.

Weed and Invasive Species ControlGeneral

Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems (mentioned above) documents three types of weed management suggestions for getting a site ready so that weeds won’t later overtake the planting.

Establishing Native Pollinator Habitat Organically: Tips from our Experience at Kerr Center . The Kerr Center faced many challenges and learned many lessons. They summarize their work and recommendations based on their experience.

( Information is needed on how to control weeds and invasive species without using NOP-prohibited substance (herbicides) while installing conservation practices and conducting restoration. The challenge is that NRCS expects the producer to implement effective weed control when installing a buffer or habitat planting, and the use of herbicides to do so is often implicitly or explicitly included as part of the practice.

(This may be a good reason to develop an organic job sheet for CPS 314 Brush Management, and any other CPS directed against weedy or invasive species.)


Should this be moved to the IPM section


Another potential resource from Sudie. Susan 9/12/14

Owner, 09/15/14,

If space remains tight after other redundancies or nonessential detail is removed, we may have to delete some useful but perhaps not totally essential detail like this. MS 9/11/14

http://www.kerrcenter.com/publications/pollinators/Establishing-native-pollinator-habitat.pdf

http://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Tilth-NRCS-Conservation-Buffers-in-Organic-Systems-Guide.pdf

http://www.montanans4wildlife.org/wildlife-friendly-fencing/

http://www.azgfd.gov/hgis/documents/110125_AGFD_fencing_guidelines.pdf


http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/North-Central-SARE-Project-Products/Maintenance-of-Natural-Sustainable-Riparian-Communities-Fact-Sheets-Series

http://www.xerces.org/announcing-the-publication-of-attracting-native-pollinators/

http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Project-Products/Southern-SARE-Project-Products/Xerces-Society-Pollinator-Short-Course

http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/OrganicPollinatorHabitatAssessment.pdf

Not sure what to do with this information: reed reference for removing invasive trees and their stumps, ig eg piles of unfinished compost that heat up to break down the bark around tree stumps may sometimes be used to rid the farm of invasive trees that tend to resprout, or just removing resprouts manually, or girdling the trees may kill them.)

A management guide for invasive plants in southern forests by Miller, James H.; Manning, Steven T.; Enloe, Stephen F. 2010 – USFS Southern Research Station – contains thorough discussion of all methods for controlling invasive plants, including non-chemical, mulching.

Solarization Introduction to Soil Solarization – University of Florida, IFAS Extention; Publication #ENY 062.

Using plastic. Soil solarization – University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Statewide IPM

program (plastic) Soil Solarization, an Alternative to Soil Fumigants – Colorado State University Extention

Factsheet (plastic)

Need reference for NOP-approved Approved hHerbicides, such as those based on acetic acid, essential oils, and/or ammonium salts of fatty acids that can be used as one component of organic weed management. Although not practical on for cropland at a multi-acre scale, repeated spot applications of these materials can be used to weaken localized populations / small areas of invasive vegetation, thereby enhancing the efficacy of other control tactics.

o E cological Pest Management Data-base. ATTRA. https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/biorationals/ This database, which was mentioned above in the IPM section, has a function for weed control.

o The NOP Lists Approved Materialshttp://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5068682 ?http://www.caes.uga.edu/topics/sustainag/documents/flameweeding236313-WEBBER.pdf ?

(Not sure what to do with this information: acetic acid, essential oils, and/or ammonium salts of fatty acids that can be used as one component of organic weed management. Although not practical on for cropland at a multi-acre scale, repeated spot applications of these materials can be used to weaken localized populations / small areas of invasive vegetation, thereby enhancing the efficacy of other control tactics.)

PUse of prescribed Ggrazing for Iinvasive Pplant Ccontrol?: o Targeted Grazing: A Natural Approach to Vegetation Management and Landscape

Enhancement: A handbook on grazing as a new ecological service by Dr. Karen Launchbaugh,Rangeland Ecologist - University of Idaho

o Goat-powered Invasive Removal - ongoing research at Clemson University o Managing Invasive Plants, National Wildlife Refuge System Prescribed Grazing in

Practice

i. Structural

Group leader: Susan Samson-Liebig, NRCS, ND [email protected]

Group team members:


Forwarded on from Sudie for consideration. Susan 9/12/14


Forwarded on from Sudie. Susan 9/12/14


Addition from Sudie. Susan 9/12/14

http://www.fws.gov/invasives/stafftrainingmodule/methods/grazing/practice.html

http://www.clemson.edu/public/hunnicutt/goats.html

http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/rx-grazing/Handbook.htm



http://www.caes.uga.edu/topics/sustainag/documents/flameweeding236313-WEBBER.pdf


https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/biorationals/

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/crops/00505.pdf

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/TURF/SITEPREP/soilsolar.html

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in856

http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/36915

http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/36915

Susan Samson-Liebig, NRCS, NDSudie Thomas, NRCS, SCPatrick Murphy, NRCS, WIRuth Shaffer, NRCS, MIRon Wood, NRCS, VAGlen Abney, NRCS, KYMark Schonbeck, VBFAJen Miller, NCAPSarah Brown, Oregon TilthBen Smallwood, NRCS, NHQAlice Begin, NRCS, MEDavid Lamm, NRCS, NCJo Ann Baumgartner, Wild Farm Alliance------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Organic and sustainable farming training and resources 1. Existing training: NRCS National Training Strategy

2. Resourcesi. USDA Organic Toolkit (Aglearn, NOP website, Printed materials, USDA Organic

Resource Guide)ii. NOP Regulations, Handbook

iii. NRCS State Contactsiv. Organizationsv. Websites (NOP and www.ams.usda.gov/Organicinfo)

vi. Publications (Guides)vii. ListServes (NOP,NCAT/ATTRA, OWG etc.)

viii. Other

Mark Schonbeck, VBFAHarriet Behar , MOSESRex Dufour, NCAT Rafael Vega, NRCS INBen Bowell, Oregon TilthCheryl Simmons, NRCS, CNTSCGreg Fogel, NSACEbonie Alexander, BFLT

http://www.ams.usda.gov/Organicinfo