Illuminating observations from organic inspectors - Organic Matters

Certified organic producers are inspected annually to assure their production and handling methods meet organic standards.

The inspectors see many successful practices and many potential problem areas. While they are prohibited from making recommendations at the farms they inspect, the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada recently invited them to share their observations on practices that work consistently on organic farms:

Crop rotations were crucial. Farms that included hay in the rotation often had fewer weeds. Green manures, using alfalfa, clover or volunteer crops, were useful for weed control.

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Fall rye was recommended for good competition with Canada thistle. Successful intercropping combinations included oats with peas or lentils, barley with mustard, and wheat and flax under-seeded to alfalfa or medic.

High seeding rates were helpful, as were even plant spacing and attention to seeding depth. Often the best time for seeding was after a flush of weeds.

Practices that increased weed problems were those associated with fertility management. Poor manure composting resulted in weed seeds being applied with the manure. Excess fertility, especially from chicken manure, increased problems with lamb’s-quarters and pigweed.

Livestock management was often a matter of environment: calm handling; room to socialize; fresh air and access to good pasture and feed. Other important factors included good genetics, thoughtful culling and well considered rotational grazing. It was also important to balance mineral supplements.

Inspectors identified areas where producers were struggling. Farmers were advised to think holistically rather than assume that conventional practices would be sufficient for organic production. Practices should be seen in relationship to farm and production goals.

Producers were advised to carefully use tillage and fertilizer and avoid excess or inappropriate applications. They should research inputs to assure their suitability to organic practice and organic standards.

Organic certification requires a thorough audit trail. Thorough record keeping not only helps inspectors verify that practices meet standards, but it allows the producer to see patterns and monitor the success of different practices.

Frick is the Prairie co-ordinator for the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada located at the University of Saskatchewan. Frick can be reached at 306-966-4975, at brenda.frick@usask.ca, or www.organicagcentre.ca.