Short-form instructions for completing the electronic application materials for Iowa Organic Certification will help renewing crops and livestock operations who are using IDALS’ binder system. The Corrective Action Form if applicable will be emailed to you as well as your field history sheets.
1. Read ALL of the instructions on this sheet first. Your Organic Livestock Farm System Plan (OSP) is a PLAN; not a record keeping book; it is different from an application for organic certification.
2 Print the table of contents for the front of your binder. This may also be used as a checklist when submitting your plan to verify that all sections are submitted.
3. Review the organic regulations to refresh your memory and answer any questions you may have about production requirements.
- If you need a copy of the regulations, find them on the internet at the following addresses:
4. Create a new folder in your computer and pick a recognizable name like “2010 Organic Certification.”
5. Field History
Copy your Field History Sheets from your “2009 Organic Certification” folder or email and paste a copy into the 2010 folder. Fill in the remainder of 2009 information as well as your intentions for 2010. Reminder – a back-up disk of your files is a good idea in case your hard drive crashes.
6. Any “Corrective Actions” cited in 2009 will be emailed to renewing applicants. Be sure to indicate what actions are being taken in regards to any corrective actions noted.
7. Carefully complete these forms either electronically (save $25) or handwritten:
Application-Contact Information. (Be sure to sign and date the affirmation)
Field maps
Field History sheets (Section 2A) (this will be emailed to you)
Seeds and Planting Stock (Section 4)
Animal Identification (Section 10A)
Commercial Feed Supplements/Additives
If you make changes in your seed purchasing plan after you submit your application, it can be updated during the inspection.
8. Save and print the completed pages from the list above.
10. Obtain labels, photos, or copies of new input products that will be used this year and submit them with your application. Make sure there is a label for EVERYTHING used on your farm included in this Organic Livestock Farm System Plan. Include labels for non-approved organic products that are used in your organic livestock operation (i.e. antibiotics) and an explanation of when these products will be used. Everything the inspector finds on your farm for your organic operation should be in this Plan.
11. Additional recordkeeping forms available online include:
- Record of Organic Product Movement
- Non-organic Product Movement
- Previous Operator Affidavit
- Non-GMO Seeds & Planting Stock
- Equipment Clean-out Log
- Developing a Producer Lot Number
12. Obtain a copy of your annual water test if you wash food crops prior to selling them.
13. Complete the “Fee Schedule” document and print it.
14. Write a check for the applicable application and inspection fee below:
Submitted by 3/15/10 $375 (deduct $25 if completed electronically)
Submitted 3/16/10-5/1/10 $475
15. Mail the completed hard copy of the OSP and check to:
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Organic Program
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
- Mailing should include:
- Corrective Actions (if applicable)
- Application – Contact Information including signed affirmation
- Pages of the OSP you completed
- Field History Sheets
- Maps
- Input labels (if applicable)
- Water test (if applicable)
- Previous Operator Affidavit (if applicable)
- Fee Schedule
- Fee payment
16. Prepare for the on-site inspection by gathering:
- Affidavits for the movement of the previous year’s crop, including organic, buffer crops, transitional crops and conventional crops
- Equipment Clean-out Log
- Input labels
- Compost Logs (if applicable)
- Verification of Untreated/Non-GMO seeds and Planting Stock
- Field activity Logs
- Water or soil tests results
- Herd of flock health records (if applicable)
- Verification of the organic status of any livestock purchased
- Verification of organic status of any grains purchased for feed (if applicable)
- Dairy producers should have copies of their six most recent somatic cell counts and bacteria counts
- Set aside ample time for the inspection. Plan to accompany/transport the inspector to locations of all fields or livestock for which you are seeking certification. The inspector may also want to see buildings and equipment used in the production of your organic crops or livestock. If you do on-farm processing, the inspector will visit that area as well.
17. After the inspection:
- The inspector will write a detailed report of the on-site inspection of your operation.
- Members of the IDALS staff will review your completed application and inspection report and determine your eligibility for organic certification.
- You may be required to make changes or provide additional information as identified prior to being approved for certification. Please submit requested material in a timely manner to facilitate a timely response to your certification needs.
¨ If certification is granted, your certificate will be issued and you will be asked to pay certification fees. You will also be allowed to promote your crop(s) and/or livestock bearing the seal of the Iowa Organic Agriculture Program.
¨ A copy of the completed inspection report will be mailed to you along with your certificate. |
