Re: Organic farming questions

Posted by Bruce from Can. on August 24, 2018 at 03:58:53 from (74.12.73.215):

In Reply to: Organic farming questions posted by Lazy WP on August 23, 2018 at 19:34:59:

I am not currently a Organic farmer, let me make this point abundantly clear from the start.
Now I am on the road to having one of my farms, 160 acres Certified Organic. The certifying body that I am working with is called Pro Cert , and does Organic Certification in both Canada and north USA. And yes there are fees to be Certified Organic , it will cost me $800.00 each year for this one farm.
The Certifying body has a board that decide what is acceptable and what is not acceptable to meet their Organic Standards. In other words, they make the rules, and many of the rules seem arbitrary to most folks, but are based in not just no use of chemicals , or GMO technology, but based more in the whole idea of sustainability, humane care and treatment of livestock, and the general feeling that the plants and animals growing on the farm are allowed to do so within the regulations set down by both the certifying body and the final consumer of the products. An example would be , hens allowed to run free , not kept in cages. Or milk cows have to be allowed pasture, and not kept in total confinement barns. Are the eggs or milk going to be different, no much, but it is the idea that the cows and hens would be allowed to behave and socialize in a more natural environment.
My land must be farmed for three years with no chemical sprays, or fertilizer to be eligible to be Certified Organic. My cows , fed and housed conventional now , can be Certified Organic after one year of being fed organic feed, and kept in a manner compiling with Organic Standards. Livestock can be treated once with an antibiotic, with a prescription, under a Veterinarys care, and face double the withdrawall time. If a cow should need further treatment in subsequent years, she is allowed to be treated, but once restored to health, must be removed from the farm as she is no longer compliant with Organic Standards.
Anyone can claim to grow things “Organic “ , and eat worms are common in organic grown corn. The bug that lays the eggs that hatch and becomes the eat worm are much more active during some points in the season than others. So the very early corn may be bug free, the main season corn could be loaded with ear worms. While the late season corn , which matured in September or early October can be totally bug free.. like everything, these pest have their season.
While I myself, am not a Organic Zealot, it is to me just a matter of producing a product, within a set of production protocols. And if there is a market for these products, and a premium paid to produce them, then why not if so minded go after it? It always seems most critics of Organic Production, can only see the do’s and don’ts as silly. I don’t try to question the logic of the rules for Certified Organic Production, I simply realize that if I want to sell into this high priced market, then my farm will have to be fully compliant with the rules governing Organic Standards.
It is much easier for Dairy farmers to accept the rules dictated to them, because Dairy farmers are already under the microscope of scrutiny from the milk processor and the milk inspectors. And the paper work and protocols Dairy farmers face now in conventional milk production, would be enough to make most of your heads pop off.
I may never become a fully Certified Organic Dairy, but the possibility does exist, and the incentives and premiums are increasing. And my farm is part way there, so..... I can always go back conventional with one pass of the sprayer. Bruce

Replies:

• Re: Organic farming questions jon f mn 09:23:17 08/24/18 (0)

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