Om summer17 final

Quarterly Newsletter • Summer 2017

Powering the Farm with Renewable Energy page 2 6th Annual PA Organic FarmFest page 4 Fertility & Forage in the Grazing Dairy page 6

Finding gratitude for organic farmers, from forest glades to city pavements Dear Wood Thrush, Thank you for the early morning wake-up call. Your lovely lilting flute-like song soars through the open window encouraging me to get moving, summer is in full swing.

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ore birds join the chorus as farmers awake to move through the cool, dewy dawn feeding animals, gathering eggs, planting, cultivating, harvesting, packing, setting up markets and sharing the fruits of their labor with the world. Long, full days thrill us with the prospect of so much potential and wear us out with so much work as we strive to grow healthy food to feed our families and communities from the land we love. It is honorable, eternal, authentic work.

Farmers in the mid-Atlantic have been especially challenged with short planting windows between seemingly endless days of rain and chillier-than-usual temperatures this season. Wasn’t it just last year that record heat and drought parched pastures, withered crops, dried up wells and stressed livestock?

My pledge word for this year is Gratitude. We try our best to do our best even as we endure the hardships of a complicated, modern, unpredictable world. Although there is always something to complain about, invariably there are many more “somethings” to be grateful for. I pledge to notice and acknowledge those wonderful somethings, large and small, that surround us every day.

Organic Policy Conference shines light on important issues PCO joined the organic community on its annual trip to visit Members of Congress during Organic Week in Washington, DC. Even among acres of concrete, legions of security guards and hallowed marble halls of buildings larger than my whole farm, there was much to be grateful for. Politicians are people, too, who work hard to accomplish good things. Administrations are to politics as weather is to farmers: unpredictable, sometimes devastating, and ultimately needing to be managed in the best way possible with the resources available to achieve success.

Not quite sure what to expect amid the confusion of a new administration still much in transition on the regulatory level, our organic tribe from around the country hit the “Hill” with the message that organic food and farming are important to our nation’s health and economy, that family farms and rural communities form the backbone of America and that sustainable farming methods have a positive effect on climate globally.

Members of Congress from all parties listened, asked questions, and sometimes agreed, offering support and gratitude.

For specific information on important issues affecting organic food and farming, including integrity of organic imports and programs in the Farm Bill: Kyla Smith, PCO Certification Director, kyla@paorganic.org, 814-422-0251; National Sustain-

Leslie Zuck, PCO Executive Director, meets with Rep. Glenn Thompson on Capitol Hill, along with representatives of Mom's Organic Market.

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Kyla Smith, PCO Certification Director, meets Jayson Werth, certified organic farmer (and World Series baseball champion!)

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Organic Matters Summer 2017 OFFICERS

president Luke Howard, Homestead Farms, Inc. vice president Michael Ranck, Charvin Organic Farms secretary Tina Ellor, Phillips Mushroom Farms treasurer Dave Hartman, Penn State Extension managing board chair Bob Eberly

ADVISORY BOARD

Christie Badger, Independent Organic Inspector Preston Boop, Briar Patch Organic Kristy Borelli, Penn State University Beth Gugino, Penn State Extension Ron Hoover, Penn State Extension Tim Joseph, Maple Hill Creamery Joe Miller, Trickling Springs Creamery Tony Ricci, Green Heron Farm Mike Spangler, Global Natural LLC

features 2 Powering the Farm with Renewable Energy Tips on implementing photovoltaic solar panels, solar water heaters, biogas and biodiesel

STAFF

executive director Leslie Zuck executive assistant Leanne Lenz administrative team director of operations Diana Underwood accounting manager Elizabeth Leah staff accountant Shawnee Matis administrative assistant Lia Sandoval human resources manager Sandy Vandeven

4 6th Annual PA Organic FarmFest, July 28–29 A Celebration of the Organic Movement

Bags of biogas ready to burn at Dickinson College Farm.

stories

certification team certification director Kyla Smith certification program manager Marissa Pyle senior certification specialist Heather Donald certification specialist Justine Cook certification specialist Stephen Hobaugh certification specialist Cathy Jackson certification specialist Chelsea Johnson certification specialist Emily Newman certification specialist Colleen Scott certification specialist/forest grown program coordinator Tess Weigand programs coordinator Reva Baylets program assistant Aleisha Schreffler program assistant Kristin Shade

5 Cast Your Votes for PCO’s Annual Awards Submit your nominations for outstanding, PCO-certified organic farmers, processors or agricultural professionals

education & outreach team director of marketing & development Tim Flanagan membership & development specialist Nicole Lawrence McNeil public relations coordinator April Fix i nspections team

Richard Kauffman of PCO-Certified dairy farm shares his farm story with field day attendees.

inspections manager Liz Amos inspection program coordinator Ashley Green materials team materials program manager Jennifer Berkebile materials specialist Sabine Carey materials specialist Adam Dalo quality team quality systems & it manager Angela Morgan it specialist Garrick McCullough

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President’s Message

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Dear Aggy

11 Transitions 106 School Street, Suite 201

fax: 814.422.0255

Spring Mills, PA 16875

email: pco@paorganic.org

814.422.0251

web: paorganic.org

facebook.com/PAorganic twitter.com/PAorganic OUR MISSION: To ensure the integrity of organic products and provide education, inspection, and certification services that meet the needs of our members. PCO provides certification services nationwide

www.paorganic.org

6 Fertility & Forage in the Grazing Dairy PCO-certified Kauffman Organic Dairy Farm hosts pasture walk featuring multiple generations of farmers

13 Organic Updates Certification Legislative Materials Standards & Policy

20 Calendar Organic Marketplace 22 New Members

Cover: Vibrant rainbow chard growing tall in the FL sun, Punta Gorda, FL. Photo: Anais Beddard, Lady Moon Farm

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Powering the Farm with Renewable Energy Tips on implementing photovoltaic solar panels, solar water heaters, biogas and biodiesel Matt Steiman, Dickinson College Farm

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s farmers, we may bear the challenges of global climate change more than other occupations. Our crops, livestock, workers and livelihoods are vulnerable to the extreme storms, fluctuating temperatures, droughts and changing pest populations that climate scientists have linked to humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels.

We also bear responsibility — agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, due to our use of energy for vehicles, equipment, food processing, cold storage, and fertilizer, as well as emissions from livestock.

What is a concerned farmer to do?

Thankfully there are many attainable options for generating and using clean renewable energy on the farm. At the Dickinson College Farm, we’re fortunate to have access to resources that allow us to demonstrate a wide variety of technologies and share our experiences for the public good.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels The most straightforward way to generate renewable electricity on the farm is with photovoltaic solar panels. Solar electric systems are rapidly coming down in price year by year, and modern equipment is robust, field-tested, and virtually maintenance-free. At our farm we’ve installed three grid-connected solar arrays over the past ten years. These systems, totaling about 8 kilowatts, power our barn, packing house, irrigation system, greenhouse, and residences. They are connected to the utility power via sophisticated inverters that allow us to sell power to the utility when the solar energy exceeds our consumption, while we can also buy electricity from the utility anytime the sun falls short.

Grid connected solar power is easy for the consumer provided you can work out

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The Dickinson College Farm biogas digester is situated in a dedicated greenhouse to keep it at operating temperature (90–105F). This digester supplies farm residences and the packing house with stove gas over the entire growing season. Photo: Matt Steiman.

the financing — systems installed professionally will generate clean, high-quality electricity for decades without any effort from the farmer. The 1400-watt array on the roof of our pump house generates more energy in a year than we use for irrigation during the entire dry season.

Whatever we don’t need for water pumping is used to power our barn loads or is sold back to the utility, all automatically, without anyone flipping a switch.

Installing your own solar project is also an option — our farm has built several working systems using techniques we learned in workshops and print materials (see resource list below). In addition to grid-connected solar, we have several smaller battery-based solar projects that are a good fit for remote applications on the farm. Electricity for our interns’ quarters comes from an 800-watt solar array mounted on a pole out back, linked up to large forklift batteries for energy storage.

The shed where we park our equipment has 240 watts of solar on the roof, dedicated to fueling up an Allis Chalmers G weeding tractor that we converted to run

on batteries and an electric motor.

Another favorite is the solar powered heavy duty golf cart with 500 watts of solar on an overhead awning. Portable fencers, pond pumps, and livestock watering systems are all great applications of remote solar on the farm.

When considering whether to go with battery based or grid connected solar projects, keep in mind that batteries require regular maintenance and replacement every few years. Battery systems also do not provide an option to sell surplus power — when the batteries are full, the solar panels are essentially turned off (by a controller) until power is needed again.

Generally for farm or home-scale power systems, grid connected is the way to go unless dealing with a remote application or cultural aversion to working with the utility.

Solar Water & Soil Heaters The sun is also great for generating heat, though not with photovoltaic panels (they are best saved for making electricity). Heating water for domestic use is

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commonly a large energy expense — even more so on operations that use hot water for equipment wash downs. Solar water heaters generate substantial hot water on sunny days and can be stored for evening use in off-the-shelf insulated tanks. Our farmhouse and interns’ quarters get their hot water from thirty year old flat plate water panels that we salvaged, rehabbed, and installed ourselves — this system works great and saves us money while doubling our hot water supply on sunny days.

Years ago we put in a solar project to heat the soil in a greenhouse through the winter months. After seven years of experimenting with that system, we concluded that the solar components worked fine, but that it is just not sunny enough during the cold days of winter to make the system worthwhile. In the summer when the system works optimally, we don’t need the extra heat. So, holistic system design is a key to long term success. Soon we will be moving the greenhouse solar heating equipment to make hot water for washing dishes in a certified processing kitchen elsewhere on the farm.

Options for Biofuels If you have access to surplus biomass on the farm, you can convert the energy contained in those materials into useful fuels. Beyond the obvious burning of wood for stoves and a pizza oven, we have tinkered considerably with making biofuels from food waste, manure, and used cooking oil. Our current favorite at the Dickinson College Farm is biogas (a renewable form of natural gas) made by fermenting livestock manure and food waste from the College cafeteria. Biogas is generated when organic materials are rotted by methanogenic bacteria (from the gut of ruminant animals like cows) in a warm space in the absence of oxygen.

We build plug flow digesters from simple tubes of EPDM roofing membrane with custom inlet and outlet fittings at each end. Once the system is inoculated with a culture from our cattle and sheep manure, a dilute slurry of ground food waste and water is fed in twice a week.

200 gallons of slurry per week keeps the farm residences and packing house supplied with stove gas for cooking over the entire growing season. The digester lives in an insulated trench, situated in a dedi-

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cated greenhouse, to keep it at operating temperature (90–105F) from April to November. Biogas system effluent (known as digestate under the NOP rule) is a useful nutrient fertilizer provided it is applied to fields outside of the 120-day pre-harvest window for microbial safety.

Our biogas system is the smallest anaerobic digester in Cumberland Bags of biogas, a renewable form of natural gas, ready to burn County, but projects of at the Dickinson College Farm. The biogas is made by fermentour scale are relatively ing livestock manure and food waste from the college cafeteria. common in rural China Photo: Matt Steiman. and India. Based on the success of our you may remember I used to be a big procurrent project, we are setting up to dou- moter of farm-made biodiesel at various ble capacity and hope to expand considerevents around the region — I am no ably a few years down the road. This longer so enthusiastic for a variety of reasummer we will experiment with making sons. Making biodiesel that you can run electricity by burning surplus gas in an in an un-modified diesel engine requires engine generator. On farm biogas is relamethanol and lye, both dangerous chemitively simple, safe, and the technology is cals. Failed batches of biodiesel and some very forgiving. If you can care for livestock of the byproducts are classified as hazor a compost pile and can do some basic ardous materials and cannot be disposed plumbing, you can make cooking gas and of on the farm in good conscience. generate useful liquid fertilizer. There is Making fuel that will run in an engine no happier feeling than cooking all sumis easy enough, but making high quality mer on renewable gas made from farm fuel that will run well in an engine for residues, while the propane tanks gather many years requires diligence and skill dust in the shed. that are somewhat at odds with the realiOur farm also makes biodiesel fuel ties of farm life. Minor issues such as fuel from used cooking oil we collect from system leaks caused by biodiesel’s tenlocal restaurants. Biodiesel is a cleaner dency to soften rubber become real burning renewable alternative to petro- headaches when equipment is down in leum diesel fuel and can run in almost any the peak of the growing season. Lastly diesel engine -with some caveats. Some of spills, fires, and injury accidents are a little too common in biodiesel shops for my comfort zone. We still make biodiesel on TRUSTED RESOURCES our farm, a little more quietly than we • Home Power Magazine: www.homeused to, but it would be much easier to power.com/ for all things renewable purchase biodiesel from a commercial • Solar Energy International: www.solar plant and save your time for some other energy.org/classes and books productive work.

• Mid Atlantic Renewable Energy AssociaWith all on-farm energy projects, tion: www.themarea.org/ Kutztown based safety is a priority and the responsibility of enthusiasts the installer and operator. If building your • Omega-Alpha Recycling Systems: own systems, study up on applicable codes www.omega-alpharecycling.com/ Local biogas expert and take them seriously — codes were • For installers, ask for client references and developed based on previous accidents. call them. The NABCEP We periodically invite local fire officials to certification is respected nationwide but visit our shop — their feedback is invalunot all skilled installers have it. Experience able and they appreciate knowing what and reliability are worth the extra cost. continued on page 11

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6th Annual PA Organic FarmFest A Celebration of the Organic Movement

FarmFest is an organic community-building event that fosters knowledge of organic agriculture and sustainable living through educational opportunities, local foods, lively entertainment and interactive family activities.

Please join us for PCO’s 6th Annual FarmFest, Pennsylvania’s premier organic festival, July 28–29, Friday, 9:30am–10:30pm and Saturday, 9am–8pm, at the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall. For the past five years, thousands of visitors have flocked to the festival to celebrate organic agriculture and sustainable living. This year we hope you will too.

At FarmFest you will find an amazing array of festivities from educational workshops and inspiring speakers to great organic food, regional and national exhibitors featuring sustainable products and services, local artisans, children’s activities and live music. Oh, and did we mention organic ice cream and hayrides? FarmFest is truly an event for all ages.

July 28–29, 2017 Grange Fairgrounds • Centre Hall, PA Sponsors , & Volunte Vendors ers Wante d!

•Organic Classrooms

To find out more: • 814-422-0251 • farmfest@paorganic.org • farmfest.paorganic.org facebook.com/PennsylvaniaOrganicFarmFest

KEYNOTE ADDRESS:

20 Years of Organic Farming: What's next?

by PCO’s Founding President, Tom Beddard, Lady Moon Farms

2. Take your children to the Organic Valley Family Arena to do sustainable crafts, pet the animals, and dance to the music.

3. Stroll through outdoor Bell and Evans Homemade & Homegrown Market to sample and buy our region’s finest local products.

4. Get an autographed book from one of our featured authors at the Book Nook.

5. Learn about the latest in organic food and agriculture through our free educational tracks at the Rodale Institute Education Hall and meet the certifiers and inspectors that make the organic world go round at the PCO Organic Hall.

6. “Get your fiber on” at the Main Street Yarn Wool Village, where you can see how raw wool becomes beautiful yarn.

7. Watch our blacksmiths work their magic as they craft horse shoes for our favorite Percheron draft horses, Bess and Alta.

8. Enjoy a delectable meal in the Organic Food Court, and finish it up with organic ice cream for dessert!

9. Hop on the horse drawn haywagon, tractor trolly or bike taxi to rest your legs and have a fun ride.

10. Kick up your heels at the Ecovents Barn Dance and organic Texas BBQ.

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•Organic Food Court •Homegrown Market

Ten awesome things to experience this year at FarmFest:

1.

•Live Music

•Children’s Activities •Wool Village •5K and Fun Run •RV and Tent Camping

Discussion circles and listening sessions on these Organic Issues: • Can Hydroponic Production fit within an Organic System?

• Protecting Organic Seed Supplies • Ensuring Integrity of Organic Imports • Organic Hemp and Medical Marijuana

What other ways can you participate?

The Saturday morning 5k and Fun Run is a great way to start your day of FarmFest-ing. Not much of a runner? Other fun contests include farm- and food-related photography and the organic produce contest.

The famous Grange Fair tents will be available to rent throughout FarmFest. Attendees can bring your own tent or RV for a nominal fee. There’s plenty of space for kids and adults to bicycle around the fairgrounds and your well-behaved family pets are invited, too! Bring your water bottle, coffee mug and shopping bags — FarmFest is a “zero waste” event!

Contact us at 814-422-0251 or farmfest@paorganic.org to let us know if you would like to sponsor a speaker or activity, volunteer or enter a contest. We’d love to hear from you! Register online for camping and the 5K/Fun Run at our FarmFest website, farmfest.paorganic.org.

PCO’s Organic FarmFest is sponsored by: Central Insurers Group, EcoVents, Kalmbach Feeds, Lady Moon Farms, Organic Valley, Penn State, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Perdue AgriBusiness, Pete and Gerrys, The Rodale Institute, Trickling Springs, Women's Agricultural Network.

www.paorganic.org

Do you know an outstanding, PCO-certified organic farmer, processor or agricultural professional deserving of recognition?

Consider nominating them for one of PCO’s Annual Awards!

Please join us in PCO’s Annual Awards process by nominating outstanding organic farmers, agricultural professionals, and food producers! We’ll be honoring our award winners at PCO’s Annual Meeting, held at the Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms Conference on December 12th at the Sheraton Hotel in Harrisburg, PA. See Award List and Descriptions below and complete our easy online submission form (paorganic.org/awardnominations) or mail your nominations to the PCO office by July 15th.

Prior to submitting your nominations, please consider the producers/processors you may nominate, what award(s) you intend to nominate them for, and why you think they are deserving of this award.

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful consideration!

2016 PCO Award Winners pose for a picture with Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, PCO Advisory Board President Cliff Hawbaker, and PCO Executive Director Leslie Zuck while PCO Member Jonas Stoltzfus recites his poem, “The Why.” (Left to right): Elvin Ranck, Shawn Ranck, Terra Brownback, Mike Brownback, Glen Rex, Jessica Grill, Edward Jaenicke, Russell Redding, Marie Lapp, Eugene Lapp, John Powers, Miranda Powers, Cliff Hawbaker, Leslie Zuck. n Outstanding New Organic Producer/Processor — Designed to

n Outstanding Organic Producer/Processor — Awarded to a

commend a newly certified member who shows dedication to Organic Farming, was attentive and gracious during the certification process, and who shows promise as a dedicated and involved member.

farmer or group who is exceptionally committed to high quality organic production with a special focus on promoting organic products and supporting the integrity of organic goods in the market.

n Sustainability — Presented to a farmer or organization that makes

a substantial effort towards furthering the sustainability of farms, families, communities, and the environment. This may include efforts to further local foods movements, improve environmental sustainability or develop community outreach initiatives. n Going the Extra Acre — Designed to commend a farmer who

gives his or her knowledge and expertise to help fellow farmers and the organic community. Great systems are built on collaboration, and these producers are cornerstones of the organic community. n Organic Research & Education — Given to an outstanding organic

educator or activist, this award gives voice to the contributions of researchers and community members who further the cause of organic farming.

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n Outstanding Volunteer Award — Given to a volunteer whose efforts have contributed to PCO as a whole or have specifically contributed to the support of our mission to ensure the integrity of organic products in the marketplace. n Inspector’s Appreciation Award — Presented to a farmer or

organization that demonstrates excellent management, keeps thorough records, and is pleasant to work with. This award also applauds unique products or experiments that the producer is involved in. n Hall of Fame Award — Created as a more-than-special award to honor top-notch, dedicated individuals for continuous, extraordinary dedication of time and energy to furthering the mission of Pennsylvania Certified Organic.

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Fertility & Forage in the Grazing Dairy PCO-certified Kauffman Organic Dairy Farm hosts pasture walk featuring multiple generations of farmers Aaron de Long, Delaware Valley Hub Manager, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Education Coordinator, PASA On Wednesday, May 17, the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, and the Pennsylvania Grazing Lands Coalition sponsored a pasture walk at Richard Kauffman’s PCO-certified organic dairy farm in Ulster, PA. The planned focus for the day was how Richard manages fertility on his farm to create quality forage, both in the pasture as well as in the organic grain, hay, and corn he grows. The conversation included the whole farm operation, however, from water systems to generational transition, as Richard’s son, Josiah, has recently moved into the primary management position on the farm.

Richard began farming the land where the farm currently operates thirty years ago. He’d always liked grazing, but the farm in particular was suited to it, he felt, as much of the ground was too wet to effectively crop. One of the blessings and challenges in the grazing fields has been the water. Richard has effectively used a perennial spring to gravity feed a series of watering troughs down through all his grazing paddocks. As a result of this system, the cows always have access to water, even in the winter, as the groundwater’s temperature keeps any thick ice from developing over the trough. At the same time, Richard has had to work with lane design over the years, to keep his herd from being up to their udders in mud. A base layer of broken up asphalt and shale, overlaid by packed earth, was used to create a primary lane that was dry even on

the day the group toured the farm, whereas many of the pastures were still soggy in spots. Richard talked about grazing on wet ground, as well, and expressed the opinion that it was okay for the cows to punch up the ground a bit, as it tended to recover fine. Some of the graziers there concurred, while others had differing opinions.

When asked about his decision to go organic, Richard said he felt like he’d always farmed that way, and that the approach had come to him all the way from his grandfather, who used to grind his own “organic” flour, before organic was a regulated program with national standards. While he likes the lower inputs and soil-based approaches to organic farming, Richard did caution that weed management in row crops is quite chalcontinued on page 7

Left: Pasture walk attendees visit with the milking herd in the pasture Right: Richard holds the youngest attendee to the event, his granddaughter.

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own cows, is introducing more Jersey genetics into the operation. While the cows do get a significant portion of their diet from pasture — about fifty to sixty percent of dry matter intake from April through October — there is also a significant portion that comes from the organic grain and corn that the family grows.

There was a good crowd on hand for the event, representing many of the more experienced graziers in the region, from Pennsylvania’s Bradford County up to New York’s southern tier. All in all, over thirty folks came to listen to Richard and Josiah share their story and knowledge about their farm and practices, with ages ranging from a few months to many decades.

Farmer Richard Kauffman shares part of his farm story with approximately 30 attendees at PASA’s Fertility & Forage in the Grazing Dairy field day.

lenging, some years. He joked that his organic corn is sometimes rivaled by weeds in height.

The Kauffmans are currently milking about fifty cows, but aim to bring the

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herd down to about forty, which is the number of cows they can fit in their tiestall barn. Richard’s herd has always been registered Holsteins, but Josiah, who recently came back to the farm with his

Aaron de Long works as a Program Manager for the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). He is also the chief Education Coordinator for the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) in Pennsylvania. A Pennsylvania native, Aaron worked as a field biologist and farm manager prior to his current position.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Luke R. Howard, PCO Board President

What Side of Organic Are You On?

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eople often ask the question “What side of organic are you on?” during discussions within the organic community.

Some would like to keep organic a niche market, always supported by small farms and marketed through small cooperative stores and farmers market. Some would like to see organic products everywhere and with that larger production models to support keeping organic items in every store. Which is the right way and which is the wrong way? Well, like most things the answer is in the details… But most importantly we must keep our consumers’ trust in the authenticity of organic food. We are a growing industry. Growing at double digit rates. By any measurement this is FAST! With fast growth comes weakness. Just like a corn plant that grows too fast in the summer heat and becomes vulnerable to strong winds that could break it. We in the organic industry must not break. We must stand together, small and large organic farmers. We must all work together to keep the consumers’ confidence and to protect organic integrity. Instead of pointing fingers and criticizing, let’s try to improve the process and work together. Our world is filled with explosive statements that seem outrageous to me. It doesn’t seem to matter whether we are talking about our political leaders or our organic industry.

Pie Contest

Things are polarizing and divisive. We must not allow this negativity to damage the wonderful work we all strive for.

Within PCO we have lots of things to be excited about. We are growing at a robust rate. We are financially strong and always have new opportunities for growth. We play a part in keeping the consumers’ confidence and trust in the USDA certified organic seal. PCO maintains the highest integrity within our industry. It doesn’t matter where you travel in America, PCO is recognized as a leader in certification reliability. Our board is very active in supporting the membership. Many PCO board members volunteer for several committees within PCO and lead them with professionalism and enthusiasm. Many of these committees are open to the general membership in a volunteer capacity. If you have interest in this process don’t hesitate to call the PCO office or reach out to me directly.

So, as we move forward as an organization in 2017, let’s not build walls between us. We are all working for the same goal. Let’s make sure we work together at finding success that is best for our industry.

I wish you all a productive, safe and happy summer, Luke R. Howard, PCO Board President Homestead Farms, Inc. Millington, MD Luke and his wife Alison own and manage Homestead Farms Inc. of Millington, Maryland. They grow organic vegetables, grains and hay on approximately 450 acres of which 77 is owned. Their farm currently markets its produce through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), local restaurants, farmers markets, and wholesale markets. Luke is also self-employed as a consultant for the organic industry. He has helped in marketing soil amendments and organic commodities throughout the east. He has worked with several national companies helping them with organic research, certification, sales and marketing. He recently finished his term as a Queen-Anne County Planning Commission member and has served two terms as a member of the Maryland Agriculture Commission. He is also a LEAD Maryland Fellow. Luke began serving as PCO Board President in April, 2017.

Organic Produce Contest

Calendar Photo Contest

Calling All Contestants! Friends and Farmers Cooperative will be back with the wildly popular pie contest. Get out your apron and dust off your recipe box! Or, if you don’t want to bake a pie, you can be the judge by eating pie. Organic produce contests are new this year and include vegetables, fruit, flowers and baked goods. Photographers are encouraged to enter their organic farm and food-related pics in our calendar photo contest. Visit farmfest.paorganic.org or call 814-422-0251 to learn more!

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DEAR AGGY — Readers’ Letters

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SPR

Dear Aggy,

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PA

IL L

Molasses

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NG M

1 6 87

I would like to order some liquid molasses to have on hand as an energy boost for my grassfed dairy cows, and maybe get some of the dry molasses for my garden too. Do I need to have the molasses reviewed by PCO, or is it all pretty much the same?

— Mo Dear Mo, I’ll go over the uses for molasses, as they are all a little different.

Livestock Feed Additive/Supplement Molasses is commonly used as an energy boost and fed as a top-dress. Molasses used as a feed additive/supplement must be certified organic. You will need to have an organic certificate on file to show your inspector.

Although organic molasses is allowed as a feed additive for grass-fed dairy cows, it is NOT allowed for other grass-fed livestock, such as beef.

Livestock Medical treatment Molasses used as a medical treatment does not need to be organic. For example, if you have a down cow and would like to incorporate molasses into a drench to give her a boost, you may be able to use organic or non-organic molasses. However, any non-organic molasses would first need to be reviewed by PCO to ensure there are no additives. Contact PCO with the nonorganic molasses you would like to use as a medical treatment, and we will let you know if it is allowed.

Crop Use Both liquid and dry molasses are frequently used as crop inputs. They are not required to be certified organic for crop use, but they do need to be reviewed by PCO first, although most are generally allowed as non-synthetic. Any additives, such as roughage products, which are frequently found in dry molasses as carriers, must also be reviewed. Synthetic additives are not allowed, unless allowed at §205.601 (synthetics allowed in organic crop production). Contact PCO with the non-organic molasses you want to use for your crops and we will let you know if it is allowed.

— Aggy

Got a question for Aggy?

• Email to: pco@paorganic.org • Fax to: 814-422-0255

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Organically Speaking continued from inside front cover

able Agriculture Coalition, sustainableagriculture.net/our-work /issues/organic-agriculture/, (202) 547-5754; or Organic Trade Association, ota.com/what-ota-does/public-policy/news-andviews, T: 202-403-8520.

It’s fair time and have we got a fair for you!

The one and only, 6th annual Pennsylvania Organic FarmFest. PCO invites you and your family to spend a day (or two) with farmers, certifiers and organic educators, July 28–29, 2017, at Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall, PA. The Organic Food Court alone is worth the trip. The entire PCO staff will be on site and we look forward to meeting up with you for organic coffee… or ice cream… or BBQ… (See article, Page 4) It is time to close the laptop and put my pen away for today.

A whippoorwill sends its lamenting call down the wooded hillside to remind me it is the hour for rest and reflection. Today I am grateful for organic, sustainable and regenerative farmers who touch the soil softly so birds will sing for future generations.

Remember to call or send me a note (paper, email or text) if I can help you in any way. Or if you just want to tell me what you are grateful for as you experience the long, warm days of summer.

Take care, Leslie 814-404-6567 (call, text) • leslie@paorganic.org PCO, 106 School Street, Suite 201, Spring Mills, PA 16875 Organic Matters

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Transitions

Organic Record Keeping Part 1 Well-maintained farm records benefit producers in many ways

Heather Donald, Senior Certification Specialist and Inspector

“P

use or sale of the crop and is a good example of why all of your records are important together, not just individually.

aperwork and record keeping?! Too much is required, it takes too much time, and I never remember to write things down!”

It is no secret that the record keeping aspect of organic certification is one of the biggest hurdles for farmers when they are considering whether to get certified, and even once they are certified. Record keeping is, however, a key piece of the organic certification puzzle. This is the first article in a series that will help you understand what records to keep through transition and into certification, and why they’re important.

We’ll start with the “why.” Record keeping is important for multiple reasons. Yes, of course, because record keeping is required in order to be certified — see §205.103 in the NOP Regulations*. Your Organic Inspector typically only visits your operation once per year, so this requirement is in place because it is the certifier’s main way of verifying that you are following your Organic System Plan and the organic regulations. But beyond just this requirement, these records can be beneficial to you in improving your soil, increasing production and streamlining your management.

Livestock Production: • Documenting all aspects of dairy transition & organic production:

Why Records are Important for Certification Crop Production:

To enable the Inspector to perform a Feed Audit and Production Audit. As mentioned in the crop section above, the audit is a required part of your annual inspection and brings your different records into use together.

• To verify the certification eligibility dates for all fields or growing areas. §205.202(b) • To demonstrate your past crop rotation, your plans for continued rotation and your use of cover crops. §205.203(b) & §205.205 • To verify what seeds were planted, and whether they were organic or at least non-GMO with no prohibited treatments. §205.204 • To verify what inputs were used, where and when, and that they were used according to their restrictions. §205.203(c)&(d) & §205.206 • To verify approved equipment clean out methods when using the same equipment for conventional / transitional / buffer crops and organic crops. §205.272(a) • To verify proper protocol was followed for harvest and use of buffer crops. §205.202(b) • To enable the Inspector to conduct a Trace Back Audit — a required portion of your annual inspection. The inspector will need your records from purchase of seed all the way through to

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– To verify the transition start date and certification eligibility date for your herd. §205.236(a)(2) – To verify eligibility of harvested feed for transition and/or organic. §205.236(a)(2)(i) – Amounts fed during winter help to determine actual Dry Matter Demand for each group of cattle in your herd, which leads into the next…

– To verify Dry Matter Intake from pasture — an average of 30% over the grazing season (required during transition & once certified). §205.240(b) • To verify the source and eligibility of purchased organic livestock and purchased organic feed. §205.236(a) & 205.237(a) • To verify the use of allowed medical treatments and adherence to their restrictions. §205.238 • To verify animals are provided sufficient outdoor access and/or grazing time. 205.239(a)(1)&(2)

Why Records are Important for You & Your Farm While all of the reasons listed above are important for the legal aspects of maintaining your organic certification, there are many reasons record keeping is important that may be more tangible to you as a farmer and businessperson.

The records you are required to keep for organic crop production, including crop history, input use, monitoring records and harvest records, can help you to assess numerous aspects of production on your farm.

• How the timing of planting, cultivating, fertilizer application, and pest/disease control application affects your yields.

• Comparing crop yields from one field to another and what that could mean for soil fertility, micro-climates, or pest/disease pressure in certain fields.

• Monitoring records (soil & tissue tests, pest/weed/disease observation) can help you identify issues with crop nutrients & soil fertility, and timing or use of fertilizer or pest/disease control materials.

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Looking at all of these records and their information as a whole may help you to improve your crop rotation plans, planting & harvest timing, use of fertilization, use of different types of weed / pest / disease control methods & timing, to reach higher yields and higher crop quality.

As with crop production, there are multiple benefits you can reap from your required livestock records as well. Some of those required records include feed or ration records (all stored, nonpasture, feed stuffs fed), grazing & outdoor access records, health records, and production records.

• Improve your pasture management, and optimize grazing management & rotation for higher quality pastures & forages, faster recovery, and more cattle per acre.

• Use your health & production records to help determine which cattle to cull and which to breed, or which breeds of livestock to invest in for your herd or flock.

• Tracking feed consumption and production to determine areas needing improvement — feed quality, method of delivery, breeds and how they perform on certain feed — to improve your feed to production ratio.

At the end of the day, there are many benefits to keeping the records required for certification, but one of the very most important is a chain reaction from your product out into the marketplace and back to you. By keeping these records, you are ensuring the organic integrity of your product, which helps to ensure the integrity of USDA Organic in the regional, national and global marketplace, further ensuring customer confidence in organic products and thus continued demand for the high quality organic products you are putting all of your time, effort and heart into producing.

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So keep taking notes out in the field and in the barn. Experiment with different notebooks, binders or tech devices and apps.

Talk to other farmers, or call PCO to get or share ideas on how to make record keeping easier. And if you have examples of how keeping records for certification has helped improve your farming, let us know! Contact Heather at 814-404-1504 or heather@paorganic.org In the next issue, we'll delve into the records needed for crop production. This will cover all types of crop production: produce, field crops and hay. If you have any specific concerns regarding crop records that you'd like covered, send your questions to Heather. * PCO is happy you provide you with an easy-to-read copy of the NOP regulations.

Powering the Farm with Renewable Energy continued from page 3

we’re up to. Regardless of whether you hire an installer or do it yourself, renewable energy systems are great science projects that should inspire your kids and impress your customers. There are other great technologies such as wind, microhydro, and solar cooking that may be appropriate for your site. I hope you give it a try!

Matt Steiman manages the Dickinson College Farm in Cumberland County, PA with his wife Jenn Halpin. They raise PCO certified organic vegetables on 15 acres and pastured livestock for the College community.

Matt has been leading students in hands-on renewable energy projects since 2003, including solar, biodiesel and biogas systems. He also co-developed the FARMDATA online records management system for organic produce farmers.

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Organic Updates

Certification Update

Legislative Update

Marissa Pyle, Certification Program Manager

Emily Newman, Certification Specialist

Hope you are having a productive summer!

Here at PCO, our certification staff is working hard to make sure we’re meeting your requests for early season inspections. Please do continue to let us know if you have any land you would like to add to your certification, any new products (or processes), or facilities. Keep in mind that in most cases, an inspection is required prior to being able to use new land or facilities. Call your certification specialist with any questions or requests.

As you may have heard, the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule, originally published on January 19, 2017, and delayed until May 19th, 2017, has again been delayed until November 14th, 2017. The reason for the delay is to allow time for further consideration by the USDA through the publication of a second proposed rule. The comment period for this proposed rule closed on June 9, 2017. The final rule amends the organic livestock and poultry production requirements by adding new provisions for livestock handling and transport for slaughter and avian living conditions; and expands and clarifies existing requirements covering livestock care and production practices and mammalian living conditions. PCO will continue to keep our members updated as we are notified of the status of the effective date. Please contact us if you have any questions or to obtain full text copies of any of the publications regarding the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety rule is now final, and the earliest compliance dates for some farms begin one year after the effective date of the final rule.

The rule establishes, for the first time, sciencebased minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption.

If your operation is required to be in compliance with FSMA it is important for you to understand the intersection and divergence of FSMA and NOP policy. Please contact your certification specialist with any questions or concerns around maintaining compliance with both organic regulations and FSMA simultaneously. Your certification specialist can absolutely address any compliance issues related to organic regulations and can either address FSMA concerns or assist you in obtaining necessary information.

FMSA is comprised of Prevention Control for Human Food and Animal Food, Foreign Supplier Verification Programs, Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors, Sanitary Transportation, Prevention of Intentional Contamination and finally the Produce Safety Rule. The Produce Safety Rule covers agricultural water; biological soil amendments; sprouts; domesticated and wild animals; worker training, health and hygiene; and equipment, tools and buildings. continued on page 14

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Organic Updates

continued from page 13

Agricultural Water If an operation is applying water to crops, such as through drip irrigation, it is crucial that the applied water is not contaminating crops. A public water supply has a much lower risk of contamination as compared to surface water. Contamination can come from several sources, such as the manure being applied, urban run off or even a leak in the septic tank, so monitoring is of upmost importance. Although PCO does not require a water test from every certified operation, if the operation is having issues with contamination PCO may require a plan and/or water test to ensure that organic integrity is not at risk. FMSA does, however, require certificates of compliance for public water supplies or up to 20 tests over the course of 4 years to verify that there is no microbial contamination. Contact your FSMA representative if you have questions regarding testing requirements for your specific water source.

FSMA requirements for agricultural water used in postharvest handling could potentially impact your organic system plan. If FSMA is requiring that your operation use detergents and sanitizers on your food contact services or in the wash water for your raw organic product, be sure to contact your certification specialist to verify any restrictions required for organic production.

Biological Soil Amendments For soil amendments, it is important to assess how the fertilizers you apply could potentially be a risk to food safety. For the

NOP, raw manure is restricted at §205.203(c)(1). Raw animal manure must not be applied to land unless applied to land for crops that are not intended for human consumption, incorporated into the soil not less than 120 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion has direct contact with soil, 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 soil or composted per NOP standards. §205.203(c). For FSMA, there is no time frame in which manure must be applied, but as an organic producer, it is vital that the operation is still following NOP policy in regards to manure application.

Domesticated and Wild Animals Unwanted wildlife and rodents can pose a problem at any operation. To maintain compliance with both FSMA and the organic regulations, make sure that any pest management baits that you utilize do not come in contact with organic livestock, crops or final products. As a reminder, the NOP regulations require you to follow the crop pest section at §205.206 and the facility pest section at §205.271. Both §205.206 and §205.271are hierarchal in nature requiring an operator to use preventative measures before using a pest control material. Use of any substance should be described in your organic system plan and all substances must be reviewed by PCO prior to use.

Worker training, health and hygiene Worker hygiene and sanitation is incredibly important to stop the spread of pathogens and disease from workers hands to the

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By Nature brand name. Natural By Nature organic dairy products are produced with great care and distributed nationwide.

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Organic Updates

fresh fruits and vegetables on farm. Trainings and standard operating procedures may need to be established and implemented to ensure compliance, especially if sanitizers are being used that may have restrictions. Be sure to contact your certification specialist to determine what restrictions may apply to your operation for using cleaners or sanitizers in food contact areas.

Equipment, Tools and Buildings The Produce Safety rule establishes standards related to equipment, tools and buildings to prevent these sources, and inadequate sanitation, from contaminating produce. This section of the rule covers greenhouses, germination chambers, and other such structures, as well as toilet and hand-washing facilities.

Required measures to prevent contamination of covered produce and food contact surfaces include appropriate storage, maintenance and cleaning of equipment and tools. As stated in the Agricultural Water section above, if you use detergents and sanitizers on equipment or other food contact surfaces be sure to contact your certification specialist to verify any restrictions required for organic production.

FSMA and NOP have several overlapping policies and keeping accurate records of farm activities can help keep the operation is compliance with both. If FSMA is requiring you to change your sanitation program, use chemicals in water, or make any other change to your organic system plan be sure to contact your certification specialist prior to making changes to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with NOP and PCO policy.

Materials Update Jennifer Berkebile, Materials Program Manager

Material Review Status Changes Status changes: Please note the following status changes for materials reviewed by PCO for use by certified operations. n ALLOWED — Contact PCO with any questions about the use or restrictions for these products.

Crop Materials • Holo K by Advancing Eco-Agriculture is allowed as a fertilizer / soil amendment with the Micronutrients restriction for cobalt Livestock Materials • BioMate Yeast Plus by Chr. Hansen is allowed as a livestock feed additive/supplement with the Feed Additives and Supplements restriction • Original NJP Liniment — The Natural Choice by Nardos a/s is allowed as a livestock medical treatment • Ruminant MBO by Animal Medic Inc. is allowed as a livestock feed additive/supplement with the Feed Additives and Supplements restriction

is allowed as a livestock production aid with the Drinking Water Line Cleaner restriction • W.M Golden Feeder Blend 22 (FB 22) by W.M. Golden & Son is allowed as a livestock feed additive/supplement with the Feed Additives and Supplements restriction n PROHIBITED — Operators must immediately discontinue use of these products unless otherwise indicated.

Crop Materials • E Scent Shield by Advancing Eco-Agriculture is prohibited as invertebrate pest control • Essential Micronutrients Copper 15% Zinc 10% by Cameron Chemicals, Inc. is prohibited as a fertilizer / soil amendment • ReStore Original by ISP Technologies Inc is prohibited as a fertilizer/soil amendment Livestock Materials • Bounce Back by Manna Pro is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • CalviVault by Van Beek Natural Science, LLC is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Cattle Kandi by SweetPro is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • EquiPride by SweetPro is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Fresh Start by SweetPro is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • FS 102 Sanitizer and Udder Wash by IBA, Inc., is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Magnum Barrier Teat Dip by Thatcher Company of New York is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Navel Shield — Topical Iodine by Animal Medic Inc./Master Vet — Gilmore Industries is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • IcelandiCal OA by Homestead Nutrition is prohibited as a livestock feed additive/supplement • Saline Solution (Eye Wash) by American Fare is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Starter by SweetPro is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Super Calcium Gel by Trophy Animal Health Care is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment.

• SweetPro 16 by SweetPro is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • Udder Delight by Fisher & Thompson is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment

• SaniDate 5.0 Sanitizer/Disinfectant by BioSafe Systems, LLC

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• T 1003 Teat Dip by Thatcher Company of New York is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • T 505 Teat Dip by Thatcher Company of New York is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment • T Care Plus by Thatcher Company of New York is prohibited as a livestock medical treatment Processing Materials • Termamyl Classic by Novozymes Biologicals, Inc. is prohibited as a non-organic ingredient Contact the PCO Materials Team at 814-422-0251 or jen@paorganic.org with any questions.

Standards & Policy Update Kyla Smith, Program Director

Spring 2017 NOSB Meeting Summary Reprinted with permission from OTA On April 19–21, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) held its biannual public meeting in Denver, CO. Over the course of three days, NOSB, under the leadership of NOSB Chair Tom Chapman, discussed eight proposals, 43 Sunset 2019 inputs and eight discussion documents. NOSB received 2,045 written comments prior to the meeting, and listened to oral tes-

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timony from approximately 150 commenters (over 13 hours of oral comments) on a wide range of issues.

NOSB welcomed five new board members at this meeting, all of whom appeared engaged and highly motivated to work with their fellow board members on civil discussions and compromise approaches to tricky subjects. The hot topic included whether hydroponically grown crops align with organic production principles and should continue being allowed under organic production standards. Despite widely differing views on hydroponics in organic production, NOSB engaged in a lengthy discussion to lay the groundwork for further discussion documents and proposals aimed to succinctly define each type of production system under consideration and propose specific guidelines for these systems. NOSB will continue its work on organic hydroponics leading up to and at the fall 2017 meeting.

Other topics generating significant discussion included how to best strengthen the requirement for using organic seed, eliminating incentives to convert native ecosystems to organic production, and whether Bisphenol A (BPA) should be prohibited from use in packaging that contacts organic food.

Although NOSB was scheduled to vote on eight proposals, all but two proposals were referred back to subcommittee for further work. In an unusual move, NOSB also passed a unanimous resolution at the end of the meeting urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, to allow the recently finalized Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule to become effective without delay.

NOSB cited the decade of work that went into the recommen-

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Organic Updates

dation for this rule, and the stakeholder support from the industry and consumers for the rule as justification for the final rule.

Below is a summary report of the meeting including an at-aglance review of the meeting highlights and votes followed by discussion of the major topics.

At-A-Glance Meeting Highlights: NOP UPDATES: • NOP Update — Miles McEvoy, NOP Deputy Administrator • Materials Update — Dr. Lisa Brines, NOP National List Manager • 2016 Count of Certified Organic Operations Shows Continued Growth in U.S. Market PROPOSALS: NOSB considered eight proposals at this meeting but only took action (voted) on two. The Board unanimously voted to add L-Methionine to the National List at 205.605(b) as an essential non-organic nutrient allowed only in nutritionally complete pediatric enteral infant formulas. The board unanimously denied the petition to allow Short DNA Tracers as a method to help support traceability of organic products. The following six proposals were sent back to subcommittee for further work: Ancillary Substances for Cellulose; Strengthening the Requirements for Use of Organic Seed; Marine/Algae Listings on the National List (one proposal for handling and a second for crops); Performance Evaluation of Inspector; and Annotation Change for Tocopherols.

DISCUSSION DOCUMENTS: Hydroponics, BPA in Packaging, Conversion of Native Ecosystems to Organic Farms and the Definition of “Emergency Treatment” for Livestock will remain on NOSB’s work plan for proposal development (see discussion below) and further consideration at the fall 2017 meeting in Jacksonville, FL. SUNSET 2019: NOSB discussed 43 National List inputs undergoing the 2019 Sunset Review. Public comments were generally in favor of relisting the majority. Inputs that were highlighted due to concerns raised by the public included: • Crops: Herbicidal Soaps, Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film, Boric Acid, Copper Sulfate, Fixed Coppers, Humic Acids, Vitamin B1 • Livestock: Oxytocin, Copper Sulfate, Procaine • Handling: Attapulgite, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Phosphates, Casings, Konjac Flour and Pectin

FALL 2017 NOSB MEETING: Jacksonville, FL from October 31–November 2 at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel

Fraudulent Imported Grains and Ensuring Integrity in the Supply Chain The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) stated in a recent publication that they have identified violations of organic regulations involving soybeans and corn entering the U.S. and enforcement actions are underway. They are further investigating other incidences and complaints related to additional shipments. Accredited certifying agents are participating in these investigations as they are requested to by the NOP. 1. USDA

Organic Insider 5.31.17

NOP published a short video in April, that is available on their homepage (www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programsoffices/national-organic-program). This video provides an overview of ensuring the organic integrity throughout the supply chain. Below is a bulleted list of highlights from this video: • Certified organic handlers must have complete and thorough organic system plans describing their recordkeeping systems and complaint handling practices and are subject to inspections and audits of their operation.

• Recordkeeping systems must fully disclose activities and transactions, in enough detail to be readily understood and audited.

• Examples of records that many handlers (including handlers receiving imported grains) maintain and are checked during inspection: –Organic certificates of incoming product and ingredients –Invoices, purchase orders, bills of lading, scale tickets –Certificates of analyses and product specification sheets –Phytosanitary certificates and residue test results –Clean truck affidavits –Weigh tickets, receipts and tags –Inventory reports and records • Organic handlers must prevent commingling of organic and non-organic products and protect organic products from contact with prohibited substances, such as prohibited fumigants.

• Contact with a prohibited substance (e.g. prohibited fumigant) results in the organic product no longer being organic.

• Containers must be clean of non-organic products and prohibited substances.

NOSB encourages stakeholders to submit public comments about the necessity or essentiality of these materials for production/handling, their effects on the environment and human health, and the availability of natural/organic forms.

• Proper clean-out and transportation (e.g. cargo hold of a ship) procedures must be implemented to ensure that there is no risk of contact with a prohibited substance.

NEW NOSB MEMBERS: OTA welcomed five new board members: Joelle Mosso (Handler, CA); Sue Baird (Consumer Rep, MO); Asa Bradman (Environmentalist, CA); Steve Ela (Producer, CO); and David Mortensen (Scientist, PA)

• Certified handlers must keep records back to the last certified operation. Therefore, if a certified handler is purchasing product from an uncertified handler (exempt or excluded), they

• Must be available for inspection and audit during normal business hours.

continued on page 19

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must obtain documents verifying the organic status of the organic product If you are a certified handler: • Reconfirm you are following the requirements listed above • Make sure you have solid documentation that organic imports are certified organic (perhaps going beyond one step back in the supply chain) • Request import certificates or transaction certificates issued by certifiers for each shipment If certified handlers do not have solid documentation that verifies that imported organic products comply with the USDA organic regulations or if you do not have solid documentation the certified organic source of the organic product then you must not sell, label or represent that product as organic. Additionally, if you have evidence that a product being sold as organic does not meet the requirements, you may submit a compliant to NOPCompliance@usda.gov.

Additionally, NOP hosted two webinars related to this topic in June. The first was geared toward certifiers and their role in ensuring integrity throughout the supply chain. The second was aimed at certified handlers and covered many of the same points highlighted above. These were both recorded and are available on the NOP website.

Fraud is an issue that PCO takes extremely seriously. We will continue to stay focused and vigilant in our practices to ensure integrity within the supply chain, which will likely include requesting additional documents to verify imported products.

We encourage participation in these efforts from you all as organic stakeholders. We are stronger when we work together and all benefit in a strong and meaningful organic seal.

New Faces Please Welcome PCO’s Director of Marketing & Development, Tim Flanagan Tim joined the PCO team in April 2017 as the Director of Marketing and Development.

He previously served as executive director of a community development financial institution in Washington, DC, where he led a $1 million net asset turnaround. After a wonderful and fun-filled decade in the nation’s capital, he and his family made the decision to come home to Pennsylvania. Tim earned his bachelor’s degree in Management from Saint Joseph’s University and a M.S. in Accountancy from The George Washington University. He lives in State College with his lovely and talented wife Mary, wise beyond her years daughter Eleanor, and bright-eyed son Patrick.

Box 361, 119 Hamilton Place Penn Yan, NY 14527 315-531-1038 Certified Organic Feed, Seed & Livestock Products from Northeast organic farmers for Northeast organic farmers ❖ www.lakevieworganicgrain.com

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CALENDAR JULY July 7 PASA’s Medicinal Herb Production in the Field & Forest Cutting Root Farm Butler, PA Pasafarming.org 814-349-9856 July 12–14 The Future of Ginseng and Forest Botanicals Symposium Morgantown, WV Unitedplantsavers.org 740-742-3455 July 21 Rodale Annual Field Day w/PCO sponsored Organic No-Till Demonstration Station Kutztown, PA Rodaleinstitute.org 610-683-1400 July 26 PASA’s Efficient Farm Systems PCO-certified Blooming Glen Farm Perkasie, PA Pasafarming.org 814-349-9856 July 28–29 PA Organic FarmFest Grange Fairgrounds Centre Hall, PA 814-422-0251 farmfest.paorganic.org See page 4 for more details.

AUGUST August 9 PASA’s High Tunnel Tomatoes PCO-certified Two Gander Farm Downingtown, PA Pasafarming.org 814-349-9856 August 15–17 Ag Progress Days Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center Pennsylvania Furnace, PA Agsci.psu.edu/apd 814-865-2081

August 23 PASA’s Multi-Species, Planned Grazing and Cover Crop Cocktails PCO-certified Carversville Farm Mechanicsville, PA Pasafarming.org 814-349-9856

SEPTEMBER September 9 Rodale Organic Pioneer Awards PCO-certified Rodale Institute Kutztown, PA Rodaleinstitute.org 610-683-1400 September 13–16 Natural Products Expo East Baltimore, MD Expoeast.com 800-458-4935 September 15–17 Mother Earth News Fair Seven Springs, PA Motherearthnewsfair.com 800-234-3368 September 28 PASA’s 3rd Annual Soil Health Conference PCO-certified Spiral Path Farm Loysville, PA Pasafarming.org 814-349-9856 September 28–29 NODPA Field Days Truxton Community Center Truxtown, NY Nodpa.com 413-772-0444

ORGANIC MARKETPLACE CROPS Dairy quality Organic baleage, corn & Organic soybeans. OEFFA Certified. Forage test results available, we can do local deliveries. We custom dry and store Organic grain. Call 570-412-1392. Union County, PA. Baleage, dry hay in round bails. Delivery available. Contact Ned Fogleman 717-9944630. Juniata County, PA. Organic hay for sale. 3x3x8 square bales.

Contact Richard Kauffman for pricing and delivery: 570.367.6509. Bradford County, PA.

FOR SALE 13 Foot S-tine harrow like-new condition.

Excellent for seed prep. $4,000. Please contact Ron Gargasz (landline) 724-5207220, (cell) 724-730-6488, or email at rgargaszfarms@gmail.com.

Lawrence County, PA. Rake tedder. New Holland 255. In good condition. All offers considered. Contact: 717- 808-1402. Lancaster County, PA.

SERVICES Manure management plans, Ag erosion and settlement plans, manure brokering, and nutrient management planning. Government certified. Contact Ned Fogleman 717-994-4630. Juniata County, PA. Ag plastic recycling — I can use black and white bunker covers, bale wrap, plastic twine, clear stretch film, greenhouse covers, flats, and pots. Call for details. 717-6589660. Franklin County, PA.

SAVE THE DATE Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms Conference & PCO’s Annual Meeting December 12 & 13 Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey, PA Featuring Dairy, Livestock, Poultry, Field Crops, Vegetable, and Small Fruit conference tracks and inspiring keynote speakers!

Gpofconference.org • 814-422-0251

OPPORTUNITIES Organic Dairy Farm Manager sought for startup grass only dairy operation in Livingston, NY. 40+ cow herd, growing to 140 milking. Competitive salary, benefits and profit-share on milking operation. Application review begins 6/1. Applications taken until filled. Flexible start date late summer or fall 2017.www.dirtpartners.com. Columbia County, PA.

STAY CONNECTED, VISIT:

August 18–26 Grange Fair Centre Hall, PA Grangefair.com 814-364-9212

paorganic.org

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or call 416-878-1924

PCO Welcomes 2nd Quarter New Members!

NEWLY CERTIFIED MEMBERS

C. R. Farms LLC

Flipside Farm

Kevin Stoltzfus

Front Royal, VA

Bedminster, NJ

Somerset, PA

Nathan J. Yoder & Elizabeth A. Yoder

Central PA Produce Co-op Inc

Garden Spot Foods LLC

Lambright Pullets

New Holland, PA

Shipshewana, IN

Hidden Valley Acres

Lance Rizzon

Ronks, PA

Bradford,, NY

Hidden Valley Poultry

Ledamete Grass Farm, LLC

Shipshewana, IN

Schnecksville, PA

Holley Hollow Farm

Lloyd Zimmerman

Glen Rock, PA

Mansfield, OH

Homestead Acres

Luke M. Shirk

Hammonton, NJ

Dundee, NY

Jacob E. Mast

Maple Blossom Farm

Reedsville, PA

Aaron G. Fisher Loganton, PA

North Hill Farm Middleburg, PA

Tyrone, PA

Abie Yoder Feed Reynoldsville, PA

Chris S. Byler

Oak Nut Farm Bethel, PA

Dewittville, NY

Alvin W. Weaver Geneva, NY

Andy S. Byler Dewittville, NY

Anthony Lizza

Christian B. Stoltzfus Lykens, PA

Doug Auker House D2 Mount Joy, PA

Allentown, PA

Obis One LLC Blacksburg, VA

Penta Group Sterling, PA

Pine Cone Poultry

Benton Acres

Dutch Country Organic Heritage Egg Farm

Penn Yan, NY

Shipshewana, IN

Stockton, NY

Homer City, PA

Benuel R. Stoltzfus

Eli L. Kurtz

Myerstown, PA

Jacob Kauffman

Maple Grove Farm

Stockton, PA

Canajoharie, NY

Rome, NY

Blue Mountain Academy Farm

Eli Ray King

Jacob L. Lee

Maple Ledge Organics

Gordenville, PA

Powerline Pullets

Stockton, NY

Central Bridge, NY

Shipshewana, IN

Hamburg, PA

Shipshewana, IN

Piney Mountain Orchard LLC Gardners, PA

Plantation Plenty LLC Darien, CT

Emanuel J. Yoder

John B. Beiler

Mark Smith

Prospect Valley Acres

Frankfort, NY

Lykens, PA

Kirkwood, PA

East Otto, NY

Mifflintown, PA

Bowman Farm

End of the Lane Farm

Joseph B. King

Michael N. Yoder

Richard M. Nolt

Myerstown, PA

Cornwallville, NY

Homer City, PA

Milroy, PA

New Alexandria, PA

Burrows Rocky Acres Farm

Farm of Peace

Kalmbach Feeds, Inc.

Mose Byler

Ritter Feeds, Inc.

Cuyler, NY

Warfordsburg, PA

Upper Sandusky, OH

Falconer, NY

Middleburg, PA

Bob Fish

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PCO Welcomes 2nd Quarter New Members!

Robert Houghton

Triple Bend Farm

Jacob E. Mast

Ashland, OH

Shipshewana, IN

Stockton, NY

Samuel Fisher

Wilford Heater

Jacob L. Lee

Loganton, PA

Millerton, PA

Stockton, NY

NEW BUSINESS MEMBERS

Beth Gugino University Park, PA

David Hartman Conopco, Inc.

Turbotville, PA

Suffolk, VA

Samuel Rudy Hostetler

Winter Gardens Quality Foods

Milroy, PA

Bird-in-Hand, PA

Devenish Nutrition LLC

Georgia Kilscher

Mark Smith

Keswick, VA

Yost Hostetler

East Otto, NY

Jeffrey Geer

James Kinsel

Mike Rater

Manheim, PA

Milton, PA

Alexander, NY

Lykens, PA

Sporting Valley Feeds

University Park, PA

Fairmont, MN

New Oxford, PA

Sharondale LLC

Ronald Hoover

Levi M. Beiler

Sherman, NY

GroZone Markham, Ontario

Pennington, NJ

Norman D. Kinsinger

Mose Byler

Falconer, NY

NEWLY CERTIFIED & GRASSFED CERTIFIED

Starstead Farm, LLC

Allen Miller

Mountainside Acres

Rixeyville, VA

Burke, NY

Norwich, NY

Steven & Anna Allgyer

Alvin D. Fisher

Prayerview Farm

Herndon, PA

Paradise, PA

Fort Plain, NY

Sunny Meadows Egg Farm

Andy S. Byler

Sprague Hill Farm

Romulous, NY

Dewittville, NY

Falconer, NY

Sunny Side Produce

Eli L. Kurtz

Swampy Rock Farm II

Dundee, OH

Stockton, NY

Boonville, NY

NEW SUSTAINER MEMBERS

NEW ADVOCATE MEMBERS

Terry Mullet

Eli Ray King

The Grazing Edge Dairy

Christie Badger

Timothy Flanagan

Sugarcreek, OH

Gordenville, PA

Mowhawk, NY

Hughesville, PA

State College, PA

Tranquility Farm

End of the Lane Farm

Tranquility Farm

Kristy Borrelli

West Winfield, NY

Cornwallville, NY

West Winfield, NY

University Park, PA

Sprague Hill Farm

Falconer, NY

Berlin, PA

Fred Gruber Morristown, NJ

Killbuck, OH

MWI Animal Harrisonburg, VA

Organic Matters

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Summer 2017

Randy Navrati Boone, IA

Robert Eberly Stevens, PA

24

Daniel Masters

Molly Parker Clayton, NC

www.paorganic.org

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