1. Organic Poultry certification
“Keeping the Family on the Farm” by
Ib Hagsten, Ph.D., CAC
Independent Organic Inspector

2. Let’s talk about organic poultry production certification

3. Organic Integrity
The organic inspector’s role on the farm -- on behalf of the NOP (National Organic Program) -- is to “be the eyes and ears on the farm” verifying the wonderful management activities the producer diligently performs and the areas where he/she needs to further implement the standards.
Maintaining and documenting the organic integrity every step of the way is what the NOP program assures the consuming public.

4. § Origin of Poultry
The poultry or edible products under continuous organic management starting with day-old chicks
Producer must maintain records to preserve identity of all certified organically-managed animals or birds and their eggs & of edible meat products produced

5. § Livestock Feed
Provide ration of organically produced & handled feed
Do not use drugs, hormones, poultry by-products ... nor unapproved feed additives or supplements ...

6. § Livestock Health (1)
Select species suitable for site-specific conditions and with resistance to prevalent diseases and parasites
Provide feed to meet nutritional needs
Establish appropriate housing/pasture
Provide sanitation to minimize spread of diseases & parasites
Maintain bio-security measures

7. § Livestock Health (2)
Provide conditions that allow exercise, freedom of movement, and reduction of stress
Administer appropriate vaccines

8. § Livestock Health (3)
When preventative practices do not prevent sickness, producer may administer synthetic medication
Producer must NOT withhold medical treatment from a sick bird in effort to preserve its organic status
Birds treated with prohibited substances MUST be clearly identified & NOT sold as organic

9. § Living Conditions (1)
Accommodate health & natural bird behavior
Suitable for stage of production, climate, environment
Without the birds being able to reach treated lumber

10. §205.239 Living Conditions (2) Access to: Outdoors Shelter &/or shade
Exercise area
Fresh air
Fresh water

11. § Pest Management
Remove pest habitat, food source & breeding areas
Manage temperature, light, humidity & air circulation to prevent pest production
Pests may be controlled thru mechanical, physical control, or by repellants on NOP list

12. § Labeling of Feeds
Use feeds carrying USDA/NOP seal including “Certified Organic by ...”
Make sure you receive organic feed

13. § Re: Commingling
Producer must implement measures to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic products

14. §205.400 Certification Requirements (1)
Comply with NOP organic production and/or handling regulations
Establish, implement, update annually an organic production/handling system plan & submit it to an organic accredited certifying agent
Undergo an on-site inspection prior to starting birds & annually thereafter

15. §205.400 Certification Requirements (2)
Permit on-site inspections with complete access to the operation, including non-certified production areas
Maintain all records applicable for not less than 5 years
Submit applicable fees charged by certifying agent
Immediately notify the certifying agent of any application or drift of prohibited substances on field, facility, or birds

16. §205.401 Application for Certification
Applicant must submit an application for certification to the certifying agent ...
Obtain specific form(s) from your selected certifier

17. One final differentiation ...
Why organic vs. natural?
“Natural” refers to a set of conditions with “back-to- nature” and limited chemical input preferences
Organic means adherence to a national uniform set of standards for ecologically-friendly, chemical-free, management-intensive agricultural production, where every stage of the production/handling is inspected by certified inspectors working on behalf of USDA/NOP accredited certifying agents

18. Thank you