§6513 Organic plan

Summary

Producers or handlers who want organic certification must give an organic plan to the certifier and to the State organic certification program if that applies. The certifier will review the plan and decide if it follows the program rules. The plan must show how soil fertility will be kept up by managing organic matter, using things like tilling, crop rotation, and manuring. It must set rules for manure use: raw manure may only be used on green manure crops, perennial crops, crops not for people, or on food crops only after a waiting period set by the certifier that is at least 60 days. The plan must prevent raw manure use that causes serious water pollution. If livestock are raised, the plan must include steps to produce livestock organically. One plan can cover both crops and animals for the same producer. Handling plans must ensure products labeled organic are actually produced and handled that way. For wild-harvested crops, the plan must name the harvest area, show a 3-year history with no banned substances, describe non‑destructive, sustainable gathering, and say the producer will not apply banned substances. The plan cannot include practices that conflict with the organic rules.