§6513 Organic Plan

Summary

Producers or handlers who want organic certification must send an organic plan to the certifying agent and, if the state program applies, to the State organic certification program. The certifier will review the plan and decide if it meets the program rules. Crop plans must show how soil fertility will be kept up, mainly by keeping organic matter using proper tilling, crop rotation, and manure use. The plan must set rules for using raw manure. Raw manure can only go on green manure crops, perennial crops, crops not for people, or food crops only if harvested after a waiting time the certifier sets — never less than 60 days. The plan must also prevent manure use that would badly pollute water with nitrates or bacteria. Livestock plans must include steps to produce animals organically. One plan can cover both crops and animals if the same person does both. Handling plans must explain how products will be produced and handled so they can be sold or labeled organic. Plans for wild-harvested crops must name the harvest area, give a 3-year history showing no banned substances were used, describe non‑destructive harvesting that keeps the crop sustainable, and promise the grower will not apply banned substances. Plans cannot include practices that conflict with the chapter.