Introduction
To Organic Farming
 |
| Agdex#: |
100/10 |
| Publication Date: |
November
2006 |
| Order#: |
06-103 |
| Last Reviewed: |
November
2006 |
| History: |
Replaces OMAFRA Factsheet Organic
Farming in Ontario, Order No. 03-063 |
| Written by: |
Hugh Martin - Organic Crop
Productin Program Lead/OMAFRA |
PDF Version (87 KB)
Table of Contents
- Defining "Organic
- Growth of Organic
- Why Farm Organically?
- What Is "Certified Organic"
- Are Organic Farms Successful
- Are Price Premiums Available?
- What Is The Transition Period?
- Summary
- Sources Of Information
- Websites
- References
Defining "Organic"
Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that involves
much more than choosing not to use certain pesticides, fertilizers, genetically
modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones that are not permitted
by organic standards.
The general principles of organic production, from Canada's Organic Standards,
2006, include the following:
- protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease
pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote a sound state
of health
- maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological
activity within the soil
- maintain biological diversity within the system
- recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within
the enterprise
- provide attentive care that promotes the health and meets the behavioural
needs of livestock
- prepare organic products, emphasizing careful processing, and handling
methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities
of the products at all stages of production
- rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems
Many organic farmers believe that a successful organic system begins
with the soil - a healthy soil produces healthy plants and, in turn, healthy
livestock and people. They regard soil as a living organism of inter-dependent
processes and life forms.
Organic farming promotes the use of crop rotations and cover crops, and
encourages balanced host/predator relationships. Organic residues and
nutrients produced on the farm are recycled back to the soil. Cover crops
and composted manure are used to maintain soil organic matter and fertility.
Preventative insect and disease control methods are practiced, including
crop rotation, improved genetics and resistant varieties. Integrated pest
and weed management, and soil conservation systems are valuable tools
on an organic farm. Organically approved pesticides include "natural"
or non-synthetic pesticides as indicated in the Permitted Substances List
of the organic standards. These products must be registered for use in
the specific crop-pest situation by federal and provincial regulations
and approved for use by the organic certification body. All grains, forages
and protein supplements fed to livestock must be organically grown.
Organic food production prohibits using highly soluble or synthetically
compounded mineral fertilizers, synthetically compounded pesticides, growth
regulators, antibiotics, hormones, colouring or other artificial additives,
ionizing radiation, and recombinant genetic engineered plants or animals
(genetically engineered organisms - GEO). Prohibited products and practices
must not be used on certified organic farms for at least three years prior
to harvest of the certified organic products. Livestock must be raised
organically and fed 100% organic feed ingredients.
Organic farming presents many challenges. Some crops are more challenging
than others to grow organically. However, nearly every commodity can be
produced organically. There are successful organic farmers in every county
in Ontario producing almost every commodity.
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Growth Of Organic
The world market for organic food has shown consistent growth for over
15 years. Growth of retail sales in North America is predicted to be 15%-20%
per year in the next few years. The retail organic food market in Canada
is estimated at $1.3 billion in 2005 and $15 billion (CDN) in the U.S.
It is estimated that imported products make up over 85% of the organic
food consumed in Canada. The majority of Canada's organically produced
commodities are exported. This is especially true of soybean and grain
crops.
The Canadian Organic Growers association reported 497 certified organic
farms in Ontario in 2005.
Why Farm Organically?
The main reasons farmers grow organically are concerns about the effects
of chemicals on health and the effects of conventional farming on soil
quality and conservation.
Organic farming is seen as a steady growth market with many opportunities.
Farmers are concerned about the environment. They are also concerned about
the amount of energy used in agriculture, since many farm chemicals have
energy intensive manufacturing processes that rely heavily on fossil fuels.
Some farmers view organic farming as part of the solution to meeting
the challenges of modern day agriculture. Organic farmers find their method
of farming to be profitable and personally rewarding.
What Is "Certified Organic"
Certified organic is a term given to products produced according to organic
standards as certified by one of the certifying bodies. There are several
certification bodies operating in Ontario. A farmer wishing to be certified
applies to a certification body requesting an independent inspection of
the farm to validate that the organic farm meets their standards. Farmers,
processors and traders are each required to maintain the organic integrity
of the product and to maintain a document trail for auditing purposes.
Products from certified organic farms are labelled and promoted as certified
organic. Food products labelled as organic must contain at least 95% organic
ingredients (not including water and salt). The organic ingredients can
be listed on the label when at least 70% of the product ingredients are
organic.
In September 2006 the Canadian government introduced draft regulations
to regulate organic products in Canada. Under these regulations the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will oversee organic certification in Canada
including accreditation and certification bodies. This regulation also
references the Canadian Organic Production Systems General Principles
and Management Standards (CAN/CGSB-32.310) and the Organic Production
Systems - Permitted Substances List that were revised in 2006. Once
these regulations are finalized and international equivalency agreements
are negotiated, international trade opportunities should be enhanced.
Currently each certification body maintains standards for organic certification
and while various standards are largely similar, they may differ on some
specific details since some certification bodies have adopted additional
standards appropriate for specific international markets. For more information
on certification and links to Canadian regulations and standards go to
the OMAFRA infosheet Organic Food and Farming Certification at
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/organic/certification.htm or the CFIA
website at www.inspection.gc.ca.
When certifying your business, it is important to know the markets your
products will serve and the requirements and organic accreditation your
products will need. When comparing certification bodies, make sure they
have the certification you need. Some certification bodies have accreditation
or equivalency agreements with countries in the EU (European Union), United
States National Organic Program (USDA-NOP), Japanese Agricultural Standard
(JAS), Standards Council of Canada (SCC), Conseil des appellations agroalimentaires
du Québec (CAAQ) or other organic certification systems.
The labels may indicate "Certified Organic", "Verified
Organic" or "Demeter", depending on the certification agency.
The new Canadian regulations regulate all products intended for export
or inter-provincial trade and products using the new "Canada Organic"
mark or logo as seen here.
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Are Organic Farms Successful
Farming is never easy. In organic farming, farmers choose not to use
some of the convenient chemical tools available to other farmers. Management
and design of the production system become even more critical to the success
of the farm. Select enterprises that complement each other and set up
the crop rotation and tillage practices to avoid or reduce crop problems.
Cereal and forage management systems tend to adapt to organic systems
quite readily due to relatively low pest pressures and nutrient requirements.
Soybeans also adapt quite well but weeds can be a challenge. Corn is being
grown more frequently on organic farms but careful management of weed
control and fertility is needed, especially nitrogen requirements. Corn
can be successfully grown after forage legumes or if manure has been applied.
Markets for organic feed grains have been strong in recent years.
The adoption of genetically engineered hybrids of corn on conventional
farms has created issues of buffer zones or isolation distance for organic
corn and similar issues exist for canola crops. Check with the certification
bodies for more details on appropriate buffer distances from conventional
and genetically engineered crops, Cross-pollinated crops such as corn
and canola require a much greater distance than self-pollinated crops
such as soybeans or cereals.
Yields on each organic crop varies, depending on the success of the manager.
During the transition from conventional to organic, production yields
are usually somewhat less than conventional levels, but after a 3-5 year
transition period, the organic yields typically increase.
In fruit and vegetable crops, the challenges are greater and vary between
crops. Some crops and managers have been very successful, while other
farms with the same crop have had significant problems. Certain insect
or disease pests are more serious in some regions than in others. Some
pest problems are difficult to manage with organic methods. This is improving
with more organically approved biopesticides than were previously available.
Marketable yields of organic horticultural crops are frequently below
non-organic crop yields. Some of these crops are slightly below and others
are significantly lower. Some organic producers have added value to their
product with on-farm or small scale processing. An example is to make
jams, jellies, juice, etc.
Livestock products can also be produced organically. In recent years,
organic dairy products have become popular. There is also an expanding
market for organic meat products. Animals must be fed 100% organic feeds
(except under exceptional circumstances as permitted by the certification
body). Feed must not contain mammalian or poultry by-products. All genetically
engineered organisms and substances are prohibited. Antibiotics, growth
hormones and insecticides are prohibited. If an animal is sick and antibiotics
are necessary for the recovery of the animal, antibiotics can be administered
and the animal must then be segregated from the organic livestock herd
and cannot be sold as organic. Vaccinations are permitted when diseases
cannot be controlled by other means and with authorization of the certifying
body. Artificial insemination is permitted. Always check with the certifying
agency to see if the product or techniques you want to use are allowed.
Organic standards must also respect other federal, provincial and municipal
regulations.
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Are Price Premiums Available?
Organic produce can usually qualify for higher prices than non-organic
products. These premiums vary with the crop and may vary on whether you
are dealing with a processor, wholesaler, retailer or directly with the
consumer. Prices and premiums are negotiated between the buyer and the
seller and will vary depending on local supply and demand.
Higher prices offset higher production costs (per unit of production)
of management, labour, and for lower farm yields. These differences vary
with commodity. Some field crop producers, particularly cereals and forages,
report very little change in yield while in some horticultural crops such
as tree fruits, significant differences in marketable yield have been
observed. There may also be higher marketing costs to develop markets
since there is less infrastructure than for many conventional commodities.
Currently, demand is greater than supply for most organic products.
What Is The Transition Period?
The first few years of organic production are the hardest. Organic lands
must be managed using organic practices for 36 months prior to harvest
of the first certified organic crop. This is called the "transition
period" when both the soil and the manager adjust to the new system.
Insect and weed populations also adjust to the new system.
Cash flow can be a problem due to the unstable nature of the yields and
the fact that price premiums are frequently not available during the transition
since products do not qualify as "certified organic". For this
reason, some farmers choose to convert to organic production slowly.
Carefully prepare a plan for conversion. Try 10%-20% the first year (always
pick one of your best fields to start), and then expand organic acreage
when you are more comfortable and confident in your new system. It may
take 5-10 years to become totally organic, but long term it is often more
successful than a rapid conversion, especially when financial constraints
are considered. Some certification bodies expect farmers with parallel
production (both organic and conventional) to complete their conversion
to organic within five years. Farmers should use good sanitation, visually
different varieties and individual animal I.D. and other systems to maintain
separation and integrity of the organic and conventional products. Good
records are essential.
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Summary
Organic farming can be a viable alternative method of production for
farmers, but there are many challenges. One key to success is to be open
to changing your thinking. What is causing the problem, rather than, how
do I cure (or kill) the pest or problem.
Sources Of Information
-
COG - Canadian Organic Growers Inc.
323 Chapel St.,
Ottawa ON K1N 7Z2
Phone: (613) 216-0741, 1-888-375-7383
E-mail: info@cog.ca
Website: www.cog.ca
-
EFAO - Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
5420 Highway 6 North,
RR5, Guelph, ON N1H 6S2
Phone: (519) 822-8606
E-mail: info@efao.ca
Website: www.efao.ca
-
OMAFRA - Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road W., Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Agr. Information Contact Centre 1-877-424-1300
Website; www.ontario.ca/crops
-
OACC - Organic Agricultural Centre of Canada
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Box 550, Truro, Nova Scotia, B2N 5E3
Phone: (902) 893-7256, Fax: (902) 893-3430
E-mail: oacc@nsac.ca
Website: www.organicagcentre.ca
-
Guelph Organic Conference
For information contact:
Tomás Nimmo, Box 116,
Collingwood, ON L9Y 3Z4
Phone: (705) 444-0923, Fax (705) 444-0380
E-mail: organix@georgian.net
Website: www.guelphorganicconf.ca/
-
OCO - Organic Council of Ontario
R.R.#5 Guelph, ON N1H 6J2
Phone: (519) 827-1221; Fax: (519) 827-0721
E-mail: kim@organiccouncil.ca
Website: www.organiccouncil.ca
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Websites
The following websites are a limited list of useful resources. There
are many other valuable sites depending on your interests. Explore these
and look for links to other organic sites on the Web.
References
Hugh Martin is Organic Crop Production Program Lead, Innovation and Competitiveness
Division, OMAFRA, Guelph.
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For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
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