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Organic Agriculture

Introduction to The National Organic Program
Overview of The National Organic Program
National Organic Rule: This document is the regulatory text of the National Organic Program Final Rule.
ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas)

Organic Certification
Organic Certification Process: A step-by-step flowchart of the organic certification process.
How to Pick a Certifier: Tips on choosing a certifier.
List of USDA Accredited Certifiers
New Farm Guide to U.S. Organic Certifiers

The following are templates that may be used in the certification process:
Organic Farm Plan: A mock certification application for a farm that was developed to be compliant with the National Organic Program (NOP) and is keyed to the proposed rule. This document can be used as a practice template before you receive an application from an accredited certifier.
Organic Handling Plan: A mock certification application for a processor/manufacturer that was developed to be compliant with the NOP and is keyed to the proposed rule. This document can be used as a practice template before you receive an application from an accredited certifier.

record keeping
The National Organic Program final rule citation for record keeping requirements: 

" § 205.103 Recordkeeping by certified operations.

(a) A certified operation must maintain records concerning the production, harvesting, and handling of agricultural products that are or that are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as "100 percent organic," "organic," or "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))."
(b) Such records must:

(1) Be adapted to the particular business that the certified operation is conducting;

(2) Fully disclose all activities and transactions of the certified operation in sufficient detail as to be readily understood and audited;

(3) Be maintained for not less than 5 years beyond their creation; and

(4) Be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the Act and the regulations in this part.

(c) The certified operation must make such records available for inspection and copying during normal business hours by authorized representatives of the Secretary, the applicable State program's governing State official, and the certifying agent."

record keeping templates
Farm Recordkeeping Form Templates: Includes multiple forms:
-List of Organic Certification Records
-Field History Sheet
-Newly Purchased Land or Rented Land Verification
-Seed Verification Form
-Field Activity Log
-Input Use Record
-Compost Production Record
-Neighbor Notification Letter
-Verification of Adjoining Land Use
-Buffer Crop Usage
-Crop Harvest Record
-Crop Harvest & Storage Record
-Clean Transport Affidavit
-Split Operation or Parallel Production Crop Record
-Audit Control Summary
-Complaint Log
Vegetable Recordkeeping Templates/Examples
Livestock Recordkeeping Templates/Examples
Grain Recordkeeping Templates/Examples

other resources
NC Farm Transition Network Land Link Program