Getting started
in organic farming/ranching requires a mind set and determination to do things
differently than the conventional. Organic production is all about working with
nature rather than trying to force our goals and expectations on the land. Building Soils for Better Crops, a
Sustainable Agriculture Network (www.sare.org) publication by Fred Magdoff and Harold van Es, provides an easy-to-read description of soil
functions and processes and is a great foundation.
The
difference between conventional and organic production is all about how
products are raised. Section 205.202 of the National Organic Program rule
states that no prohibited substances can be applied to land for a period of
three years preceding the harvest of the crop. So, document when the last prohibited
substance was applied, add 36 months, and this is your first opportunity to
sell organic products.
A
prohibited substance is anything that is genetically changed (GMO), synthetic,
or altered from its natural state. The three major prohibited farm inputs are
pesticides, chemical fertilizer, and GMO seeds. If you intend to sell more than
$5,000 of product to anyone but an end-user, you need to be certified by a USDA
accredited certifying agency. This agency should be contacted before applying
any substances, even during the transition phase.
Documentation
is key to organic production. Develop a field history sheet that lists
historical inputs and crops. Define field boundaries and buffer zones if
adjacent to conventionally managed land. Identify contamination risks such as
chemical drift and runoff threat to see if your field can produce an organic
crop that meets the requirements. Field identification also enables the product
or crop to be traced back to its origin.
The
transition period is a time for the land to adjust to its natural production
capabilities and cleanse itself of synthetic inputs. It is also a good time for
the operator to develop a written Organic System Plan concerning all aspects of
agricultural production. Components of the Organic System Plan include:
> Practices & Materials used on the farm to build soil
quality, improve water quality, prevent contamination, and insure organic
integrity.
> Recordkeeping to show traceability back to the
field and accountability for all that enters and leaves the farm.
> Monitoring the data recorded to show progress
and/or improvement.
There are
several excellent web sites to help you through the transition phase:
> New
Farm (www.newfarm.org) has three
helpful tools: 1) An online transition exercise that allows you to develop an
organic systems plan; 2) A financial comparison of organic versus conventional
production; 3) A comparison of organic certifying agencies.
> Midwest
Organic & Sustainable Education Services (www.mosesorganic.org) provides free
education materials and fact sheets to help during and after the transition
phase.
> Appropriate
Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), 800.346.9140 (http://attra.nact.org) is a USDA-funded
information site with a helpful staff dedicated to providing you with the
information you ask for about sustainable farming and organic production.
Contact: Martin Kleinschmit, martink@cfra.org
or 402.254.6893 for more. Martin is also an organic farmer raising grass-fed
beef.
Dakota Rural Action has been a close ally of the Center for Rural Affairs since the South Dakota grassroots organization was established. In particular, Dakota Rural Action is a key ally in South Dakota on livestock market reforms, beginning farmer and rancher initiatives and on anti-corporate farming laws. Visit them online today. 
