Record Keeping for Organic Certification Workshop

Description:

One of the most important aspects of organic certification is the requirement to maintain records which enable the inspector to conduct a field to table audit of organic production. This one-day workshop will help you learn the best way to set up a record keeping system, what types of records you need to keep and how your farm operation can benefit from improved record keeping. This course is targeted to producers who are: 1) already organic, 2) in transition to organic, or 3) interested in transitioning to organic.

WORKSHOP OUTLINE

1- Understanding the organic certification system and the rationale for maintaining records in certified organic farming.

2- Understanding the certification process from choosing a certifier to what to expect during an organic inspection.

3- Preparing an Organic Plan, with maps and field histories.

4. Planning an organic crop rotation.

5- Creating and Maintaining Records.

Assessing what information needs to be recorded and/or collected.

What types of records are required for different types of farming, including livestock, field crops, fruit/vegetable producers and on-farm processing.

Tools for efficient record keeping

6- Using Your Records to evaluate risk, food safety and create traceability, and to identify your farm’s strengths and weaknesses to improve farm sustainability, efficiency and profitability.

WORKSHOP OUTCOMES

Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of the process and requirements of organic certification, especially with regards to the important aspect of record keeping. Participants will learn how to develop an organic plan and determine what kinds of records they need to keep for their particular farms. Additionally, participants will be made familiar with tools to help maintain records efficiently.

Instructor: Maureen Bostock

Maureen Bostock farmed in northwest British Columbia for 10 years before moving in 2002 with her partner, Elizabeth, to Sweet Meadow Farm in Balderson, Ontario.There she grows certified organic vegetables on 6 ½ acres which are sold at the farm gate, at the Perth Farmers’ Market, to a local alternative grocery store and to other organic/local distribution programs in the area. She works part time as an organic inspector in the eastern Ontario region and is a member of the Independent Organic Inspectors Association. Maureen is a board member of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario and represents EFAO to the Canadian General Standards Board Organic Technical Committee which oversees changes to the Canadian Organic Standards.Maureen has written Growing Potatoes Organically: From market garden to field crop, which is scheduled to be released in December, 2008.

Price:

$50 ($45 for COG members)

Workshop includes:coupon for a free copy of COG's soon to be published book Record Keeping for Organic Farmers ($22value), additional handouts, and lunch.