Organic Farming Plan Checklist

Title Page

Operator
Address
Employee Name
Conducted on

Source of Seedling and Perennial Stock

Do you understand the current organic standards?
Have you managed all fields for 3 or more years?
You must submit signed statements from the previous manager stating the use and all inputs applied during the previous 3 years on all newly rented or purchased fields.
Do you use organically grown seeds?
You must have records of your attempts to source organic seed.
Why do you use non-organic seedlings?
Please save all seed and inoculant labels.
Do you purchase organic seedlings?
Name
Address
How do you grow organic seedlings on-farm?
- Raise potted plants
- Plant crops directly in the ground
Greenhouse Type and Size
Is treated wood used in any part of your greenhouse?
Where is it used?
Do you grow both organic and non-organic plants on-farm?
Name
Name
How do you separate and identify organic and non-organic growing areas?
How do you label organic and non-organic seedlings/plants?

Soil & Crop Fertility Management

How do you monitor the effectiveness of your fertility management program?
- soil testing
- microbiological testing
- tissue testing
- observation of soil
- observation of crop health
- comparison of crop yields
- crop quality testing
- other
Specify
How often do you conduct fertility monitoring?
- weekly
- monthly
- annually
- as needed
- other
Specify
Rate the effectiveness of your fertility management program
Do you burn crop residues?
Why?
Materials burned
Do you apply sewage sludge to fields?
Fields where applied
Do you use compost?
Name
Composting Method
Specify
How many times are materials turned?
C:N Ratio
Do you monitor temperature?
How long is this temperature maintained?
Do you use manure?
Do you apply fully composted raw manure to fields with crops not for human consumption?
Do you incorporate fully composted raw manure into the soil 120 days prior to harvest for crops whose edible portions has direct contact with the soil?
Do you incorporate fully composted raw manure into the soil 90 days prior to harvest for all other crops for human consumption?

Natural Resources & Biodiversity Management

Does your field map include features such as hedgerows, woodlands, wetlands, riparian zones, and special habitats?
Are there native plants present and or wildlife seen moving through farm?
Species
Species
Do you take steps to plan/provide for biodiversity conservation?
Do you manage water for the needs of crops/livestock, native species and riparian ecosystems?
Do you take actions to provide habitat for pollinators, insect predators, birds and bats?
Do you restore and/or protect natural areas?
Do you take actions to control invasive plant/animal species, especially those threatening natural areas?
Do you conserve and provide habitat for wildlife?
Do you schedule farm practices to benefit wildlife?
Do you protect riparian areas and sensitive habitats?
Are your improving your pasture or rangeland?
Do you use wildlife-friendly management practices?
Have you assessed the farm for biodiversity problems and greatest opportunities, and developed goals an a timeline for biodiversity conservation?
Describe.
Do you monitor farm biodiversity?
Do you maintain or improve the sustainability of the harvested species?
Do you use soil conservation practices?
Do you experience soil erosion problems?
Why?
On which fields?
Describe your efforts to minimize soil erosion problems
Source of Water
- on-site well(s)
- river/creek/pond
- spring
- municipal/county
- irrigation distric
- other
Specify
Input products applied through the irrigation system
Products used to clean irrigation lines/nozzles
Is the system shared with another operator?
Products they use
Is the system flushed and documented between conventional and organic use?
Are practices used to protect water quality?
Name
Describe your efforts to minimize water contamination problems
Do you monitor the effectiveness of your water quality program?
How often do you conduct water quality monitoring?
- weekly
- monthly
- annually
- as needed
- other