One of the “hats” I wear is that of an inspector; most of the inspections I do are of farms but I also do some processors – companies that make products from organic ingredients. I generally enjoy the inspections and especially the farm ones – due to the fact that I am a farmer and so relate personally to farm issues.
What does it mean to be an organic inspector? The process of organic certification works something like this: a farmer/producer decides that they want to certify their product organic. The first step is to select/find a certifier – there are about 50 certification bodies operating in this country that are accredited by NOP (National Organic Program) of the USDA (U.S. Dept of Agriculture). To sell any product as certified organic it has to meet the standards set out by US congress and administered by NOP. The producer contacts the CB (certifying body), which sends out an application form (hard copy or electronic). The producer completes the application (usually 10-15 pages) requesting certification of the entire farm/operation or only the parts that qualify – for farms that means that no “prohibited materials” (usually chemicals) have been applied to those fields within the last 3 years. The CB reviews the application and may request more info or clarifications. If satisfied, the CB contacts an inspector – some have full time inspectors that work for them but most hire independent inspectors (like me) to do the inspection. The inspector does an on site inspection of the farm/processor and then turns in an inspection report. The CB reviews all the documents, including the inspection report, and makes a decision – to certify (or not) the operation and usually stipulating further actions the producer needs to do to keep being certified (often to maintain better records).
So what does the on site inspection actually consist of? There are 2 distinct parts: to inspect the actual physical operation – in case of farms, to look at every field that is requested for certification – make sure that the producer’s application/records/maps match with what we see in the field. The second part is to inspect the records. What kind of records? Seeds – are they organic? how do you know? we look at seed tags and invoices to make sure they are organic and if not, they MUST be untreated and non GMO seeds. We also check all other inputs: fertility amendments (eg manure, phosphate, calcium), make sure there is a buffer around the farm – a border between the organic and neighboring conventional fields, and then we check organic sales: can we track the sale of organic product from the sale back through the farm from storage to the field and production techniques and back to the seed? Are total sales in line with what are reasonable yields from these organic acres?
That all sounds rather dry…. So what really happens when I show up at the farm? Some farmers – especially if it’s their first inspection, may be nervous. Since I’ve been inspecting in the Midwest for over a decade, more than half of the farms I go to I’ve been to before and so the farmer and I are already acquainted. I am familiar with their operation and focus on what they are doing this year. Many farmers feel they are at odds with their surroundings – most of their neighbors are conventional. Some organic farmers are quiet & humble and do not advertise the fact that they are organic; others are enthusiastic; in any case, most are excited to tell me all about their latest experiments, trials & tribulations. Aha! that’s it! I realize that most of their neighbors are not that interested in what they are doing. I am a captive audience and I am genuinely interested in what they are doing – they love telling me all ab
out their farm, ideas, philosophy, etc.
When you read this and imagine me in inspecting farms, imagine me contemplating what the farmer is telling me about his/her operation (the farmer, unfortunately, is out of view!). This photo is actually of me on our land – I love the shadows in the fields.
What I like about inspecting: I get a larger view – of the organic movement as well as the individuals in it. Each has a unique story and viewpoint; and often they are passionate. I love the diversity and I love their passions.
