Steps to organic pork certification

Before taking steps to organic certification you should read the national standard for organic and bio-dynamic produce.

If you want to export your products, you also need to be aware of any extra requirements from overseas regulators.

Step 1: Contact an Australian certifying organisation

Your first step is to contact a certifying organisation (CO) and ask about their certification process.

The following are accredited COs in Australia:

• AUS-QUAL Limited (AUSQUAL)
• Australian Certified Organic (ACO)
• Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI)
• NASAA Certified Organic (NCO)
• Organic Food Chain (OFC)
• Safe Food Production Queensland (SFQ).

Step 2: Complete an organic management plan

After you apply, you will be asked to develop an organic management plan (OMP) that shows how your farm plans to implement a CO's standard.

The OMP will look at how you manage:

• soil fertility
• pests, diseases and weeds
• biodiversity
• water use
• contamination prevention
• record keeping systems
• livestock feed, health and welfare
• restricted products.

The OMP is also used after certification to monitor improvements on the farm.

Step 3: Pre-certification and certification audits

After submitting an OMP, your farm will begin a 12-month pre-certification period. During this time, a pre-certification audit will take place. The CO takes soil and tissue samples, reporting on any chemical contamination.

A second audit is carried out before the end of the pre-certification period to assess how your OMP has been put into practice. If the CO decides you are successful, your farm will then be 'in conversion'.

The CO determines the length of time that your farm will need to be in conversion, which is usually at least 2 years.

Following a second review by the CO, your farm may be certified organic.

Step 4: Maintain your certification

Once certified, you will be required to submit an annual statement showing your records are accurate. Your farm may be inspected, and unscheduled inspections can be carried out to verify the OMP.

After your farm has been certified, you cannot transfer certification to another property without going through a similar process.