Frequently Asked Questions about "Going Organic"
Can conventionally-grown straw be used on a certified organic farm? Cereal
straw is a valuable source of bedding and mulch because it is absorbent
and less likely to contain weed seeds than poor hay. Unfortunately, the
relatively small acreage of organic cereals in Atlantic Canada means
that little organic straw is locally available, especially in Nova
Scotia. Can organic farmers use non-organic straw on their farms?
Mulch: When organic
materials are not available, non-organic forms of straw, leaves, grass
clippings or hay can be used, as long as they don’t contain genetically
modified crops (a concern now that GM alfalfa is on the horizon). The
conventional straw needs to be free of prohibited substances for 60
days prior to harvest, in order to minimize the risk of herbicide
residues. This means that straw from a crop that was grown with
fertilizer and a preemergent herbicide would be permitted but not if an
herbicide was used later in the growing season to kill weeds or dry
down the straw. Note that mushroom producers must use certified organic
straw!
Livestock Bedding: In
the past, only organic bedding could only be used if the animal was
likely to eat it. A recent change to Section 6.8.1 h (Livestock Living
Conditions) of the Canadian Standard states that if a farm cannot find
enough organic bedding, then conventional straw can be used for all
animals (with a few restrictions). First of all, a “reasonable regional
search” must be conducted, involving “potential known organic
suppliers”. This is similar to the requirement for a search for organic
seed, and would require documentation of your search – make notes of
who you contact. Second, as with mulch, the straw will need to be GMO
free and free of non-PSL materials for 60 days before harvest.
It is important that someone wishing to use non-organic straw on an
organic farm ask their certifier first. The written request should
include details on (1) how a particular lot of straw was produced
(pesticides used, date used, GMO seed?), and (2) how they intend to use
it. Some certifiers may insist that a letter or affidavit be provided
by the vendor indicating that the conventional straw has not been
subject to any pesticide application 60 days before harvest.
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