OSP Explained

The Organic System Plan (OSP) is a crucial document for farmers seeking organic certification. It serves as a comprehensive blueprint detailing how your farm will comply with USDA organic standards. Think of the OSP as your farm’s roadmap to organic production, outlining your practices, inputs, and management strategies.

Role in Organic Certification

The OSP is a fundamental part of the organic certification process. It’s the first formal communication between you and your certifying agent, providing them with a thorough understanding of your operation. Submitting a complete and detailed OSP is essential, as it forms the basis for the certification decision and subsequent inspections.

Key Components of an OSP

While the specific requirements may vary based on your operation’s scope (crops, livestock, processing, or wild crops), all OSPs typically include:

     1. Description of Practices

This section outlines your farm’s management practices, including soil and water conservation methods, tillage practices, irrigation methods, and crop rotations.

     2. List of Substances

You must provide a comprehensive inventory of all inputs and materials used in your production process, such as seeds, fertilizers, and pest control products.

     3. Monitoring Practices

Describe how you’ll monitor the effectiveness of your organic practices, including pest scouting methods and soil testing protocols.

     4. Recordkeeping System

Detail your system for maintaining records that demonstrate compliance with organic standards. This includes production records, sales logs, and input purchase receipts.

     5. Contamination Prevention Measures

Explain how you’ll prevent contamination from prohibited substances, including buffer zones and equipment cleaning procedures.

     6. Maps and Facility Diagrams

Include detailed maps of your fields or facility layouts, showing buffer zones, storage areas, and processing areas if applicable.

Scope-Specific Requirements

Depending on your operation type, additional information may be required:

     • Crop producers must include details on seed sources, soil-building practices, and pest management strategies.

     • Livestock producers need to outline animal nutrition plans, health care practices, and outdoor access provisions.

     • Processors should describe their handling procedures, ingredient sourcing, and sanitation practices.

Remember, the OSP is a living document that should be updated as your practices evolve. It’s not just a bureaucratic requirement but a valuable tool for planning and improving your organic operation.

By developing a thorough and well-thought-out OSP, you’re not only fulfilling a certification requirement but also creating a roadmap for your farm’s success in organic production. Take the time to craft a detailed plan that accurately reflects your operation and demonstrates your commitment to organic principles.