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Standards for
SEEDLING PRODUCTION WITHIN AN ORGANIC SYSTEM
Detailed guidance for the AOPPS Scheme is set out in the attached document together with
- The Audit Schedule - with explanatory notes and guidance and
- Appendix 1- List of Approved Inputs (updated annually).
Seedling Production should take place on the unit where the plants are to be grown to harvest. However in recognition of the fact that this may not always be commercial practical, it is permitted for growers to purchase seedlings that have been produced on a separate propagation unit providing such a propagation unit has a current organic registration, having been audited by a trained and registered "Organic Inspector". The propagation facilities used for seedling production within an organic system, should be a dedicated production unit.
- (1) However by way of derogation, and with the prior consent of the organic inspection body, it will be possible for seedling production within an organic system to take place on a unit where:
- Complete segregation within the unit is provided for:
- Germination and plant raising
- Air space (heating and ventilation)
- Access
- Water (feeding and irrigation systems)
- Trays and Stillages
- Seed storage
- Growing Media
- Crop protection products
- An Auditable and rigorous nursery traceability protocol is in place for both conventional seedling production, and for the production of seedlings within an organic system, if such is carried out within the same propagation unit.
- All propagation facilities within the control of the propagation business comply with these conditions and are available for audit by the organic inspector.
Seeds used to produce young plants within an organic system should be from a confirmed organic production source. However by way of derogation until 31st December 2003 it may be possible for nurseries to produce seedlings within this standard, from seed that has not been produced organically if all of the following conditions have been met:
- Prior to sowing, propagators have satisfied CMi that they were unable to obtain in the European Market, suitable seed of an appropriate variety of the species in question.
- Prior to sowing, propagators, if in the circumstance illustrated above, must have in their possession a written derogation from an organic inspection body, permitting the use of non-organically produced seed.
- Seeds sown must not be treated with any chemical seed treatments
From 1st January 2004 only seed that has been certified by the seed company,
or breeder, as having been produced through a recognised "organic production
system" can be sown. Seeding machinery should be dedicated to the sowing of organic seed and the use of organic growing media. However by way of derogation in respect of this, and with the prior written consent of CMi, a Plant Propagator may use a single sowing line for both conventional sowing and for the
production of seedlings within an organic system providing the propagator can demonstrate the existence of suitable cleaning and segregation systems that will consistently prevent the possibility of cross- contamination of seed and growing media. Propagation nurseries must have in place suitable, and verifiable, systems for cleaning and disinfection - this to include the control and management of visitors, and staff movement within the nursery, and in particular between conventional and organic production areas. Trays and stillages used for seedling production must be dedicated to organic production, be returnable and reusable and capable of being effectively
cleaned and disinfected , using only approved (Appendix 1) disinfection chemicals. Growing media should be based on fully recycled natural substrates. However by way of derogation propagators may obtain written approval, prior to use, for substrates that may be derived wholly, or partly, form sources such as peat, provided that the source, and it’s production processes, have been approved by a registered organic inspection body.
- (1)(1) To encourage the use of sustainable growing media it is proposed to increase the use of re-cycled organic substrates by introducing the following conversion targets:
- By 31st December 2003 10% of the substrate used on an annual basis at each propagation unit must not be peat based
- By the 31st December 2004 15% of the substrate used on an annual basis at each propagation unit must not be peat based
- By the 31st December 2006 30% of the substrate used on an annual basis at each propagation unit must not be peat based
CMi and PPL will promote and encourage research into the use of alternative (to Peat) growing media for seedling production in support of these schedules However it is recognised that:
- Current inconsistencies in both the quantity and quality of available alternative growing media;
- The small rooting volumes associated with seedling production;
- A very small fraction of the growing life of a plant will be in a module or block
cumulatively create specific technical issues that will continue to pose agronomic difficulties, particularly in respect of feeding and water retention, for propagators.
Seedling production systems, in compressed blocks, where the level of peat in the growing media has, because of a specific physical need, to be more than the above maximum levels of peat will be considered by CMi on an individual basis. UKROFS will be notified by CMi of any expected peat usage above the levels stated in 7.1.1 above. Such notice will detail the reasons and circumstances behind the need.
- The fertiliser used in growing media and applied in solid or liquid form to growing plants must come for the list of approved products (Appendix 1).
- The pesticides approved for use in seedling production within an organic system are detailed in Appendix 1.
The audit schedule for the production of seedlings within an organic system is attached to this document, as are guidance notes for those who seek accreditation.
Revision no 2 01.02.2003
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