Organic Farm Plan Page 1 of 16 

NOSB ITEM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT 

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is seeking public comment on 

recommendations regarding “Organic Farm Plan” until November 29, 2002. With respect to 

receipt of comments by the NOSB during the comment period, the following provisions have 

been established to ensure that your comment has the greatest probability of being received 

and reviewed by the Board: 

• Mail: Persons may submit comments on listed Board recommendations by mail to: The 

National Organic Standards Board; c/o Katherine Benham; Room 4008 - South Building; 

1400 and Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, D.C. 20250-0001. 

• E-mail: Comments may be sent via internet to respective Board committees by 

submitting an E-mail to Board committee E-mail accounts provided with each 

recommendation. 

• Fax: Comments may be submitted by fax to (202) 205-7808. 

• Clearly indicate if you are for or against the Board recommendation or some part of it and 

why. Include recommended wording changes as appropriate. 

• Include a copy of articles or other references that support your comments. Only relevant 

material should be submitted. 

Organic Farm Plan 

Please fill out this questionnaire if you are requesting organic farm/crop certification. Use additional sheets if 

necessary. Sign this form. You must submit farm maps and field history sheets with this form. Attach all other 

supporting documents (soil, tissue or water tests, rented or recently purchased land histories, etc.) outlined in section 

9 of this questionnaire. This form or an update form may be used to update certification, according to certifying agent 

policies. 

SECTION 1: General Information NOP Rule 205.401 

Name 

 

Farm Name 

 

Type of Farm/Crops 

 

Address For office use only 

 

City 

 Date received 

State Date reviewed 

 

Zip code 

 

Date 

 Reviewer initials 

Phone Fees received 

 

Fax 

Email Inspector 

Legal status: Sole proprietorship Trust or non-profit Corporation Cooperative 

 Legal partnership (federal form 1065) Other (specify) 

Year first certified 

 

List previous organic 

certification by other agencies 

 

List current organic certification by 

other agencies 

Year when complete Organic 

Farm Plan Questionnaire was 

last submitted 

 
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List all crops or products requested for certification. 

 

Have you ever been denied 

certification? Yes No 

If yes, describe the circumstances: 

 

Do you understand the current 

organic standards? Yes No 

Do you have a copy of current organic standards? Yes No 

Do you have a copy of current OMRI Materials List? Yes No 

Do you intend to certify any livestock (slaughter stock, dairy, or layers) this year? Yes No 

 If yes, have you filled out an Organic Livestock Plan Questionnaire? Yes No 

Please note that you must have an Organic Livestock Plan Questionnaire on file to certify any livestock. Contact the certifying

agent to obtain an Organic Livestock Plan Questionnaire. 

Do you have any off-farm or on-farm processing done? (cleaning, bagging, bottling, etc.) Yes No 

 If yes, have you filled out an Organic Handling Plan Questionnaire? Yes No 

Please note that you must have an Organic Handling Plan Questionnaire on file to certify the processing/handling portion of your 

operation. Contact the certifying agent with your questions or to obtain an Organic Handling Plan Questionnaire. 

Give directions to your farm for the inspector. 

 

When are you available to contact? Morning Afternoon Evening 

When are you available for the inspection? Morning Afternoon Evening 

SECTION 2: Farm Plan Information NOP Rule 205.201(a) and 205.202(a) and (b) 

Please complete the table below and attach updated field history sheets that show all fields [organic (O), in transition (T) or

conventional (C)], field numbers, acres, crops planted, projected yields and inputs applied. The acreages listed in this table must 

equal field histories and maps. Pastures are considered a crop and must be listed on each form. At least 36 months of histories

are required for all fields. 

CROPS REQUESTED FOR 

CERTIFICATION FIELD NUMBERS TOTAL ACRES PER CROP PROJECTED YIELDS (VOLUME) 

 

Have you managed all fields for 3 or more years? Yes No 

If no, you must submit signed statements from the previous manager stating the use and all inputs applied during the previous 3

years on all newly rented or purchased fields. 

Are all fields requested for certification located at the main address listed in Section 1? Yes No 
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Complete this information for main farm address and each parcel that is in a separate location from the main farm 

address. 

FIELD NUMBERS PARCEL ADDRESS/ 

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

NUMBER OF ACRES: ORGANIC (O),

TRANSITIONAL (T), CONVENTIONAL (C) 

 O T C 

RENTED (R)

OR

OWNED (O) 

 

SECTION 3: Seeds and Seed Treatments NOP Rule 205.204 

NOP Rule requires the use of organically grown seeds, unless the variety is not commercially available. If using non-organic 

seeds, you must have records of your attempts to source organic seed. Synthetic seed treatments are prohibited unless 

included on the National List. Genetically engineered/modified (GMO) seeds and inoculants are prohibited in organic production.

NOP Rule uses the phrase "excluded methods" to refer to GMO products. Please save all seed and inoculant labels, and 

documentation of commercial unavailability of organic seeds to show the inspector. 

List all seeds used or planned for use in the current season. Check the appropriate boxes and provide other information as 

needed. Attach additional sheets if necessary. 

 No seeds used All seeds are organic Some untreated seed used No GMO seeds purchased/planted 

SEED/VARIETY/BRAND

ORGANIC 

(D) 

UNTREATED 

(D) 

TREATED 

(D) 

GMO

(D) 

TYPE/BRAND OF TREATMENT

FUNGICIDE INOCULANT

WHAT ATTEMPTS DID YOU MAKE TO USE 

ORGANIC/UNTREATED SEED? 

 

SECTION 4: Source of Seedlings and Perennial Stock NOP Rule 205.204 

Annual seedlings must be produced according to organic standards. Non-organic perennial plants (planting stock) must be 

managed organically for at least one year prior to harvest of crop or sale of the plant as certified organic planting stock. Organic 

seedlings and planting stock must be used if commercially available. Contact the certifying agent if you need to use non-organic 

seedlings because of an emergency. A prohibited treatment may be used if such treatment is a Federal or State phytosanitary 

requirement. 

A. DO YOUR PURCHASE ORGANIC SEEDLINGS? Yes No Not applicable 

Who are the suppliers?

 

If certified, by which agents? 

 

Do you purchase non-organic seedlings? Yes No 

 If yes, state why and describe your attempts to purchase organic seedlings. 

 

B. IF YOU GROW ORGANIC SEEDLINGS ON-FARM: Not applicable 

What type and size is your greenhouse?

 

Do you raise potted plants or plant crops directly in the ground in the greenhouse? 
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If treated wood is used in any part of your greenhouse, where is it used? 

 

List all soil mix ingredients, fertility products, foliar sprays, and/or pest and disease inputs used or planned for use in 

your organic greenhouse operation. Attach labels or have labels available for inspection, as applicable.

PRODUCT BRAND NAME OR SOURCE

STATUS: APPROVED (A) 

RESTRICTED (R)

PROHIBITED (P) 

IF RESTRICTED, DESCRIBE COMPLIANCE WITH 

NOP RULE ANNOTATION

CHECK IF 

GMO (D

 

What equipment do you use in your watering system? 

 

How do you prevent seedling diseases and/or insect problems? 

 

C. IF YOU GROW BOTH ORGANIC AND NON-ORGANIC PLANTS IN YOUR GREENHOUSE: Not applicable 

What organic and non-organic crops are grown? List varieties if the same organic and non-organic corps are grown (parallel 

production). 

 

How do you separate and identify organic and non-organic growing areas? 

 

How do you label organic and non-organic seedlings/plants? 

 

List all soil mix ingredients, fertility products, foliar sprays, water system additives, and/or pest and disease inputs 

used or planned for use in your non-organic greenhouse operation. Attach labels or have labels available for the inspector, 

as applicable. 

PRODUCT BRAND NAME OR SOURCE

STATUS: APPROVED (A)

RESTRICTED ® 

PROHIBITED (P) 

IF RESTRICTED, DESCRIBE COMPLIANCE WITH 

NOP RULE ANNOTATION

CHECK IF 

GMO

(D) 

 
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How do you prevent commingling of organic and non-organic soil mixes during mixing and storage? 

 

Where do you store inputs used for non-organic production? 

 

How do you prevent drift of prohibited materials through ventilation and/or watering systems? 

 

How do you clean seedling containers and equipment? 

 

D. PLANTING STOCK: (Use additional sheets if necessary) Not applicable 

TYPE PLANTING STOCK 

SOURCE

ORGANIC 

(D) 

NONORGANIC 

(D)

IF NONORGANIC, DATE 

PLANTED

IF NON-ORGANIC,

EXPECTED 

HARVEST DATE

IF NON-ORGANIC, DESCRIBE 

ATTEMPTS TO OBTAIN ORGANIC 

PLANTING STOCK

 

SECTION 5: Soil and Crop Fertility Management NOP Rule 205.203 and 205.205 
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A. GENERAL INFORMATION AND EVALUATION: 

What are your general soil types? 

 

What are your soil/nutrient deficiencies? No deficiencies 

 

How do you monitor the effectiveness of your fertility management program? soil testing 

 microbiological testing tissue testing observation of soil observation of crop health 

 comparison of crop yields crop quality testing other (specify) 

Attach copies of available test results. 

How often do you conduct fertility monitoring? weekly monthly annually as needed 

 other (specify) 

Rate the effectiveness of your fertility management program. excellent satisfactory needs improvement 

 What changes do you anticipate? 

 

What are the major components of your soil and crop fertility plan? 

 crop rotation green manure plowdown/cover crops interplanting incorporation of crop residues 

 subsoiling summer fallow compost on-farm manure off-farm manure soil amendments 

 side dressing foliar fertilizers biodynamic preparations soil inoculants other (specify) 

List all fertility inputs used or intended for use in the current season on proposed organic and transitional fields. All 

inputs used during the current year and previous three years must be listed on the Field History Sheet. Not applicable 

PRODUCT BRAND NAME OR SOURCE

STATUS: APPROVED (A)

RESTRICTED (R) 

PROHIBITED (P) 

NUMBER OF 

APPLICATIONS 

PER YEAR

REASON FOR USE

 

If you use or plan to use restricted (R) fertility inputs, how do you comply with the "annotation"? Not applicable 

 

If you use fertilizers with high salt content (sodium nitrate, potassium sulfate, etc.), how do you prevent salt build-up? 

 Not applicable 

Do you burn crop residues? Yes No 

 If yes, please describe what materials are burned and why. 

 

Do you apply sewage sludge to fields? Yes No 

 If yes, list fields where applied. 

 

B. COMPOST USE: 
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NOP Rule 205.203(c)(2) requires that the composting process include a C:N ration of between 25:1 and 40:1 and maintenance 

of temperatures between 131oF. and 170oF for a specific number of days, depending on the method of composting. Keep a 

compost production record to verify compliance. 

List all compost ingredients/additives. Not applicable

 

What composting method do you use? in-vessel static aerated pile windrows other (specify) 

What is your C:N ratio? 

 

Do you monitor temperature? Yes No 

 If yes, what temperature is maintained. 

 

How long is this temperature maintained? 

 

If compost is windrowed, how many times are materials turned? 

 

C. MANURE USE: 

NOP Rule 205.203(c)(1) requires that raw manure be fully composted unless applied to fields with crops not for human 

consumption or incorporated into the soil 120 days prior to harvest for crops whose edible portions has direct contact with the

soil, or 90 days prior to harvest for all other crops for human consumption. 

What forms of manure do you use? none liquid semi-solid piled fully composted 

 other (specify) 

What types of crops do you grow? Check all boxes that apply. 

 crops not used for human consumption 

 crops for human consumption whose edible portion has direct contact with the soil or soil particles 

 crops for human consumption whose edible portion does not have direct contact with the soil or soil particles 

If you grow crops for human consumption and use raw manure, complete the following table. If composting manure, 

please fill out Section B above.

CROP(S) FIELD NUMBERS

DATE MANURE IS 

APPLIED

EXPECTED DATE OF 

HARVEST

 

What is the source of the manure you use? on-farm off-farm Not applicable 

List all sources of off-farm manure. 

 

List all manure ingredients/additives. 

 

If you use manure, what are the potential contaminants (pit additives, feed additives, pesticides, antibiotics, heavy 

metals, etc.) from these sources? Attach residue analysis/additive specifications for manure, if available. 

 

 

D. NATURAL RESOURCES: 
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NOP Rule 205.200 and 205.203(a) requires that production practices maintain or improve the natural resources of the operation, 

including soil and water quality. Practices must minimize erosion. Depending on certifying agent policy, water tests may be 

required for nitrate and coliform bacteria if water is used for washing/processing organic products or for organic livestock. 

Irrigation water should not contaminate organic crops with prohibited materials. Methods to conserve water usage should be part

of the irrigation plan. 

What soil conservation practices are used? terraces contour farming strip cropping winter cover crops 

 undersowing/interplanting conservation tillage permanent waterways windbreaks firebreaks 

 tree lines retention ponds riparian management maintain wildlife habitat other (specify) 

What soil erosion problems do you experience (why and on which fields)? none

 

Describe your efforts to minimize soil erosion problems listed above. 

 

Describe how you monitor the effectiveness of your soil conservation program. 

 

How often do you conduct conservation monitoring? weekly monthly annually as needed 

 other (specify) 

 WATER USE: none 

 irrigation livestock foliar sprays washing crops greenhouse other (specify) 

Source of water: on-site well(s) river/creek/pond spring municipal/county irrigation district 

 other (specify) 

Attach current water tests for nitrates and coliform bacteria, per certifying agent policy. 

Type of irrigation system: none 

 drip flood center pivot other (specify) 

What input products are applied through the irrigation system? none 

 

What products do you use to clean irrigation lines/nozzles? none 

 

Is the system shared with another operator? Yes 

No 

 If yes, what products do they use? 

 

Is the system flushed and documented between conventional and organic use? Yes No 

What practices are used to protect water quality? 

 fencing livestock from waterways scheduled use of water to conserve its use tensiometer/monitoring 

 laser leveling/land forming drip irrigation micro-spray other (specify) 

List known contaminants in water supplies in your area. Attach residue analysis and/or salinity test results, if applicable. 

 

Describe your efforts to minimize water contamination problems listed above. Not applicable

 

Describe how you monitor the effectiveness of your water quality program. 

 

How often do you conduct water quality monitoring? weekly monthly annually as needed 

 other (specify) 

SECTION 6: Crop Management NOP Rule 205.205 and 205.206 
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NOP Rule requires a crop rotation plan that maximizes soil organic matter content, prevents weed, pest, and disease problems, 

and manages deficient or excess plant nutrients. Your crop rotation may include sod, cover crops, green manure crops, and 

catch crops. Producers must utilize sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weed seeds, and habitat for pests. Cultural

practices, including selection of plant species and varieties adapted to site-specific conditions, must be used to enhance crop

health. 

Approved synthetic materials on the National List 205.601 may only be used when management practices are insufficient to 

prevent or control problems. All weed, pest, and disease inputs must be approved. A "restricted" input has specific annotations

for its use. If you use a "restricted" material, you must provide evidence of how you address the materials' annotation. 

A. CROP ROTATION PLANS: (Use one line for each rotation used) 

CROP ROTATION PLAN

FIELD NUMBERS WHERE PLAN IS 

FOLLOWED ANTICIPATED CHANGES

 

B. WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN: No weed problems 

What are your problem weeds? 

 

What weed control methods do you use? crop rotation field preparation prevention of weed seed set 

 delayed seeding monitoring soil temperature soil sterilization use of fast emerging varieties 

 mechanical cultivation use of hand tools hand weeding mowing livestock grazing 

 flame weeding steam weeding electrical smother crops black fallow non-synthetic mulch 

 synthetic mulch corn gluten soap-based herbicides other (specify) 

Do you keep a record of how often you utilize these weed control methods, i.e., dates and fields when you cultivate or 

flame weed? Yes No 

All inputs used or intended for use during the current year and used in the previous three years must be listed on your Field 

History Sheet. 

USE OF RESTRICTED WEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: none used 

If you use plastic or other synthetic mulches, is the mulch removed at the end of the growing or harvest season? 

 Yes No 

 If no, why not? 

 

If you use corn gluten, is the corn genetically modified? Yes No 

 If no, what verification do you have? 

 

If you use soap-based herbicides, list all areas where used. 

 

If you use newspaper or other recycled paper for mulch, do you use paper with glossy or colored inks? Yes No

EVALUATION: 

Rate the effectiveness of your weed management program: excellent satisfactory needs improvement 

What changes do you anticipate? 

 

How do you monitor the effectiveness of your weed management program? weed counts 

 observation of weed types comparison of crop yields records kept of observations/counts 

 other (specify) 

How often do you conduct weed monitoring? weekly monthly annually as needed 

 other (specify) 

C. PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN: No pest problems 
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What are your problem pests? insects (list) 

 rodents gophers birds other animals (specify) 

Do you work with a pest control advisor? Yes No 

 If yes, give name and contact information. 

 

What strategies do you use to control pest damage to crops? none used 

 crop rotation selection for plant species/varieties development of habitat for natural enemies 

 timing of planting companion planting frog ponds bat houses bird houses hand picking 

 monitoring trap crops physical barriers physical removal traps lures IPM 

 insect repellents animal repellents release of predators/parasites of pest species 

 use of approved products use of restricted products limited use of prohibited products 

 other (specify) 

Do you keep a record of how often you utilize these pest control methods, i.e., dates when you scout or apply inputs to 

a specific field or crop? Yes No 

List all pest control products used or intended for use in the current season on organic and transitional fields. All 

inputs used or intended for use during the current year and in the previous three years must be listed on your Field History 

Sheet. Not applicable 

PEST PROBLEM CONTROL PRODUCT

STATUS: APPROVED (A) 

RESTRICTED (R) 

PROHIBITED (P) 

IF RESTRICTED, DESCRIBE COMPLIANCE WITH NOP

RULE ANNOTATION

CHECK IF 

GMO (D) 

 

EVALUATION: 

Rate the effectiveness of your pest management program? excellent satisfactory needs improvement 

What changes do you anticipate? 

 

How do you monitor the effectiveness of your pest management program? insect monitoring with traps 

 observation of crop health comparison of crop yields crop quality testing monitoring records kept 

 other (specify) 

Attach copies of your test results, if applicable. 

How often do you conduct pest monitoring? weekly monthly annually as needed 

 other (specify) 

D. DISEASE MANAGEMENT PLAN: No disease problems 

What are your problem crop diseases? 

 

What disease prevention strategies do you use? crop rotation field sanitation plant spacing 

 selection of plant species/varieties timing of planting/cultivating vector management soil balancing 

 solarization companion planting compost/tea use use of approved materials 

 use of restricted materials limited use of prohibited materials other (specify) 

D. DISEASE MANAGEMENT PLAN: (continued) 
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List all disease management inputs used or intended for use on your organic and transitional fields/crops. All inputs 

used or intended for use during the current year and used in the previous three years must be listed on your Field History Sheet. 

 Not applicable

DISEASE PROBLEM CONTROL PRODUCT

STATUS: APPROVED (A) 

RESTRICTED (R) 

PROHIBITED (P) 

IF RESTRICTED, DESCRIBE COMPLIANCE WITH 

NOP RULE ANNOTATION

CHECK IF 

GMO

(D) 

 

EVALUATION: 

Rate the effectiveness of your disease management program? excellent satisfactory needs improvement 

What changes do you anticipate? 

 

How do you monitor the effectiveness of your pest management program? soil testing 

 microbiological testing observation of soil observation of crop health comparison of crop yields 

 crop quality testing monitoring records kept other (specify) 

Attach copies of your test results, if applicable. 

How often do you conduct pest monitoring? weekly monthly annually as needed 

 other (specify) 

SECTION 7: Maintenance of Organic Integrity NOP Rule 205.201(a)(5) and 205.202(c) 

A. ADJOINING LAND USE:

NOP RULE requires that organic production areas have distinct boundaries and buffer zones to prevent the unintended 

application of a prohibited substance or contact with a prohibited substance that is applied to adjoining land not under organic 

management. Adjoining land includes crop land, pastures, residential property, fallow land, etc. Buffer areas may change 

annually, depending on contamination potential from adjoining land uses. The width of the minimum buffer is dependent on 

certifying agent policy. The NOP Rule requires that the buffer must be sufficient in size or other features (windbreaks, diversion 

ditches) to prevent the unintended contact by prohibited substances applied to adjacent land areas. Crops within the required 

buffer must be left unharvested or harvested, stored, and disposed of as nonorganic crop, with records kept of crop disposition. 

Indicate buffer zones and show all adjoining land uses on your field maps. 

List specific buffer areas you maintain. (Show all adjoining land uses on your field maps.) Not applicable 

LOCATION OR

FIELD NUMBER

TYPE OF BUFFER 

(CROP LAND, TREELINE,

HEDGEROW, WILDLIFE 

PLANTING, GRASS STRIP) 

WIDTH OF 

BUFFER

ADJOINING LAND USE

IF CROP IS HARVESTED FROM 

BUFFER, DESCRIBE USE (SALE,

NON-ORGANIC LIVESTOCK FEED,

SEED, ETC.) 

 

A. ADJOINING LAND USE: (continued) 
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If crops are harvested from the buffer zones with equipment used for harvesting organic crops, what safeguards do 

you use to protect organic crops from contact with buffer crops during harvest? 

 

What additional safeguards do you use to prevent accidental contamination? none 

 Written notification to: highway departments electric companies aerial spray companies/airports 

 adjoining landowners drainage commissions farm service office other (specify) 

Have you posted "No Spray" signs along roadsides that adjoin organic fields? Yes No 

Do any fields or portions of fields flood frequently? (more than once every ten years) Yes No 

 If yes, list field numbers 

How do you monitor for crop contamination? visual observation residue analysis GMO testing 

 photographs wind direction/speed data other (specify) 

How often do you conduct crop contamination monitoring? weekly monthly annually as needed 

 other (specify) 

Do you grow the same crops organically, as well as in transition, and/or conventionally? Yes No

This is called 'parallel production'. If yes, list specific crop varieties in the next table for both organic and 

transitional/conventional crops.

If you grow any conventional or transitional crops, please fill out the following tables. Not applicable 

SPECIFIC 

CROPS/VARIETIES

FIELD NUMBERS

TRANSITIONAL (T)

OR 

CONVENTIONAL (C)

CHECK IF 

GMO

(D) 

TOTAL 

ACREAGE

PLANNED USE OF CROP 

(SALE, SEED, NONORGANIC 

LIVESTOCK FEED, ETC.)

SAME AS 

ORGANIC 

CROP? Y OR N 

 

Prohibited soil amendments used on conventional crops: 

PRODUCT NAME WHO APPLIES? 

SELF (S) OR CUSTOM (C)

FIELD NUMBERS 

WHERE APPLIED

WHERE STORED? (ON-FARM OR OFF-FARM;

WHERE ON FARM?) 

 

Prohibited herbicides/pesticides used on conventional crops: 

PRODUCT NAME WHO APPLIES? 

SELF (S) OR CUSTOM (C) 

FIELD NUMBERS WHERE APPLIED WHERE STORED? (ON-FARM OR OFF-FARM;

WHERE ON FARM?) 

 
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C. EQUIPMENT: 

To prevent commingling and contamination, all equipment used in organic crop production must be free of non-organic crops 

and prohibited materials, Equipment used for both organic and non-organic farming must be cleaned and flushed prior to use on 

organic fields or crops. Keep records of equipment clean and flush activities. 

List equipment used for planting, tillage, spraying, and harvesting. Not applicable 

EQUIPMENT NAME OWNED (O), RENTED 

(R), OR CUSTOM (C) 

CHECK IF USED ON BOTH ORGANIC 

AND CONVENTIONAL (D) 

HOW IS EQUIPMENT CLEANED BEFORE USE ON 

ORGANIC FIELDS? 

 

Is your equipment maintained so that fuel, oil and hydraulic fluid do not leak? Yes No Not applicable 

If you use a sprayer: 

 What type? Did you purchase it new or used? new used 

Other equipment: 

 Could any equipment you use have been contaminated by previous uses? Yes No 

 If yes, describe: 

 

D. HARVEST: 

NOP Rule 205.272(b)(1) and (2) requires that containers, bins, and packaging materials must not contain synthetic fungicides, 

preservatives, or fumigants. All reusable containers must be thoroughly cleaned and pose no risk of contamination prior to use.

How are your organic crops harvested? mechanical by hand 

Are any organic crops custom harvested? Yes No 

 If yes, provide name and address of custom harvester. 

 

Describe steps taken to protect organic crops from commingling and contamination during harvest. 

 

What containers are used for harvesting? gravity wagons/boxes truck boxes cardboard/waxed boxes 

 wooden totes plastic containers other (specify) 

Are containers new or used? new used 

 If used, what did they contain prior to organic use? 

 

Are the containers used for organic crops only? Yes No 

Describe potential contamination or commingling problems you have with harvest of organic crops. none 

 
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E. POST-HARVEST HANDLING: Not applicable 

NOP Rule 205.201(a)(5) requires that post-harvest handling procedures do not contaminate organic products with non-organic 

crops or prohibited materials. For on-farm processing, you may need to complete an Organic Handling Plan Questionnaire. 

Describe your post-harvest handling procedures and equipment. 

 

Is the processing area and equipment used for both organic and non-organic products? Yes No 

 If yes, describe steps taken to prevent commingling and contamination. 

 

Does packaging present any contamination problems for your organic products? Yes No 

 If yes, what are they? 

 

Check types of packaging material used: bulk paper cardboard wood glass metal 

 foil plastic waxed paper aseptic natural fiber synthetic fiber other (specify) 

In what form are finished products shipped? dry bulk liquid bulk tote bags tote boxes paper bags 

 foil bags metal drums mesh bags cardboard drums cardboard cases plastic crates 

 other (specify) 

F. CROP STORAGE: No organic crop storage

Operators must keep organic and non-organic crops in separate storage areas and prevent commingling and contamination. 

Storage records must be maintained. 

Describe your storage locations. 

STORAGE ID # TYPE OF CROPS STORED TYPE OF STORAGE CAPACITY/SIZE ORGANIC (O), TRANSITIONAL (T),

BUFFER (B), CONVENTIONAL (C) 

 

Do you use the same storage areas for organic, transitional, buffer, and/or conventional crops. Yes No 

 If yes, how do you segregate organic crops from non-organic crops? 

 

How do you clean storage units prior to storage of organic crops? 

 

How do you prevent/control insect pests in crop storage areas? No insect problems 

 

How do you control rodents in crop storage areas? No rodent problems 

 

What stored crop inputs have you used in the last three years? none 

 synthetic fumigants rodenticides sprouting inhibitors ripeners growth regulators 

 preservatives oils coloring agents waxes other (specify) 

Are any stored crop inputs used or planned for use on organic crops? Yes No 

 If yes, specify input and retain labels. 

 
Organic Farm Plan Page 15 of 16 

G. TRANSPORTATION: Not applicable 

Who is responsible for arranging transportation of organic products? self buyer other (specify) 

Describe how organic products are transported. 

 

What potential contamination or commingling problems do you have with the transport of organic crops? none 

 

What steps are taken to protect the integrity of organic products during transport? 

 dedicated organic only inspecting transport units prior to loading cleaning transport units prior to loading 

 use of Clean Truck Affidavits letter/contract with transport company stating organic requirements 

 other (specify) 

SECTION 8: Record Keeping System NOP Rule 205.103 

NOP Rule requires that records disclose all activities and transactions of the operation, be maintained for 5 years, and 

demonstrate compliance with the NOP Rule. Organic products must be tracked back to the field/location where they were 

produced/harvested. All records must be accessible to the inspector. 

A. RECORDS: Please have these records available for the inspector.

Which of the following records do you keep for organic production? 

 field maps 

 field activity log(s) 

 field history sheets (previous three years) 

 documentation of previous land use for rented and/or newly purchased land 

 input records for soil amendments, seeds, manure, foliar sprays, and pest control products (keep all labels) 

 documentation of attempts to source organic seeds and/or planting stock 

 documentation of organic seedlings 

 residue analyses of inputs (i.e., manure sourced off-farm) 

 compost production records 

 monitoring records (soil tests, tissue tests, water tests, quality tests, observations) 

 equipment cleaning records 

 harvest records that show field numbers, date of harvest, and harvest amounts (including custom harvest records) 

 label records 

 storage records that show storage location, storage identification, field numbers, amounts stored, and cleaning activities 

 clean transport records 

 sales records (purchase order, contract, invoice, cash receipts, cash receipt journal, sales journal, etc.) 

 shipping records (scale ticket, dump station ticket, bill of lading) 

 Transaction Certificates 

 audit control summary 

 complaint log 

 other (please specify) 

How long do you keep your records? 

Which of the following records do you keep for conventional production? Not applicable 

 field maps labor records 

 field history sheets storage records 

 input records sales records 

 harvest records shipping records 

 other (specify) 

 
Organic Farm Plan Page 16 of 16 

B. MARKETING: 

Type of Marketing: 

 farmers market direct to retail CSA/subscription service wholesale on-farm retail

 bulk commodities to processor contract to buyer other (specify) 

Do you use or plan to use the USDA organic seal on product labels or market information? Yes No 

Do you use or plan to use the seal of the certifying agent on product labels or market information? Yes No 

Attach copies of all organic product labels. 

SECTION 9: Affirmation 

I affirm that all statements made in this application are true and correct. No prohibited products have been applied to any of my 

organically managed fields during the three-year period prior to projected harvest. I understand that the operation may be 

subject to unannounced inspection and/or sampling for residues at any time as deemed appropriate to ensure compliance with 

the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and National Organic Program Rules and Regulations. I understand that acceptance 

of this questionnaire in no way implies granting of certification by the certifying agent. I agree to provide further information as 

required by the certifying agent. 

Signature of Operator Date 

I have attached the following documents: 

 Maps of all parcels/fields (showing adjoining land use and field identification) 

 Field history sheets 

 Documentation for fields owned or rented for less than three years, if applicable 

 Water test, if applicable 

 Soil and/or plant tissue tests, if applicable 

 Residue analyses, if applicable 

 Input product labels, if applicable 

 Organic product labels, if applicable 

 I have made copies of this questionnaire and other supporting documents for my own records. 

Submit completed form, fees, and supporting documents to: 
Organic Farm Plan Page 17 of 16 

FIELD HISTORY SHEET 

Instructions: Fill out this Field History Sheet for all fields (organic, transitional, and conventional). You can use yo

contains the same information. List all inputs used or planned for use, including compost and/or manure. Inputs that must include the rate and date of application unless you are keeping separate input records. Keep copies for youaccompany your Organic Farm Plan or Organic Farm Plan Update form. 

Code: O = Organic; T = In Transition/Conversion to Organic; C = Conventional Producer Name 

Code Field 

 No. 

ACRES/ 

ha. 

 Year  Crop I n puts 

 Year  Crop Inputs 

 Year  Crop Inputs 

  C