Organic Apiculture Standards
Beekeepers wanting to market
organic honey or other organic bee products will need certification by a
USDA-accredited organic certification agency. Please refer to ATTRAs Organic
Farm Certification and the National Organic Program for general certification
information.
The National Organic
Standards Board (NOSB) Apiculture Task Force Report was released September 15,
2001. The Draft Organic Apiculture Standard recommendations, while serving as
guidelines, are not regulations (standards) until formally implemented by USDA/
National Organic Program. The NOSB recommendations are available at the
USDA/NOP website,
The NOSB report recommends that
if products from an apiculture operation are to be sold as organic, the bees
and hives have to be managed in compliance with the organic livestock standards
for at least 270 days prior to removal of products from the hive. This includes
developing an organic apiculture plan for your organic certification agency and
observing all the national organic provisions. For example:
-Origin of the livestock Hives have to be under
continuous organic management for no less than 270 days prior to removal of
honey or other products, or hives need to be purchased from organic sources.
-Supplemental feed Organic honey and organic sugar
syrup are allowed up to 30 days prior to honey harvest.
- Forage area Hives have to be located at least 4
miles from any area using prohibited materials listed in the standards or from
any contaminated sites. ï Living conditions Hives must be made of natural
materials, such as wood or metal, but not with treated lumber.
-Health care practices Make sure all therapeutic
products are listed on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
as NOSB approved, or are approved by your organic certification agency.
-Record keeping Necessary for documenting movement
of hive, health care, and sale of products, as well as for auditing.
Comments
Post a Comment