Standards Organic farming

standards regulate production methods , in cases final output organic agriculture. standards may voluntary or legislated. 1970s private associations certified organic producers. in 1980s, governments began produce organic production guidelines. in 1990s, trend toward legislated standards began, notably 1991 eu-eco-regulation developed european union, set standards 12 countries, , 1993 uk program. eu s program followed japanese program in 2001, , in 2002 u.s. created national organic program (nop). of 2007 on 60 countries regulate organic farming (ifoam 2007:11). in 2005 ifoam created principles of organic agriculture, international guideline certification criteria. typically agencies accredit certification groups rather individual farms.

organic production materials used in , foods tested independently organic materials review institute.

composting

using manure fertilizer risks contaminating food animal gut bacteria, including pathogenic strains of e. coli have caused fatal poisoning eating organic food. combat risk, usda organic standards require manure must sterilized through high temperature thermophilic composting. if raw animal manure used, 120 days must pass before crop harvested if final product comes direct contact soil. products don t directly contact soil, 90 days must pass prior harvest.