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Interview with Chip Sundstrom

• First, identify an USDA certifier and obtain and complete the application form that will include an organic production plan.
• This plan must include documentation that the varieties of crops you are producing have not been breed using prohibited breeding methods (see details in Rule).
• Current commercial varieties that are non-GMO are grandfathered in. Breeding programs that have been initiated later than 10/21/02 must strictly adhere to requirements in the Rule.
• Any generation of untreated (or treated with an approved substance) seed can be used to produce organic seed. One simply must produce an organic seed crop in, or on, a certified production system or piece of ground.
• A certifier is required to make at least one on-site inspection of production and/or processing facilities each year. The certifier will schedule this inspection in such a manner that production and/or processing operations can be suitably observed.
• The seed crop must be harvested and conditioned in such a manner that the identity and organic integrity of the seed is maintained at all times. Seed processing facilities also must be inspected and certified.
• Minor non-compliance, those issues that can be corrected and do not affect the integrity of the seed product are common, and certification can be granted under the condition that corrections will be made.
• Major non-compliance, those issues where the integrity of the product is compromised are less frequent, and such situations may jeopardize granting of certification. Fraud, of course, involves civil and possibly criminal penalties.
• The on-site inspector is required to complete an inspection report that is subsequently evaluated by the program manager or a formal evaluation committee.
• Certification is granted or denied following review of the on-site inspection report.