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Natural Resource Conservation and Organic Farming

CCOF and Natural Resource Conservation
In January 2010, CCOF developed an entirely new section of our Organic System Plan (OSP) aimed at capturing valuable natural resource conservation strategies used on our certified organic operations. The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) defines “Natural resources” as the physical, hydrological, and biological features of an operation, including soil, water, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife. The recently added OSP section G4.2 Natural Resources, which can be found here: www.ccof.org/osp.php was designed to highlight an organic operation’s current and ongoing efforts to maintain or improve their natural resources.

Primary conservation principals such as water management, preservation & development of wildlife habitat, control of invasive species and natural resource planning/monitoring are featured in the new form. While CCOF producers, inspectors, & certification staff have always been vigilant when monitoring the natural resources of a certified organic operation, our new form provides a more systematic method for CCOF to observe and record the efforts of a given producer.

In January 2010, CCOF mailed out our new OSP form to all of our certified organic growers, along with this letter requesting they consider areas on their farm where they are actively maintaining or improving natural resources. To aid grower’s in their efforts to describe on farm conservation efforts, CCOF included a Biodiversity brochure, developed by the Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) in partnership with the Community Alliance for Family Farms (CAFF). The brochure, which can be found below, highlights practical strategies for increasing biodiversity on farms.

History of CCOF and Natural Resource Conservation
CCOF recognizes the importance of natural resources in organic farming and has always sought to enhance the implementation of organic standards linked to the issue of biodiversity and natural resource conservation. In late 2005, CCOF supplied all of our clients with biodiversity guides and a letter of support for the Wild Farm Alliance’s (WFA) efforts. The Wild Farm Alliance actively works to integrate biodiversity requirements and education into organic standards.

In 2008, CCOF began the implementation of an initiative linked to the inspection process which addressed the issue of biodiversity and greatly aided in the development of our current Natural Resources OSP form noted above. Currently, CCOF inspectors are asking certified operations a number of questions aimed at identifying and describing the riparian areas or other sensitive natural resources, ecosystems or wildlife habitats that constitute part of our certified clients operations and about any efforts being taken by clients to maintain or improve these and other natural resources. We hope these and other efforts will help CCOF and our clients lead the way in organic farming as we have done for decades.

"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of
the biotic community. It is wrong when it does otherwise."
- Aldo Leopold

Introduction to Natural Resource Conservation
Organic agriculture can provide natural habitat that supports pollination and pest control, protects water quality, meets the needs of multiple native animals and plants, and makes a meaningful contribution to wild Nature. On most farms, opportunities exist to accommodate the needs of native species with only minor changes to farming practices. Ultimately, increasing biological diversity brings stability and resilience to the farm.

Biodiversity: What it is and how to Increase it on your farm

	WFA in collaboration with Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) have created this brochure for a quick understanding of what you can do to benefit from and support natural resource conservation/biodiversity. Download this brochure here.

Letter to CCOF Certified Farmers Introducing Farm Biodiversity Conservation Guides

CCOF has recognized the importance of biodiversity in organic farming. The Wild Farm Alliance (WFA) is working to make available biodiversity educational materials that help farmers address the requirements in the organic standards. Read the 2005 letter provided by CCOF and WFA to CCOF certified farmers introducing new farm biodiversity conservation guides.

Biodiversity Conservation: Guides for Organic Farmers and Certifiers



Complete Farmer Guide to Biodiversity		Complete Certifiers Guide to Biodiversity
Contact WFA to receive a hard copy of one or both of the guides. The Wild Farm Alliance has produced biodiversity guides available for farmers and certifiers which lay out a range of farm management possibilities for a variety of situations that maintain and enhance biodiversity at the farm level and contribute to biodiversity conservation outside of farm borders at the regional or watershed level. Download summary

POLLINATORS

Wild Pollinators: Agriculture's Forgotten Partners

This latest installment in the WFA Briefing Paper series explores the historic role of native pollinators in food production, gives specific information regarding where they live, and which crops benefit from the many native bees. In addition, the paper outlines what other growers have done to attract these beneficial creatures to their farm. Download a copy of this paper here.

Farming for Pollinators

The Xerces Society has several publications related to pollinators. This publication goes over the critical requirements of native bees, explains why they are such effective pollinators, and suggests practical ways to improve their habitat on your land. Check out their publications here.

Farming for Bees: Guidelines for Providing Native Bee Habitat on Farms

A lengthier booklet from Xerces Society, this guide examines the importance of conserving native bees, methods for creating foraging and nesting habitat, and features case studies of farmers successfully accommodating native bees on their farms

HEDGEROWS

Hedgerows: Benefit to Farmers, Benefits to Wildlife

	This quickly read brochure goes over the benefits and functions of hedgerows in the farmscape, lists important considerations for successful plant establishment, explains how to avoid potential problems, and gives examples of typical hedgerow plants. It was prepared by the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County and CAFF. Download a copy of this publication here.

Hedgerows for California Agriculture

More detailed hedgerow information is found in this manual. It helps farmers choose and care for regionally appropriate plants that attract beneficial insects and prevent erosion. Also, a listing of native plant nurseries and consultants/contractors specializing in hedgerow and other restoration projects is included. Download a copy of this publication here.

WATER QUALITY
Handbook of Agricultural Conservation Practices

The Resource Conservation District of Monterey County published this guide to serve as a first step in exploring resource conservation management options. The handbook contains photos and descriptions of various engineered and non-engineered practices including, but not limited to, vegetated waterways, filter strips, tailwater recovery systems, irrigation water management, and road seeding. Download a copy of this publication here.

California Regional Conservation Districts

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