PRODUCTION (Farming and/or Gardening) APPLICATION FORM
DEMETER and ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
Welcome to Demeter UK and BDA Organic Certification. We certify to two standards, biodynamic (‘Demeter’) and organic. Both meet the minimum UK standards for organic farming as specified in EU Regulation 834/2007 and associated EU regulations. In addition, Demeter meets the international Demeter standard for biodynamic production. Food grown and certified under the Demeter standards can be called biodynamic, Demeter, and organic in the UK and worldwide. Demeter certification includes organic certification.
How to apply: This application form is for producers entering land into conversion to Demeter production. The BDA Certification Organic and Demeter Production Standards are available on the website Paper copies are available if requested. You are asked to read the standards carefully and observe all the requirements specified there from the time that you enter your land into conversion. When the Certification Office receives your application (comprising completed application form, application fee, and farm map with field numbers and areas) we will review the application and agree your conversion plan. Normally the conversion period for your land will begin on the date that your application form was received by the Office.
Inspection and certification: Within two months of receiving your application, the Certification office will arrange for an inspector to visit your farm/garden. During this visit the inspector will assess your farming or gardening system to ensure that the requirements of the BDA Organic and Demeter Production Standards are being met. If you have any questions regarding the Standards, please ask the inspector at the time of your inspection or contact the Office at any time. It is essential that you understand the requirements for Demeter and organic certification as specified in our Standards, therefore we encourage you to ask any questions that you may have regarding these requirements.
Before the visit, the Inspector will send you the ProductionQuestionnaire. You should fill this in before the inspection visit. During the visit, the inspector will complete an assessment report and carry out a farm/garden walk to look at your land, crops and livestock. The assessment report lists any instances of non-compliance to the standards. A Certification Officer will review the inspector’s assessment report, and a decision will be made regarding the granting of certification. The Administrator will then send you the appropriate certificate(s) for your products: ‘in-conversion to organic’, ‘in-conversion to Demeter’, ‘organic ’, or ‘Demeter’ (the last two usually require a 2 or 3 year conversion period). If certification is denied, your products cannot be sold as biodynamic, Demeter, or organic.
Your details: Your name and contact details as a registered biodynamic and organic producer are required by EU Regulation to be placed in the public domain and will be submitted to DEFRA for that purpose. All other information submitted by you to our inspector or to the Certification Office is strictly confidential. This information will only be released to DEFRA, Trading Standards, or to another approved organic certification body, and only for the purposes of verifying the organic integrity of food products produced or traded by your business.
Please fill in all relevant sections of this form clearly. If you need additional space, please use a separate sheet. Please return the completed and signed form to:
Demeter UK & BDA Certification, Painswick Inn Project, Stroud, Glos. GL5 1QGEmail:
Your details
Farm/ Garden name (name of the holding or company)
Contact person(s)
(this person must assume full
responsibility for ensuring adherence
to the organic and Demeter Standards)
Address for correspondence
Post codeTelephone
Mobile phoneE-mail address
Agricultural Holding NumberSDALFA
If you are a tenant, have you notified your landlord of your intention to convert to organic & biodynamic?
YesNo
Main enterprises (e.g. cereals, sheep, beef, diary)
Are you VAT registered?Yes No VAT number ......
Directions to farm (or draw/ attach map so that our inspector can find you)
Reasons for changing to biodynamic methods?
About your enterprise
In the first column, please tick all enterprises currently practiced on your farm.
In the second column, please tick all enterprises you are planning to convert to biodynamic production, or new biodynamic enterprises you plan to introduce in the future.
CropscurrentproposedLivestockcurrent proposed
non-organicbiodynamicnon-organic biodynamic
(or organic)(or organic)
Grass and forageDairy cattle
CerealsBeef cattle
Protein cropsPigs
PotatoesSheep
Vegetable/ root cropsPoultry (meat)
HerbsPoultry (eggs)
Greenhouse cropsOther ______
Top fruitOn-farm Processing/Packing
Soft fruitBox scheme
HoneyEgg packing
OtherFarm/retail shop
Other ______
How long have you been farming/growing commercially at this holding? ______
On another holding ______?
Please provide a rough description (or attach a sketch plan) of your farmyard, indicating approximate dimension of each building, its use, number of animals housed, capacity of silos/storage areas.
Your land: conversion areas, rented land and common grazing
The total land area being entered into conversion in this application(hectares)______
Other land already in conversion or fully biodynamic/organic certified(hectares)______
Other agricultural or horticultural land not being entered into(hectares)______
conversion, not in conversion, or not fully biodynamic certified
Woods not used for grazing or food production, buildings,(hectares)______
and any other land not included above
Total area of holding (should be total of above)(hectares)______
(We may ask you for additional details if you manage or own agricultural or horticultural land not being registered with Demeter UK)
Do you rent land for grazing, cropping, etc.? Yes No
If yes, is this land included in the land registered by you with Demeter UK?
If no, please provide the name of the person, the certification body, and registration number for this land
......
Is common grazing being used? Yes No
If yes, please give details (including no. days per year on this land)
Farm/Holding - Map
Please attach a map showing the organic and biodynamic status of your land, including field numbers and areas. Please use an IACS or OS map, and indicate on the map whether each field/area of land is
- Included in this application
- Already certified organic or in conversion to organic
- Not organic
I have attached a field map Yes
Contracted works (such as grain storage, potato grading, slaughtering)
Does another operator carry out any of your storage, handling or grading?Yes No
If YES, please state what operation is carried out:
Contact name(s)
Address
Tel numberMobile numberE-mail
Previous organic certification
Have you ever been denied organic certification or had your organic certification terminated?
Yes No
If yes, please provide details of any actions taken since to address the issues that led to the denial or termination.
Are you transferring from another Organic Certification Body?
Yes No
If yes, please specify which Organic Certification Body.
Demeter UK & BDA Certification Office, Painswick Inn Project, Gloucester Street, Stroud, Glos GL5 1QG Tel / Fax: 01453 766296Email: Web: VAT No: 791 2859 91 Charity Commission No. 1158301
February 2018 / Page 1 of 21 / Ref No: FGAppDem
Your Biodynamic Conversion Plan
Going biodynamic means changing your field and livestock systems. Your Biodynamic Conversion Plan must show that you have a full knowledge of the Demeter Standards, an understanding of what conversion to biodynamic status requires, and a detailed plan for how this will be implemented in practice on your farm. You may need to modify this plan in the future, but it is useful to set it down now.
Your farm
Please introduce your farm in its setting – its landscape and surroundings. Mention the slopes, soils, and climate, and say if there are woods, hills, rivers... If possible, please include somephotos of your farm or garden and the people who live and work there.
Your proposed farm system
Please say in very broad terms how the farm is presently run, and how you plan to run it in the future (main livestock breeds, grazing types and crop types ....)
Present system
Proposed system
Soil management
What type of soil do you have? Soil analysis? Soil problems?
How is the soil managed at present?
Soil management changes planned – how will you develop soil fertility and structure? Mention any cultivation, ploughing...
Manures and fertilisers
Please give details of your fertility and manure management, including sources of manure, manure handling and storage, methods used for spreading, and likely quantities to be applied per hectare. What about slurry and dirty water? Will there be any other soil fertility inputs, and how often are these planned? (Lime? Rock phosphate? Potash? Horticultural waste?)
Current practice:
Changes planned:
Whole Farm Nutrient Budget: Will the above inputs balance the losses from production and natural processes on your farm? How will you minimise fertility losses; how will you minimise leaching? (for example, covering manure heaps, timing of cultivations).
Biodynamic Preparations
Please give details of the biodynamic preparations (field sprays and compost preparations) you expect to use, their source, the quantities you plan to use, the techniques to be used for stirring and applying them, and the approximate dates on which you expect to apply them. Please keep records of your use of the biodynamic preparations, including maps and dates of application on each field, for inspection by the Inspector.(NB see the biodynamic.org.uk website for preparations)
Weed, pest and disease control
Please state any current problems and how you intend to control weeds, pests and disease on your holding. For example, topping, sterile seedbeds, hand pulling, weed peppers, etc. Vermin control?
Current practice:
Changes planned:
Nature and Landscape conservation
Please suggest how your biodynamic farming methods will contribute to local nature diversity or landscape beauty. (Do not include practices being carried out as part of an agri-environment scheme – just the impacts of your farm becoming biodynamic)
Local Environmental Risks
Please outline any local or regional pollution risks which may affect your holding, for example busy roads, spray drift, local industry, ground water pollution, or any serious air, soil, water, electromagnetic or radioactive pollution in the locality.
Materials entering or exiting the farm
Please say what traded materials or commercial commodities (Straw? Livestock feeds? Sand and gravel? Top soil? Piped water?) are expected to enter and leave the farm each year.
Current practice:
Changes planned:
Local community
Please outline the number of people you employ, and any changes in employment or other local effects that are expected to result from biodynamic conversion of your holding. Please mention if neighbours, neighbouring farmers or others are involved with your holding; for example via community supported agriculture schemes, farm-based community events, or local co-operatives.
Food Quality
How can you be sure the biodynamic food you produce will be of good quality? Comment on any changes to your crop growing and storage systems, breeds and livestock systems, veterinary practices and drug withdrawal periods etc. that will affect the qualities and taste of your food products as a result of going biodynamic. If necessary, comment on any challenges you face.
Methods of Marketing
Please outline how you will market the biodynamic produce from your holding. Are you a member of any local co-operatives or networks, how will you sell your products to customers? For livestock, will you be selling as stores or finished?
Demeter UK & BDA Certification Office, Painswick Inn Project, Gloucester Street, Stroud, Glos GL5 1QG Tel / Fax: 01453 766296Email: Web: VAT No: 791 2859 91 Charity Commission No. 1158301
February 2018 / Page 1 of 21 / Ref No: FGAppDem
Proposed rotation system
Please detail every field that you are entering into conversion (please include any fields that are part of a phased conversion taking place over the next 5 years).
Field name (optional) / IACS or OS field number / Area (ha) / Crop or use the year before last (20__) / Crop or use last year(20_ _) / Crop this year
(20__ ) / Crop next year
(20__ ) / Last artificial fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide (day/month/year)
For grass, please state whether rough grazing, permanent pasture (more than 5 years), or temporary grass (less than 5 years).
Field name (optional) / IACS or OS field number / Area (ha) / Crop or use last year(20__ ) / Crop this year
(20__ ) / Crop next year
(20__ ) / Crop planned for the year after
(20__ ) / Last artificial fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide (day/month/year)
For grass, please state whether rough grazing, permanent pasture (more than 5 years), or temporary grass (less than 5 years).
Continue on a photocopied separate sheet if necessary – tick here if you have done so
Demeter UK & BDA Certification Office, Painswick Inn Project, Gloucester Street, Stroud, Glos GL5 1QG Tel / Fax: 01453 766296Email: Web: VAT No: 791 2859 91 Charity Commission No. 1158301
February 2018 / Page 1 of 21 / Ref No: FGAppDem
How your land was managed in the past
Because some inputs can remain active in the soil or vegetation for years, organic certification requires at least 2 years between start of conversion and attainment of full organic status. Demeter certification normally requires a 3 year conversion period, full compliance to the Demeter Standards, and correct use of the biodynamic field sprays on all land. Organic and Demeter conversion periods can run concurrently. Derogations of up to 4 months may be possible if it can be demonstrated from an independent source (and/or records kept) that no prohibited inputs have been used for 3 years preceding this application and if this is confirmed at the first inspection.
Occasionally the Demeter UK may impose a longer conversion period (e.g. 3 years), for example for a perennial crops or following the use of pesticides that have long residual times.
In the relevant sections below please list the product names of all inputs used on your converting land in the previous four years, and whether or not they are listed as Permitted in the Demeter Standards. Please include the generic name of products as well as the brand name, if known.
Farmyard manure (FYM), including slurry, sewage sludge, and details of source
Fertilisers
Lime
Herbicides
Insecticides
Fungicides
Other Inputs
Livestock: Health and Management Plan
You must submit a livestock management plan as part of your farm conversion plan. This needs to consider animal health and welfare, and must show how you plan to address specific issues on your farm.
Livestock breeds (proposed biodynamic)
Breed / Number / Breed / NumberDairy Cattle / Sheep
Bulls / Rams
Cows / Ewes
I/C heifers / Other sheep 1 year +
Heifers 1 – 2 yrs / Lambs under 1 year
Calves 0 – 1 yrs / Poultry
Beef Cattle / Layers
Bulls / Pullets
Cows / Table Poultry
I/C heifers / Other
1 year + / Other Livestock
0 – 1 yrs
Pigs
Boars
Sows
Gilts
20 kg +
Piglets < 20 kg / Number of bee hives
What livestock changes are planned as a result of going biodynamic?
If guest animals are kept, please give information as to species, number, length of stay, and veterinary treatments while on holding and 2 months preceding.
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare involves considering the five ‘freedoms’ (freedom from: hunger/thirst, discomfort, pain/injury/disease, fear/distress, and freedom to express normal behaviour. Please consider how domesticated your animal breeds are (for example, deer and fish are less domesticated than dairy cattle). All farms need to consider animal welfare, but what changes will you make as a result of going biodynamic? (Herd health programme? Closed flock? Reduced stocking density? De-horning, tail docking?)
Changes planned to improve animal welfare as a result of going biodynamic:
Potential concerns over animal welfare as a result of going biodynamicand how to react to them: (for example, if using fewer vaccinations then need more regular health checks)
Regional Characteristics
Please outline any regional problems that have been identified on your farm, and specific plans for their resolution. Mention any blood, soil or forage analyses which have been used to identify mineral or trace element deficiencies. Mention any regional weather and ecological characteristics such as drought, wetland, tics, fluke, flies, predators.
Current problems and how they are addressed:
Changes planned as a result of being biodynamic:
Animal housing
Please outline how the animals are housed.
Current practice:
Changes planned to improve animal housing:
Grazing practice
Please outline how you the animals will be grazed. How will you work towards a clean grazing policy?
Current practice:
Changes planned to improve animal grazing:
Stocking Density
Please calculate the stocking density (livestock units per hectare) on your farm. Please mention any intensive systems (e.g. bull beef, poultry).
Current stocking density:
Changes planned:
Intensive systems?
Feeding
Please outline the forage, concentrates and any other feedstuffs you plan to feed to your animals.
Current feeding practice:
Summer
Winter
Changes to feeding planned:
Summer
Winter
Disease Control and Veterinary Treatment
What types of disease are present within your flock? (worms and parasites, foot conditions, skin conditions, systemic conditions, contagious conditions, diseases carried by insects...)
How will you prevent or minimise disease?