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Demeter UK Certification

PRODUCTION (Farming and/or Gardening) APPLICATION FORMDEMETER 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 www.bdcertification.org.uk . 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 Production Questionnaire. 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: [email protected]

Demeter UK & BDA Certification Office, Painswick Inn Project, Gloucester Street, Stroud, Glos GL5 1QG Tel / Fax: 01453 766296 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bdcertification.org.uk VAT No: 791 2859 91 Charity Commission No. 1158301

February 2018 of 21 Ref No: FGAppDem

http://www.bdcertification.org.uk/

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 code Telephone

Mobile phone E-mail address

Agricultural Holding Number SDA LFA

If you are a tenant, have you notified your landlord of your intention to convert to organic & biodynamic? Yes No

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 enterpriseIn 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.

Crops current proposed Livestock current proposednon-organic biodynamic non-organic biodynamic(or organic) (or organic)

Grass and forage Dairy cattle

Cereals Beef cattle

Protein crops Pigs

Potatoes Sheep

Vegetable/ root crops Poultry (meat)

Herbs Poultry (eggs)

Greenhouse crops Other __________

Top fruit On-farm Processing/Packing

Soft fruit Box scheme

Honey Egg packing

Other Farm/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 number Mobile number E-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.



Your Biodynamic Conversion PlanGoing 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 farmPlease 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 some photos of your farm or garden and the people who live and work there.

Your proposed farm systemPlease 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 managementWhat 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 fertilisersPlease 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 PreparationsPlease 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 controlPlease 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 conservationPlease 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 RisksPlease 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 farmPlease 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 communityPlease 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 MarketingPlease 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?



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



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 PlanYou 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 Number

Dairy Cattle SheepBulls Rams

Cows Ewes

I/C heifers Other sheep 1

year +

Heifers 1 – 2

yrsLambs under 1

year

Calves 0 – 1

yrsPoultry

Beef Cattle Layers

Bulls Pullets

Cows Table Poultry

I/C heifers Other

1 year + Other Livestock

0 – 1 yrs

PigsBoars

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 WelfareAnimal 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 biodynamic and how to react to them: (for example, if using fewer vaccinations then need more regular health checks)

Regional CharacteristicsPlease 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 housingPlease outline how the animals are housed.

Current practice:

Changes planned to improve animal housing:

Grazing practicePlease 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 DensityPlease 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?

FeedingPlease 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 TreatmentWhat 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?

How will you treat disease? Comment on what veterinary treatments are required, and why.

How will you monitor disease?

What changes to animal health will you make due to going biodynamic?



DECLARATION

Declaration

1. I seek Demeter certification

2. I am aware of and am committed to biodynamic methods of farming and gardening

3. I will, on an on-going basis, comply with the BDA Certification Organic and Demeter Standards as revised from time to time. (All revisions to the standards will be notified to you).

4. I agree to allow authorised BDA Certification personnel access to all aspects of my business for the purposes of certification including provision for examining documentation and records. I further agree to keep a record, and make available upon request, of any and all complaints that relate to my certified activities and products and to document all actions taken in response to such complaints.

5. I will notify the BDA Certification Office without delay before making any significant changes to the operation of this holding from those set out in this Application Form (significant changes means any new enterprises, additional land, products or scopes. Please contact the certification office if you are unsure).

6. In the event of non-compliance with the standards, I will rectify the latter within a specified time if I am to maintain my holding’s certification or in-conversion status. (This clause is subject to an appeals procedure as laid down in the BDA Certification Operating Manual.). Upon suspension, withdrawal or termination of my certification, I agree to discontinue the use of any and all advertising material that references Demeter UK and BDA Certification or any of its certification schemes.

7. I accept that all certification documentation remains the property of Demeter UK and BDA Certification and any reproduction of these documents for the purposes of verification and trade, will be done so in exact entirety.

8. In the event of withdrawal or suspension of certification from one or all of my products, I agree to inform in writing the buyers of those products that those products are no longer certified.

9. I accept that the Certification Board is responsible for the final decisions regarding certification.

10. I agree to make claims regarding certification only for those scopes that I am certified to and I will not use my certification in such a manner that brings BDA Certification into disrepute. I further agree to use the Demeter logo, BDA Organic logo and EU Organic logo only on food products for which I hold a valid certificate.



11. I accept that the BDA may release information relating to my inspection and/or certification to DEFRA, Trading Standards, another approved organic certification body, Demeter International or another national Demeter organisation but only for the purposes of verifying the organic and biodynamic integrity of food products produced or traded by my business.

12. I agree to pay BDA Certification the annual certification fee in accordance with the published fee scale and within the time frame indicated on each invoice.

13. I agree to be bound by the above declaration. I confirm that the information in this form is correct and is based on the most up-to-date picture of this holding.

Signature of producer

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Date

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