Farm equipment

Using farm equipment in organic production (e.g., harvesting, handling, milling, etc.) for both conventional and organic crops elevates the risk for contamination.

What will be reviewed for equipment contamination prevention?

In general, we’ll review your post-harvest handling procedures, all of the equipment used, and clean out protocols. It is important that you maintain records to demonstrate compliance with commingling and contamination prevention requirements.

What should go into an equipment contamination prevention plan?

Your Organic System Plan (OSP) must detail management practices, physical barriers, and all other measures used on your farm to prevent commingling of organic and non-organic products and contamination from prohibited substances. A few things to consider when developing your prevention plan(s):

• Identify all areas of potential contamination or commingling
• List all pieces of equipment used for both organic and non-organic crops
• Document preventative equipment cleaning processes (e.g., pressure washing, etc.)
• Purge equipment — run organic batches diverted to non-organic sales — prior to use
• Apply practices on leased/borrowed equipment, even if they are used only for organic crops
• Document preventative equipment cleaning processes (e.g., pressure washing, etc.)

Check out our quick tips video about preventing farm equipment contamination: