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Farm News: Organic Growers Should Certify LocationscommentsPosted: 03.18.2010 Organic producers are encouraged to register their operation in the Organic Farm and Vineyard Register. This voluntary online database was recently developed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP). “The purpose of the registry is to reduce the risk of pesticide drift damage by providing pesticide applicators a database of where these sensitive crops are grown,” said Laura Paine, Organic Agriculture Specialist for DATCP. “This is a resource that both organic farmers and custom pesticide applicators have been asking for. There no costs associated with inclusion in or use of the registry. We’re pleased to be able to offer this service.”
The registry asks farmers to provide data on multiple aspects of their farming operations: addresses, GPS coordinates, acreages, crops grown, rental properties, and farms with multiple locations. The goal is to help pesticide applicators locate organic fields so that they can take extra precautions when spraying near them.
“All drift of pesticide sprays is illegal in Wisconsin,” said Paine, “but accidental application of sprays to organic fields can result in three year’s lost organic premiums while the farmer re-transitions the land for organic production.” Organic land must be pesticide free for three years prior to certification.
To search the Organic Farm and Vineyard Registry, please visit http://datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/orgFarmReg/index.jsp.
Farmers interested in signing up for the registry may fill out an online form at: http://datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/orgFarmReg/registration.jsp. Those without internet access are encouraged to request a paper application. Requests for paper applications or questions regarding the registry can be directed to: Laura Paine, Organic Agriculture Specialist, 608-224-5120, Laura.paine@wi.gov
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