Record Keeping for Organic Producers

While there are no specific rules about how your record keeping system must be set up, the organic rule (NOP 205.103) requires that a certified operation must retain records concerning the production, harvesting and handling of agricultural products that are or are intended to be sold, labeled or represented with one of the three designations – 100% Organic, Organic or Made with Organic (specified ingredients). In addition, an operation’s records must fully disclose all activities and transactions of the certified operation in sufficient detail, and the operation must make their records available for inspection by the certifying agent (MCS). Record keeping is not only a requirement for organic certification, but a good record keeping system can be very helpful when making decisions for your certified operation and ultimately its efficiency and profitability.

The following checklists detail the required records that must be kept for specific production categories:

Certified Organic Crops

Certified Organic Livestock

Certified Organic Wild Blueberries

Certified Organic Dairies

Cerrtified Organic Processors/Handlers

Certified Organic Maple Syrup

Below are some templates and examples of record keeping forms. This list is not comprehensive and is a work-in-progress at this time. Please note these forms can be adapted and customized to your own needs. Another resource for record keeping forms for certified crop farms is the NOP’s extensive list of “Documentation Forms for Organic Crop Producers.”

Field Activity Log

Input Records

Compost Production Records

Seed and Planting Stock Records

Equipment Cleaning Log

Harvest Records

Market Load List

Buffer Crop Usage

Complaint Log