Subject: NOP Composting Standards Exclude Vermicompost

From: Frank Teuton <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2000 10:39:23 -0500

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This just in from the Happy D Ranch forum
http://www.happydranch.com/cowtalk/index.cgi?read=4701 :

Alert to all Vermiculturists! The new National Organic Policy has been
released and is available to view at
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/tmd-00-0.pdf

--If you are planning to market your casting to the organic market, this is
a must read! Pay specific attention to the "Definitions" portion of this
proposal. Please note that the only acceptable compost for certified organic
crops is compost processed in accordance with NRCS Compost Rule Standard #17
which states,

Types: Three types of composting operations are covered in this
standard^×aerated windrows, static piles, and in-vessel. Aerated windrows are
more suited to large volumes of organic material that are managed by power
equipment used to turn the composting material periodically. Periodic
turning re-aerates the windrows, promoting the composting process.

Process: Composting is accomplished by mixing an energy source (carbonaceous
material) with a nutrient source (nitrogenous material) in a prescribed
manner to meet aerobic microbial metabolic requirements. The process is
carried out under specific moisture and temperature conditions for a
specified period of time. Correct proportions of the various compost
ingredients are essential to minimize odors and to avoid attracting flies,
rodents, and other small animals.

Temperature: For best results, operating temperature of the composting
material should be 130 °F to 170 °F once the process has begun. It should
reach operating temperature within about 7 days and remain elevated for up
to 14 days to facilitate efficient composting. The material should remain at
or above 110 °F for the remainder of the designated composting period. If
temperature falls significantly during the composting period and odors
develop, or if material does not reach operating temperature, investigate
piles for moisture content, porosity, and thoroughness of mixing. Compost
managed at the required temperatures will favor destruction of any pathogens
and weed seeds.

As all good vermiculturists know, this is not vermicomposting. Not only do
our worms produce a superior compost,but our beds do not and cannot reach
these standards set forth in this new policy! I encourage everyone to
prepare statements using their knowledge and the knowledge of others(be sure
to give credits to "borrowed" material!) and visit the web site
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/ and go to the bottom of the right hand side of
the page to a link called "SUBMIT COMMENTS."

The Comment Forum period opens on March 13, 2000 and will remain open for a
period of sixty days, at which time the USDA will reconsider all submitted
comments(WE HOPE!) The USDA must be made to understand that Vermicompost is
indeed a Worldwide recognized ORGANIC part of soil and should be addressed
in the reformed policy.

Full text of proposal can be read at
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/tmd-00-0.pdf

Thank you for your cooperation,

Matthew Cordua

Rancho Verma

[email-masked]

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