1st Time Post - USDA Organic Program

[jwt]

I've been in conversation with a USDA NOP certifying agency. I've cited Friendly Aquaponics in HI as an example of an existing aquaponics operation that has been certified, (by Oregon Tilth). My contacts are concerned about the manure rule. It seems that fish are part of the official USDA definition of livestock and livestock manure is subject to composting. Any idea how Friendly Aquaponics gets around this? Thanks.

[GaryD]

Hi jwt,

Welcome to APHQ.

I can only suggest that you contact Friendly Aquaponics (or Oregon Tilth) and put the question to them. I'd be interested in the response that you get.

Gary

[mcfarm]

It's only manures from warm blooded animals that are perceived as a problem, e.coli in the gut being the issue and really only a problem with feedlots (CAFO's). Fish don't pose such a problem, but bureaucrats may see it differently.

[jwt]

Thanks. I agree. Fish waste should not be a problem and certainly shouldn't be considered in the same regulation with mammalian waste.

Unfortunately, it appears that fish are grouped with "livestock" and are held to the same standard. I contacted Oregon-Tilth regarding aquaponics operations they have certified. All they would say is "Any facility we have certified under NOP is in compliance with every statute of the law".

[mcfarm]

The USDA are not renowned for being the most enlightened of organisations, and obviously a little knowledge is still a dangerous thing in the hands of bureaucrats. Fish in the same category as hogs and cattle - ridiculous.

Next the USDA will classify bees as 'livestock' too. Honey is effectively bee vomit, which means according to USDA 'logic' honey should be composted before use and is certainly not suitable for human consumption! Maybe they already have

[jwt]

Thanks. Composted honey... I may still have difficulty with the USDA but at least you've cheered me up a bit.

[beelove]

It seems that fish are part of the official USDA definition of livestock and livestock manure is subject to composting. Any idea how Friendly Aquaponics gets around this?

Is it posable that a biofilter could be considered "composting"

I love composted honey.....mead....Mmmmmm

[arachdog]

Is it posable that a biofilter could be considered "composting"

I love composted honey.....mead....Mmmmmm

I think the composting has a whole bunch of regulations attached to it too. One of which is that it has to reach a certain temperature, that wouldn't be attainable in a bio-filter.

[mcfarm]

Good point about the biofilter being considered composting.

Friendlies certified organic system uses a bird net filter to remove most waste from the system, and when coupled with a degas unit, I think you'll have the solution to the USDA's myopia.