I am interested in organic livestock production. Where do I start?

The organic livestock industry is in the early stages of development but is gaining rapid acceptance. Be sure to thoroughly investigate the market for your organic livestock or products and contact several, local certification bodies for specific certification criteria. Also contact the Canadian Organic Livestock Association (COLA) which assists in developing markets for its members.

In general, requirements for sustainable and certifiable organic production must include:

• Living conditions for animals must conform to behavioral needs (e.g., social contact, free movement, access to pasture).
• Techniques that foster long-term health of livestock including: provision of organic feeds (no less than 85% from organic sources for ruminants; no less than 80% for non-ruminants), use of biological, cultural or physical treatments for disease. Rendered animal feed products are prohibited.
• Slaughter livestock shall be born and raised in an organic production unit.
• All treatments of diseased livestock shall be recorded and individual animals clearly identified.
• Vaccinations shall be used only when diseases are known or expected to be a problem in the region of the farm and where these diseases cannot be controlled by other management techniques.
• Antibiotics can be used as a last resort, to prevent suffering, but the withdrawal period shall be at least double the permitted federal withdrawal period for veterinary drugs.
• Use of growth hormones is prohibited.
• Use of bulls for breeding is recommended, but artificial insemination (AI) is permitted. Embryo transfer, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and use of reproductive hormones are prohibited.
• All handling practices shall minimize stress to the animals. (Source: Canadian Organic Standards)

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