Control experiences: Learning from the mistakes of colleagues
Andreas Müller, Deputy Head of agriculture division
Since control activities take place continuously on (organic) farms, there are results every day that call for communication. Drawing on this wealth of experience, the author considers periodic, informative reporting to producers as a top priority.
Learning from the mistakes of colleagues can help minimize or avoid errors in one’s own farm management. A deficiency that does not occur spares the nerves of the farm management and has a direct impact on the farm’s financial results.
Endoparasites thrive in warm, humid weather
The warm, humid weather in June and July allowed forage crops to sprout as desired in many places. At the same time, this conditions also created ideal environments for the development of endoparasites and annoying flying insects that negatively affect animal well-being.
Allopathic (conventional) chemical treatments are available for some of these pests, but their use is strictly regulated on organic farms. Prophylactic use of these active substances is categorically prohibited. This applies in particular to boluses against endoparasites (worms), which may only be used on alpine and communal pastures where the owners or managers have declared it mandatory.
An appropriate and binding order must be available during an inspection. Otherwise, deworming is only permitted if there is a proven veterinary need. Treatments must be documented in the journal, and the extended withdrawal period should be specified in writing and adhered. FIBL has published a useful factsheet on adequate strategies for parasite control.
The telltale application strip on the animals
Annoying flying insects such as horseflies or biting flies, which sometimes cause livestock to break through fences and knock milking equipment to the ground, may only be controlled independently with agents listed in the official input list. In problematic cases, non-organic substances, often poured over the animals' backs (pour-on), may be used, but only with a veterinary prescription and proper documentation in the treatment journal.
The waiting periods for these agents are sometimes considerable. The oily application strip on the back of grazing animals remains visible for a long time after application. This fact explains why the unlawful use of "fly repellents" ( ) constitutes a deficiency that is regularly identified during inspections.
Cattle salt on thistles can mean loss of certification
The use of any substance that has a herbicidal effect is strictly prohibited on organic farms. In the past, a few farms lost their organic certification because they used substances in an alchemical manner to get rid of a weed infestation. In one case, it was a salt mixture, in another, an oil-based concoction.
It is therefore extremely important to know that no approved agents exist for weed control in organic farming. A bucket of cattle salt scattered over a patch of creeping thistles can, under certain circumstances, result in the farm losing its organic certification. The compliant measures for containing or preventing the spread of problem plants can be found in the Bio Suisse guidelines (section 2.6, link below). This section of the guidelines whose scope must be explicitly mentioned.
Rabbit farming: small cause, big effect
When keeping rabbits on an organic farm, the BTS regulations must be observed. This species is therefore a major exception, as compliance with the Raus regulations is mandatory for all other animals. The BTS requirements can be found in the Direct Payment Ordinance.
Without claiming to be exhaustive, the requirements for rabbits include: increased space, a separate nesting box, a minimum of two square meters per weaned young animals, and group housing with restrictions. A BTS deficiency involving just two rabbits can trigger the same number of penalty points for organic certification as a serious Raus violation in a large herd of livestock. As soon as rabbit farming is no longer carried out as a hobby (RAUS registration, participation in the BTS program, or marketing of products), the consequences are identical.
If mother's milk is missing or too scarce
The offspring of mammals on organic farms must be fed unaltered mother’s milk for a specified minimum period. The common practice of acidifying milk with Bud-certified vinegar, milk, yogurt, fruit juice, sour milk, or kefir is not considered an alteration of mother’s milk and is explicitly permitted. The minimum feeding periods prescribed by the guidelines are as follows:
- Cattle, buffalo, bison, and equines: 3 months
- Sheep and goats: 35 days
- Pigs: 42 days
High-stem fruit growing has a special status
The time is approaching when planting young fruit trees will again become a key issue in many farms. As a rule, this vegetative propagation material is classified as level 2 (organic as standard), meaning that young trees must come from organic production. The use of non-organic propagation material is only permitted with a special exemption granted by the FIBL seed center.
The Bio Suisse guidelines also require the use of young fruit trees from domestic Bud-certified production, as is mandatory for berries and vines. Planting up to five non-organic standard fruit trees per year is tolerated without penalty. This provision gives standard fruit trees a special status, with the aim of contributing to their conservation. Our auditors confirm that many farms make use of this option.
Leasing the apiary requires a contract
Rental of buildings to non-organic farmers is only possible under certain conditions and restrictions. Any such intention must be discussed in advance with the inspection body. In some cases, the proposed lease may require assessment by MKA Bio Suisse or the relevant agricultural authority.
An exception applies to beehouses: these may be rented to non-organic beekeepers without distance limits or other requirements. The condition is the existence of an outsourcing contract. If honey from this apiary is sold in the farm shop, it must not be associated in any way with the organic farm, especially on the label. In addition, the product must be kept separate from organic products and clearly labeled as "non-organic."
Lamb tails, mineral feeders, and individual boxes
Finally, we would like to point out a few critical issues that have recently led to difficulties during inspections:
- Lamb tails may only be docked on the prescription of a veterinarian and under pain-free conditions.
- Only minerals listed in the operating resources list may be used. An incorrect mineral salt block in a pasture with 20 dairy cows can trigger a direct payment reduction by 2,000 Swiss francs, a disproportionate penalty compared to the minor savings from purchasing the cheaper, non-compliant block.
- Bio Suisse calves may be kept in individual pens for a maximum of one week. Their stay in individual igloos must not exceed eight weeks. For both transitional forms, constant visual contact with other animals of the same species must be ensured.
Hotline bio.inspecta +41 (0) 62 865 63 33 (Mo – Fr, 8 – 12 and 13 – 17) for any questions regarding the rules and regulations
Sustainable control of internal parasites in cattle with pasture management in German (fibl.org)
The guidelines of Bio Suisse Weed control under 2.6. and rabbit farming under 5.6 in German (bio-suisse.ch)
Confirmation of bee leasing in German (bio-inspecta.ch)