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QCS News QCS publishes a quarterly newsletter, the QCS News, which is mailed to all QCS certified entities. The newsletter keeps our entities informed of important developments in the Organic industry as well as discussion of issues that impact Organic certification. QCS News Summer 2004 QCS News Summer 2005 December 2008 Commonly Asked Questions Is reverse osmosis permitted to treat water used in organic food processing? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a technique that moves water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities. RO membranes are permeable to the water and impermeable to the impurities. These membranes are comprised of synthetic substances such as cellulose acetate or polyamides. Are biodegradable plastic mulches supposed to be removed at the end of a growing season or can they be incorporated in the soil? Under the NOP, all plastic mulch must be removed at the end of the season. There is no distinction in the rule between plastic mulches. Plastic mulches are synthetic, on the National List with a requirement in the NOP rule and the Organic Foods Production Act at the end of the growing season or after harvest. Can vaccines from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) be used to inoculate organic animals? A growing number of vaccines and biologics are produced from genetically modified organisms. Vaccines are the one explicit exception to the prohibition of excluded methods in the National Organic Program (NOP) rule. NOP staff has stated that all vaccines are permitted and most organic certifiers that we have discussed the question with have indicated that they consider the inclusion of vaccines on the National List as allowing them. However, we are aware of some certifiers that do not allow genetically modified vaccines because none are explicitly identified on the National List. What to Expect During Your Inspection by Alan Dandorf, In-house Inspector/Certification Coordinator The big day is finally here. Your completed application has been submitted and reviewed and the inspector is arriving in a few hours. This article contains some tips to help make sure the inspection goes quickly and smoothly. All About Inputs by Beth Rota, Technical Review Manager As an organic producer, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about how best to grow, raise, or manufacture the best quality products. Inputs are likely used by your facility. Certified organic operations, however, have the special responsibility of making sure every input is compliant with the USDA National Organic Standards, and this is where QCS gets involved. Adding Land to Your Certification by Beth Rota, Technical Review Manager Organic sales are on the rise, according to the Organic Trade Association. As the demand for organic products increases, the amount of land in organic production is also expected to rise. Naturally, many QCS certified organic producers are increasing their acreage under organic management. You can add land to your organic system plan during the annual renewal process or through an Additional Lands Application. Calculating Percent Organic QCS often receives call from clients about percentage organic calculation. National Organic Program has stated that formulated “organic” products must be calculated in formulations at actual percent of organic content; not assumed to be 100%. May assume to be 95% if no information is provided. What does this mean? Canadian and EU Standards Change