Organic Farming Handbook

A ZOPPA 2013 Production

 SUMMARY

The Zimbabwe Organic Farming Handbook is a simplified organic

production manual based on the Zimbabwe Organic Standards, and
is particularly designed to be farmer-friendly.

The handbook covers the whole production process, from field to

fork. The methods and inputs outlined here are based on the
principles of organic agriculture which are:

 The Principle of Health

 The Principle of Ecology
 The Principle of Fairness
 The Principle of Care

The use of this handbook aims to guide producers to produce

according to the standards, while avoiding confusion with other
closely-related farming systems which may compromise
certification. The appendices provide more detailed guidance on
what is acceptable in organic production, and the steps to follow to
obtain local organic certification and access to the Zim Organic label
or Zim Natural label.

The Definition of Organic Agriculture

"Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health

of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes,
biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the
use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines
tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment
and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all
involved." (IFOAM)

This resource was funded & edited by:

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 LIST OF CONTENTS

1. CROP HUSBANDRY, PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTION 3

1.1 Conversion 3
1.2 Biodiversity 5
1.3 Seed, Seedlings & planting materials 6
1.4 Land management 7
1.5 Soil & water conservation 8
1.6 Pests, diseases & weed management 10
1.7 Handling, storage, processing & transportation 11
2. LIVESTOCK, PRODCUTS & WELFARE 13
2.1 Animal feeds 14
2.2 Poultry & egg production 15
2.3 Pest & disease control 16
3. GAME FARMING 17
3.1 Breeding 17
3.2 Feeding 17
3.3 Handling 17
4. AQUACULTURE 18
4.1 Selection of site 18
4.2 Species & origins of stock 19
4.3 Fertilisation 20
5. PRESERVATION 21
6. BEE KEEPING & BEE PRODUCTS 22
6.1 conversion period 23
6.2 Feed 24
7. WILD COLLECTION 25
7.1 Ecosystem management 25
7.2 Methods for collecting & harvesting 26
7.3 Benefits of wild collections 26
8. SOIL FERTILITY & WATER CONSERVATION 27
8.1 Soil & water conservation 27
8.2 Soil fertility management 28

APPENDIX
a) Substances for soil fertility & conditioning 29
b) Crop protection & growth regulators 33
c) Natural substances not permitted 36
d) Products authorised for cleaning & disinfection 37
e) Permitted substances for pest control & processing 39
f) Ingredients of non-agricultural origin & food additives 39

9. DEFINITIONS 2 41
 CROP HUSBANDRY, PLANT & PLANT PRODUCTS

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1) Species and varieties cultivated in organic systems should be

selected to suit the local soil and climatic conditions, and their
tolerance to pests and diseases.

2) A wide range of crops and varieties should be grown to

enhance biodiversity for self-reliance and resilience.

3) Crops and plant varieties should be selected to maintain

genetic diversity, and producers should use organically bred
crops and varieties.

4) All records of production, harvesting and handling of crops

must be maintained to comply with organic standards.

5) All staff and family need to be trained in the basic principles of

organic agriculture.

1.1 CONVERSION PERIOD

a) When switching from conventional production on the same

piece of land, the period for conversion - to achieve full organic
certification - is 3 years subject to land history (the types and
volumes of inputs previously used). This 3 year conversion
period is termed ‘in-conversion’

b) Areas that are considered ‘in conversion’ as well as areas

already converted to organic production shall not be alternated
(switched back and forth)

c) When using reverted land, it should have been fallow for 3

years. Documentation need to be obtained to verify this.

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d) There is no conversion period for virgin land. Documentation to
verify this can be obtained from your traditional authorities.

e) In all cases, the start of the conversion period shall be

calculated from the date of the last application of the
unapproved farm inputs.

f) Having begun your conversion ZOPPA can be contacted to

provide organic standards training. Within 6 months of this
training you can request a ‘compliance monitoring’ visit. If you
are found to be in full compliance, producers are permitted to
use the Zim Natural label for product marketing.

g) If your land is reverted or virgin, and you have demonstrated

compliance with the organic standards & practices, you can
obtain full certification – gaining access to the Zim Organic label
for product marketing.

4
1.2 BIODIVERSITY

Organic products shall comply with the following production

practices:

a) Minimum rotations shall be established, unless the producer

can demonstrate diversity in plant production and soil
management by other means.

b) Producers are required to manage pressure from insects,

weeds, diseases & other pests, while maintaining or
increasing soil organic matter, fertility, microbial activity,
general soil health, and erosion control.

c) For perennial/mixed crop production the orchard /plantation

floor shall not be bare soil, there should be a diverse range of
plants, and living or dry mulch to protect it.

d) The producer must implement a crop rotation or farming

system that encourages diversity including cover crops, catch
crops and green manure crops.

e) The producer must select & implement minimum tillage

during cultivation to maintain or improve the physical,
chemical & biological condition of soil & minimize soil erosion.

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1.3 SEEDS, SEEDLINGS AND PLANTING MATERIALS

a) Organically propagated seed and plant materials of appropriate

varieties and quality should be used.

b) If imported, seed should be accompanied by phytosanitary

certificates, or carry an apropriate organic mark according to
the country of origin.

c) Non organic untreated seeds may be used when organic seeds

are not available.

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1.4 LAND MANAGEMENT.

a) Production and land management practices should be carried

out in accordance with organic standards to maintain or
improve all natural resources within the farm, which include
the soil and water quality.

b) The producer shall employ measures that include barriers and

buffer zones to avoid potential contamination of organic
products from conventional lands.

c) Any farming equipment within conventional system shall be

thoroughly cleaned for potentially contaminating materials
before being used on organically managed areas.

1.5 SOIL, WATER CONSERVATION AND EROSION.

The producer must select and

implement minimum tillage and
cultivation practices that maintain
or improve the physical, chemical
and biological condition of soil,
and minimize soil erosion.

Rainwater diversion channels

Mulch for protection

Leaf Mould for structure

7
Soil and Land:

Healthy soils produce healthy crops so a producer must use various

means to restore the soil.

Worms Mulch

a) To protect the soil, the farmer should mulch the soil using
organic matter, grass, leaves, kitchen scraps or newspapers.

b) For best results the producer should strive to minimise soil

disturbance, practice crop rotation and adding well-rotted
manure and compost to build soil structure for enhanced
fertility and moisture retention.

Other options: Leaf litter, ant hill soil, adding worms, composting,
mulching and using green manures)

Good management means:

 Minimal soil disturbance

 Soil cover
 Composting
 Crop rotation

Compost

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Green manure:

A green manure is a crop that is incorporated into the soil for the
purpose of improving the soil. This may include spontaneous crops
or such crops as velvet beans, Lucerne, silver leaf disodium which
should be ploughed in before flowering.

Cover Crops:

In addition, relevant measures such as using cover crops, mulches

and not cultivating against the slope (contouring in line with sloping
land) will all prevent soil
erosion. Cover crops such as
pumpkin can be intercropped
with other taller crops to
protect the soil from the
elements (wind, rain and sun).

Management of soil nutrients

a) Animal manure is valuable, so every effort should be made to

use it productively and protect it from loss of nutrients.
b) Raw animal manure must be composted unless being used for
crops not intended for human consumption.
c) If raw manure is being incorporated directly in to the soil, it
must be added not less than 120 days prior to harvest.
d) Burning of the vegetation as a method of land clearing is not
permitted, as it damages soil organic matter and biodiversity.

Water resources shall be used with the application of the following

principles:

a) Excessive exploitation and depletion of water resources is not

permitted.
b) Where possible rainwater shall be recycled and measures taken
to prevent salinization of soil and water.

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1.6 PESTS, DISEASES AND WEEDS MANAGEMENT

Pests, diseases and weeds shall be controlled, under normal

circumstances, by a combination of the following processes and
techniques:

a) The protection of natural enemies

through the provision of conditions
which are favourable to them.

b) Only products based on bio-

degradable materials are allowed for
covering, mulching, insect netting
and silage wrapping. These shall be
removed from the soil after use and
should never be burned.

c) Thermal sterilization of soils to combat pests and diseases can be

used in any area of farming open field, green house and many
others.

d) In case of more extreme pestilence, the use of organic-compliant

sprays of natural origin is permitted. These are listed in the
appendix.

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1.7 HANDLING, STORAGE, PROCESSING & TRANSPORTATION

a) Care should be taken to avoid contamination during harvesting,

handling, processing and transportation.

b) In parallel production there

should be clearly defined
organic & conventional areas
set aside for organic &
conventional product storage.
These should be clearly
labelled.

c) All organic products shall be clearly identified as organic.

Throughout the whole process of storage and transportation,
the products shall be stored and transported in a way that
prevents their contact or mixing with non-organic products.

d) All equipment and vehicles to be used in both organic and

conventional operations shall first be used in organic operation
before being used in conventional operation.

e) Harvesting and storage containers for organic products shall

not be used to harvest and store conventional products.

f) All ingredients used in an organic processed product shall be

organically produced except for those additives and processing
aids that appear in appendix F.

g) Processing and preservation

technologies for organic products
shall be biological, physical or
mechanical but ionising radiation
shall not be allowed.

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h) Extraction shall only take place with water, ethanol, plant and
animal oils, vinegar carbon dioxide or nitrogen of food grade
quality (where appropriate).

i) Filtration substances shall not contain asbestos or other

substances that can negatively affect the product.

Pest control in processing

Pest management and control shall not cause contamination

on the organic pro ducts during processing and handling.
Instead, the following measures, in order of preference, shall be
used:

a) Preventative methods, such as disruption and elimination of

habitat and access to processing facilities by pest organisms,
should be the primary method for pest management.

b) If preventative methods are inadequate, the first choice for

pest control should be mechanical/physical and biological
methods.

c) If mechanical/physical and biological methods are inadequate

for pest control, pesticidal substances appearing in Appendix
E are acceptable for use.

Cleaning and disinfection

Cleaning and disinfection of organic products, utensils and surfaces

during processing should be done with organically acceptable
disinfectants. The list of authorised disinfectants is in Appendix D.

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2. LIVESTOCK, PRODUCTS & WELFARE

Draught Animals used in organic crop production shall be treated

humanely according to the animal management standards. The
working condition and regimes of draught animals should not
compromise the welfare of the animal.

General principles: Organic livestock production is based on the

harmonious relationship between land and livestock; respect for the
physiological and behavioural needs of livestock and the feeding of
good quality organically grown feedstuffs.

Recommendations

a) Select livestock breeds that are appropriate to the environment

such as indigenous species which require fewer inputs and are
less susceptible to parasite and diseases.

b) Provide adequate and appropriate good quality organically

grown feed stuffs.

c) Natural materials shall be used for bedding in the rest area. If

the bedding is consumed by animals, it must also comply with
organic standards.

d) The animals should have adequate facilities for expressing their

behaviour in accordance with biological needs of the species.

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e) Herd animals shall not be kept individually.

f) The amount of animals kept in a given area should not allow

overgrazing.

g) Nutrition: Organically produced animals shall have ample

access to water and feed according to the needs of the animals.

2.1 Animal feeds

a) Animals should be fed 50% organic feed. Feed is intended to

ensure quality rather than maximum production while meeting
the nutritional requirements of the livestock.

b) Grazing land should be certified organic

c) Milk or milk products must be from animals that have been

under continuous organic management beginning no later than 1
year before milk or other products processed, packaged, labelled
or represented as organic

d) All future dairy products must be from animals that were

managed organically from birth.

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2.2 Organic poultry and egg production

General Principles:

a) The poultry must be fed organic feed, must have access to the
outdoors and rose in a cage free environment to free range

b) Organic egg producers cannot use antibiotics except during an

infectious outbreak.

c) Only natural molting should be allowed to occur within a flock.

Plucking of livestock must note take place for feather
collection.

d) Organic certification also means maintaining of basic animal

welfare standards.

e) Nesting boxes are placed in corners to allow free ranging

throughout the chicken run

Organic feed

a) Organic feed should be from organic

producers and natural minerals such
as limestone.

b) As with all organic production

principals to be certified organic, the
crop must be free of GMOs and
synthetic fertilization for three years
before certification.

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 2.3 PESTS AND DISEASE CONTROL

a) Organic livestock producers must

establish preventative livestock
health management practices.

b) The well-being of the animals is

the primary consideration in the
event of sickness or injury.

c) The use of veterinary medicinal

products shall comply with the standards

d) The use of chemically-synthesized allopathic, veterinary

pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics for preventive treatment is
not allowed.

e) All dairy animals must originate from animals that were

managed organically from at least the last third of gestation
prior to the animal’s birth. Milk or milk products must be from
animals which have been under continuous organic
management.

f) Organically produced animals shall be produced from breeds

that can both copulate and give birth naturally.

g) For transportation and slaughter only organically produced

animals shall be transported and slaughtered together- not
mixed with conventionally reared livestock.

h) All organic feed should be from organic producers and other

sources of feed such as limestone should be from an organic
source

i) To become a certified organic farmer, the crop must be free of

GMOS and synthetic fertilization for three years before it can be
certified for organic sale or usage.

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3. GAME FARMING
3.1 Breeding

a) Game farming shall minimize

human influence on animals,
’genetic variability’, meaning
mating of game animals should
be done naturally

b) Inbreeding and selection of unnatural features shall be

minimized and precaution shall be taken that animal populations
are not contaminated genetically by way of introducing bulls
from other populations.

c) The producer shall ensure that natural ecological conditions for

the animals are provided.

3.2 Feeding

a) Environment shall be natural and contain plants and food that is

preferred by the animals and that are being raised.

b) The animals’ offspring (in case of mammals) shall suckle until the
natural weaning period is complete.

3.3 Handling

a) Handling of the animals should be done in such a way which

minimizes stress.

b) Transport distance should be minimised to reduce stress, and,

slaughter and handling should be humane and meet the organic
standards.

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4. AQUACULTURE
4.1 Selection of site: interaction
with the surrounding
eco-systems

a) The site location and the

method of management of
the farm shall not cause
negative adverse impacts
by effluents or escape of
animals.

b) In case of new farms or the renovation of the existing farms,

the natural vegetation should not be severely damaged

c) The distance between organic and non- organic production

areas or other potential sources of pollution must be
sufficient to reduce the risk of contamination.

d) Buffer zones (consisting of shrubs and plants) should be

created in between conventional and organic aquaculture
venture with a safe distance of at least 50 m.

e) Through appropriate design and management of the

aquaculture operation, producers should ensure that the
waters within the operation retain their ecological functions
depending on the respective topographical or geological
conditions (such as slopes, rock substrates and other
features).

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 4.2 Species and origins of stock

a) Native species shall be preferred for stock

b) All GM stock must be excluded.

c) The stocks (eggs and hatchlings) shall originate from enterprises

run organically. When this is not possible, the stock should be
purchased from conventional suppliers, under which the
following conditions would apply:

ii) No genetically engineered stock is permitted.

iii) The passive seeding of ponds with larvae or fingerlings of
native species entering naturally the pond is permitted.
iv) Fish must have been kept & fed at least for 6 months in
accordance with these standards before marketing as organic

d) One of the objective or purposes of the organic production is to

preserve the natural stock and traits of native species

e) All efforts must be made to master the breed of the managed

species to achieve full independence from their wild relatives-
when sourced at post-larvae stage.

f) On breeding, reproduction shall take place in a natural way.

Therefore, mild, non-mutilating measures for obtaining larvae
are preferred (e.g. enhancing the reproductive maturity by a
special feeding regime, replacement of artificial insemination by
natural mating).These alternatives measures shall be carried out
on a trial basis with at least 10% of the individuals kept on site
for breeding purposes.

g) Health and hygiene of the species is to be primarily ensured by

adopting preventive measures to optimize husbandry, rearing
and feeding. Natural curative methods are always preferable in
the case of disease.

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h) Health status of animals shall be monitored and documented on
a regular basis and special efforts shall be made to detect
correlation between management measures and the
manifestation of viral diseases.

i) Oxygen Supply. The basis for aquaculture operation shall form

the natural, physical conditions of water supply. The standards
that allow for maximum oxygen dissolution should be taken into
consideration for example, the right feeding regime and proper
stocking densities should always be observed for optimal
conditions and health.

4.3 Organic fertilizing of the fish ponds

a) The level of production should be enhanced by supplements of

organic material such as organic fertilizer applied in specific
quantities and mixtures and records should be kept.

b) Fertilizers used must be original as well as available from

certified organic farm operations.

c) Farming methods are recommended in a suitable way and

allow combining aquaculture with other forms of animal
keeping for example water fowl, pigs or crop plantations.

d) The use of organic wastes from garden plots is recommended

as raw product. In the same way compost or slurry produced
by the fish farm itself is authorized in organic crop production.

e) The use of imported feed is not allowed. Fish must be raised

making use of the natural productivity of the surrounding
environment.
f) Closing the cycle of production, by using primarily what is
produced within the same operation, is always preferable to
ensure the producer has clear traceability on all products used
on his or her farm

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5. PRESERVATION

a) Smoking:

I. Customary smoking devices are permitted, preferably

those that are energy efficient.
II. ‘Black smoking” procedure is not allowed whereby
there is use of chemically treated resin-rich wood,
toxic wood and liquid smoke preparations.

b) Sun -drying. Sun- drying is permitted

c) Salting (brining) Salting is permitted

d) Chemical preservatives are not allowed

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6. BEE-KEEPING & BEE PRODUCTS.

Bees are essential for production in the garden and orchard for
pollinators. They also provide important products such as honey,
pollen & beeswax.

Bees need a constant source of nectar

(flowers). However to keep bees on site
all year round would depend on the
flowering and yields of nectar which
varies from year to year. So the
producer should make sure to plant
bushes that give flowers all year round
around apiaries.

General principles

a) Bee keeping contributes to the protection of environment,

agricultural and forestry production through the pollination
action of bees.
b) The qualification of bee products as organic is closely bound to
the hive treatments and the quality of the surrounding
environment.
c) The qualification also depends on the conditions for extraction,
processing and storage of bee keeping products.
d) The apiaries are sited in within organically managed fields or
forests which are not contaminated by chemical inputs.
e) Maintaining the health of bees should be based on good
practices such as good breed selection, favourable
environment, balanced diet & appropriate husbandry practices.
f) The farmer must have an apiary register
g) Bee hives from ring barking should not be allowed
h) Langstroth beehive not allowed.

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6.1 Conversion Period

a) Bee-keeping products can only be sold with reference to the

organic production methods when the practices used have
been in place for at least one year.

b) New hives must be established by dividing of colonies or the

acquisition of swarms from units complying with the
provision of these standards.

c) Bee colonies from conventional sources can be converted to

organic production, in such cases the conversion period is
one year.

d) Introduced bees shall come from organically managed

apiaries where available bees from traditionally managed
hives from other areas can be used without conversion
period as long there is no risk of contamination.

e) Beehives shall be constructed with untreated natural

material with no potential of contamination or toxic effects
to the bees or to the bee products.

f) Organic wax and propolis shall be used for starter combs,

and where organic is not available, conventional wax is used
from wild sources may be used.

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 6.2 Feed

a) The honey dew, nectar and

pollen shall mainly come from
wild sources or crops that fulfil
organic requirements.

b) At the end of the season, hives

must be left with reserves of honey and pollen sufficiently
abundant to survive the winter.

c) When working with bees, no repellent consisting of prohibited

substances, such as synthetic repellents shall be used.
d) Particular care shall be taken to ensure adequate extraction,
processing and storage of bee keeping products.

e) Hives must be identified and records must be kept of where the

hives are kept, in order to monitor their movement or removal of
supers and extraction.

f) Particular care shall be taken to ensure adequate extraction,

processing and storage of beekeeping products, and all measures
to comply with these requirements must be recorded.

g) The removal of the super and honey extraction operations must

be entered in the register of the apiary.

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 7. WILD COLLECTION

Wild collection is sustainable harvesting and management of

products from the wild that include plants, insects, micro-organisms
and aquatic species.

The harvester has a duty to pay careful attention to the sustainable

harvesting of these resources to ensure on-going supply and
environmental balance and health is maintained.

The main focus is on best ecological practices supporting, social

and economic equity and sustainable use, as well as addressing the
product storage, transport, processing issues, in order in other
organic standards and are basically the same.

7.1 Ecosystem Management.

a) Areas in which collections occur must be protected,

minimizing negative impacts

b) Harvesters must support conservation of biological

resources. And avoid the use of inorganic chemicals
including herbicides and pesticides.

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7.2 Methods of Collection and Harvesting.

The most effective collection and harvesting processes are

implemented through a collection and harvesting
management plan which should be documented.

Sustainable harvesting techniques shall be determined and

implemented with close attention to record keeping.

Operators shall harvest products only from a clearly defined

and mapped area where chemical pesticides and other
prohibited substances have not been applied for at least three
years prior to harvest.

The harvest shall be at a minimum distance of 15 m from

conventional farms and sources of contamination.

7.3 The benefits of wild collections

a) Access and benefits sharing Agreements shall be put in place.

b) Resource management plans and exploitation of wild

collection is incorporated within access agreements.

c) Local communities shall be trained and participate actively in

resource collection and processing of wild collections

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8. SOIL FERTILITY AND WATER CONSERVATION

8.1 Soil and Water Conservation

a) Soil conservation shall be an integral part of the organic

farming system. In order to prevent erosion by wind and
water, the Operator shall take measures appropriate to cover
soil (with vegetation cover & mulching), reduce soil turning,
protect soil loss by, terracing and putting contours.

b) Producer shall seek to conserve not to deplete or excessively

exploit water resources and shall seek to conserve water
resources and quality. Where it is necessary, the Operator
shall collect or harvest rain water.

27
8.2 Soil fertility Management

a) The producer must select and implement tillage and

cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical,
chemical and biological condition of soil and minimizes oil
erosion.

b) The producer must manage plant and animal materials to

maintain or improve soil organic matter content in a manner
that does not contribute to contamination of crops and soil
water.

c) Plant based preparation or preparations of micro-organism

such as “biodynamic preparations or preparations from stone
meal, farmyard manure or plants may be used for compost
activation or to improve the overall condition and nutrients of
the soil.

d) Producer shall use and recycle nutrients, and practice crop

rotation while minimizing nutrient losses.

In cases where the producer has to use fertilizers, they

should be of mineral origin and they shall be in their
natural form.

Mineral fertilizers may only be used for long term fertility

needs and they should be used along with other techniques
such as organic matter additions, green manure, crop
rotations and nitrogen fixation by plants.

All manure shall be well composted before applied to the soil.

Manures containing human excrement (faeces and urine)

shall not be used on crops for human consumption.

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 APPENDIX A: SUBSTANCES FOR SOIL FERTILITY & CONDITIONING

SUBSTANCE DESCRIPTION & COMPOSITION

REQUIREMENTS & CONDITIONS OF USE

Products comprising a mixture of animal

excrements & vegetable matter (animal
bedding). Need to comply with this
Farm yard and poultry
standard, if not sourced from organic
manure to comply with
production systems. Indication of animal
this standard
species. Coming from extensive farming
only. Intensive farming sources must be
composted.
If not from organic sources, need
recognized by Certification Body. Use
Slurry or urine (not from after controlled
human origin) fermentation and/or appropriate dilution.
Factory farming sources not
permitted. Indication of animal species.
Composted animal Factory farming sources not permitted.
excrements, Need recognized by Certification Body.
including poultry manure Indication of animal species.
Need recognized by the certifying
Dried farmyard manure organization. Indication of animal species.
& dehydrated poultry Coming from extensive farming only.
manure Intensive farming sources must be
composted
Guano Need to comply with this standard.
Straw Need to comply with this standard.
Composts from spent
mushroom, worms & The initial composition limited to
insects (vermiculture products on this list.
Substrates)

29
 Organic vegetable and animal waste
separated from household waste, which
has been submitted to composting or
anaerobic fermentation for biogas
production. Need to be recognized by
Composted or fermented
Certification Body.
organic household refuse
Maximum concentrations in mg/kg of
dry matter: Cadmium: 0,7; Copper: 70;
Nickel: 25; Lead: 45; Zinc: 200; Mercury:
0,4; Chromium (total): 70; Chromium(VI):
0(*). (*) = limit of determination.
Composted or fermented Need to comply with this standard.
plant Mixtures of plant matter which has been
residues subjected to composting or anaerobic
fermentation for biogas production
Processed animal
products from slaughter
houses and fish
industries: bloodmeal,
hoofmeal, hornmeal,
bone meal or Need to comply with this standard.
degelatinized bone meal,
fishmeal, meatmeal
feather, hair and
"chiquette" meal, wool,
fur, hair, dairy products
By-products of food
Not treated with synthetic additives.
industries
Directly obtained by physical processes;
Aquatic weed sand
extraction with water or acid and/or
aquatic weeds products
alkaline solution; and fermentation.
Sawdust, bark and wood From wood not chemically treated after
waste felling.
From wood not chemically treated after
Wood ash felling.

30
Natural phosphate rock Need to comply with this standard.
Cadmium should not exceed 90mg/kg of
P205.
Basics lag Need to comply with this standard.
Need to comply with this standard. Must be
Rock potash, mined
derived from a mined source and applied in
potassium salts (e.g.
a manner that minimizes chloride
kainite, sylvinite)
accumulation in the soil.
Obtained by physical procedures but not
Potassium sulphate,
enriched. Need to comply with this
possibly containing
standard. Derived from crude potassium
magnesium salt
salt.
Calcium carbonate of
natural origin (e.g. chalk,
marl, marl,
limestone, phosphate
chalk)

Magnesium and calcium

carbonate of
Natural. Origin (e.g.
magnesium chalk, ground
magnesium limestone)
-
Agricultural lime

-
Epsom salt (magnesium-
sulphate)

Only of natural origin.

Gypsum(calcium sulphate)

Ammonium still age excluded.

Still age and still age
extract

31
Sodium chloride Only mined salt.
Aluminium calcium Cadmium should not exceed 90
phosphate
mg/kg of P2O 5. Use limited to basics
oils (pH>7,5).
Trace elements Verify source and should comply
(e.g. boron, copper, with this standard.
iron, manganese,
molybdenum, zinc)

Verify source and should comply

Sulphur
with this standard.
Stonemeal -
Clay (e.g.bentonite, -
vermiculite, perlite,
zeolite)
Naturally occurring -
biological organisms
(e.g. worms)
Excluding synthetic additives; permitted
Peat for seed, potting module composts
(limited to horticulture).
Calcium chloride Verify source and should comply with
solution this standard.

By-products of Check for compliance with this

industries standard and verify with certification
Processing ingredients body.
from
organic agriculture

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APPENDIX B – CROP PROTECTANTS AND GROWTH REGULATORS

Description, Compositional Requirements

Conditions for use
of Substance
i) Plant and animal origin
Algal preparations
Animal preparations and oils
Beeswax
Chitin nematicides (natural origin)
Coffee grounds
Corn gluten meal (weed control)
Dairy products (e.g., milk, casein)
Gelatine
Lecithin
Natural acids (e.g., vinegar)
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Plant oils (e.g., castor oil)
Plant preparations and plant teas (e.g.,
chilli, tithonia (Africa sunflower), Tagetes
sp., Mexican marigold)
Plant-based repellents
Propolis
Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum The synergist
cinerariaefolium) piperonyl
butoxide shall not be
used.
Quassia (Quassiaamara)
Studies show a link
between rotenone &
Rotenone (Derris elliptica, Lonchocarpus Parkinson’s disease;
spp. Tephrosia spp.) therefore, any use
should be
precautionary

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Ryania (Ryaniaspeciosa)
Sabadilla
Seaweed, seaweed meal, and seaweed
extracts
Tobacco tea (pure nicotine shall not be
used)
ii) Mineral Origin
Chloride of lime
Clay (e.g., bentonite, perlite, vermiculite,
zeolite)
Copper salts (e.g., sulphate, hydroxide, Max 8 kg/ha per year
oxychloride, octanoate (on a
rolling average basis)
Diatomaceous earth
Light mineral oils (paraffin)
Lime sulphur (Calcium polysulfide)
Potassium bicarbonate
Potassium permanganate
Quicklime
Silicates (e.g., sodium silicates, quartz)
Sodium bicarbonate

Sulphur

iii) Micro-organisms

Fungal preparations

Bacterial preparations (e.g., Bacillus

thuringiensis)

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Other permitted methods

Release of parasites, predators, and sterilized insects

Viral preparations (e.g., granulosis virus)

iv) Others
Biodynamic preparations
Calcium hydroxide
Carbon dioxide
Ethyl alcohol
Homeopathic and ayurvedic preparations
Iron phosphates (for use as molluscicide)
Sea salt and saltwater
Soda
Soft soap
Sulphur dioxide

v) Traps, barriers, repellents

Physical methods (e.g., chromatic traps, mechanical traps)
Mulches, nets
Pheromones (in traps and dispensers only)

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APPENDIX C: NATURAL SUBSTANCES WHICH MAY
NOT BE USED IN ORGANIC PLANT PRODUCTION

Description, compositional
requirements of substance Comments

Tobacco tea is allowed; however;

Nicotine (pure) safety measures shall be taken to
reduce skin contact
Chilean nitrate may not be used on
Chilean nitrate (Sodium certified organic farms because it
Nitrate) contains sodium which could build
up and be harmful to the crop

Ash from manure burning

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APPENDIX D: PRODUCTS AUTHORIZED FOR CLEANING AND
DISINFECTION

D.1 The product used to clean, disinfect and sanitize food handling
equipment are different from those directly applied to food.
There should be a clear management system for cleaning and
disinfecting surfaces, machinery, and processing facilities which
prevents contamination of Organic products. Contamination of
organic products by cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing substances
must be prevented, by attention to:

a) The design of facilities, plan layouts and equipment that

prevent contamination of food and food contact surfaces by
prohibited substances, non organic ingredients, pests,
disease-causing organisms and foreign material.
b) The use of physical and mechanical means such as dry heat,
exclusion, and non-chemical methods such as vacuum system.

Only substances in Clause H.1.1 below may come into contact with
organic products. For all other cleaning products, the following are
required:

a) Cleaning by water or purging or some other suitable method

after the chemical products have been used.
b) The use of cleaning compounds shall minimize in the disposal
of effluent and the use of disinfectants
c) Grey water recycling off-site preferred over either re-
circulation or disposal
d) Equipment shall be fitted with steam traps and filters to
remove non volatile boiler water additives.
e) Persistent cleaners and/or sanitizers shall not be used that are
not easily removed by an intervening event (such as
quaternary ammonial) or that have an adverse impact on the
environment (e.g. halogenated compounds)

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D.1.1 Cleaners and disinfectants that may be in direct contact with
organic products

Acetic, citric, peracetic, formic, lactic and oxalis acids

Alcohol, ethyl (ethanol)
Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime)
Calcium hypochlorite
Calcium oxide (quicklime)
Chloride of lime (calcium oxychloride, calcium chloride, and
calcium hydroxide)
Chlorine dioxide
Hydrogen peroxide
Natural essences of plants
Ozone
Phosphoric acid
Plant extracts
Potassium and sodium soaps
Sodium carbonate
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
Sodium hypochlorite
Water and steam

D.1.2 For buildings and installations

The substances above, plus:

Lime
Caustic soda
Nitric acid (dairy equipment only)
Phosphoric acid (dairy equipment only)
Formaldehyde

D.1.3 Cleaning & disinfection products for teats & milking facilities

Sodium carbonate

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APPENDIX E: LIST OF SUBSTANCES THAT MAY BE USED FOR PEST
CONTROL IN PROCESSING FACILITIES
Pest Remedy Comments
Diatomaceous
Cockroaches & earth
Roaches Catnip As a spray
Soapy water spray
Boric acid For use in ceilings and walls,
not to get in direct contact
with processing surfaces
Cucumber slices deterrent
Bay leaves deterrent
garlic deterrent
beer Soaked in bread as a
deterrent
Should be pheromone
Flies fly traps based
Mint As a repellent
Bay leaves, cloves
and As a repellent
eucalyptus leaves
Eucalyptus oil As a repellent

APPENDIX F: INGREDIENTS OF NON AGRICULTURE ORIGIN

FOOD ADDITIVES, INCLUDING CARRIERS

Name Specifications
All authorized functions except
Calcium carbonates colouring
Lactic acid Fermented vegetable products
Carbon dioxide -
Malic acid -

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Ascorbic acid If not available in natural form
Tocopherols, mixed and Anti oxidant in fats and oils
natural concentrates
Obtained without the use of bleaches
Lecithin and organic
solvents
Citric acid Fruit and vegetable products
Sodium tatrate Cakes/confectionary
Mono calcium phosphate Only for raising flour
Alginic acid -
Sodium alginate -
Potassium alginate -
Agar -
Carageenan -
Locust bean gum -
Guar gum -
Tragacanth gum -
Arabic gum Milk, fat and confectionary products
Fat products, fruit and vegetables,
Xanthan gum cakes and biscuits
Pectins (Unmodified) -
Cereals, cakes, biscuits and
Sodium carbonates confectionary
Only for cereal products,
Ammonium carbonates confectionary, cakes and
biscuits.
Magnesium carbonates -
For soya bean products, confectionery
Calcium sulphate and in bakers‟
Yeast
Silicon dioxide( For wine, fruit and vegetable
amorphous) processing.
Argon -
Nitrogen -
Oxygen -
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I.1 Flavourings. Substances and products labelled as natural
flavouring substances or natural flavouring preparations allowed
under the Zimbabwe Food, and Food Standards Act.

I.2 Water and Salts. Potable drinking water. Salts (with sodium
chloride or potassium chloride as basic components generally
used in food processing)

9. DEFINITIONS
Accreditation: Procedure by an authorized body that gives a formal
recognition to a person or body that is competent to carry out
specific tasks.
Additive: Any other enrichment or supplement or substance which
may be added to a food stuff to affect its keeping with the quality,
consistency colour ,taste, smell or other technical property.
Audit: A systematic and functionally independent examination body
which is tasked to determine whether activities and related results
comply with planned objectives.
Artificial products: Products not occurring in nature.
Biodiversity: The variety of life forms and ecosystem types on earth.
These, include genetic diversity(i.e diversity within species),species
diversity,(the number and variety of species)and ecosystem types.
Certification Body: The body that conducts certification, as distinct
from standard setting and inspection.
Crop Rotation: Crops grown on a an annual and biennial crops on a
specific field in a planned pattern or sequence so as to break the
weed, pest and disease cycles and to improve soil fertility and
organic matter content.

41
Extensive farming: The farming that corresponds to at least the
stocking densities as indicated in these standards and includes the
prescribed outdoor area requirements for animals.

Environmental Harmful Chemicals: These are chemicals with

negative effects on the environment.

Genetic diversity: Genetic diversity means the variability among

living organisms from agricultural, forest and aquatic ecosystems;
this includes diversity within species and between species.

Green manure: Is a crop which is grown specifically for the

ploughing back into the soil to improve its fertility.

Habitat: It is the area which a plant or animal species naturally

exists. The area where species occurs.

Bufferzone: A clearly defined or identifiable boundary area

bordering an organic production site that is established to limit
application of, or contact with prohibited substances from an
adjacent area.

Operator: Any person who is involved at an stage of the chain of

production processing ,storage packaging ,transporting retailing
displaying and importing of organic in conversion products or
markets such as products.

Genetic Resources: Genetic Resources means genetic material of

actual or potential value

Contamination: The pollution of organic product or land or contact

with any other material that would make the product unsuitable for
organic certification.

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 Organic: Produced by the specific management practices indicated
in these standards are designed to:

a) Enhance biological diversity within the whole system of any

organic matter.
b) To increase soil biological activity as well to maintain a long
term soil fertility.
c) To promote the healthy use of soil, water as well as to
minimize pollution that may arise during agricultural
practice.
d) Bio-diversity is very important so that people rely on
renewable resources in locally organized agricultural
practice.
e) The agricultural products should be carefully processed in
order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of
the product at all stages
f) Environmental governance is a key issue in the conservation
of the Environmental, thus recycling wastes of plant and
animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land and this
will minimize the use of non- renewable resources
Organic Chemistry: The chemistry of organic compounds.

Posology: It is the study of the dosages of medicines

Wild Harvested/Harvesting Crafted: for example, indigenous

products not cultivated, but found naturally growing in the wild.

Virgin Land: It is the land which has never been cultivated.

Withdrawal Period: The required length of time an aquatic animal

must be withdrawn after it had received medical treatment

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 How to access the Zim Organic & Zim Natural Label

Zimbabwe Organic Producers and Promoters Association (ZOPPA) as

the national movement for organic agriculture in Zimbabwe are the
custodians of the two labels Zim Organic and Zim Natural. These
labels are registered with Africa Regional Intellectual Property
Rights Organisation (ARIPO) and are recognised in 8 ARIPO member
countries recognised under the Banjul protocol.

These are: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland,

Tanzania, Uganda & Zimbabwe

The two labels are security documents that are only accessed by
producers who:

i. have the knowledge Zimbabwe organic standards and

ii. have proven that they can apply these standards.

In order to ensure this ZOPPA does the following before giving

access to the label:

a) Provides training on organic standards, knowledge &

application
b) Facilitates setting up of local compliance systems
c) Inspects on compliance with the standards
d) Grants access to the labels as recommended by inspection
results and review after every one year

For terms & conditions please contact ZOPPA at the address on the
back of this book.

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 P.O.BOX CY 1198
Causeway
Harare
Tel: 04 291 8104
Administrator @zoppa.org.zw

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