Source material

Certifications and Regulations

1. 11.1 Organic Certification

   Original publication 2021 · First published on FarmHub Learn 2021-04-22 · Kentucky State University

   Organic food sales in the United States rose by 5.9% in 2018, totaling $47.9 billion dollars. It is no surprise that aquaponic farmers want the organic label to bolster their marketing and sales, and equally no surprise that soil-based farmers do not want their selling power to be diluted. The heart of organic production is cultivating soil, so how can produce be certified organic if there is no soil? In 2015, a taskforce was assembled consisting of individuals representing both the soil-based organic industry and the hydroponic and aquaponic communities. The goal was to describe hydroponic and aquaponic systems and practices, examine how hydroponics and aquaponics align or conflict with USDA organic regulations, support their decisions with science, and explore alternatives. At its 2017 fall meeting, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) voted 8-7 against a proposal to prohibit hydroponic and aquaponic production in organic agriculture. Although aeroponics is prohibited, both hydroponics and aquaponics remain eligible for organic certification, while the USDA considers the NOSB decision. While aquaponics lends itself to a more sustainable growing methods, only OMRI approved items can be used during production. This prohibits the use of rockwool, hydroxide bases, chelated iron, and other common tools of the trade. Currently, only 17 of 80 certifiers will assist aquaponic farms with organic certification.

   Source: Janelle Hager, Leigh Ann Bright, Josh Dusci, James Tidwell. 2021. Kentucky State University. Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.

2. 11.2 Certified Naturally Grown (CNG)

   Original publication 2021 · First published on FarmHub Learn 2021-04-22 · Kentucky State University

   Known as the "grassroots alternative to organic," CNG certification follows organic standards but focuses on growers who sell directly to the consumer. CNG farmers are restricted from using synt8hetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Farms with CNG certification undergo an annual inspection and pay an annual fee. Inspections can be conducted by other CNG farmers, Extension agents, master gardeners, or other qualified personnel. Sections of the CNG standards for aquaponics can be found at (http://www.cngfarming.org/aquaponics_standards)

   Source: Janelle Hager, Leigh Ann Bright, Josh Dusci, James Tidwell. 2021. Kentucky State University. Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.

3. 11.3 Good Agriculture Practices (GAP)

   Original publication 2021 · First published on FarmHub Learn 2021-04-22 · Kentucky State University

   Good Agriculture Practices (GAPs) are specific methods that, when applied to agriculture, create food for consumers or further processing that is safe and wholesome. Currently a voluntary certification, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), will require farms to comply with food safety and security measures outlined in the document. In 2011, the Produce GAPs Harmonized Food Safety Standards was released, which require producers to meet standards for biosecurity, sanitation, worker training, and documentation. Information on Produce GAP can be found at (http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/).

   Source: Janelle Hager, Leigh Ann Bright, Josh Dusci, James Tidwell. 2021. Kentucky State University. Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.

4. 11.4 Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)

   Original publication 2021 · First published on FarmHub Learn 2021-04-22 · Kentucky State University

   HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling to manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product.

   Source: Janelle Hager, Leigh Ann Bright, Josh Dusci, James Tidwell. 2021. Kentucky State University. Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.

5. 11.5 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and HACCP

   Original publication 2021 · First published on FarmHub Learn 2021-04-22 · Kentucky State University

   Determining risk factors in the production, processing, sale, and consumption of food items involves HACCP, SOPs, and Sanitation SOPs (SSOPs). Developing a protocol for each step of the operation and providing employee training is essential to provide a safe food product. The following are examples of how HACCP, SOPs, and SSOPs work in conjunction.

   1. Chemical: Use of cleaner on surfaces. Could it be a hazard? Yes, but in our SSOP we have a second rinse step to remove residue, so it is not a CCP because it is handled someplace else in the plans.

   2. Physical: Knife chips in the roots, cuttings, or fish fillets. Could it be a hazard? Yes, but in our SOPs in our work flow all knives are inspected at the start of all working and at three-hour breaks, or all products are passed through a metal detector. So, it is not critical control point.

   Source: Janelle Hager, Leigh Ann Bright, Josh Dusci, James Tidwell. 2021. Kentucky State University. Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.

6. 11.6 Best Aquaculture Practices (BAPs)

   Original publication 2021 · First published on FarmHub Learn 2021-04-22 · Kentucky State University

   Based on BAPs, the five pillars of responsible aquaculture are environmental responsibility, animal health and welfare, food safety, social responsibility, and traceability. Critical requirement include record keeping and traceability, worker safety and hygiene, and biosecurity. More information on BAPs can be found at (http://www.bapcertification.org/)

   Source: Janelle Hager, Leigh Ann Bright, Josh Dusci, James Tidwell. 2021. Kentucky State University. Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.

7. 11.7 Propagation Permits

   Original publication 2021 · First published on FarmHub Learn 2021-04-22 · Kentucky State University

   Commercial fisheries propagation permits are required by state wildlife agencies for culture and sale of aquatic organisms. Information provided includes the name and location of the business, water source, flooding likelihood, discharge information, how the brood stock was obtained, quantity and type of species produced, and the type of production system. Required information and cost of the permit will vary by state.

   Source: Janelle Hager, Leigh Ann Bright, Josh Dusci, James Tidwell. 2021. Kentucky State University. Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.