6. Livestock Production

Standards 6.1 to 6.7 apply to all livestock production.

6.1 Production Conditions

6.1.1 Production methods shall target the maintenance of animal health not only by taking their physiological needs into account but also by considering their behavioural needs as well through adopting efficient management methods including:

• a proper understanding of the animals’ physiological and behavioural needs;
• the kind treatment of animals to minimize sources of stress;
• husbandry conditions fulfilling the inherent needs of each species and ensuring their comfort;
• appropriate feed;
• the choice of robust breeds or strains well-adapted to local conditions;
• the selection of animals in order to eliminate those that are dependent on synthetic drugs.

Since the use of cages in production is prohibited, it shall be ensured in the application of these standards that:

• animals may act according to their own specific behavioural requirements;
• production techniques foster animal health and longevity, especially in cases where they are required to sustain high levels of production or growth.

6.1.2 The livestock environment shall be designed according to the animals’ needs and insure:

• enough room to move around;
• adequate fresh air and daylight;
• access to the outside for as long as weather conditions permit. In Eastern Canada, below the 50th parallel, prevailing conditions in the spring, summer and fall are considered appropriate for being outside. Upon submitting a request to the certification body, temporary confinement is allowed between May 1st and November 1st during intemperate weather periods when the animals’ health, security and wellbeing are threatened, or when necessary for the protection of crops, soil or water quality. Upon submitting a request to the certifier, temporary confinement is also allowed for breeding males or during the final finishing stage. In the latter case a request shall be made to the certification body before proceeding. Exclusive winter production is prohibited;
• a protection from extreme sun, temperature, precipitation and wind;
• enough room to stand up naturally, to lie down, rest, turn around, clean themselves or undertake any natural position or movement such as stretching or beating their wings and having access to bedding;
• access to feed on demand and a constant supply of good quality fresh water. Bacteriological tests may be required. The parameters for analysis are: total fecal and coliform content and atypical colonies;
• a healthy environment that avoids life threatening conditions for the final product (e.g. toxic effects of building materials, poor ventilation, etc.);
• the company of other animals, especially their own species;
• access to shelter when being raised outside;
• an action plan for such emergencies as fire, equipment breakdowns or supply problems. Production enterprises dependent on electricity supply shall have a plan for emergency situations and the necessary equipment in case of power interruptions such as an auxiliary generator.

6.1.3 If day length is artificially prolonged, the total duration of the light period shall not exceed 16 hours and shall be terminated through gradual reduction of light intensity.

6.1.4 In order to prevent cross-contamination and the spreading of disease, livestock buildings and equipment shall be cleaned and disinfected regularly after livestock and manure have been removed.

6.1.5 Buildings shall be clean, well ventilated and insulated. Temperatures shall correspond to comfort zones corresponding to animal age. Livestock shall also be protected against the cold and air currents.

6.1.6 Moisture and dust content (%) should not prejudice the wellbeing of the herd.

For pig, poultry and rabbit husbandry, the following concentrations should not be exceeded:

• Ammonia: 20 ppm
• Hydrogen sulfide: 5 ppm
• Carbon dioxide: 50 ppm

Readings for temperature, moisture and air quality shall be made as required, and entered in records.

6.1.7 Livestock pasture density shall be low enough to prevent soil deterioration and overgrazing.

6.1.8 Animal densities should take environmental constraints and regulations into account, as well as soil and climatic conditions.

6.1.9 Conditions for species-appropriate housing shall be respected:

• For cattle, the floor shall be smooth but not slippery. It should not be made entirely of slats or metal grating. Livestock shall have access to rest areas with adequate bedding. Raising calves in isolated stalls or tethered is only allowed with the approval of the certification body.
• For pigs, sows shall be raised in groups except during the latter stages of gestation and during the suckling of piglets. Piglets shall not be kept in cages. Exercise areas shall allow dunging and rooting.
• For rabbits, production in cages is prohibited.
• For poultry, production in cages is prohibited. Poultry shall be reared in open range conditions and have free run access to the open air when weather permits. Buildings shall provide a space covered with bedding straw, wood shavings or sand. For laying hens, there shall be enough floor space reserved for manure collection. The birds shall have access to perches or rest areas as well as openings to outside runs in proportion to their species and flock size. Buildings shall be emptied and exercise runs left to rest to ensure the renewal of plant life between flocks.
• Ducks and geese shall have access to a swimming area created for their use, when weather conditions permit.

6.1.10 All livestock in the same production facility shall be raised according to these standards. Livestock not raised according to these standards may however be present within the production site, as long as they are clearly separated from livestock under organic management such that:

This separation requires that:

• species under organic management be different from those under non-organic management or originate from distinct production facilities;
• feed analysis tests may be required at any time;
• organic pastures used for livestock under non-organic management is authorized as long as they have not received any non-compliant treatments during the previous three years and that it is possible to differentiate between animals.

Note: Replacement animals are also subject to these standards.

6.2 Physical Alteration

6.2.1 Physical alteration is generally not authorized in organic breeding. However, for reasons of security or for improvements to the animals' health and wellbeing, provided the operation is carried out at a suitable age and under anesthetics, the following exceptions are:

• castration of piglets and bullocks;
• trimming of needle teeth in piglets;
• docking of lambs' tails;
• dehorning;
• beak trimming.

However, when they are practiced on young animals, operations such as the burning of the horns and castration by using rubber band can be done without anesthesia.

6.3 Livestock Feed

Livestock feed shall be constituted to ensure that it contains 100% certified organic ingredients.

6.3.1 Feed rations shall be balanced to meet the nutritional needs of livestock (reasonable levels of production and growth), and contain good quality feedstuffs.

6.3.2 All feed shall be produced or processed in accordance with Section 5 in these standards.

6.3.3 The ingredients listed in tables A2.1 and A2.2 of these standards are authorized in feed rations. Natural sources for emulsifiers, binding and thickening agents, antioxidants, dyes, etc. are allowed in milled feeds and rations. Probiotics, enzymes and micro-organisms are allowed in feed rations. The following products shall under no circumstances be included or added to livestock feed :

• synthetic preservation and colouring agents;
• urea or other sources of non-protein based nitrogen;
• mammalian or avian by-products such as slaughterhouse waste, dung, droppings or other animal waste;
• defatted animal feeds using solvents (hexane, etc.), chemically extracted feeds (soy or canola meal) or the addition of other chemical agents;
• antibiotics, drugs, growth regulators, synthetic appetite enhancers or any other pharmaceutical veterinary product intended to stimulate growth or production;
• plastic pellets, used as a fibre substitute;
• any substance that contains or originates from products derived from genetic engineering.

6.3.4 Forage shall not contain any additives. The following silage conservation products are permitted: bacterial or enzymatic additives, molasses, sugar, honey, salt, whey. Upon approval by the certification body, lactic, propionic and formic acids may be used if weather conditions do not favour fermentation.

6.3.5 The feeding of young mammals shall be based on the use of organic milk. However, milk originating from breeding stock undergoing transition and being fed 100% organic feed is authorized.

6.3.6 Feed for herbivores shall contain forage. Poultry and pigs should have access to forage. Forage is considered to mean any fresh or ensilaged vegetable matter, dry hay, root vegetables (beets, turnips, etc.), leaves, fruit and plant residues as well as straw. Ruminant feed should not consist exclusively of silage.

6.3.7 Milk and dairy products, fish, marine animals and their derivative products are authorized in feed rations. Other ingredients of animal origin are prohibited in feed. In all cases it is forbidden to feed a ruminant with any substances originating from mammals other milk and its derivative products.

6.3.8 Fields in the last year of transition may be used as pasture for replacement animals.

6.3.9 Any substances likely to be consumed by animals (bedding, wood, etc.) shall not be treated with synthetic products. A document signed by the supplier attesting compliance to standards shall be attached to the applicant's records.

6.3.10 Supplements

6.3.10.1 Minerals, vitamins, plant extracts, salt and other products from natural sources may be used as desired. If it proves necessary to use other products, they shall be monitored and correspond to the specific needs of the livestock. Particular attention shall however be given to the ingredients in these products and to the possibility that they contain genetically modified organisms. In all cases a list of ingredients shall be available during inspection visits. The following are acceptable:

6.3.11 Force-feeding or gavage is prohibited. We mean by force-feeding the administration by force of food to geese or ducks.

6.4 Origin of Livestock

6.4.1 For animal products (meat, eggs, milk) to be considered "organic", they must come from animals born or hatched in a production unit whose breeding system was certified according to these standards or were engendered from livestock raised according to conditions set out in these standards. Thus they must have passed their entire lives in an organic production system.

6.4.2 In cases of start-up organic livestock production enterprises or existing ones having undergone expansion, and if operators can demonstrate to the certification body that the animals having met the above-mentioned (organic) conditions are not available, for animal products (meat, eggs, milk) to be considered "organic", the following conditions apply:

6.4.3 In the event of a natural disaster or any other major unforeseeable event, and if the operator can demonstrate to the certification body that organically produced livestock are not available, the certification body can make an exception and decide on a transitional period, depending upon the particular circumstances of the acquired livestock.

6.4.4 Livestock may not be transferred from organic production to non-organic production without losing their organic status.

6.5 Livestock Health Care

6.5.1 Every step shall be taken to ensure maximum resistance to disease and thus prevent any risk of infection: breeds suitable to production conditions, proper management, healthy feed, regular exercise, access to outside, appropriate production density.

6.5.2 In the event of illness, it is essential to determine the exact causes and, if necessary, change production methods accordingly. Substances used in veterinary treatment shall be exclusively limited to those authorized in Tables A2.3 and A2.4.

6.5.3 The first priority is to save an animal’s life even if the treatment used leads to the loss of organic status. For this reason, when approved organic production methods prove insufficient, all appropriate medications shall be used to restore livestock to health. Chemical allopathic veterinary drugs (including any restricted use substances as mentioned in Tables A2.3 and A2.4 should only be used as a last resort and with the intent of preventing needless suffering. The use such drugs for preventive treatments is prohibited.

6.5.4 To maintain their organic status, breeding stock and dairy animals shall not be treated more than twice a year with antibiotics or parasiticides. When these products are used, a withdrawal period equivalent to twice the prescribed period or two weeks, whichever is longest, applies. If the number of treatments exceeds the established limit, livestock shall undergo a transition period as defined in the CARTV standards before regaining organic status.

To maintain their organic status, slaughter animals shall not be treated with any synthetic antibiotics. As an exemption until December 31, 2008, a maximum of two treatments a year with parasiticides may be authorized by the Certification Body. When the livestock’s expected life span is less than one year, only one treatment using parasiticides shall be allowed. When these products are used, a withdrawal period equivalent to twice the prescribed period or two weeks, whichever is longest, applies. If the number of treatments exceeds the established limit, livestock will lose their organic status.

In the event of treatment during gestation or lactation periods with antibiotics or parasiticides, the young may not be granted organic status for a period of two weeks or twice the period prescribed on the label, whichever period is the longest for these 2 alternatives.

In the event of treatment with local anesthetics, withdrawal periods are at least 90 days for slaughter animals and 7 days for breeding stock and dairy animals.

N.B.: As the American standards (NOP) are different in this regard, the certifier shall provide operators with additional information when they apply to obtain NOP certification.

6.5.4.1 Animals dependent on repeated courses of treatment must be withdrawn from the herd.

6.5.5 Any treatment of sick livestock shall be clearly recorded and the animal clearly identified. This record shall contain all details concerning the treatment, its duration and trade names of the drugs used; the operator shall also note the method of disposal of animal products from treated livestock.

6.5.6 It is prohibited to stimulate or retard growth or production using any synthetic product of any kind. The use of hormones in order to trigger or synchronize estrus is prohibited. Animals treated in this manner shall be subjected to a transition period as defined by these standards. Vitamins, hormones (oxytocins and cortisones) and salicylic acid are restricted use substances not subject to the above-mentioned requirements.

6.5.7 Vaccines are to be used only when it has been established that targeted diseases do exist within the production environment and cannot be combated by other means. However, vaccinations required by law are permitted. Where a vaccine containing an antibiotic used as a preservative has been administered to animals destined for slaughter, a withdrawal period that is double the prescribed period must be applied prior to the slaughter of the animals. No withdrawal period is required for animals raised for milk production.

6.5.8 Although natural reproduction is preferred artificial insemination methods are permitted in organic production. However, the producer shall take into account the risks resulting from the long-term, negative impact of dependence on a limited genetic stock implicit in artificial insemination. Embryo transfer and genetic engineering techniques are prohibited.

6.5.9 Authorized veterinary care substances (phytotherapy, homeopathy, etc.) as well as restricted use substances are listed in Tables A2.3 and A2.4.

6.6 Traceability/Audit Trails

6.6.1 All livestock shall be identified individually, or by flock or herd for poultry or small mammals.

6.6.2 Herd records shall be maintained so animals may be located within the system, thus ensuring adequate traceability for audit purposes. These records shall include:

Les registres devraient comprendre :

• breeding, birthing or origins of livestock;
• registration of purchases (if applicable);
• all treatments and medicines administered for any purpose, including quarantine periods, as well as identification of treated animals;
• feed provided and its origin;
• stock movements within the enterprise;
• documents relating to transport, slaughter and sales.

6.7 Manure Management

6.7.1 Management practices relative to manure shall minimize soil and water deterioration, so that water will not be contaminated with nitrates and pathogenic bacteria, nutrient cycling is optimized and does not include burning or anything else not in conformity with organic practices.

6.7.2 Storage facilities or composting areas shall be designed, built and operated so as to prevent soil and water contamination.

6.7.3 Manure application rates should not lead to water contamination. The method and timing of manure application shall not increase the potential for runoffs into ponds, rivers or streams.

The following sections apply specifically to the production type concerned.

6.8 Pork Production

6.8.1 General

The following standards also apply to the breeding of wild pigs (see also Section 6.10).

The essential needs of pigs such as comfort, company of other animals, minimal stress and quality human contact shall be respected.

The size of individual livestock operations is limited to 1,500 feeder hogs per year (either 80 breeding sows for farrow-to-finish operators; or 200 sows for farrowing operators). This limit can be exceeded only if the totality (100%) of the feed or its equivalent is produced by the livestock enterprise itself.

All hogs shall be identified individually through tattooing or ear tags.

6.8.2 Feed

6.8.3 Husbandry and Housing conditions

6.8.3.1 Access to the Outdoors

6.8.3.2 Minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for barns, pens, runs and exercise areas

Enclosures size shall avoid overcrowding and allow all animals to rest at the same time. Indoor space as well outdoor runs and pens shall at least meet the following minimal sizes :

6.8.4 Farrowing and piglets raising

6.8.5 Health

6.8.6 Source / Origin of Livestock

When a herd is being built for the first time, and in the absence of a sufficient number of organically produced hogs:

During future purchases and when there are insufficient quantities of hogs raised using organic methods:

6.9 Dairy Production

6.9.1 General

Dairy herds shall be raised in compliance with these standards at all times. This means that replacement animals will also be subject to these standards.

6.9.2 Production conditions and housing

6.9.3 Calving/Lambing/Kidding

Calves, lambs and kids may be taken from their mothers at the age of one (1) day provided they receive colostrum before separation.

6.9.4 Health

6.9.5 Dairy Equipment Maintenance

The ingredients in cleaning agents used on milking machinery shall comply with these standards and be from natural sources. It is the responsibility of dairy operators to find natural alternatives to non-compliant commercial products. Please see Table A4.1 for a list of authorized cleaning products.

Whenever governmental health standards require the use of unauthorized cleaning products, double rinsing of closed circulation equipment is obligatory. When cleaning is done on open circulation equipment, one generous rinsing is sufficient.

6.10 Meat Production

6.10.1 General

This section refers to deer, bison, wapiti, roe deer, fallow deer, horses, sheep, goat, beef, fowl and wild pig production.

6.10.2 Feed

Livestock shall have access to forage.

6.10.3 Access to the Outside

Animals classified as wild (e.g. buffalo, cervidae) shall be raised in the open.

6.10.4 Calving/Birthing

6.10.5 Slaughtering

The slaughtering of animals must take place in an establishment which holds a service approval certificate regarding slaughtering of organic animals, issued by an accredited certifier. However, if the operator cannot have access to an establishment offering slaughtering services approved by an accredited certifier, he may nevertheless obtain this service from any slaughterhouse under the control of a governmental authority, provided that the following requirements are satisfied :

6.11 Rabbit Production

6.11.1 General

Essential rabbit needs, such as comfort, company of other animals, minimal stress and respectful human contact shall be met.

6.11.2 Feed

6.11.3 Livestock Breeding Conditions and Housing

6.11.4 Access to the Outside

6.11.5 Litter Production

6.11.6 Health

6.11.7 Conversion

When a colony is being established for the first time and in the absence of a sufficient number of organically produced rabbits:

During later purchasing and in the absence of sufficient quantities of livestock rose according to organic standards:

6.12 Egg Production

6.12.1 General

This section applies to chickens as well as other fowl. It is the livestock operators' responsibility for complying with regulations currently in effect regarding production rights, grading stations and also marketing.

6.12.2 Feed

6.12.3 Livestock Living Conditions

6.12.4 Chick Production

6.12.5 Outdoor Access

Poultry shall have access to pasture when weather permits.

6.12.6 Health

The adoption of resistant breeds and varieties is encouraged.

6.12.7 Acquisition

All poultry shall be acquired as day old chicks.

6.12.8 Collected or stored eggs

6.12.9 Maintenance

6.13 Apiculture

6.13.1 Foraging Areas

Hives shall be:

6.13.2 Feed

6.13.3 Bee Colony Health

Bee colonies should be kept healthy through maintaining proper husbandry practices, using breeds well adapted to local conditions, regular replacement of queens, regular cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, destruction of contaminated materials, regular beeswax replacement, a sufficient supply of pollen and honey in the hives. Treatments relying on alternative medicine such as homeopathy, aromatherapy etc., as well as trapping and products of natural origin are authorized. The use of the following methods is restricted:

6.13.4 Beeswax

Only pure and untreated beeswax, preferably of organic origin, is accepted.

6.13.5 Honey Extraction

Honey extraction from hives is to be carried out in a manner that will not disturb the bees. Should this be necessary, a bee escape, a bee blower or smoker using plant fuels could be used. With regards to extraction methods and equipment, the following are required:

6.13.6 Storage

Beekeepers shall engage in taking every measure necessary in order to preserve the quality of their products. To this end:

6.13.7 Other Specifications

The following rules also apply:

6.14 Aquaculture

The Organic Aquaculture are intended to be evolving are technical in nature and provide general guidelines in the organic management of fish farms with regards to the transition, cultivation, harvesting, transport, storage and processing of fish and other aquatic products from organic aquaculture in fresh or salt water and intended for human consumption. These standards do not cover the fishing or harvesting of wild aquatic produce (fish, seaweed, algae, etc.)

Aquaculture is a generic term covering all activities linked to animal or vegetable production in an aquatic environment. It is divided into several groups, the major ones being:

• Pisciculture (fish farming), best known as the production of salmon and trout
• Mollusk Farming, including Oyster Farming and Mussel Farming.
• Crustacean Farming, (particularly shrimp).

Note: These standards do not apply to the production or harvesting of aquatic plants.

General principles applying to pisciculture

Aquaculture includes a large variety of production systems that can be set up in either salt or fresh water, or a mixture of the two (brackish water). An aquaculture farm may thus produce aquatic plants and animals either in enclosed areas such as fishponds, tanks or tubs, or in open areas such as fish farms that have recourse to nets and lines or any other material needed to operate them.

In accordance with the principles of organic aquaculture, the following guidelines outline the general operation of aquaculture production systems:

• Create a favourable environment for a sustainable aquaculture that minimizes environmental impact;
• Provide growing conditions that respect natural species behaviour;
• Use cultivation methods free from hormones and antibiotics.
• Use natural reproduction methods;
• Promote greater species diversity;
• Focus on the integration of natural plant varieties in aquaculture management;
• Use organically certified feed (No GMOs);
• Avoid pesticides and synthetic herbicides;
• Limit fish stock densities;
• Minimize energy consumption;
• Minimize reliance on synthetic medication;
• Carry out production on premises licensed by an accredited certification body.

These standards apply without overriding provisions contained elsewhere in Quebec's organic reference standards relative to the production, preparation, marketing, labelling and inspection of organic products. Therefore, the general provisions described in Chapter 6, Section 3: Animal Feed also applies to aquaculture.

Species found living freely in open waters or that cannot be inspected according to organic production procedures are not included in these standards.

6.14.1 Site Selection and Interaction with Neighbouring Ecosystems

6.14.1.1 The choice of site and farm management practices shall not compromise surrounding ecosystems and, shall respect the natural environment's carrying capacity. Above all, any negative impact caused by effluents or by escaping fish stocks shall be kept to a minimum through the adoption of appropriate preventive measures. When new premises are being used or already existing farms are being expanded, this shall not result in any permanent damage to naturally growing vegetation. Particular care must be taken in this respect when this vegetation has been classified regionally or internationally as a rare or endangered ecosystem (e.g.: Alworth regions, tropical and mangrove forests).

6.14.1.2 Appropriate management methods must be used for fish farming areas and in basin design in order to ensure that the water will maintain its ecological capacity, according to geographic conditions (e.g.: amphibian and aquatic insect reproduction zones, migratory bird resting places, fish migration routes, etc.). For this reason the operator must protect or replant large areas covered in natural vegetation (e.g.: aquatic reeds or higher-level marsh plants).

6.14.1.3 When making sure fish farm areas are protected against predatory birds and other animal species, preference shall be given to measures that do not cause physical harm to aquatic animals (e.g.: nets or scarecrows).

6.14.2 Transition to Organic Aquaculture

During the transition period, the operations manager shall make it a priority to introduce procedures throughout the whole operations site that are consistent with organic aquaculture.

Transition periods determined by certification bodies must be adapted to each situation, given the fact that aquaculture production characteristics may vary enormously from one operation to another, depending on the biology of various organisms, the management methods used, the geographical conditions, and how operations are structured.

6.14.2.1 Transition Plan

The overall production of the operations site must be converted in a manner consistent with organic standards currently in effect and according to the timeline established by the certification body concerned. Whenever production units within the same operations site cannot be converted simultaneously, they must remain independent of each other and each unit shall be converted in a way that meets the standards currently in effect. To be labelled as organic, aquaculture products must originate from entities produced in accordance with these standards, for a period of at least one year or the equivalent of at least one reproduction cycle.

The person in charge of production shall develop a transition plan made up of the following elements:

• The farm's history (before transition) and the current situation;
• A timeline for the various transition stages;
• A list of elements that must be changed during transition process;
• An organic production plan to be followed;
• A water management plan including water use and quality control measures;
• A transition plan for land adjacent to fish farm site in fresh water (pisciculture).

The duration of transition period shall be one year or the equivalent of at least one reproduction cycle for the species or living organisms involved.

6.14.2.2 Requirements

During a transition period, the principal requirements are as follows:

When only part of an aquaculture operation is converted according to organic production principles, then the following requirements apply:

• Physically mark out the non-organic production units targeted for organic production. When cultivating in open areas, the production site involved must be located at least 300 m from any potential pollution sources or non-organic production units that might be located nearby. When production is land based, a distance of at least 30 m from non-organic production units is required. The basin or basins undergoing organic transition must always be upstream from the non-organic basins.
• Make sure production units can be inspected at any time (monitoring of water quality, sanitation measures, plant health products, inputs and any other factors, elements or substances to be considered relative to these standards).
• Make sure that the system, and the procedures and various logs are identified and can be easily verified.
• Verify that the operation has provided a written list of procedures carried out when undertaking production unit transition and that there has been no possible commingling with non-organic units.
• Make sure that feed and health care comply with these standards.

6.14.2.3 Duration of Transition Period

Aquaculture products being sold may be referred to as organic produce when these standards have been fully applied for at least one year or one reproduction cycle, for the species involved. The certification body may shorten or lengthen the duration of this transition period depending on the species' reproduction cycle and specific site factors; for examples environmental conditions former site usage in regard to metabolic waste, sediments and water quality. The Certification body must carry out at least one inspection visit during the transition period in order to verify compliance with these standards.

6.14.3 Aquatic Animal Species and Origins

6.14.3.1 Fish species intended for organic aquaculture shall ideally be taken from indigenous varieties or adapted to regional or local natural conditions, and have been raised under constant organic management methods. Aquatic animals produced in an organic manner must be cultivated within a defined population, similar to a herd of cattle or a poultry flock. When appropriate, precedence must be given to a polyculture of different fish species. Every effort must be made to avoid any risk of escape or infiltration of cultivated species into natural environments.

6.14.3.2 The certification body may authorize the introduction of entities of non-organic origin, provided they are no more than two days old and are not the product of genetic engineering (gynogenesis) or were not obtained by polyploidization. Eggs of non-organic origin may be introduced before hatching, i.e. when they are still embryos and are transportable.

6.14.3.3 Fingerlings and young hatchlings must not have been treated with antibiotics, growth stimulants or hormones.

6.14.3.4 With the exception of mollusks, aquatic animals captured in the wild may not be certified as organic. However, their offspring may be if they have been raised according to these standards.

6.14.4 Reproduction

6.14.4.1 Cultivation methods must generally allow natural methods of birthing, hatching or spawning. For fish however, the use of artificial methods involving human intervention to extract sexual substances and fertilize eggs is authorized. The use of hormones, even those from the same species, is prohibited.

6.14.5 Aquatic Animal Feed

6.14.5.1 Feed rations supplied to aquatic animals must be compatible with diets occurring in the natural environment and be designed according to the specific nutritional needs of each species. However, a part of feed rations for carnivorous species may be substituted with feed originating from plants. Feeding methods used for cultivation stock must comply with the regulations prescribed by the CARTV.

6.14.5.2 Aquatic animals raised organically must be fed with a feed ration wholly constituted from ingredients originating from organic products or based on wild fish coming from sites with little or no pollution, or from any other substance included on the list of the products authorized as food supplements and additives by the CARTV.

6.14.5.3 When required and in unusual circumstances, the certification body may grant temporary exemption to a fish farm, allowing extended use of non-organic feed. The calculated average for a year or a life cycle may not constitute more than 30% of a feed formula if the ingredients come from cultivation during the transition period or more than 20% of the feed formula if the ingredients come from a non-organic cultivation.

6.14.5.4 Certification bodies may require documented evidence showing that feed intended for organic fish cultivation does not contain residues originating from heavy metals, pesticides or other substances and chemicals prohibited by CARTV standards and the Livestock and Livestock Products Act.

6.14.5.5 In order to meet the specific needs of certain species, minerals and vitamins of natural origin may be added in the form of food supplements.

Under exceptional circumstances, ingredients obtained through synthetic or non-organic procedures may be authorized if they meet conditions established by the certification body. These conditions must fall into one or other of the following categories:

1. deficiencies specific to a given operation or feedstock;
2. particular types of animals at a certain stage of development;
3. unique and abnormal circumstances beyond the operator's control.

6.14.5.6 Upon approval from the certification body, preservatives may be used in feed when derived from bacteria, mushrooms, moulds or plant-based products such as enzymes, providing they do not stem from GMOs.

6.14.5.7 Carnivorous species may be fed fish scraps and meal and oils from aquatic animals. These must come from production that meet the requirements listed in paragraph 6.14.5.2.

6.14.5.8 Scraps or waste coming from cultivated species shall not be re-used to feed this same species.

6.14.5.9 Antibiotics and synthetic growth agents, antioxidants and appetite stimulants, as well as pure amino acids and synthetic dyestuffs are prohibited in feed diets. However, certain natural colouring additives are allowed.

6.14.5.10 Except for insects, it is strictly forbidden to use meal derived from land animals in the diet of organically cultivated fish.

6.14.6 Sanitary Measures and Precautions

6.14.6.1 Precautionary health measures must be established and maintained. Special attention should be given to the physiochemical quality of water. Other obligatory practices include appropriate species selection, provision of suitable feed rations, living conditions established in a manner that takes natural behaviour and stress reduction into account.

In the event of disease, precedence must be given to a curative approach that uses natural methods and products. Veterinary care products and techniques (phytotherapy, homeopathy, etc.) along with authorized restricted substances may be found in Tables A2.3 and A2.4, and include:

• natural physical methods (such as drying and freezing);
• non-toxic inorganic compounds (H₂O₂, NaCl, CaCO₃, CaO, NaOCl);
• non-toxic natural organic compounds (peracetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, ethanol);
• vegetable substances ( i.e. aromatic species Labiatae (Mint Family) and Allium (Garlic Family) Ryana speciosa, Derris eloptica, Neem/Azadirachta indica);
• Oil emulsions based on paraffin and/or vegetable oil;
• Bacillus thuringensis;
• Permission to use Rotenone (extract of Derris eliptica or other plants) must be sought from the certification body;
• homeopathic products.

6.14.6.2 Restricted use substances as listed in Tables A2.3 and A2.4, or any other synthetic substance, may only be used on vertebrate organisms and only when there is no other alternative and if a federal or provincial law requires it. To maintain their organic status, fishes shall not be treated with any synthetic antibiotics. As an exemption until January1st 2008, during their cultivation period, animals may receive a maximum number of two parasiticide treatments per year. When the reproductive or life cycle is less than one year, animals must not be treated more than once with restricted substances listed in Tables A2.3 and A2.4 or any other synthetic substance.

If such products are used, animals treated must undergo a withdrawal period equal to twice the prescribed period or two weeks, whichever is the longer. If the number of treatments is greater than the established limit, the animal will lose its organic status.

In the event of treatment with the restricted use substances listed in Tables A2.3 and A2.4 during hatching, broods may not be granted organic status until a two-week period or the twice the withdrawal period prescribed, whichever is longer.

6.14.6.3 Aquaculture produce treated more than twice with synthetic veterinary medicines or any other chemical must neither be sold nor labelled as being organic. The use of veterinary medicines on invertebrate organisms (mollusks and crustaceans) is prohibited.

6.14.6.4 Advanced harvesting or fishing may be considered as an alternative measure in the event that threats to the animals’ survival could lead to the use of prohibited substances.

6.14.6.5 Relying on prophylactic treatments using synthetic veterinary medicines or chemical products in a routine way is prohibited.

6.14.6.6 Vaccination is authorized if there is an obvious disease present in the region that cannot be fought using other natural techniques. In this event authorization must still be obtained from the certification body. However obligatory vaccinations required by law are authorized. The use of genetically modified vaccines is prohibited.

6.14.6.7 The addition of water and feed made from substances intended to stimulate growth or production (including antibiotics, coccidiostats and other artificial growth stimulating additives), as well as the use of hormones or other substances to control reproduction (for example, inducing or synchronizing fertility periods, bringing into heat) or other reasons, are prohibited. Hormones may however be administered to particular animals within the framework of veterinary treatment. In this case the animal must follow the rules prescribed in 6.14.6.2.

6.14.6.8 Refusal to administer an appropriate treatment for a disease in order to maintain organic status is prohibited.

6.14.7 Cultivation Conditions

6.14.7.1 Aquatic cultivation using organic methods must occur within a secure and well-managed production system adapted to encourage the animal's natural health and behaviour, and where risk of escape has been reduced to a minimum. Fish ponds, cages or basins must be large enough to allow fish to adopt behaviours that are identical or similar to the conditions they would have in the wild, adapted to allow them to form shoals.

Water must be taken from natural sources, be they wells, lakes, rivers or marine areas where a minimal risk of pollution is present. When water is scarce in any given environment, then it must be recycled. In order to conserve water resources and to avoid too much pumping, recirculation as well as bio-filtration are allowed.

Water quality (temperature, pH, salinity, and oxygen, ammonium, nitrate and phosphate content) must comply with the natural requirements of each species. Oxygenation or permanent artificial ventilation is permitted for improving water quality. Priority should be given to mechanical means requiring minimal amounts of energy.

6.14.7.2 Producers must not induce triploidy in animals, regardless of the artificial means selected.

6.14.7.3 Open water production systems must be located and managed such that they minimize any risk of contact with prohibited substances, including environmental pollution.

6.14.7.4 Fish must be given exposure to natural light for the greater part of their life. If artificial light is used, the total exposure period must not exceed sixteen (16) hours per day.

6.14.7.5 Construction materials and equipment used for production must in no way be composed of materials that cause harm to the environment or contaminate aquatic organisms. Construction materials must comply with federal and provincial regulations in effect and meet CARTV requirements. In this sense, construction materials and production equipment containing paints and using raw materials treated with toxic chemical agents (e.g.: paint, varnish or other materials containing synthetic agents, etc.) are prohibited. These include anti-clogging agents such as copper-based paints used to reduce the build-up of deposits on nets.

6.14.7.6  The size of enclosures must be appropriately matched to the specific needs and characteristics of each species. When cultivating at sea, the smallest marine cage authorized is 100 m³.

In the organic production of carp and other species associated with polyculture (mixed species) ponds, earth ponds and basins must have a minimal average water depth of 0.7 meters. For any given pond, the maximum authorized population density is 4,000 per hectare, and total fish species production is limited to 500 kg per year and per pond hectare (average water surface).

For the organic production of salmonids in fresh or lake water, maximum cultivation density is 30 kg/m³.

For the organic production of salmonids in seawater, the maximum cultivation density is 20 kg/m³.

For the organic production of species such as Sea-Perch, Bream, Croaker and Turbot, the maximal cultivation density at sea is 25 kg/m³, and in terrestrial zones it is 35 kg/m³.

6.14.7.7 The production of organic fish and non-organic fish of the same species at the same site (parallel production) is prohibited, except where the operator can demonstrate that the system is managed in a way that prevents mixing between organic and non-organic production.

6.14.7.8 In an open water operation, organic and non-organic production units must be separated by a distance of at least 300 m. In such cases, organic production basins must always be located upstream.

6.14.7.9 In land based facilities, a physical barrier must be put in place to prevent water from circulating between non-organic and organic units. Water recycled from non-organic cultivating basins may not be used to feed organic basins.

6.14.7.10 With the exception of open water operations, producers must make it a priority to recycle any residual nutritive substances produced by an operation. Waste (feed remains and feces) resulting from aquaculture operations shall be used as fertilizer in organic agriculture or in other suitable applications. Wastewater must meet standards established by MENV (Ministry of the Environment) or its equivalent outside of Quebec.

6.14.7.11 Production and work equipment must be maintained using mechanical and/or organic methods.

6.14.8 Stock Identification

For each aquatic animal group, producers shall maintain records sufficiently detailed so as to document group origins, feed rations, living conditions and, when necessary, applicable health practices pertaining to each group. Identification techniques must be such that fish production locations and/or living conditions may be traced. Each vat or crate ultimately going to consumers or to undergo secondary processing must bear markings or tags such that the each producer and batch can be traced back to their origins. In order to ensure batch tracebacks for larger fish, they must have individual tags attached to them. Larger species must have a sealed tag affixed to the fish's mouth or gill. Identification tags must be preserved until the last stage of production.

6.14.9 Harvesting, Transport, Slaughtering, Storage and Processing

6.14.9.1 Harvesting

6.14.9.1.1 Techniques used to capture and handle fish or mollusks and crustaceans must be selected such that they cause minimal physiological stress or injury, and that natural habitats are preserved in the best way possible. In order to keep stress levels to a minimum, only essential handling shall take place.

6.14.9.1.2 As much as possible, catching and harvesting methods must be either physical or mechanical. The use of tranquilizing chemicals or strong doses of CO₂ is prohibited. Also prohibited is the use of explosives or paralyzing toxins (even those of vegetable origin).

6.14.9.1.3 The quality of fish, mollusks and crustaceans shall be preserved by maintaining the cold chain from the point of harvest to the point of sale. If ice is used for refrigeration, it must be made from potable water or clean seawater.

6.14.9.2 Transporting Live Fish

6.14.9.2.1 In order to minimize stress or suffering, fish should be transported as quickly as possible. Vehicles used must be adapted to the types of live organisms being transported. For this reason certification bodies must ensure that water quality requirements are met (including temperature, oxygen, etc), water quantity, population density, and they must check precautions taken to prevent leakage, the distance to be traveled and the time it takes.

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF INVERTEBRATES (mollusks, shellfish and Echinodermata such sea urchins which, are transported dry), travel time should not exceed 10 hours.

6.14.9.2.2 In order to adequately preserve live mollusks following purchase or harvesting, they must immediately be placed in a container and covered with a wet cloth. To be able to breathe they must not be immersed in water, or stored in a hermetically sealed container. Molluscs must be kept at temperatures between 0 ° to 4 ° C.

6.14.9.3 Slaughtering

6.14.9.3.1 Slaughtering must take into account the physiology and natural behaviour of the organisms involved, and be carried out according to acceptable codes of ethics. In order to avoid any form of suffering, fish must be slaughtered in a way that minimizes pre-slaughter stress levels. Fish should not be slaughtered in fishponds, cages or vats where other fish are living.

6.14.9.3.2 Slaughtering techniques must be approved by the certification body in accordance with the following:

• post-transport period;
• type of slaughtering premises, as well as its setup;
• type and quality of the equipment to be used;
• zones and contact conditions between living and dead organisms.

6.14.9.4 Storage

6.14.9.4.1 Refrigerated Storage

• Storage must meet provincial and federal regulations currently in effect.
• Organic fish must be stored in separate rooms or compartments identified for this purpose.
• Systematic rotation and management plans for organic stock must be developed in order to avoid any contact with non-organic products.

6.14.9.4.2 Freezer Storage

• Freezing and the deep freezing of organic fish are authorized. Freezing techniques used should not contaminate produce through contact with prohibited substances found in the cooling liquid. For this reason techniques using forced air are allowed, but those using sprinkling are only acceptable insofar as they do not involve substances prohibited by current standards. Equipment used must meet present government regulations.
• Organic fish must be stored in separated rooms or compartments that have been identified for this purpose.
• Systematic rotation and management plans for organic stock must be developed so that any contact with non-organic products is avoided.

6.14.9.5 Processing

6.14.9.5.1 Processing techniques must comply with regulations laid down in Section 8 of the Quebec Organic Reference Standards. The only ingredients of non-agricultural origin and authorized processing agents allowed are those indicated in Tables A3.1 and A3.2.

6.14.9.5.2 Washing techniques must be such that processing facilities and equipment are kept in clean and healthy condition. Surfaces and equipment coming into contact with food must be fully rinsed with potable water in order to eliminate any residues from the cleaning and disinfecting products used during washing operations. Products authorized for use during washing and disinfecting are listed in Table A4.2 of the Quebec Organic Reference Standards.