All farmers can benefit from an efficient and well organized record keeping system. This handbook takes you step by step through the process of setting up a field-to-table audit trail, making both your customers and your inspector happy! Not only do more consumers want to know how their food was grown and processed, but more countries are adopting mandatory organic standards that require evidence that producers are following the standards. This book is a must read even if you"re not certified organic, because record keeping for certification is also record keeping for successful farming! Here"s how the book is organized:Chapter 1 What and why Organic certification Records and plans How certification works Chapter 2 Farm records What are farm records? Records for inputs, activities and outputs Supporting documents Chapter 3 Applying to certify - the organic plan Organizing your organic plan Farm map and history Inputs, activities and outputs Chapter 4 Getting ready for inspection Keeping records for inspection The inspection process Chapter 5Getting better Update your plan Tweak your record keeping Advice from organic inspectors and certifiers Resources for planning and record keepingOur aim with this Practical Skills handbook is to reduce the barriers and anxiety associated with record keeping for organic certification. Whether you choose to certify or not, the record keeping described here will help you transition more easily to organic production methoods. Good record keeping also facilitates farm planning and evaluation -which in turn helps to improve your bottom line.