The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is changing the 2012 Certified Organic Farm (COF) registry process beginning October 26, 2011. To be included on the 2012 COF registry, certified organic farmers will need to register their farm-sites in Driftwatch at www.driftwatch.org. The Driftwatch system is a tool to help protect pesticide-sensitive crops and habitats in Michigan. These sites may include tomato and grape fields, certified organic farms, and apiaries.
How Can I Register My Certified Organic Farm?
Beginning October 26, 2011, you will now need to register your farm-sites on Driftwatch at www.driftwatch.org. If new sites need to be registered, they can be added at the same time your existing sites are entered into Driftwatch. If you do not have access to a personal computer, please check with a family member or visit your public library.
Why is there a new Certified Organic Farm Registration process using the Driftwatch website?
This registration process will eliminate sending the annual certified organic farmer's registry by mail to pesticide applicators. Instead, pesticide applicators will be advised to visit the Driftwatch website, and they can also choose to receive an e-mail when new organic farms or other sensitive sites are added within their designated service area. Pesticide applicators can easily locate registered sites before they spray using a Google Maps
TM
interface. Applicators can decide to view statewide sensitive sites, pick their own counties, or customize their own service areas.
If you have questions on how to register your Certified Organic Farm-site in the Driftwatch system or have trouble following the instructions on the Driftwatch website, please contact:
Antonio Castro-Escobar, Driftwatch Manager
Phone: (517) 373-6350
E-mail: escobara@michigan.gov
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