The document outlines the minimum requirements for converting to organic agriculture in the Philippines. It states that during the conversion period, which is determined by an inspector, the operator must follow all organic standards and inspection is required. The conversion plan must include farm history, current practices, improvements needed, and a schedule. If conventional and organic production occur on the same land, clear demarcation and records are needed. Crop conversion periods are 12 months for annuals and 18 months for perennials before harvest can be certified organic.

1. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL
STANDARD
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

2. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONVERSION
TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
The provisions for conversion
to organic agriculture shall
meet the requirements:

3. 4.1.1 CROP AND SPECIAL PRODUCT CONVERSION
REQUIREMENTS
 4.1.1.1 The operator must follow and meet the
minimum requirements of the Philippine National
Standard for Organic Agriculture from the
beginning of the conversion period onwards.
 4.1.1.2 Inspection must be carried out as a prerequisite
for a farm to be certified as organic. The time frame of
the conversion period (plan) is set based on the initial
recommendations/findings of the inspector.

4. 4.1.1.3 THE CONVERSION PLAN SHALL AT
LEAST INCLUDE:
- field and farm history and present production practices
such as crops produced, pest management practices,
fertilization practices, and animal husbandry practices;
- production practices that need to be improved during
the conversion period (e.g. crop rotation, manure
management, soil conversion, water management,
animal management, pasture development pl an,
pest management, environmental conditions); and
- a schedule and time limits for the progression of
conversion.

5. 4.1.1.4 IF THERE IS A PRESENCE OF PARALLEL/SPLIT PRODUCTION
IN THE UNIT, THE RESPONSIBLE FARMERS HAVE TO ENSURE:
- that a proper demarcation and identification of organically managed lands must be put in place. Land managed
organically must be inspected for compliance to organic certification;
- that the organically farmed part s are i dentifiable and may be inspected for certification;
- that all farm records and accounting are identifiable for both farming systems; and
- those converted areas are not switched back and forth from organic and non-organic management.

6. 4.1.1.5 LENGTH OF CROP CONVERSION PERIOD
Plant products can be certified organic when the full requirement s of this Standard have been met:
- for annual crops: at least twelve (12) months before the start of the production
cycle;
- for perennials: at least eight een (18) months of management according to the full standards
requirements before the first harvest.