Do my chemical free years before applying count toward the organic conversion period?

Past chemical free years can count toward your conversion period, but only if you can prove them, and that is where most farmers lose out. Certification systems require a conversion period, generally around two to three years from the last use of prohibited inputs, before produce can be sold as fully organic. If you have credible records, field history, input purchase or non purchase evidence, and the inspection or peer appraisal accepts it, your earlier clean period may be recognised and you reach full organic status faster. Without records, you may be treated as starting conversion now, which delays the premium market by years. So when you apply, present whatever proof you have of your past practice, soil tests, input diaries, neighbour and group testimony for PGS, and ask the certifying body or PGS regional council how much of your history they can credit. From this day forward, keep a strict written input and field diary, because clean records are the single most valuable thing for shortening your conversion. Confirm the exact conversion period and what evidence is accepted with your certifying body, as standards are updated periodically.