BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS
January 2002
To Members and Interested Parties:
Please find attached the revised Best Practice Guidelines relating to the Safe Manufacture, Storage and Transportation of Vermiculture Products and Standard Parameters relating to the Quality and Safety of Vermiculture products offered to the public. This document is issued to all full members of the New Zealand Earthworm Association currently listed on the Commercial Register and will be available to other interested parties on request. The document has been prepared taking into account the advice and criticisms received following distribution of the initial draft dated May 2000 and is issued in the interests of advancing the professionalism of those involved in the vermiculture industry. These guidelines and standards are at this stage voluntary. However it is strongly recommended that all members identified on the Commercial Register as offering their product and their services to the public, whether operating on a large or a small scale, make themselves aware of the contents of the document and to the best of their ability follow the recommendations therein, which are considered to be logical, sensible and not onerous and in the best interests of all concerned.
Comments, suggestions, criticisms, requests for assistance and explanations, and advice, are welcomed and should be addressed to the Secretary, NZEA.
These revised guidelines and standards replace the initial draft and should be inserted in the folder which all members received in May/June 2000.
Derek Barratt-Boyes, President
New Zealand Earthworm Association. January 2002THE NEW ZEALAND EARTHWORM ASSOCIATION Inc.
An Association of Breeders and Worm Farmers, Educators, Enthusiasts and Resourcers.
BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS RELATING TO THE MANUFACTURE, STORAGE ,TRANSPORTATION AND QUALITY TESTING OF VERMICULTURE PRODUCTS. ----Issued January 2002
NB: The original document having been through a process of scrutiny and due diligence is now published under the authority of the New Zealand Earthworm Association Incorporated for the benefit of members of the NZEA and all users of vermiculture products.
1.O SCOPE OF BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES RELATING TO THE SAFE MANUFACTURE, STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF VERMICULURE PRODUCTS AND STANDARD PARAMETERS RELATING TO THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF VERMICULTURE PRODUCTS OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC.
This a document which attempts to provide systems that adequately support achievable and sustainable methodology for the husbandry of earthworms, manufacture of solid and liquid phase earthworm based products, and the processing of waste organic streams. The document is necessary in light of continuing concerns by the public as to what constitutes acceptable earthworm growing practices and what vermiculture product properties are desirable in vermi products offered for sale. The Best Practice Guidelines - relating to the manufacturing process - and Standards - relating to the quality and safety of the product - are designed to provide guidance in minimising risks associated with the potential to pollute the environment, or to cause health and safety concerns, by advising of provisions that must be met for statutory compliance. The document will look primarily at the compost worm species present in New Zealand, and the manufacture of solid and liquid vermiculture products.
1.1 OBJECTIVES :
-
(A) To promote the advancement of earthworm husbandry throughout New Zealand with the aim of minimising organic waste, increasing the quality of our soils and promoting community involvement and acceptance of vermiculture processes, including promoting the benefits of compost earthworms and their associated products. To avoid or mitigate any adverse environmental effects of activities associated with the vermiculture industry.
(B) To encourage and set high standards within the earthworm growing community, to establish and recommend adherence to a code of ethics for such community, and to require all NZEA members to adopt and maintain those standards and code of ethics.
(C) To facilitate cooperation between earthworm growers through the exchange of ideas, skills and information, to provide for training and professional development of all people engaged in earthworm growing, and to encourage links and interaction between earthworm growers.
(D) To select, determine and foster standards for selling compost worms and compost worm products throughout New Zealand.
(E) To educate the community, Government agencies, the media and educational establishments through agricultural, horticultural and environmental displays.
(F) To stimulate educational opportunities for earthworm growers and allied industries by creating appropriate educational programmes and/or NZQA approved training courses, and developing, delivering and evaluating such training.
(G) To support the members of the Association in matters of mutual concern and interest and to represent their collective views on any matter concerning the Association or its members.
1.2 SUPPORTIVE CONCEPTS :
-
• Determine prospective markets for quality endorsed Vermiculture and recycled organic products.
• Ensure product development meets or exceeds community expectations for environmentally friendly and safe sustainable products.
• The executive of the NZEA will promote all such Vermiculture products and practices, comment on and endorse the Best Practice Guidelines and Standards, in consultation with all Vermiculture, research and allied industries.
• Introduce a quality manual meeting ISO9001 requirements to further reduce the variability of products and increase professionalism within the industry.
• Encourage and invite industry acclaimed national and international professionals to deliver seminars, conferences and workshops to promote wider interest in all aspects of Vermiculture and related fields.
1.3 EXPLANATION AND DEFINITIONS OF COMMONLY USED TERMS:
-
• Aerobic Conditions: Composting and vermiculture systems require free oxygen to be available.
• Anaerobic conditions: Processing without oxygen
• Biosolids ( sewage sludge): Solid cake, semi-solid or slurry material produced by the treatment of urban sewage.
• Bund: A containment wall or levee to prevent the loss of liquids from a specific area.
• Capsule: The oval shaped case containing worm eggs.
• Castings: The excretia of worms
• Castings Extract: The liquid form of Vermicast produced by steeping solid vermicast in aerated and circulated pure water, allowed to settle, and sieved to remove suspended solids. This product could also describe the term "Liquefied Vermicast" which should however be differentiated from the term "worm bed Leachate" which is a liquid by-product naturally resulting from the processing of organic waste by compost earthworms either in a ground or raised worm bed or from domestic sized worm bins.
• Certification to an Organic Standard: Bio-gro/Demeter certification or other approved body.
• Compost: Material resulting from the controlled microbial transformation of organic materials under aerobic and thermophilic conditions.
• Compost worms: Earthworms that live and breed in biodegradable organic wastes. (see worm identification Table page 3)
• Earthworms: Segmented worms which are predominately terrestrial, but exclude groups of tiny worms. Earthworms are sometimes called Megadriles.
• Fresh Compost: Organic materials that have undergone controlled microbiological transformation under aerobic and thermophilic conditions, but which do not meet the criteria for mature compost as defined by Table 1.2 of AS 4454-97.
• Leachate: Liquid run-off from any (stored) organic waste feed source. To be distinguished from "worm bed leachate" as described under the heading Castings Extract.
• Manure: Any organic product composed mainly of animal excretia.
• Mature Compost: Organic materials that have undergone controlled microbiological transformation under aerobic and thermophilic conditions that meet the criteria for mature compost as defined in Table 1.2 of AS 4454-97
• Mesophilic Temperature Range: A range of temperature between 10deg c and 30deg c which most compost worms find suitable for the processing of organic materials.
• Mulch: Any composted or non-composted organic material, excluding plastic, that is suitable for placing on soil surfaces.
• Primary Package: Any form of packaging material, ie any packet, envelope, box, bag, bottle or the like which is in intimate contact with the product and which is not intended to serve solely as a transport package.
• Soil Conditioner: Any composted or non-composted material of organic origin that is produced or distributed for adding to soils. This term also includes “soil amendment’, “soil additive’, “soil improver”, "soil nutrient' and similar terms, but excludes polymers which do not biodegrade, such as plastics, rubber and coatings.
• Vermicast: The excretia of worms in its pure form, produced by the action of microbiological life within the digestive tract of the worm.
• Vermicompost; Mixture of vermicast and unprocessed organic matter, it may also contain worm capsules and small worms. The term may also apply to a mix of vermicast and composted material.
2. WORM CLASSIFICATION, IDENTIFICATION, BEHAVIOUR AND HABITAT
2.1 Classification
Earthworms have been classified by a variety of schemes, the most useful being those based on their behaviour and habitat. The classification of M Bouche describes a worm species as occupying a certain level in the soil and indicates its feeding behaviour. ( Also refer to various publications of the former Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries via Aglink, in particular FPP 569: 3/10/000/2/85 revised 1985)
EPIGEIC: - ( surface dwelling ) lives at or close to the soil surface. Feeds on soil, freshly decayed plant material and animal residues. e.g. E. fetida and L. rubellus
ENDOGEIC: ( soil dwelling ) - lives within the soil and ingests soil and decayed organic material. E.g. A caliginosia
ANECIC:- (surface feeding, soil dwelling ) lives in semi-permanent burrows and feeds on decaying plants at the soil surface. eg A. longa, L. terrestris.
2.2 Identification of New Zealand Earthworms (source Dr Nicholas Martin, Crop & Food, Auckland)
|
Earthworm Species
current valid names (some old names)
|
Earthworm habitat
|
Earthworm feeding preferences
|
Species associated with
Compost
|
|
Amynthas corticis
(A. diffringens, Pheretima peregrina)
|
Top soil
|
litter, possible old animal dung, and soil
|
possible
|
|
Amynthas hupiensis
|
top soil
|
litter, possible old animal dung, and soil
|
no
|
|
Allolobophora chlorotica
|
top soil
|
litter, old animal dung, and soil
|
no
|
|
Aporrectodea caliginosa (A. turgida)
|
top soil
|
litter, old animal dung, and soil
|
no
|
|
Aporrectodea longa
|
deep burrowing
|
litter, old animal dung, and soil
|
no
|
|
Aporrectodea rosea
|
top soil
|
litter, old animal dung, and soil
|
no
|
|
Aporrectodea trapezoides
|
top soil
|
litter, old animal dung, and soil
|
no
|
|
Aporrectodea tuberculata
|
top soil
|
litter, old animal dung, and soil
|
no
|
|
Dendrodrilus rubidus
(Dendrobaena rubida)
|
shallow
|
litter feeder, may feed on old animal dung
|
yes
|
|
Eisenia andrei - red tiger worm
|
shallow
|
compost, litter and animal dung
|
yes
|
|
Eisenia fetida - tiger worm
|
shallow
|
compost, litter and animal dung
|
yes
|
|
Eiseniella tetraedra
|
wet places
|
high organic matter
|
possible
|
|
Lumbricus castaneus
|
shallow
|
plant litter and animal dung
|
yes
|
|
Lumbricus eiseni
|
shallow
|
in places with high organic matter
|
possible
|
|
Lumbricus rubellus - true red worm
|
shallow
|
plant litter and animal dung
|
yes
|
|
Lumbricus terrestris
|
deep burrows
|
surface plant litter and animal dung
|
yes
|
|
Microscolex dubius
|
|
probably plant litter and old animal dung
|
possible
|
|
Octolasion cyaneum
|
deep burrowing
|
mineral soil
|
no
|
|
Perionix excavatus
|
shallow
|
plant litter
|
yes
|
|
Octolasion lacteum
|
topsoil
|
high organic litter feeder
|
possible
|
|
Native earthworms
(up to 200 species)
|
varied
|
Varied
|
some species
|
|
* Species now in the genus Aporrectodea were previously in the genus Allolobophora
|
Composting:
Yes = likely to assist composting. No = unlikely to be much help with composting
Possible = may be of benefit to composting.
PART A
GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE MANUFACTURE, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF VERMICULTURE PRODUCTS
3. SITE CLASSIFICATION AND FEED SOURCE.
Guidelines for vermicomposting and related activities should have regard to the following :
3.1 Environmental impact:
-
• The reviewing of planning and consultation processes applying to the site in discussions with relevant Government agencies, and Regional, District and City Councils.
• Ascertaining the suitability of the intended location having regard to the key issues of potentially damaging environmental effects. These issues include air quality ( especially odour ), surface water and groundwater protection e.g. from leachate, transport and traffic issues, storage of raw materials, storage of finished products, potential noise and vermin nuisance, buffer zones from residential dwellings and community buildings such as schools.
3.2 Environmental Scrutiny:
The higher the class of material used, the more likely it is that there will be environmental impacts from outdoor operations, and the more scrutiny by central and local Government agencies, including the impact of statutes, such as :
-
• Regional, District and City Councils
• Ministry of the Environment
• Ministry of Health - Health Act, Health and Safety in Employment Act
• Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
• Resource Management Act
• Bio Security Act
• HASNO Act
3.3 Feed Source
|
Class
|
Category
|
Examples of Organic Material
|
|
1
|
-
• Garden and Landscaping Material
• Untreated Timber
• Natural Fibrous Material, Processed Fibrous Material
|
-
• Grass*, Leaves, Plants ,Loppings, Branches, Trees and Stumps
• Sawdust, Shavings, Timber offcuts, Crates, Pallets, Wood packaging
• Peat, Seed hulls/husks, Straw, Natural Fibrous Material,
• Paper, Cardboard, Paper processing sludge, Non synthetic Textiles.
|
|
2
|
-
• Natural or processed vegetables and fruits
|
-
• Vegetables, Fruit, Seeds & associated processing sludges & wastes
|
|
3
|
-
• Meat, fish & fatty foods
• Fatty & oily sludges and wastes
|
-
• Animal, Fish & parts of carcasses, blood, bone, fatty or food wastes
• De-watered grease traps, fatty & oil sludges
|
|
4
|
-
• Bio-solids and manures
|
-
• Sewage bio-solids**, Animal manure, mixtures of manure & biodegradable bedding materials
• Animal paunch
|
Resource consents will in all cases be subject to the Resource Management Act and the relevant planning requirements of each particular Local Body
Notes * The processing of grass clippings at a rate greater than or equal to 15% per annum changes the classification to class 2. ** Conditions applying to the use of bio-solids may be found in the Environment Management Guidelines for the "Use and disposal of Bio-solids EPA 1997".
4. COLLECTION AND STORAGE OF THE RAW MATERIAL:
4.1 COLLECTION
4.1.1 An integral part of the recycling of organic materials is collection from the community or by way of delivery from waste management operators. Many years of local and overseas experience have proved that source separated collection of pre-consumer waste is imperative for the production of high quality recycled products.
4.1.2 The main methods of collection by local government are kerbside collection, delivery by the source generator and source collection by organic recyclers. Generally the delivery by source generators and source collectors will be free of contamination, as both are readily identifiable, and the organic recycler will have direct control over the quality of the raw materials.
4.1.3 Education and awareness in conjunction with Regional, District and City Councils is important in reducing the costs associated with secondary separation, especially in terms of plastics, glass, metal and noxious plants.
4.2 TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF THE RAW MATERIAL:
4.2.1 Collection vehicles should be enclosed and sealed to prevent the possibility of odour nuisance or the escape of particulate, dust or leachate. Containers that can be closed to achieve the same degree of prevention of pollution can be used provided suitable restraints are used to prevent spillage.
4.2.2 Collection frequency should be determined to suit the type of waste being collected, with the collection cycle being such that the collection containers do not become anaerobic and generate odours.
4.2.3Consideration must be given to the movement of transport, processing equipment and other vehicles and its potential impact on neighbors or the local community.
4.2.4 Short term storage at an approved transfer facility may be acceptable, in the event that because of transport efficiencies an operator needs to unload from a low volume specialty collection vehicle for pre processing and/or transport by conventional trucks.
4.2.5 Storage on the processing site shall be such that there is no impact due to dust and odour and aerobic conditions are maintained as there is a low risk of spontaneous combustion.
4.2.6 An organic stockpile must be covered and have a containment bund or suitable drainage arrangement to prevent leachate or rain ingress from causing soluble and particulate nutrients loss off site, or into ground water or water courses. The leachate and any contaminated rain water that is thus contained is to be treated and reused on the site.
5. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY:
5.1 Background Data:
There is considerable scientific data available on programmes that demonstrate the efficiency of processing and stabilising bio-solids and other organic wastes by way of composting earthworms, including evidence of pathogen elimination such as E. coli, Salmonella, Enteric viruses and to an extent Helminth Ova, and the significant reduction of heavy metals. Biosolids which have passed through the digestive system of composting earthworms meet the criteria for faecal coliform, Salmonella, Enteric viruses and viable Helmuth Ova levels as specified by Part 503 of the US EPA Guidelines and the NSW EPA Guidelines (1997). See also (NZ) Public Health Guidelines for the safe use of Sewage Effluent on land (1992-HP 3077), the Living Earth (Wellington) Joint Venture resource consents, the Dana Peterson Wellington Vermicomposting Trials (1997). Research, and practical trials by various Local Authorities, is continuing.
5.2 Precautions
5.2.1 Wear gloves when handling both fresh, putrescible or manure style materials
5.2.2 Use implements rather than your hands to feed material
5.2.3 Bury vegetable matter under bedding materials to prevent access of fly larvae or the attraction of vermin
5.2.4 Ensure strict hygiene provisions are maintained when considering eating or even smoking in areas where raw feeds are present
-
5.2.5 Wear a dust mask if dealing with pollen, chaff or dusty feed material and products
5.2.6 Limit your time in conditions that are not well ventilated
5.2.7 Take extra precautions if you are asthmatic; utilise mechanical handling techniques whenever possible.
5.2.8 Wear a dust mask when opening bagged worm products as per the industry standard warning label especially relating to Legionella bacteria
5.3 Legal Requirements:
5.3.1 Material safety data sheets need to be kept on site
5.3.2 Warning labels on bagged products or on invoices for bulk
5.3.3 Warning signs in manufacturing or material handling areas e.g. eye protection, dust masks, gloves, appropriate clothing, safety showers
-
5.3.4 Legal implications governing employee working conditions
5.3.5 Transportation of product with respect to public risk.
5.3.6 Compliance with Resource Management Act requirements, also the Health Act and the Health and Safety in Employment Act
PART B
OUTLINE OF STANDARD PARAMETERS RELATING TO THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF VERMICULTURE PRODUCTS OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC
6. PRODUCT AND PUBLIC LIABILITY :
6.1 Sales of the product should comply with the Fair Trading Act, the Consumer Protection Act, and legislation dealing with the protection of the environment e.g. Resource Management Act.
With reference in particular to castings generated from bio-solids or a mix of feed sources containing bio-solids legislation dealing with the protection of the environment must be taken into account in terms of organic material application rates and purposes. The allowed rate and purpose depends on the contamination grade of the product, and the customer advised of the origon of the product and the existence and applicability of those guidelines.
7. PRODUCT STANDARDS, PACKAGING AND QUALITY LIMITS :
7.1 Products resulting from a vermiculture or composting process should be assessed to ensure that they pose no hazard in relation to human, animal, plant and environmental health. There are at present no standards in New Zealand relating to the production and sale of vermiculture products although there is a voluntary draft relative to the production of compost developed by the New Zealand Potting Mix and Manufacturers Federation which came into force in 2000. In Australia the document AS 4454-99 is currently under review with the purpose of including vermicast within the testing regime for composts. The various Australian and New Zealand standards and specifications which have been developed include test methods and limits for properties that will indicate a product fitness for purpose. These include but are not limited to the following :
7.2 Compost, Soil, Potting Mix and Vermiculture Products:
AS 4419-98 Soils for Landscaping and garden use
AS 4454-99 Composts, soil conditioners and Mulches - under review to include vermicast
AS 3743-96 Potting Mixes
Environmental guidelines – Use and disposal of biosolids products ( NSW EPA, 1997 )
New Zealand Potting Mix Federation Voluntary guidelines, also relative to compost
Department of Health (NZ) Public health Guidelines for the safe use of sewage effluent and sludge on land. (1992)
7.3 The manufacturer must be able to demonstrate that the manufacturing facility is capable of producing product to specification. In order to ensure consistent product which always meets specification, the manufacturer should have a quality management plan in place which addresses the following elements as appropriate :
7.3.1 Source of raw materials : The source of raw materials used in vermicomposting and composting must be known in order to separate materials and treat these appropriately for the risks of contamination in each source.
The system should minimise physical contamination by foreign bodies such as glass, plastics and metal, chemical contamination by heavy metals, and organic residues such as herbicides and insecticides [(including organochlorines) and PCB’s]..
7.3.2 Inspection and testing of raw materials. Should be at a level to verify that the product meets specified requirements. It is suggested that where feed sources remain the same, are prepared in the same way and used in the same proportions, validation tests frequency may be reduced to 6 monthly intervals or more once sufficient records verify the level of variance within agreed tolerances for a known customer. Inspection and testing should be carried out on incoming raw materials to determine potential contaminants, process materials to determine aerobic / moisture conditions, and finished products to determine customer's requirements and the level of residual contaminants.
7.3.3 Process Control : Procedures should be in place to ensure that processing operations are carried out under controlled conditions. Controlled conditions should include the following :
-
• A defined manner of production
• The use of suitable equipment and working conditions
• Compliance with reference standards / codes, quality plans and / or documented procedures
• The monitoring and control of suitable process parameters
• A criteria for workmanship ( usually defined by process parameters and product characteristics )
• The suitable maintenance of equipment to ensure continuing process capability.
7.3.4 Inspection and Testing of Finished Product: Inspection and / or testing should be at an adequate level to verify that the products meet specified requirements. Inspection and testing may be carried out on incoming materials, in process materials and in finished products. Test methods and specifications for product characteristics are outlined in the various standards identified above and also as outlined in the parameters for quality standards in the following pages of this document.
7.3.5 Inspection, Measurement and Test Equipment : Where the inspection, measurement and testing is carried out on-site then the equipment should be selected so that it is capable of the appropriate accuracy and precision for the characteristic being measured. All such equipment should be calibrated and adjusted at prescribed intervals, or prior to use, against known standards ie Standards New Zealand.
7.3.6 Control of non conforming product : The manufacturer should have procedures for ensuring that product which does not meet specifications is prevented from intended use. The procedure should enable the manufacturer to re-work, re-grade, scrap or dispose of non conforming product as appropriate, and ensure that non conforming product is not offered for sale purporting to be compliant.
7.3.7 Handling, Storage, Packaging and Delivery : The manufacturer should ensure that the finished product is handled, stored and delivered to ensure that the product does not deteriorate to such an extent that it is unfit for use when delivered into the hands of the customer.
7.3.8 Corrective and Preventative Action : The manufacturer should have procedures in place for implementing corrective and preventative actions appropriate to the magnitude of the problems and commensurate with the risks encountered. Testing of incoming materials and record keeping can determine how best to handle/store certain feed sources. Potential exothermic reactions causing temperatures to rise as feed sources reduce in volume can be better managed to meet prevailing conditions. Management and prevention of pests and vermin is preferable to reaction after the event.
7.3.9 Training : All personnel performing activities affecting product quality should be competent to perform their assigned tasks. Competency may have been gained by qualification, prior knowledge, or on the job training.
8. EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS OF SYSTEM :
The effectiveness of the system for achieving compliance to product specifIcation should be supported by :
8.1 Document and Data Control : Appropriately authorised, issued and revised documents are available at point of use.
8.2 Records : Legible and permanemt records provide evidence that procedures have been followed.
The following records can be used as evidence that the product complies with specified requirements :
-
• Batch Release
• Laboratory Analysis Reports
• Inspection and Test Reports
• Approved / Acceptable Suppliers Lists
• Design Changes
• Traceability Records
• Calibration of Test Equipment ( within the required frequency )
• Training of all Operations Staff
• Customer Complaints and Corrective Action Taken
8.3 Policies and Plans : The manufacturer’s senior managers should enunciate the organisation’s plans and policies for achieving Best Management Practices, and deploy these policies and plans throughout the organisation. This is usually done by issuing manuals, organisational charts, job descriptions, procedures and work instructions, and providing appropriate training for employees. Such policies and plans must be consistent with the organisation’s overall business aims and objectives.
-
9. VERMICULTURE PRODUCTS :
-
9.1 Compost Worms :
-
• When describing the compost worm varieties for sale, the member shall ensure that the correct scientific or Linnean Genus and Species is used. If in doubt have the identity of their earthworms checked by an independent person with the known expertise or refer to publications earlier identified. Descriptions such as reds, and tigers, are not in themselves acceptable.
• Worms shall be sold solely by the kilogram and part thereof, AND NOT by 1000’s.
• Weighing instruments used for product sold by weight should be reliable and conform to Standards New Zealand requirements.
• Packaging for worms should be in a container suitable for the quantity involved, with provisions of air-holes and sufficient food and moisture in the packing mix to sustain the worms over the expected period of transportation.
• All packaging should clearly state that the package is “fragile”, storage is to be in a “cool place”, contains “live worms”, specifies the name of the supplier and their contact details, quantity and species of worms, and the use by date for the food provided.
-
9.2 Bait Worms :
9.3 Pasture Worms
• As per Compost Worms above but replacing the word “Bait” for “Compost”.
• When describing pasture worm varieties for sale, the member should accurately specify the species.
All other information as per Compost Worms above.
-
9.4 Castings Extract: When describing “castings extract” for sale, the member shall provide :
-
• A label specifying the organisation’s name and if applicable the batch number
• Volume of the contents in litres
• Date of production
• Feed source used
• The addition of any other enhancing materials including chemical nitrogen supplements
• Dilution rate
• Storage conditions
The container should be UV resistant, and when packaged the product should allow either an air space to allow the bacteria to breathe, or be fitted with a suitable breather cap to achieve the same result.
9.5 Vermicast : When describing “vermicast” for sale, the member shall provide :
-
• A label specifying the organisation’s name and if applicable the batch number
• The material should be screened through a 10 mm screen to remove potential contaminants
• The volume of the contents in litres, or, if in bulk, cubic metres
• The grade of the product - where the manufacturer provides more than one grade
• Feed sources used
• Date of production
• Whether pasteurised or precomposted
• Packaging for vermicast shall be suitable for the quantity involved and the time/distance over which it is to travel, labelled specifying it contains live worms and should contain an air space
• OH&S warnings are clearly visible on outer packaging and any documentation including invoices
• Where nutritional levels and other allied data as to quality standards resulting from laboratory testing are known these should be included in the promotional data
9.6 Vermicompost : When describing “vermicompost” for sale, the member shall provide :
-
• A label specifying the organi