“Toward Organic Integrity: A Guide to the 

Development of US Organic Standards”. 

1997 

Edited by Michael Sligh, Rural Advancement Foundation Intl. -USA
Table of Contents 

INTRODUCTION AND ACKN"O\l\JLEDGMENTS ................................ -·····-·· ..................... ~iii 

PREAMBLE ··--·-···························································-........................................... 1 v 

EXEClITIVE SUMMARY ..................................................... - ........ ~ ....... -.................... ,.,_. vili 

WHAT'S AT STAKE: Deal-breakers, hot and uilresolved issues ........................ ix 

NOSB RECOMMENDATIONS 

ACCREDITATION RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................... -........... _ .• N ................ 1 

Standards and procedures governing the accreditation of 

cenification organizations ...................................................................................................... 2 

INTERNATIONAL RECO Jl..l.MENDATIONS ····-············ .. ···-··-··-······································· 39 

Importation of organic agricultural products ...................................................................... 40 

HANDLING AND PROCESSING RECOM:MENDATIONS ................................................. 43 

General organic food labeling standarm ............................................................................... 44 

General organic food labeling standards (Add. 111) ............................................................. 51 

General organic labeling standards (Add. #4) ...................................................................... 53 

Gener.ti organic food labeling standards (Add. 1110) ........................................................... 54 

Organic handling p!an .............................................................................................................. 57 

Organic handling plan (Add. tt6) ............................................................................................ 66 

Requirements for handler cenification ................................................................................ 6"7 

Requirements for handler certification (Add. II 11) ............................................................ 71 

Commercial nooavailability of i11gredicnts (Add. 115) ........................................................ 73 

(Jrganic good manufacturing practices (Add. #7) ................................................................ 76 

NOSll Phase·in/impleme11tation (Add. 119) ............................................................................. 81 

labeling of clothing made with orga11ic cotton (Add. 1130) ............................................... 84 

UVESTOCK RECOfvllYfENDATIONS ..................................................................................... 86 

Organic livestock production standards ................................................................................. 87 

Organic livestock production (Add. #17) ............................................................................. 114 

Organic livestock heaJthcare practices (Add. #8) .............................................................. 116 

Use of inoculants and vaccines in livestock production (Add. #21) ............................... 117 

Use of antibiotics in organic livestock production (Add. lf22) ....................................... 118 

llse of parasiticides in organic livt-stock production (Add. #23) .................................... 119 

CROP RECO~'IDATIONS ..... -......................................................... -................. -........... 120 

Organic crop production standards ....................................................................................... 121 

Specialized sta.11dards for gree11houses and mushroom production (Add. ti3) .............. 150 

Banana planting stock (Add. #24) ......................................................................................... 153 

Umergency spray exception (Add. #29) ............................................................................... 154 

r.11\TERIAlS RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................. : ............... 155 

Preamble ................................................................................................................ 156 

/1.-laterials review criteria (Add, lf26) .................................................................................... 158 

Allo\vable n1ethods of oil extraction (Add. 1/12) .................................................................. 159 

llse of nutrient supplementation in organic foods {Add. 1:<13) ........................................ 161 

Use uf natural fla-."ors in organic foods (Add .. #14) ............................................................ 162 
Incidental food additives in organic foods (Add. #lS) ....................................................... 164 

Addition of synthetic magnesium chloride {Add. #16) ..................................................... 166 

TAP review of synthetic vitamins & minerals in livestock (Add. #18) .......................... 16.!I 

TAP review of inoculants and vaccines in livestock {Add. #19) ..................................... 170 

TAP revie\v of antibiotics and parasite in livestock (Add. #20) ....................................... 172 

Botanical pesticides policy (Add. #2) .................................................................................... 173 

Chilean nirrate special use guidelines (Add. #27) .............................................................. 176 

Arsenate treated lumber (Add. #28) ...................................................................................... ln 

Inens on the National Ust ...................................................................................................... 178 

Summai:y of materials voted in CA, FL, TI{ and IN ............................................................... 181 

ADDmDA ··-.. ··········-· .. ·····--··--·-··--········· .. ···························••H•••H•••··········----190 

1. Federal Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ................................................................ 191 

2. Definitions and interpretatiom ........................................................................................ 199 

3. Definition of organic .......................................................................................................... 200 

4. Draft affidavit format for U.S. certifying agents .......................................................... 204 

5. Private seal usage ................................................................................................................ :206 

G. Biotechnology policy .......................................................................................................... 2!J7 

7. Transitional labcl ................................................................................................................ 206 

B. Resolution of on-goi11g role of NOSB ...... : ......................................................................... 'JJE 

9. Sn1all Business Regulatory Fairness Act ......................................................................... 214 

10. Codex /\limcntarius ............................................................................................................ 215 

IL 9'-n<+e- k£porf . 244 
NOSB 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

· fl1e NOS!1 used the ()rganii.: I" nods Production Ac_t, 11rivatc and stale 

certifiers, the Organii.: 'fradc Association (O'l"A) standards and public comments as 

the guides for developing recommendations to IJSDA. ·rhe work W<ls organized 

around three chief areas: standards, materials list, and JJrotoculs f(lf accreditation and 

t:l.!rtificalion. ·rhis represents a compilation ofrCc(Jilllnendatiuns to lJSDA, which 

were sub1nittcd over a 5 year period. ·1·1ic Author did not attempt to cdi! but merely to 

logically order, nt1mber a11d organize the recomn1cndations for quick access arc 

rcfercni.:c. {)ut of !his work developed recommcndation5 organized as follows: 

A. (~crlification and accreditation 

I'!. International 

C. l'roccssing, handling and labeling 

J). J,ives!ock 

I!. {;rup;; 

y;, Materials 

m 

INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLF..DGEMENTS 

The Rural Advancement Foundations International is a non-profit organization dedicated 

to the preservation of family farms, conservation of agricultural biodiversity, and sustainable 

systems of agricu\lllrc. RAA··USA's programs address trends and changes in agriculture thal 

affect us from the local to the global levels. Working with a variety of fann, community, 

university and govemmcnt groups, RAFI-USA promotes sustainability, equity and divernity in 

ag1iculturc through research, policy analysis, practical assistance, marketing opportuoities and 

access to financial and technical assistance. RAA-USA receives financial support from 

individual contributors, private foundations, churches and fees for publications and sen-ices. 

RAFI -USA receives no government funds. This guide is part of RAFI's Organic lntegrily 

Project and has received primary funding by a generous grant from the Clarence E lle!ler 

Charitable Foundation and through RAf<l's individual donors. 

This guide was developed and written by Michael Sligh, Director of RAFI-USA 's 

Sustainable Agriculture Program. lie served as a founding rnen1bcr of the NOSB from 1992 -

1997 and served as its founding chair from 1992-1995. (·le has been active in organic and 

sustainable agricultural issues for over 25 years. 

This guide and the opinions expressed are the solely those of Michael Sligh and RAFJUSA. This guide did not seek any official endorsements by the NOSI3 and is solely a nongovernmental public educational effort. This guide was created to help focus and compile work 

done over 5 years that if left uncompiled would be very hard to reference or find. l'his guide did 

not attempl to alter or edit the NOSH recommendations section but merely organized them 

logically to provide easier access through sequential page numbering and a complete table of 

con ten IS. 

The goals of this guicle arc to: provide a clear road n1ap for a more rapid citizens response 

to the upcoming USJ)A Federal Register proposed rules for US Organic standards, to serve as an 

easily accessed historical compository of key NOSE, and other governmental document!! 

necessary for making well grounded responses, to Jay-out what the author observed as the main 

issues at stake and to serve a.~ a g1tide to other organic standards experiments in other countries 

or the private sector. 

The original N(JSB mnst be credited for their unprecedented commitment in developing 

this first set of reeom1nendations Lo USDA-- ICay Chandler, Margaret Clark, Merrill Clark, Dean 

Eppley, Jay Friedman, Gene Kahn, Don Kinsman, Gary Osweiler, Bob Quinn, Michael Sligh, 

Torn Stoneback, Nancy.Taylor, Rich Theucr and Craig Weakly. This anther also \vi shes to thank 

the following people for their contributions and help in developing this guide. First mui:h Llianks 

to my family, Janee., David and Jesse for their support through this long process.! also wish to 

thank and acknowleclge Sarah Slover for her compilation, editing and tedious file search work in 

preparing this document and to John Justice for his patient editorial reviews. And n1any thanks to 

Melanie Adcock, Katherine Dimatteo, Yvonne Frost. Michael Hansen, Eli7~'bclh Henderson, 

Marti Mellon, Rob Sco,vcroft, Alan Spall and Tim Sullivan for their thoughtful review and 

feedback. 
,, 

PREAMIJLE 

This guide consists of three parts. The first is a section-by-section review of key 

issues/ concerns raised through this proces:>. The second is a complete set of 

reconunendations that the National Organic standm-ds board made to USDA during 

1992-19%. And third, the law, Codex draft organic guidelines and other pertinent 

documents are attached as an appendix. 

The guide is intended to put all of its readers "on the same page and thereby 

increase effective responses to the USDA's upcoming proposed rule and to subsequent 

setting of other national and international standards. "fhe coming months and years will 

necessitate ongoing dialogue and co11Sensus-building, and this guide is intended as 

basis to aid this evolving process. 

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was envisioned a11d grounded 

by Federal law as a new type of Federal Advisory Uoard. It was to have the traditional 

responsibility of making timely recommendation to the Secretary of Agriculture. But it 

was also to have the primary on-going responsibility for establishing the natioti.al list of 

materi."lls for orgarric agriculture in the United States. Tlris provision created a balance 

of pov.'er and a public/private partnership with USDA. lhis provision was seen as 

essential by the organic community. 111.e other very strong requirement was that USDA 

should not "reinvent the wheel". Rather, the USDA was to build-on and enhance the 

existing private sector infrastructure and expertise. The core of this relationship was 

that the new law should not damage the orgarric pioneers who built this movement to 

its current state. Nor should the new law threaten consumer confidence. 

The NOSB recommendations arc a key part of the overall process of developing 

and implementing national organic standards for the United States. The 

recommendalio:ns are the product of thou.Sands of hourn of v1>luntecr contributiorui. 

They represent pl'fSOJ!al and business sacrifices by the NOSB members and the public 

who contributed to NOSD sessions. A total of 15 NOSB meetings were held in 

Washington. D.C., Minnesota, California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania, 

Oregon, Arkansas, Virginia, New Mexiro, Florida, Texas and India11a. Each of these 

meetings started with a day of public comments and tours of local organic farms 

and/ or processing facilities. 'lbe reconunendations also represent thousands of hours 

sp~nt, by citizens, irf making written comments. Some sect101ts required submitting 

multiple drafts to the public before general support, or consensus, was reached. 

These recomn1cndations do not represent complete consensus. Tl1cy arc not 

totall;' comprehensive, and they have not been perfected. However, they do represent 
v 

the current and best U.S. <itternpt to build an open pre-rule development process. And 

they reflect the best thinking of a broad base that includes consumer, enviro1Ui1.ental, 

processor, industry, farmer, retailer, academic, scientific and other public interest 

groups. 

These recommendations arc intended for use as subst<intivc guides for 

evaluating the propased rules and progra:a15 that the gnvcmmcnt will develop. Please 

be aware that the recommendations were created and submitted with the 

under.standing that they will be continually revised, based on responses from the 

people whn must operate under the resulting rules. Also, these recommendations were 

developed within the full context of the parallel Codex Alimentarious guideline 

process and those guidelines of the private sector . 

This is a summary of the process: 

• "The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 ( OFPA) established the lcgJ.l basis for the 

National Organic Program (NOP) of USDA and required the Secretary of Agriculture to 

establish the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). 

" USDA then appainted the NOSBin 1992, which developed these initial 

recommendations and submitted t11em to the USDA, during the yearn of 1992-1996. 

• "l"he USDA reviews the NOSIJ recommendatioIL'l and advice and seeks comments and 

approvJ.l from all relevant USDA agencies, plus Fnod a11d Dmg Administration (VOA), 

EPA <ind finally the Office of Budget and Management (OMB). 

* OMB reviews the document and asks for clarifications from USDA fur 90 days and 

can request at least an additional 30 days, if needed. 

* USDA then publishes the propo.scd. mle in the Federal Register. The publication will 

trigger a period for public response-probably between 90 and 12.0 days. 1JSDA may run 

controversial sections of the proposed ntle through this proccs.s more thru1 once. 

" The USDA will respond to public conunents by either accepting or rejecting these 

comments and stating their reasons in the final published regulations. "Ihey will also 

describe the timetable for industry compliance. 

• Congress then inust approve tl1esc final regulations.* Sec addenda lt9, page 21(l. 

~ USDA "ill then develop an operations manual for USDA employees and call for 

certification organizatio11s to apply to USDA to be accredited to certify organic farms 

and handling and processing facilities which meet the national standMds. 

• The Certification Peer i{evie\\' makes recommendations to USDA concerning the 
applied certifiers. USDA approves successful applicants and the official program 

begins. 

" It js important to remember that when civil societies transfer power to governments 

_continued vigilance a11d atle!1tion is reo.uired tbro11gho11t this entire proccs.5, 

In developing tl1e following recommendations the NOSS used the following CTiteria 

for evaluation: 

1. What are the costs and are they fairly distributed? 

2. Does the rule satisfy the intent of the framers and supporters, as well as the law? 

3. Is the rule user-friendly? 

4. Does the rule enhance the community for which it was designed? 

5. Docs the rule facilit;:itc full public participation? 

I think it is very important to stay focused 011 these over-arching themes and 

concerns both in using these recommendations and evaluating proposed rules. 

These five criteria may also be useful in evaluating other experiments in organic rulemaking. 

There arc also certain other key important points on wltich Congressional intent 

and the understanding of supporters arc in accord. They it\clude: 

., The final rules should bulld in a strong public/ private partnersltip between the 

government and the organics industry, V.'hich up until now has bce11 self-regulated. 

~ Specifically, the NOSB should be an ongoing board and, i11 addition to its traditional 

advisory role to USDA, should retain the power to create and maintain the national list 

of organics materials. 

~ Reviewing certifiers for accreditation is to be done as a peer review process and 

standards will be reviewed and amended as needed, based 011 input from those whom 

the rule see.ks lo serve. 

0 The national list will be formally amended, or reaffirmed by the NOSB, within each 

five-year period. 

" The rule shall not imperil or undermine the traditional organic community by weight 

of excessive paperwork, costs, scale bias, or the lov.'eri11g of generally approved 

standards. -

a These rules are n1eant to ensure consumer confide11ce, facilitate trade, and i::reaie 

ha{monious U.S. national organic st.11nJards. 
In conclusion, [ask you to bear in mind tl:u:ee points: 

First, these recommendations, standards and materials lists are built upon a very 

long history of farmer knowledge. I would argue back to the very beginning of 

agriculture. 'Ihis is one of the many reasons why the benefits of the organic 

marketplace must be extended fairly to the farmers of the Southern countries. It is 

precisely these farmers who are the historical founders of this approach. This law and 

subsequent ntles must reflect and preserve tills rich history and wealth of experience 

and passion. It is essential that the organic method be built on positive principles. 'fhat 

is, it must be conceptualized as a comprehensive systems approach, 11ot one based on 

what it is not or what it docs not allow. 

Second, a ~ntral materials sourcing principle must be to" source it organic first". 

Tltat is, require organic sourcing first - and non-organic second- to all commercial 

availability decisions, i11cluding processing and handling ingredients, productions 

inputs, feed, breeding and slaughter stock, seeds and planting stocks. 1'his principle is 

to ensure that strong sig11a!s are sent to the marketplace to stimulate enough of an 

organic source to meet this growing demand for organic inputs and to not lock the 

organic input industry into a status quo situation. But at the same time by allowing 

non-organic as a second cltoire - within Cill"Cfully defined parameters- ii will not 

!tinder organic mark.et development growth "''hen dema11d outstrips input supply 

temporarily. This principle encourages a continual ratcheti11g up toward 100% organic 

products and input"> (please see pages 73~75). 

Finally, the soul of organics is at stake. Iltis process will institutionalize the word 

"organic" within tlte U.S. government. And if tit.is process proves to be too onerous or 

false, the soul of organics will be lost. Then, those who love organics \vi.ll have two 

choices: to reclaim tlte word and concept, or find nev.• words and conL-epl<;. The future 

>vill determine this. Meanwhile, the central guiding principles for our work--including 

evaluation of any proposed rules-should be integrity, fairness, and transparency. 

Re>Jpectfully yours, 

1'1-iichael Sligl1 
YIU 

Executive Summary 

The following guide <lescribes many of the major issues at stake and the readers will need 

to decide where they stand on each particular concern. However, some very strung messages 

and cross-sectorial hot issue<: have already risen to the top during this process. Everyone will 

probably have a slightly different "top 10" list but to be sure there is much overlap an<l 

immediate agrccnicnt about the bulk of tb~e issues. Exactly how they arc worded, where people 

draw the line and how it is resolved will detennine the ex.tent of the reactions. l'he bulk of dealbreakers that cut across sectors and constituencies or are of such a nature that any one of the 

major scctOrS or alliances of several groups would affective block or "kill' this process include; 

J. The biotech question, 

2. Costs and red !ape, 

3. Socio-economic impact.son family-size and historic organic operations, 

4. Impacts on private sector infrastructure-including fair roles for private certifiers and 

n1eauingfu[ peer review, 

5. Livestock standards that include access to outdoors and BSE concerns 

6. Mea11ingful clear standards and enforcement, including a strung, workah]c fann plan 

and careful resolution of the enhanced standards question, 

7. Lack of full and accurate labeling, 

8. Consumer right lo know and access through transparency, 

9. Materials list development, including which synthetics are allowed and why, 

10. On-going role of the NOSH. 

Any one of the above could trigger a major loss of integrity and confidence. Or a 

combination of several could do so. In fact, some of the above contain potentially critical subsets of issues, that arc described in further detail in the next section of this guide. Take the 

materials list for example. A single controversial material could spark a niajor attack on the 

pro grain. A single standard about what's allowed in the non-organic 5% of a organic product . 

So could the single que.<ilion of scttiag the allowable safe residue levels for organic produce. 

This industry has been built on very high consumer expectations and confidence. This means 

that the pruposed rules must accurately reflect a comprehensive and systems appruach and 

e•nbody meaningful and clear standards and enforcement that are built to ratchet up over time. 
WHAT''S AT STAKE? 

Deal-breakers, Hot and Umesolved Issues 

A guide to the OFPA and NOSB recommendations 

The purpose of this guide is to draw to the attention of the reader some of the key 

issues at stake in this process and to help provide background, context and quick access 

to NOSE recommendations. Please keep in mind, what is a deal-breaker or hot issue to 

some sectors or people may not be to others. One of the purposes of this guide is to 

describe some the universe of issues a11d to help the readers to identify which of these 

issues arc essential to their view of organic integrity. The challenge of the proposed ntle 

process is building cross- sectorial consensus which will be essential for providing 

USDA v.,jth a dear and united voice concerning the forlhcomingntles. lf sectors remain 

pitted against each other the USDA will be·fon::ed to make its own interpretations. 

This is not a comprehensive review but rather a highlight of major is.<;ues. The 

description of these issues also reflects the observations of tl1e author as \Vcll as the 

concerns and biases of both tl1e author and his organization. Other issues will also arise 

from the proposed ntlc process it<Jelf. There also may need to be a later bridge 

document developed if the USDA proposed ntles arc formatted or oti1erwise greatly 

changed in scope, content or orientation from these recommendations. 

The NOSE recommendations will be crucial in formulating public comments in 

response to USDA proposed roles and are merely compiled and <1rrangcd to provide 

quick access. They are also a useful tool for developing sucl1 organic standards in other 

countries. Please find belo>\' a list of key referenced provisions of the la\\I and list of key 

issues followed by tile entin• NOSE recommendations. The law, and other key 

documents are in tl1e appendix at the end of this domment. The mrrent Codex 

guidclirrcs are included to help set the international context of tl1ese discussions. They 

are not in their final form and are included for reference only. 

I. Key provisions of the Organic Foods Production Act. 

'fhe 1990 Congress pas.sed the Organic Foods Production Act (OI•PA), setting into 

motion the process for Federally mandated national organic 8tllndard8_ While all of the 

Act's section8 arc important here are some of the key ones: 

A. Public f private partnerships including role of NOSB, accreditation & peer 

review, and public access to documents - Sec tl1c follo\\'ing sections and 
' 

pages: page 191, 6503(c), p<igc 192, 6506(a) (9), page 195, 6514,6515, page 196, 

6516, 6517(7.)(d)(l) & (2) and page 197, 6518. 

B. Relationship between State certification and oversight roles and those of 

the private certification organizations - See: page 198, section 6519(e). 

C. Crops and Livestock- see: pages 193-195, sections 6508-6513. 

D. Mate1ials list development process -see: pages 196-197, section 6517. 

E. International equivalency- see: page 192, section 6505(b). 

F. Enforcement and Appeals - sec: page 198, sectioni; 6519-6520. 

II. Hot issues and what's at stake. 

This section desCTibcs most of the universe of hot issues and possible deal-breakers. 

Deal-breakers are issues which, if violated or not adequately addressed, would cause 

some or all of the involved sectors to reject the proposed rule. The result of broken 

de.al-breakers could include; a loss of organic integrity of the final system, los.s of 

confidence and support for organically labeled products, lawsuits, or tl1e "killing" of the 

implemeotation. 1'he main sectors or stakeholders include; farmers, processors, 

handlers and co-packers, retailers, consum.ers and public interest groups, 

environmental, scientific and certification organizations. J"hese sectors should not be 

viewed as homogeneous but ;is diverse and soni.ewhat split J.long the lines of specific 

standards, scale issues, conventional v. organic, regional or commodity perspectives. 

The goal here is to higltlight some of the key issues in an attempt to help facilitate 

dialogue, debate and consensus duriog the upcoming rule-making process. 

A Certification, Accreditation, Appeals and 

Enforcement. - pages 1-38 

Thr! 1najor iss1les at stake iii this area include, but are not 

li1nited to, the following: sf,11/e bias based on 

cnsts/paperwork; state-v.-private-sector roles and rights; 

/11rge v. s1nall certifiers, p1lblic/private parfnl'rship roles in 

peer revirnJ of certifil'r applii:ntions; dwelo"ping a11 appeiil · 

process that is ti1nelv, fair, and non.-biiised; and resolution 

of the issue of whether nation.a/ stnndards nre mini1n111n 

require1nmts (the 'jlaor") or the 1naximu1n allmved 

standards (thr: "ceiling). Enforce1nent and what is dee1ned 

Miforce.a/Jle, the overall transparency )lnd cons11.1n·er access 

11r1:a/l key issues to be resolved in this section. 

1. Field evalt1ation of certifiers - page 1.1-22, li11es '.158---BOS: Field evaluations 

and a tea.in approach were recomn1cnded by the NOSB for making the process 

affordable and loc<'tlly based. If the evaluations arc done by USDA/ National Organic 

Program (NOP) staff working out of Wasltington, the costs to applic.a11ts n1ay be higher; 
this will abo lead to less of a public/ private partneTShip than envisioned by some of the 

supporters of this legislation. 

2. Peer Review - pages 23-26, lines 874-1019: As thi11gs stand, the organic 

community has two concrete plaCES to play a role as a genuine partner. One is 

participation in the NOSB, and peer review is tl1e otlier. So this issue is critical to the 

balance of power and grassroots participants. Genlline peer review is critical to ensure 

continued buy-in from many in the historic organic community and to keep organics 

from becoming the latest in a long line of programs run solely by the government. And 

it should be nnted that Congressional-intent language indicated that the USDA shol1ld 

not aHempt to reinvent the wheel with the revi~ process, but build and provide 

oversight of what is already i11 place. 

• 3. Socio-economic impacts -- Fees, costs, and red tape of accreditation and 

certification - page 28-29, lines 1089-1107: Titis is, of course, a bottom-line dealbreaker issue for all participilllts, especially those of limited scale, resources or product 

market share. If the bottom-end cost of doing business sc."lle is too high, or if the time 

and energy necessary to meet the regulatory rules exceeds the immediate benefit of 

pi!rticipation it will force the los.s of small scale farmen;, certifiers and processors, who 

currently comprise the largest group. ·rru.s will accclerilte concentration in organics. If 

the top-end is too high, many of the very large or split operations will pull out of the 

organic marketplace. 1·11e NOSB recornmendt;>d this process concerning the fee 

structure: The USDA would bei!r the costs of the first round of acC110ditation_ It would 

keep impeccable records of costs and use tl1e first-round actual costs to set fees for tl1e 

ongoing accreditation cost. This proce~ was given NOP approvill at public NOSD 

meetings. · 

A complication has arisen. 'fhe USDA/ Office of Generi!I Coun..<>el, (OCC) reported 

during tl'e USDA inten1a\ review that the law is unclear about how to set fees. SerioUs 

problems =uld arise if the i;ovemment sets fees up front. Because if fees are too low, 

the program will nin into the red. If they arc set too high, they will disCDUri!gC 

participation and drive sn1all and limited resource certifiers, processo:ru and filrmers 

ottt. If the fees ar_e _cxi.tirely too high even large sca!c_players will drop out thus 

reversing the recent and dramatic expansion currently under· way 'In orgilitic;. Here, 

scnle, public v. private, and rci;ional biases are big concerns. The industry could be 

facL'Ci a scenario of high fees and no allowance to use fuese fees to run the program. 

USDA would fuen need to ubtain annual appropriations to keep the program running. 

And tinally, fuere is the possibility that USDA will attempt to make user-fees bear tl1e 

whole cost of the progra111, including the NOSB and non-accreditation-related 

administrative costs.'llie 1nis.sing link in the costs -sharing system is retailers. They 

'''ere not required to be certified by the legisli!tion. 'l'heir voluntary pi!rticipation in 

certification cost sharing could make ii major contribution to holding costs dowt1. lt will 

also be essential for all processors and all of those wl10 make profit<> from certified 

organic prodl1cts to pity their fair share of the costs to provide this service. Farmers and 
"' 

consumers can only pay so much before the system is either priced out of the 

marketplace or concentrated into very few hands. The law is also intei.1dcd to remove 

(_-urrent reciprocity barriers between certifiers, especially tl1e large v. small certifiers, 

and those who arc in very compelitive markets by leveling the playing field. U this docs 

not occur much of the initial impetus for the Jaw will have been lost. 

4. Appeals - pages 27-28, lines 1027-108!1: 'fhis will be an acid test of the law, 

because the appeal process v.r:ill be the last chance to resolve problems before going to 

litigation. The very integrity of implementation will greatly detennine the volun1c of 

appeals. The OFP A appeals process is also complicated by the fact that adverse 

determinations made by private certification organ.izatiow and state agencies will also 

be subject to the USDA appeals procedures. The appeals process will also highlight 

areas where USDA needs to make administrative changes. If this section does not 

\Vork, lawsuits arc likely to pile up, and the law may eventually have to [)c amended. 

5. Use of private seals and additional standards - Addenda JI. 5, page 210: 

"Ihesc are potential deal-breakers concerning which the organic community is 

some"->hat split. 1"he NOSB has recommended allowing additional rcqnirements ,.,,ith 

USDA approval, as is the rase for states. Additional requirements could be ide11titied 

by private certiiiers, farmers, or processor:s. Among the issues at the heart of the debate 

.1re at least the following: 

(a). Darity n1ust be obtained on whether Federal standards <U"C the floor 

or the ceiling. If they Lire the ceiling.. gre<Jt pressure would be rcquired·-on USDA, 

NOSB, Congress-to drive up stand<II'rls over time. If the standards arc the floor and too 

]ow, the risk is that they will weaken ori;anic standards and lead to a loos lJf consumer 

confidence. Or if the standards arc !Ugh but too many exemptions arc ill.lowed 

con.sumer confide11ce will be lost. 

(b). If states can have additional staJ.1dards, and not privates, tlUs v.'iil 

drive out the privates. 

(c). There is a fundamental concem that government prohibition of 

L!dditiona! or higher standards is an illegal constraint of trade and commercial free 

speech against the private sector and that the USDA has no right to dictate in this area. 

Tt also raises consumer 's rigl1t to h1ow issues conccnling complete and honest !Libel 

diffcrcntiatio11 of what they are purchasing. 

(d). Others l1avc expressed that this issue is really only about certifiers 

wanting to keep tl1eir current market share by promoting labels that claim superiority 

over USDA standards, but V.'ithout having to have specific higl1er standards in place to 

verify this claim. Or by not providing real co1\sumcr access to dcti=rrnine true 

superiority. 
(e). Enforcement of this regulation and wh<i is rcspo1tsible for 

enforcement of what is a huge, undefined area and will rapidly become a major de 

facto, Deal-breaker, for consumers and those concerned about pra<1ctively preserving 

organic integrity. I,ittle or no money has been assigned, little discussion has taken 

place, and few reaimmendations have been made. Some of the issues are: V\fho decides 

who will decertify? ,and \Vl10 will implement de-certification decislo11s? Regarding 

enforcement, some of the issues include: \Vhat are the respective roles of the private 

certifiers, the states, the trade industry, consumers and the Federal government? What 

are the costs, What is the enforcement trigger mechanism? And, critically, will the 

current mecltanisms of what is enforceable detennine this area or will the current 

mechanisms be expanded and adjustL-d to meet quality and standards that coruumern 

require? Consumer participation and access will be key. The amount of industry selfregulation and internal enforcement of meaningful ethical protocols will 

again determine the ultimate success of this regulatory experiment. It must be stressed 

repeatedly tha.t governmental oversight can only provide a limited an1ount of 

enforcement and that stepped-up meaniltgful inllustiy self-enforcen1ent must be put 

in place immediately to preserve consumer confidence. Describing and negotiating 

this gray area between governmental oversight and industry self-regulation is one of 

this most critical cl1allenges facing this growiii.g industry tod,1y. 

B. International - pages 39-42 

This section and the appended Coda 1lraft guideli1ies are 

included not to ro1if11.se the reader but to stress that the US 

standards are not being develope1l in isolatio11 and to poi11t 

out that US sfa11dards m11 and do h11t1e many i1nplimtions 

for formers arui. r11ral ro1111nunitir:s outside of tire US, The 

provisions of tl1is sectiori have 1nony i1nplicntions for the 

organic rul!!s, Th Ere are practical barn"ers /rJ be resolved. For 

a:a1np/e, it is i1nportunt to find 11 way to ovoid the present 

routine spraying of toxic ft11nigants on imported organic 

goods at the point of entry into cauntries .There is alw the 

problem of U.S. organic equiva1ency with the Coda 

guidelines, Europe and other countn"es. These are large, 

romp/ex issues. Finally, it should be noted that nei"ther the 

law nor the regulations deal with the huge queslio11 of the 

effects of the globalization of organics vis o viz the goal of 

111axi111izi11g lam/ production for /owl w11..~u1nption. There 

has been very little outreac}1 to Southern countries to 

ronfir1n that these pru posed guidelines do not negntively 

i1npact their growing organic St'cfors. ·niis is a critiail 

section for orga11ic integrity for those co1111tries and those 

roncerned nbuut sud1 issue5. 
XlV 

1. Fumigation at point of entry- page 42, lines 85~88 : The NOSB has not yet 

made practical suggestions here, but has flagged the issue as a critical control point that 

if the USDA does not address, consumer confidence will surely be violated. 

Z. NGO accreditation and certification allowance - page 42, lines 69-75: 

This is a critical international deal-breaker issue concerned with the right of the 

NGO and private sector in countries without government programs in situ to 

provide this function. This could take the form of colonialism if outside or US 

certification or inspection is required in order for these countries or private sector 

groups to trade witl1 the US. 

3. USDA Secretary criteria for equivalency~ Addenda# 1, OFPA sec. 6505 {hi: 

Worldwide organic integrity and trade access will be affected by the outcome of the 

process of detennining 11ow much discretion the Secretary wi_ll be given in determining 

equivalency of non-U.S. goods to U.S. organic goods. The NOSH has not yet give11 

specific reoommendations for these criteria. But close scrutiny to the powers and 

process for dctennining thisequivalency is required to en.sure tha.t these 

determinations arc well reasoned and balanced. 

4. Codex - Addenda ft 10, page 215: Tltis section is not addressed in the law or 

the NOSB recommendations. It is included here for reader education and international 

grounding of the US process. It is important to note that the included C:cxiex Draft is nol 

final and \;:ill certill.nly be refined and changed before its final form is accepted. 

However, this parallel process is nearing completion and its outcome will have trade 

implications for both imports into and exports out of the US. A developing issue to 

monitor is the pos.<;ibility that U.S. standards may dlffer greatly from these i11temational 

guidelines. If so, the United Srntes oould be: isolated from tvorld trade, be required to 

have different standards for world tr<1de, have to cl1ange their staJ.ldards or will fight to 

change current Codex guidelines to suit US government standards. 'fhe biggest 

incomplete sections of the current Codex draft 97/'12 A involves organic principles, 

livestock and processing. Another important specific iS!lue is the process for updating 

and revising of the list and standards. And importantly, it is 11ot clear at this time_ 

whether Codex will be considered just guidelines or enforceable requirements under 

the World Trade Organization (W"l'O). If they are used to resolve trade disputes it will 

be very important for countries at variance to C:odex to have strong arguments for their 

derogation. Also, currently, C:odex is b<1sed largely on European standards. 'fhis means 

that the materials list is composed oppositely from the US, using allowed naturals and 

prohibited synthetics lists versus the US list composition of prohibited 11atural and 

allowed synthetics. Otl1cr differences include: 11on-allowance for "split" operatiorts, the 

types of manures allOwed, and percentage of organic ingredient required for organic 

status. C:odcx, imparta11tly also agreed ivith the NOSB position on genetirally modified 

organisms (GMO). 1'his co11ld be a very bif; trade barrier between the US and other 

counhies if the US becomes i!Jolated i11 this point. 
5. Organic colonialization: Dtis jsi;ue is not covCTed or addressed by the law or 

the NOSE. It is included here, again for education nnd for international context setting. 

This issue looms as one of the de fa ctn organic integrity deal-breakero for farmers and 

rural communitit:'s in the Southern countries and for the gmwing number of consumers 

who wish to vote for "fair trade" with their food dollars. Uthe international 

concentration of organic.~ continues to accelerate and models the CUITent agribusiness 

paradigm of a growing inequity between North and South, then the historic alternative 

role played by the organic industry will be lost along with some consumers, as well. 

This could be by virtue of costs, scale-bias, unfair trade practices, inspections, 

accreditation or continuing to cncou!<lge prime farmland in the South to be devoted to 

Northern trade demands. 

C. Processing, handling and labeling -pages 43-85 : 

This secti1>11 has sei1eral key critical areas. Consu1ne75 

and proe£ssars are cunceml!d about label clarity, including: 

siu, organic percentage reqJJirMnents ,placl!lnrot of the organic 

label, use and labeling of non-organic ingredir:nts, labeling of 

awl use of a/lau1ed synthetic ingredients and what is a/luwed in 

the 5% non-organic ingredients ,Retail stares and store-front 

roops will be affected by the specific requirl!rne-nts of handler 

plnns. An.other i111portant issue is co1n1nercinl ovailabilily. a11d 

itsouthmticity. The current processing a11dhondling 

rero171mtmdations arl! 1nu.ch less co1nprehensive arul holistic tha11 

what is requirl!d of forme75. Also they will be seen: as inadequ.nte 

to mret the co1nplex needs of the 1nultiple chemically ser1siti"ve 

(MCS) . Thl'Y are alsv silent on the whole issue of processing 

and ho11dling sta1ul.ards that oddress nutritional quality and 

the relationship between 1nini1nally processed and organic 

integn.ty. 

1. Labeling standards - pages 44~56. Some consllIIler groups <1rgued strongly for 

tlie specific percentage cif organic to be placed prominently on the front display pane:! so·· 

as not to confu.se co:rulumcrs, since the law allows products whid1 are 50% ·· 94% il5 

"made -....<i.th organic ingredients" and 95-100% as ·•organic". lhe Board recommended 

tliat pc'CT:entage labeling is not practical since the% could vary, widely from batch to 

batch of processed products and require different labels for each batch! The board did 

clarify "''hen, -....•here and what sizes the wnrd organic could be used so as not to confuse 

or mislead consumer:s. Label clarity for both fr~nt, side and back panels is essential for 

cora;un1er confidence and case of identification. l"/hcther there is full label disclosure 

requirements for of all ingredients i11cluding those that are in the allowed 5% nOnorganic or synthetic ingredients category could be a httgc coru."1.l!Iler right to know issue 

and could cause unfair competition betv.•een proces8on;. cfhis area needs to be' carefully 

examined witl1 these concern.<> in mind. · 
2. Allowed synthetic ingredients· pages 54-56, 73- 75, 156-157and181-184 

There has been a hot, on-going debate about whether and which synthetics were or 

sl1ould be allowed in the processing of organic foods. The law itself is silent regarding 

synthetics in the processing phase. Some interpret the law as prohibiting any synthetic 

ingredients in the processing of organic products; exemptions would be allowed only in 

the production phase. However, another view is that such a stringent interpretation 

vvould unduly limit what could be organically pro('Csscd and that the law simply did 

not fully or fairly address the growing needs of the processing industry. This debate is 

not resolved. After serious debate, tl1c board took the middle ground and 

recommended limited use of synthetics in processing, based on criteria given in the 

law; the assumption is that this issue would be sorted out by the USDA's Office of 

General Counsel (OGC), the Federal Register process, Congn"S.S or a combination of 

lhe abov~. This area -will require careful educ.atio1ml work to avoid possible backlash 

from consumen;, conventional agriculture and/ or processors in the form of confusion, 

lawsuits, and/ or requirements to ;imend the law. 

3. Handling Plan - pages 59-72 - Saile & co::;ts bias MC issues here just as with 

producers. TI1e handling plan and its associated costs, red tape and requirements could 

have a major scale, mmmcxlity or regional bias if not carefully scrutinized. This plan 

must also promote on-going processing and handling improvements for this to be 

1neaningful. 

4. Audit trail & handling requirements - p;i,ges 59-60, lines 86-139 - Tite impact on 

store front ooops and store w I delis, handlers that do not take possession of the product 

need careful eo11Siderations to ensure organic integrity but to prevent scale bias or 

unfair advantage for some processors and handlcrs. Also if USDA exempts prorr-ssorn 

who use ro-paekcrs from needing to be certified themselves this could open a huge 

loophole or gap in the organic audit trail and place a larger costs burden on rest of the 

community. 

5. Processing standards - Processing stand<U"ds, like livestock sbnd<U"ds, Me 

historically less developed than crop standards. This sets up some possible rigger bins 

bet\\'een fanncrs and processors. The concepts of organic proCessing principles that 

would be parallel to production principles has yet to emerge. 111e processing issues 

surTounding minimally pllX'essed, nutritional quality and orga.rtlc integrity were not 

fully addressed by the law or the NOSB . This remains an area requiring additional 

consideration, Cf:lpeciolly as the debate ensues on allo•t'able synthetic ingredients in 

processing and on the criteria used to determine that such ingredients are essential. 

Some ingredients are only needed in very large operations or for highly processed 

foods. TI1ere arc otl1ere whiclt, if not allowed, would u11dcnnine ccrt."lin product 

identities. Thc.se include examples like L'ertain breads if they could not use baking 

po\vder or pretzels if they could not use sodium hydroxide. Full ingredient labeling is 

also key here, especially for those organic coru;urnen; \\'ith Multiple Chemical sensitivity 

(MCS). The Sulfites in wine issue though basically resolved through labeling is one that 
could be a deal breaker for the sulfite sensitive and their advocates and could be 

interpreted as prohibited by the OFP A. 

D. Livestock- pages 86-119 : 

This includes all livestock. A section on rerommendations for bees is still in process, by the 

NOSB as of this writing. Fish have not been addressed yet and represe11t an ilnPortant growth 

arm for the future. The livestock seclio11 is historirally the /east deueloped within tl1e organic 

co1nmunity. But nonetheless there is strong hi.story of specific principles tJy which organic 

livestock have beom produced. There is potmfial far gre.ut growth of organic meats, feeds and 

processing. This potential is also generating much amanrs about concentration, being co-opted, 

an amleration of the loss of fa1nily-size fanns and thus a loss of integrity for this segment of the 

industry. Clearly antibiotic..s, feed requireinrnts (Ind living ronditions are key hot issues in this 

"=· 

1. Feed requirements and animal restocki11g: rules - pages 91-94: "[he percentage 

of org<1nic feed rcquircmcnl<;, restocking mies and cornumer concerns about l:lSE 

(bovine sponbrifo.rm encephalopathy) or mad cow disease are big i'l..'>Ues in thiS sectioil. 

. Among the major integrity issues that consumer groups l1ave flagged as deal-breakers 

arc the determination of exemptions and mies and ways of preventing animal byproducts fron1 being fed to other animals. The wording here is essential to preserve 

ronsumer confidence and ensure gro,vtl1 in demand for organic meats, especially as the 

BSE issues begin to heat up in the US. 

2. Housing and access to outdoors - pages 95-96, lines 263-282, page 111, lines 752-

776, & page 116: Orgmlic livestock production is based on mimicking tl1c 

physiological and behavioral needs of the animals involved, just as with plant'>, 

prcve11tion and health are comerstl1nes of this npproach. Appropriate and ndeq11ate 

access tl1 land, water, pasture, shade and sunlight are seen as key componc11ts of 

organic livestock production . .Ibis will be one of the key jntcgrity_d.clini.ng.i:IBe:t..fur._ 

o..rganic livestock produdion...TIUs is another deal-breaker for consumers, animal 

welfare, and farmer constituent.... How this nile pla)'S 011t will have a major impact on 

whether the curr_cl}t trend of large, vertically iutfgrat£d liv~tock corporations cllld... _ 

accelerated loss of family-size farm units is extended into organic livestock prliduction. 

Curre11tly, family-sized operations have a greater chance of maintaining tl1e correct 

livestock to land ratio to meet environmental and conswner livestock prtxluction 

criteria. · 

3. Antibiotic use~ pages 911·100, 118 & 110 ~171: Consumers identify antibiotics as 

a majlir roncem, and it is imperative that the final rule be clear enougl1 to maintain 

ClJnSwncr confidence_ I-laving said that, antibiotic tLSe is another issue requiring 

balance, arul it is another deal-breiiker. If the rules are too lenient. industrial-style 

operations c11uld be accelerated into organics with 1nany lJf their 11rcsent antibiotic uses 

in place. tlut if the rules are too strict, they will choke off the legitimate expansion of 
xviii 

organic livestock production. Antibiotics use in slaughter stock, milk and eggs 

products are key to avoid. 

4. Parasiticides and use - pages 101-104, 116, & 169-l'lO: This is a difficult and 

complex issue that cuts across constituencies. A mo-strict rule will effectively limit 

organic livestock production lo those areas of the U.S. that can currently raise livestock 

without this medication. In practice, this boils down mainly to tl1e Midwest, wl1ere 

winten; are very severe. But (again), if the rule is too lenient, consumers will lose 

confidence. And the rule must be very clear, in order to inspire consumer confidence. 

E. Crops-pages 120-154: 

This heading covers standards for all crops, plnnting stocks, 

fibers and seeds. Specific standards were given far 

1nushrooms, gn!enhouses, and hydroponics. Standards for 

pinenpples aruf other specialities are still being deueloped. 

The hot tapic issues nre the folluwing: 

1. Pesticide drift- pages 124-127: The NOSB rea:immendcd that local certifiers 

determine appropriate buffers zones, other protective practices against off-farm 

pesticide drift,. and including drift from contaminated irrigation water. If craps or fields 

are determined to be contaminated, tl1e crops cannot be sold as· organic for a rertain 

lengtl1 of time. The length of the de-certification will be determined based on the level 

of contamination. The NOSB has recommended that residue testing be triggered by a 

"for cause" incident. (Some groups such as Oregon Tilth are now requiring more 

sbing~t requirements.) Certifiers are responsible for verifying such incidents. Key 

issues to scrutinize in the proposed rule include: farmer compensation for loss of 

products, the mechanism by which testing is triggered, costs, irrigation water 

requirements, and size of buffer zones. Careful examination is required to make sure 

pesticide-drift provisions build consumet cnnfidence, while not pu1Usltlng organic 

farmers for "unavoidable drift" that is not of their making. 

2. Small-farmer & processor exemption pages 128-129: Key factors to allillyze in 

the proposed rule include fairness and scale biases. The law requires this exemption, 

but the issue is controversial. Too much red tape will raise barriers for small farmers 

and 011-farm processors. But an e:io;:emption that is too loose could create a loophole for 

loss of organic integrity by small producers a.-1d on-fam1 proressors. Issues remain to 

be addressed for Community Supported Agriculture, (CSA), small-farmer 

cooperatives, and other marketing schemes that directly connect fanners with 

con.swners. This is especially true if they also \\•holesale or .move e:io;:ces.s pr{xiuct into 

certified organic cha1mels, in addition to marketing directly from f<lflner to co11Sumers. 

3. Residue testing- pages 130~134: The key l1erc is t11e specific percentage nf 
allowable residue. A low standard or high percentage of allowable residues ....ill be a 

deal-breaker with the organic, envirorunental and consumer communities. This v.'ould 

hurt organic's marketplace advantage over ronvcntional product.s by only requiring 

organics to meet current FDA ai1d EPA conventional agriculture ~sidues standards. 

On the other.hand, a standard that is too high (too low of a percentage), rould be a 

deal-breaker for farmers and a substantive barrier to increasing organic production. 

The NOSB recognized that farmers farm in a polluted world and that a realistic goal for 

organic product.s should be 53 of the current EPA tolerance requirements with a arutual 

NOSB review of this st.and.:rrd. Mandatory testing again, rould be a scale bias against 

small or limlted resource produ~rs. Care needs to be taken to define a middle ground 

based on clear protorols for when residue testing is required, what percentage is 

allowable and how the costs arc share. 

4. "Split Operations" - pages 135-136: "The NOSE recommendations allow field-byfield conversion, ""'1th no requirement to ronvert the whole farm over time. This 

recommendation wa." made recognizing that split operations may be more costly to 

inspect and need stricter protocols to prevent product substitution and the mixing of 

organic and convL'rltional products. However, European and current Codex standards 

prohibit split-field operations; thus trade problems could re~"Ult. Also, tl1ere is debate 

within the organic community. Some favor allowing only "''hole-farm conversions for 

maximum organic impact and as a way to help protect smaller farms; but most contend 

that split operations will make organic production more ao:essible to new growers. 

TJisallowance of split operations wonld 11it hard on California and other st.ates where 

many new organic growers are running split operations. Too strict a rule will probably 

encourage grov.'ers to legally split their operations to avoid this rule. 

5. Planting stock policies (includes seeds) page 141, lines 770-771: Iltis section 

contains the potential deal-breaker of genetically engineered seed. The NOSB 

recommendations prohibit genetically engineered seeds from organics, and this 

provision is considered a deal-breaker by many in the U.S. organic community as l'.'eil 

as in Europe and Codex. Another key issue here concerns rules about the exemption 

clause and options '"hen organic seeds and stocks are not cmnmercially available. The 

exact wording of this section will either encourage or discourage gro,\>th of the organic 

seeds and planting stock market: · · · · -·-

6. Organi( Fam1 Plan l'agcs 142-146: TI1e fann plan is the heart of the operational 

definition of organic; it is designed to crea~ a median.ism to "drive-up .. bio-rational, 

ecological strategies and to encourage continued ecological improvements. However, if 

the farm plan in the proposed rule is full of red tape or other1'!ise burdensome, it will 

fail to provide tltis function. Witl1out viable fann planning, the operational defmition 

of "organic" rould tum out to tllCa!l merely a list of allowed and prohibited materials. 

This provision e1.1uld turn out to be a major deal-breaker, if the language docs not 

define this plan as a tool for on-going improvement of the ecological stewardship of the 

certified farms over time. 
'' . 7. Emergency spray exception 147-149: 1his is another provision that must 

balance potentially conflicting interests. Organic farmers must be compensated for 

losses of certification or crops through mandatory local, state or federal emergency 

spraying programs that arc not their fault. Possible sources of compensation include 

private insurance, fannern b'ust fund, government support or a combination of plans. 

Without such aid, farmers could be forced out of business because of losses from 

mandatory emergency sprays. However, the rules must be stringent enough to 

maintain consumer confidence. And the rule needs to include strung language for the 

agencies requiring spraying to first use "approved for organic" materials when 

spraying near or on organic farn\S. Tii.is can help reduce greatly potential farmer losses. 

The certification agency also needs to do careful, qualitative evaluation to determine 

\1.'hen the spraying waITants a loss of certification or just a loss of that crop ID preserve 

organic integrity. 

8. Transitional labeling - page 208 : The NOSl3 recommended a transitional label 

for food products growi1 on land under organic management for at least one year, but 

not yet three years free from use of prohibited materials. 1bis is a controversial 

recommendation: Opponents say consumers may be confused and farmers may abuse 

tl1e label. Supporters argue that trarisitional labeling ">ill hclp enable farmers to make 

this transition by giving them earlier risk--reduction and marketplace rei.vards and ,..,ill 

help enlarge the organic markcq,Jace at a much faster pace. 1-Iow USDA decides on this 

1v:ill have both organic marketplace growth and trade implications. Many see tltis as 

essential to building a more stable marketing linkage between organic, IPM, sustainable 

agriculture and conventional products. 

F. National Materials List -pages 155-189: 

T/1is whole :x!clion is full of deul brmkers. Key /55ues include wJ1ether arui which synthetics 

can be allawt!d in organic production arui processing, the biotech question, genen"c v. brarui 

reviews, full disclosi<re of i11erl i11gredie11ts, com1nercial availability and the role of the NO.SD & 

.. .. US.OA._J:li;Je are some speafacs: 

1. Allowed synthetics - pages 156-157 - As mentioned bcfurc, the larger organic nnd 

consumer commlUl.ity is somewhat divided over whether and ..,..,hich synthetics ace or 

should be allo"•ed in organic processed food. The law docs not expressly cl.'lrify this, 

but the board took the middle ground by rcvie-.....-ing and allowing some sjnthet:ic; for 

processing, in addition to the syntl1etics that are allowed by law for production.~ See 

processing section above. Potential consumer confusion is great because of narrot~' 

current understanding on the part of many consumers that Organic equals no 

synthetics. Synthetics v. no synthetics, both for production and processing, as the 

dividing line bett\'een organics and conventional is both too simplistic and a lost 

opportunity to educate about the real dividing lines for organics. These include 
emphasis on soil health, water quality, and disease prevention as the foundation of a 

balanced ecosystem. Pest management decisions are based on the approach of the least 

ecologic.ally disruptive intervention first strategics. Unfortunately these arc much more 

complex issues and not easily translated into media sound bites. This will be one of the 

major challenges for organics in the future-more sophisticated consumer education. 

There is much work to be done during the rule-making process and the final rule 

implementation to 00.ucatc consumers understand that organics is also about soil 

health, water quality, and ecological balance, as well as safe foods. 

2. Inerts and fuil disclosure - page 156, first paragraph, page 178-181, and 

Addenda It 1, page 193, section 6518 ( I) (2), The NOSS has supported the full 

disclosure bj' manufacturers of all inert ingredients in materials to be allowOO. on the 

National Llst. This issue is closely tied to the above outcomes concerning brand name 

reviel'i's. 11Us is another example of where transparency is key to organic integrity and 

public trust. "fhis issue must be rL>Solvcd simultaneously with the rule to prevent farmer 

/ proces50r chaos. If the rule docs not rCl:juire full disclosure of inert ingredients then 

many in the consumer community could lose confidence in organic foods. The NOS13 

did not att€mpt to deal \vith the inert ingredient issue in its initial 1naterials list for fear 

of lengthy delays. TI1e NOSD planned to develop this process after finishing its initial 

recommendations to USDA. 

3. Generic v. brand name - "This is a technically complex issue. The NOSll currently 

is rcvie,\•ing only generic materials not brand names. There is con trove my over '11ho 

tvill do this task. TI1e NOSS has supparted a multidisciplinary NGO approach. The 

government rn.1y \Vant to do t!Us itself. This is another one of those critical "su11shine" 

and transparency issues \\'hich will build more public trust and confidence if handled 

by the NOSI3 or independently by an organic community supported no11-governrncntal 

organization (NGO). 

4. Biotech-Addenda ii 6, page 207. This is a major deal breaker for almost all of 

the parli.cipants."J"hc NOSB after much research and thought prohibited genetically 

engineered ingredients or materials and tho:,-e derived from genetic e11giDL'Cring due to: 

its non-compatibility l-vith organic principles., the ovcnvhelming public comments in 

opposition to its official allowance into organics, and the availability of pon-genetirally 

engineered altNn.atives. The allowance of biotechnology into organics by the US would 

also create trade barriers to equivalency with Europe and disharmony with the Codex 

organic guidelines, "-'hich also prohibits the use of genetic engineering. We are aware 

that there is much pres.sure from the supporters (lf this technology for USDA to find 

some '"-'ay around tl1e current Codex and NOSD positions. But most agree that 

biotechnology is too.11ovcl and is not compatible with the organic approach. The 

bottom-line is that currently consumers who arc concerned about biotcch foods 

current!}' tun1 to orgailic; as their food supply choice. And to the active core consumer 

supporters of organics, genetically c11gineered organic products is simply an oxymoron. 

Consumers \l.'Ould also insist that organic foods that contain genetically engi11ccrcd 
xxii 

ingredients or processing aids must be labeled a suc.h. Crossing this yellow line for the 

very few possibly" benign biotech ingredient products" vvill surely cause chaos for 

organlc and a loss of prnduct differentiation. Titis could also put organlcs for one of the 

first times in a defensive media position·· something that it has managed to mostly 

avoid up until now. Titis could be the real "media honeymoon" buster. Concerns about 

commercial availability of non-genetically engineered processing aids and the lack of 

biotech product tracking to ensure biotec.h exclusion must be addressed by the 

certification agencies, farmers and processors through developing more sophisticated 

auditing, ingredient tracking and sourcing protocols. It would be a mistake to lower 

organic standards to solve a commercial availability problem. Others have concerns 

that a prohibition is· too restrictive and closes off opportunities. But, the door is already 

left open for on-going discussion b):' the law requiring the NOSH to revisit its materials 

list decisions within eac.h S year period, which would include products derived from 

bioteclmology. Continued debate a11d education is needed as the finer points and 

implications of this technology become more widely known. 

5. Role of NOSE v. USDA - Addenda It 8, pages209- 213. This is also a major 

deal breaker. The law provides for the NOSH to be the sole primary evaluator of what 

goes on the National List and all materials and ingredients must be reviewed by the 

NOSB and its technical <1dvisory panel prior to being allowed for organic. USDA i:an 

remove items from the list if it can show that the NOSB did not protect the safety 

rl'quircmcnls of the law, but USDA can 11ot alld lo the list, that the NOSB creates. If 

USDA, in the proposed rules, changes tl1c materials list by adding additional materials 

or by downplaying the on-going role of the NOSB, then one of the critical key functions 

of this public/ private partncrnhip will be violated. Also the current critical issue of no 

stand-aloue fcd~ral NOSB funding makes fora shift in power relationships between 

tl1esc tivo bodies more likely. Due to this change, USDA is now currently the sole 

determiner of when the NOSI3 cnn m~t based on when they say they have money to 

convene the meeting v. in the past the board could make this decision based on their 

needs and res1,onsibilitie5. 

llI. Other cro~-cuffi.ng concerns -

A. Si:ale and type of operation bias: As mentioned in numerous section'> 

<ibove, this affects the overall integrity of organics. "fhe future structure of the organic 

community and industry arc at stake if any of the proposed rules have an unfair bias 

against sn1all and family-style farmcrs, handlers or processors or against any 

geographical region or commodity. It is a:>Swned tl1at thl' overall trends in agriculiure 

arc biaS1..'CI toV\•ard the very large entities,. therefore focusing on impacts on the smaller 

a11d non-industrially integrated npcrations is key to maintaining the continuum of 

organic participants. This is particularly important because the rcrent US interest in 

organics was pioneered by small grass-rt10ts operations who arc family-size and \\•ho 

more easily align them selves \Vi th organic principles of reintegration of crups and 

artimals and a balanced ecologic.al system. The law docs not address this issue except 
xxiii 

through the internal USDA administrative requirement to assess the socioeconomic 

imp<1ct of the proposed rule on the organic industry. USDA h<1s very little baseline d<1ta 

and is therefore expected to do very little pre-introduction assessments. It will be up to 

those who care to externally assess these impacts and to press for reforms wl1ere 

needed. The connection between organic, local and family farms is also a gro,ving 

consUIIler interest Mea. 

B. Ongoing role of the NOSB: As mentioned above this is one of the key 

public-private partnerships which make this process unique. A rightful role for the 

NOSB·-·that is, the authority and duties as set forth in the OFPA and in rela~d il.lld 

subsequent meetings of the involved parties--is essential for long-term public 

confidence, public ownership, and public participation in the organic process. If the 

NOSB's role is dimirrished, organici will revert to just another govemn1ent program 

that will be resistant to self-correction <1nd heedless of public outcries. 

C. Phase-in and Phase-out This issue is an important one to w<1tchfor <1nd 

evaluate in the praposed rules. ·rhis regulatory tool can be very helpful in crc<1ting a 

rc-asonable timeframe for various segments of this industry to come up to higher 

standards in cases where- the proposed rule might be a higher standard than tlte .;urrcnt 

nonn. This could be particularly helpful in phasit1g -in or out certain 1natcrials or feed 

or processing requirements. But tl1e <1mount of time allo1.~.'ed must meet both curu;umer 

expectation and the reality of the n1<1rketplace. 

D. Implementation and compliance time allowances: ·nus is closely related to 

tl1e above is..'lue and is one tl1at eacl1 stakeholder group mus't access for fair11ess and 

feasibility. The time allo\ved. between the atinouncement of the final rule and the 

requirement for full compliance is very impo1tant and must be realistically evaluated to 

ensure that LJ~er all of this V.'ork the compliance times do not bias certain segments of 

this growi11g illdustr:y. 

E.. Organics v. other cco-:la.bels: And finally, tltis topic is clearly beyond the 

scope of this document but is included here because it is important to remember that 

the deveiopm"nt of organic standards is JlOt taking place in a vacuun1 b11t.within a very 

fluid and fast paced consumer driven marketing atmosphere. The ver)· integrity of tl1e 

organic label will directly <1ffect the direction and growth of 11e\v eco-labels. The 

relationship of tl'1e Federal org<1nic label tu other eco-labels is however not specilic<1lly 

addressed. This ""ill also be affected by; the outcome of the ceiling/ floor debate "'ithin 

organics and tl1e strength of the farm plan section. I-low the <.'Co-111.bels define 

tl1emselvcs and those outcomes will influence the conswner demai1d for labeling v.•hlch 

addresses concerns Other than or11anics. lhe way this issue pl.1ys out v.•ill deter1nine 

1A•l1etl1er Eco-labeling enhances, coinpetes with, or confuses organic.'l. !~co· labeling is 

growhlg because it is addressing consumer demands for such issues <IS loc.11 gro\ving / 

processi11g, f.-imil y farms, integrated pest manageme11t, (1Pl'v1), distance from 

production to cot1sumpthln, ( f(lOd miles), social equity, energ;', f<1ir trade and olllers 
>xiv 

-con..,umcr concerns not presently embodied in organic standards. Also because the 

needs of farmers to find marketplace rewards far stewardsltip practices due to decline 

in traditional Federal supports. But any sucl1 new schemes must deal effectively with 

the same issues that organics must: of consumer confidence, verifiability, harmonized 

standards, and principles. 111e question is will this enlarge the overall market share for 

"green" food products and lengthen the farmers' marketing runway or will it confuse 

COIL<;umers and just compete with the existing organic market sl'lare ? In the ideal world 

eco-labels would: draw more farmers to sustainable agriculture, expand the "green" 

share of food products, maintain pres.sure on organics to mntinually improve and 

provide consumers more opportunity to vote for the kind of food system they want by 

t11cir food dollars, especially a:inccming social and ethical purchasing decisions. Much 

more constructive dialogue is urgently needed to help slw.pe the challenges of this fast 

growing labeling arena. · 
ACCREDITATION 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

2 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS 

FINAL RECOMMENDATION 

DRAFT 

EOAm> 

Adopted on June 4, 1994 in Santa Fe, 1:'1ew Mex:i.C(J 

STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES GOV£RN:tNG T.El:E ACCREDITATION 

OF ORGANIC CERTIFICATION ORGANIZATIONS 

INTRODUCTION 

l This document incl1ldes the NOSB Draft Recomr11endations in the 

2 following areas of accr.editat.i.on of organic certification 

3 organizations: 

4 I. The purposes of accreditation 

5 II. Three basic criteria, and standards based on statutory 

6 requirements and purposes 

7 A. Competence (Expertise) 

8 B. Transparency {Record-keeping) 

9 c. Independence {freedom from conflict of interest) 

10 III. The three phases of the accreditation proce:o:s, the 

ll procedures for each and possible outcomes 

12 A. Application 

13 B. Field Evaluation and Audit of Agency Records 

l4 C. Peer Review and Recommended Outcome 

,, 

l6 IV. Other procedu:i:-es: 

17 A. Determin'1tion of Indemnification process and costs 

l8 B. Administrative Appeals and Complaints Process 

l9 C. Coses of Accreditation 

20 

23 

22 

23 

'' 25 

25 

27 

29 

29. 

30 

33 

32 

33 

34 

35 

35 

37 

V. Appendices: 

A. Glossary. [IN PROGRESS] 

B. Application 

l. Basic Info:r:mation 

2. Memorandum of Agreement 

3. Questionnaire; Policies and Proced11res 

4. Requir·ed Documents 

c. Report and Scoring forms [IN PROGRESS] 

NOTE; An additional section of the Table of Cor1tents concerning 

implementation will be developed by the Accreditation Committee 

fo:i: subsequent inc:l11sion into the Final Board Recommendations. 

This section will include, hue not be limited to: 

l. Control of the use of .the certifier's mark or symbol; 

2. Control of the USDA shield by Che certifying a9ency; 

3. Cor;t·of cer·tification; and 

4. Suspension or termination of accreditation. 

accred.594 
3 

38 Part I. The purpo11ea of Ac:c:r.,ditation 

39 The Orgii.niC Foods Pr()duction Act of 1990, or Title XX!, 

40 Organic Certification, was enacted by Congress as part of 

41. the 1990 Farm B.i.11 (Food Agr.i.f!ulture, Con~;e:r:vation and Trade Act) 

42 The purposes of the OFPA a:i:-e: 

,, 

,, 

45 

46 

47 

48 

,, 

{l) To establish national standards governing the marketing 

of certain agricultural products as organically 

produced p:r:·oducts 

(2) To assure consumers that organically produced products 

meet a consistent standard; and 

(3) To facilitate interstate conrrnerce in fresh and 

processed food that is o:r·ganical.ly produced. 

50 To achieve these goals, OE-'PA requires the USDA to establish 

51 a mandatory national o:i:-ganic certification program, and the 

52 accreditation process is a cn1cia.l component of this national 

53 program. 

54 Accredir:ai::ion has r:wo basic purposes: 

SS First, accreditation will assure r:he public that organic 

56 certification agents and organizacions, both public and private, 

57 will carry out certificat:ion activit:ies consistent wit:h OFPA and 

58 t:he certification requirements of the national organic 

59 certification program. Section 6514 of the OFPA st:at:es: 

60 ."The Secretary [of Agriculture] shall est:abliiih and 

61 implement a program t:o accredit a governing state 

62 official, and any private person, r:hat meets the 

63 requirements of this section as a certifying agent for 

64 the purpose of certifying a farm or handling operation 

65 as a certif:l.ed organic farm or handling operation. tt 

66 Second, the accreditation program provides a role for state 

67 government and the private sector in the national organic 

68 certification proce.ss. The accreditat.ion process encourages the 

69 utilization of existing organic certification organizations as 

70 certifying agents and alJ.ows private certification organizations 

7J. to coexi.st with state certification agents on a level playing 

72 field. · 

73 To undersi::and how the accreditation program fits .into the 

74 organic certification scheme, it is helpful to view the national 

75 organic certification program as a whole. The national organic 

76 certification progran1 has four fundament.al componenr:s' 

77 1. USDA Administra.!;j...)Ll';_and Enforcement l'luthoritY... 

78 The Secretary of Agriculture has ultimate aur:hority and 

79 responsibility to administer and enforce the na~ional 

80 organic c:ert:i.fic:ar:ion program and OFPA statut.ory 

accr.,d. 6~4. 
81 

82 

B3 

,, 

85 

'' 

B7 

BB 

89 

90 

91 

92 

93 

,, 

99 

96 

97 

98 

99 

100 

101 

302 

303 

10• 

305 

106 

107 

308 

309 

1,0 

311 

112 

333 

114 

115 

136 

117 

118 

339 

120 

121 

122 

323 

329 

325 

326 

327 

128 

17.9 

ac:cred. 694 

4 

requirements. The Secrctaiy has delegated this 

authority to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), 

which is a USDA agency. The Secretary is also 

authorized to delegate administrative and enforcement 

aut:hoI·ity to ·states with a USDA-approved st.ate organic 

certification program. 

2. USDA-Aoproved State Program.<:;_,_ The Secretary of 

Agriculture is authorized to approve state organic 

certification programs that are consistent with the 

requirements of the national certification program. 

States with USDA-approved state certi.fication progra1ns 

may assume administrative responsibilities under the 

implementation of the national organic certification 

program within that state. OFPA allows states to 

include additional standards and/or requirements in the 

state organic certificat:ion program, if those standards 

and requirements have been approved by the USDA, are 

consistent with the plU'poses of OFPA, and do not have a 

discriminatory impact in the organic marketplace. 

Approved state organic certification programs are 

subject to the autHority of the Secretary of 

Agriculture. 

3. The TJSDA Accreditatign Proaram. OFPA requires the 

Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the 

national organic certifi.cation program through 

accredited certifying agents. Accredited certifying 

agents will be responsible for determining whether 

organic producers and/or handlers are in compliance 

with OFPA standards and requirements. State officials 

and private organizations can apply to the USDA for 

accreditation as certifying agents. The USDA will 

administer the accreditation orogram and make all 

determinations regarding app:r·Oval of accreditation 

applications and/or revocation of a certifying agent's 

accr·editation status. State and private applicants for 

accreditation will be evaluated under the same basic 

accreditation criteria and procedures. Once 

accredited, state and private certifying agents will be 

functionally equivalent. 

In addition, guidelines wlll be establish.ed f0r the 

accreditation of agencies conducting certification 

services in foreign countries. For a product bearing 

the seal of a u.s.-based certifying agency to be 

imported into the United States, the agency indicated 

shall meet the following requirements: 

a. The agent shall be accredited to certify the 

production and handlj.ng of organic products within 

the United States. 

b. The agent shall be able to demonstrate that 
330 

333 

333 

333 

33< 

•35 

136 

337 

l.38 

339 

3<0 

14.l 

343 

343 

344 

345 

3<6 

347 

348 

349 

l.50 

353 

353 

353 

35< 

15S 

356 

357 

•58 

359 

360 

363 

363 

363 

364 

365 

366 

367 

•68 

369 

370 

373 

373 

373 

174 

375 

376 

377 

378 

5 

oversight of the proced11res utilized to certify 

the production and handling of the imported 

product has been provided by a USDA··recognized 

governmental or non-govel'.Tlmental authority. 

c. The agent shall be able to demonstrate that 

only those imports produced and/or handled in 

compliance with the U.S. Organic Food Production 

Act have been certified. 

d. The agent shall be able to demonstrate the 

application of U.S. OFl'A inspection requirements 

to the certification of a farm or handling 

operation located within a foreign country. 

e. The agent shall be able to demonstrate adequate 

documentation of the organic integrity of the 

imported product from farm through U.S. Customs 

clearance. 

f. Copies of all records pertinent to the 

certif.ication 6f each imported product shall be 

maintained at the U.S. agency office. 

It is recognized that some private certifying 

agents have established programs to address specific 

philosophies and/or regional considerations, and may 

wish to include requirements for the awarding of the 

certifying agent's seal that are supplemental to the 

standards promulgated in the OFPA. Such requirements 

shall not be in conflict with the National Organic 

Standards. Supplemental requirements shall not 

preclude the certification to OFPA standards of 

producers and handlers who do not seek to utilize the 

private agent's seal. 

4. The National Organic Standard~ Roard {NOSB). The 

NOSB serves as an advisory board to the Secretary of 

Agriculture. The role of the NOSD is to recommend 

organic standards and provide public input to help the 

Secretary shape the policies and regulations that will 

govern the national organic certification program. 

rt is important to distinguish between the process of 

accreditation of certifying agen"ts and the process of. approval·of 

state organic certification progr:ams. The outcome of the 

accraditat:i.on process ·is authori2"at:ion of a certif."ying agent, be 

it a state oc a private pee.son, to certify an or·ganic farm or 

handling opecation. The outcome of the appcoval process is 

authorization of a stat:e to (1.) administec the certification 

program in that st".1'1.te; and (;;:) enact additional stanclards. 

"Approval" of a s"tate ocganic certification program does not 

constitute "accreditation" of the state as a certifying agent. 

consequently, a stata with a USDA-appcoved state organic 

cectification program must also independently apply to the USDA 
179 

180 

181 

182 

183 

l.84 

185 

186 

107 

188 

189 

190 

l9l 

192 

193 

19< 

195 

196 

197 

198 

199 

200 

201 

202 

203 

6 

for accreditation in order to ca~ out certification activities. 

OFPA authorizes the Secretary to appoint a Peer Review 

Panel to assist the secretary in the accreditation process. The 

purpose of the Peer Review Panel is to represent and utilize the 

expertise existing in the organic community. The Peer Review 

Panel shall be comprised of individuals with experience in the 

production and handling of organic food and familiarity with 

organic certification methods and procedures. 

The Peer Review Panel is a critical companent of the 

Acer·editation Program because it utilizes the expertise of the 

private sector and preserves a role for the private organic 

industry in the National Organic Certification Program. Sec. 

6516 (a) of t.he OFPA states: 

Peer R~~ 

In determining_whether to approve an application for 

Acc:r·editation submitted unde:r· Section 6514 of this 

title, the Secretary shall consider· a report concerning 

such applicani: that s!lilll. be p:r·epared by a peer review 

panel established under subseci:ion (b) of this section. 

The NOSB interprets this Statutory provision, which. requires 

the Secretary to consider a peer review panel report when 

determining w-hetl1er to approve an application for Accreditation, 

to be a mandatory regtlirement. The NOSB recommends that the Peer 

Review Panel be incornorated into the USDA Accreditation Program 

as a mandatory requirement through the rule making process. 

204 Part CJ' Criteri;i for AccreditatioQ 

205 The accreditation process is designed to reach judgments 

206 regarding a certifying agent's degree of compliance with three 

207 essential program ati::ributes -- competence, transparency, and 

208 independence, each of which is grounded in OFPA statutory 

209 provisions. These attributes refleci: key goals all certifying 

210 agents should strive toward; the degree to which certifying agent 

2ll programs, policies, and activities are found to be consistent 

212 ..,ith these go,,ls will be among the most heavily weighted factors 

213 taken into account by the Peer Review Panel in reaching 

214 accredit"ltion status recommendal:ions. 

215 A. Competence, (Expertise) 

216 .L.... Competency of the ce:rtifying Agent 

217 'fhe Committee :r·evie..,ed th~ steps in the certification process 

2ia witl1 respect to the content of each step in terms of the oui:put 

219 of the Certifying Agent; the input received f:r.Oll\ applicant 

220 pr.oduce:r·s, handlers, inspectors and others, and the process 

accr~d. 694 
7 

221 involved; the competencies required to perform each step of the 

222 certification process; and indices of competence. 

223 "'-'- Stepey in the c~r_t.j_fication Proce_gg 

224 The Committee ident:.i.fied sever1 (7) steps in the' certification 

225 process. 'fhese are: 

226 

22·1 

228 

22, 

230 

231 

232 

233 

23' 

235 

336 

237 

23e 

239 

,,, 

(l), Promulgation of the AE1plicat:ion for Certificatior1 and 

Certification Standards; 

(2) Submission of the completed Application and Affidavit, 

including the Organic Plan, by a producer or handler; 

(3) Initial review of the Applicatior1 by the Certifying 

Agent; 

(4) On-site inspection of the farm or handling operation by 

an inspector; 

(5) Administra~ive review and certification determination 

by the Certifying Ager1t:; 

(6) Annual recertification and reinspaction and submission 

of an affidavit by the producer or handler; and 

( 7) Procedures z·elating i:o the handling of complaintE and 

appeals of adver.se determination by the certifying 

agency. 

241 Each of these steps requires input, process and output, with the 

242 corre.sponding competencies. 

2'' 

344 

C ' I Promulgation of the Application for Certification and 

Certification Standards, · 

245 The output of this step of. the certification process includes the 

246 Application Form and Certification Standards, the Organic Plan 

247 requirements for each particular kind of operoi.tion seeking 

248 certification, a fee schedule, and, by identifying the con1petence 

249 areas of the certifying agent, the specific kin_ds of operation.s 

250 -- ---fOi:"'"Which the ·certifyiiig--·Age.ilt declares expertise. 

251 The competencies T.equired are: 

252 ~ knowledge of the Organic regulations, as evidenced by the 

253 requirement.s outlined in the Application Form and ·Certification 

254 standards and the c:ertif.ying Agent• s Organic Plan requirement::s i 

L55 * knowledge of the specific kinds of operation~ for which 

256 the Certifying Agent declares expe:i:·tise (e.g., for a vegetable 

257 processing operation: CUrreot Good Manufacturing Pract::ice for 

258 p:r·ocessing Operations, lo\<1-acid food canning regul<:itions), as 

259 evidenced by appropz·iate training of inspectors 01nd reviewers of 

accred. 694 
260 

26> 

262 

263 

26< 

265 

266 

26'7 

268 

2·10 ''' 

8 

applications (e.g., see Title 21 Code of Federal Requlati9ns 

Section 113.10 and ~itle 9. Code of ~~deral-Reaulations,__SectiQ:Il 

.'.?81.310); 

* knowledge of operationally specific standa:r:·ds, handbooks 

and manuals; and 

" financial competence, as evidenced by a published fee 

~chedule and cur·rent financial ~tatements, such as an 

1r1dependently audited annual financial statement or similar 

fir1ancial repo:r:·c. 

(2) Submission of the completed Application and Affidavit, 

including the Organic Plan, by a producer or hand.lei:·, 

271 The 011tput of this Etep in the certification pr·ocess is a 

2'12 completed Application and an Organic Plan. The co1npetencie.s 

2"13 requi:r·ed of the Cer·tifying Agent relate to the cor1fidentj.ality of 

2·14 certain information submitted by the producer· or handler and 

275 generated by the Certifying Agent and to the record keeping 

276 system and procedures of the Certifying Agent required to satisfy 

277 the record keeping requirements of the OFPA. 

278 (3) Initial review of the Application by the Certifying Agent: 

279 This step in the certification process involves a general 

280 evaluation of the Application and Organic Plan against the 

281 organic regulations and the specific requirements and standards 

282 for the type of operation requesting certificution, und requires 

283 sufficient expertise to make valid judgments. Many of the 

284 competencies required in step 1, above, are required here. In 

285 addition, the Certifying Agent must have competence in 

286 systematically recognizing potential conflicts of interest and 

287 avoiding actual conflicts of interest, as evidenced by specific 

288 written policies and prooedurea. 

289 The output of this step in the certification process is to 

290 determine eligibility and provide specific instructions to an 

291 inspector who physically performs the next step in the process. 

292 The Certifying Agent must be knowledgeable of the organic 

293 regulations and the specific type of op~ration being reviewed by 

294 the reviewers within the Certifying Agent, in ord~r r.o identify 

295 both general and spE'cifir. areas for inspection. The Certifying· 

29_6 ,A.gent must have policies and procedures to maintain 

297 con.Eidentiality of it:s interi:1ally gener·ated initial 

298 recommendation. 

299 The Certifying Agent must be competent in training its 

300 Application reviewers to achieve individual competence in the 

301. organic :r·egulations, organic plan content, and specific standr.i.rds 

302 'and good operating practices for specific types of operations. 

303 

''' 

«I On-site ir1spection of the fann or handling operation by an 

inspector: 

acc•e.d.694 
g 

305 Th~ certifying Agent must have the competence to evaluate the 

306 credentials, ability and affiliations of inspectors, in (lr.der to 

307 select inspectors competent to inspect the type of operation 

308 requesting certification, without conflict of interest. The 

309 Certifying Agent must show competence in it-.s supervision of 

310 inspectors, with regard to inspector performance standards, 

311 reporting requirements 1Uld ethicaJ. behavior. Specif.i.cally, the 

312 Cert:i.fying Agent: must have a general inspection protocol and 

313 specific criteria for assessing risks to o:i:·ganic integrity, 

314 especially adherence to the Organic Handling Plan and 

315 contamination with synthetic pesticides and other syi1thetic 

316 substances, and for testing food and soil and water for residues 

317 of pest-.ic.i.des and other synthetic substances as appropl'.·iate. 

318 The competency requil'.·ed of the inspector, a!:l an agent:. of the 

319 Certifying Agent and thus of the Secretary, includes technical 

320 Jcnowledge of the type of operation in addition to knowledge of 

32:L the organic regulations. 

322 The output of this step in the certification process ia the 

323 inspection report. The Certi.fy.i.ng Agent, specifically the 

324 members of its review panel, must be competent in evaluating the 

325 inspection report as it pertains to the type of operation 

326 requesting certification. 

327 The Certifying Agent is responsible for maintaining as 

328 confidential information proprietary information g-o1thered by the 

329 In.spect:or. The Certifying Agent must de1uonstrate satisfactory 

330 oversight of inspectors' conduct with respect to pl'.·otection of 

331 confideni:::ial information. This is evidenced by a signed 

332 affidavit. 

333 (5) Administrative review and certification determination by the 

334 Certifying Agent: 

335 This step in the certification process consists of rev-iewing the 

336 Applicat:.ion, the Initial Recommendation and the Inspection 

337 Report, and deciding whether the operation will be certified or 

338 not. The competencies required for this process are the same as 

3J9 tllose required for step 3 and step 4. The output: of this step is 

340 the _certification decision .. -'l'he recol'.·d.keeping-and 

341 confidentiality competencies of step 2 are again essential here. 

342 The final reviewers shciuJ.d have competence in determining 

343 compliance with organic standards and regulations and in 

344 interpreting inspectors' reports. 

345 A written procedure with objective decision c:i:·it.~:t"i<:1 :i.s an 

346 indicator of competent."}' in this step. This can also be verified 

347 at the time of field evaluation. 

31!.B (6) Annual recertification and rei.nspection and submission of an 

3q,9 affidavit by the producer or. handler: 
10 

350 The OFPA requires annual inspection and recertification of 

351 organic producers and handlers. The Organic Plan will require 

352 evaJ.uat:ion of progress toward certain goals agreed upon by the 

353 Certifying Agent and the producer or handler. Record keeping 

354 compet:ency of the Certi.fying. Ager1t is essential, as evidenced by 

355 t:he ability t:o locate prio:t" years' Organic PJ.ans for the prodt1cer 

356 or handler requesting recertif.i.cation. A system for "auton1at:.i.c" 

357 follow-up that will assure pesticide testing of soil or food when 

358 ji1stified by the prior history of an operation is an index of 

359 record keeping competency. 

360 

361 

(71 Procedures relating to the handling of complaints and 

appeals of adverse determination by the certifying agency: 

362 The <:ertifying Agent must have formal procedures that protect the 

363 rights of petitioners, to enable producers, handlers, inspectors, 

364. and others to submit complaints or to appeal decisions of the 

365 Certifying Agent. The Certifying Agent must have competency in 

366 enforcing its decisions and adjudicating appeals of its 

367 decisions. 

368 The output of the appeal proCess is a "decision review report." 

369 The Certifying Agent must have access to competent legal counsel, 

370 to minimize its legal exposure and thus risks to the i11tegrity of 

37l the organic program. 

372 An index of competency is the availability of records documenr:ing 

373 the results of the appeals process . 

3,, .!2..,. _0ualifications of Insi;iectors 

375 Certifyit1g agents must employ or contract: inspectors who 

376 have thorough knowledge of, and/or can demonstrat:e experti:Je in 

377 the following: 

378 (1) General principles of organic food producr:ion, for 

379 crops, livestock or processing/handling. 

380 (2) All applicable organic food production regulations, 

38l including audit and labeling requirements. (Federal, State) 

382 {3) Applicable inspections procedures, forms, and policies. 

383 {4) Specific production, handling, or processing and pest 

384 control -methods {boc:h oryanic and e=ventional), for product to385 be inspected, i.e.: 

386 Livestock (species) 

387 Processing {type) 

388 Crops (type) 

389 Handling. 

390 (S) Risk. assessment for potential contamination and 

391 approp:r·iate steps to be taken when contamination is suspected. 

392 (6) Adequate written and oral communication skills. 

393 Required expertise may be acquired by work experience in 
• -

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' ' 
12 

394 ag:r·iculture (cr·ops/livest:ock), food processing, or audit395 inspection (as applicable), formal education, specific training 

396 courses, or past organic inspection experience &/or training. 

39·1 nsufficiency" of expertise as rega:i:·ds "qualified inspectors" must 

398 be determined .i.n relat:i.On to the types of operations an inspector 

399 is assigned to inspect. {A processing inspector, familiar only 

400 with fruit. and vegetable processing, may for example, need to 

401 seeJt addit.ional t:i::·aining, reading, or other exposure to 

402 familiarize he1·/himself with another particular type of food 

403 processing.) 

404 It is the responsibility of an Accredited Certification 

"05 organization to determine that an inspector has both the general 

406 and specific expertise required to adequately observe and report 

407 compliance with and deviations from organic production and 

408 handling methods in the operations co which s/he is assigned. It 

409 is the responsibility of the inspector to Dote the need for 

410 additional information or expertise if deemed necessary in the 

411 course of an inspection, and to decline an assignment fo:r· l<'hich 

412 s/he lacks necessary expertise, or whe:i:-e sufficient 

413 information/protocols are not provided by the ce:i:-tification 

414 agency. 

415 REFER TO: [TABLE A.1. Competence] 

41.6 Additional requirements; 

417 7. Accredited Certification organizations must have on file 

4.18 affidavits from all inspectors assuring compliance with statutory 

419 requirements regarding confidentiality and conflict of interest. 

420 B. Transparency: Recoz·d-keeping 

421 The basis of transparency is documentation, maintenance of 

422 reco:i:-ds, publication of basic certification information and 

423 appropriate access to information by the public, and to records 

424 by the Secretary, and the certified party .as specified below: 

4 25 PRODUCER/RANllLER RECORDS 

"26 Recorrl-lceepina reauired of producers and handlers that _.Ill)!§~ 

427 avnilablA to the Secretar;:y, certifi~_ar:ion "-a.ent and State. 

428 ;-fficial: 

429 Information which 111ust be outlined and documented, as 

430 appropriat::e, by the produceT. or handler and reviewed by the 

431 certifie:t:, includes: 

432 a. All 'substances applied to. the gi::·owing and 

433 st.ored crop, growing medium, growing area, storage area, 

434 irrigation or post-harvesl~ wash. o:i:· seed, w11ile owned by tl1e 

435 producer or handler, ~lit:h dates, rates, and method of. 

436 applicai:io11-, and name of applicator. [OFPA Se<;. 2112 (d)] 

437 b. All substances udministered and fed to animals, 

438 all medication and drugs, with dates and dosages; and '111 

accred. 094 
,,, ''' 

,,, 

,,, 

,,, 

,4, 

,,, 

4•6 

447 

•4B 

,,, 

•SO 

451 

,,, 

4.53 

•54 

455 

456 

457 

458 

459 

460 

461 

,,, 

,,, 

•64 

465 

•66 

467 

468 

469 

,,, 

4.,71 

13 

substances applied in any area where animals, milk or animal 

products are kept, with dates, raLes, and method of application, 

and name of applicator, while animals are owned by this certified 

producer or handler. 

c. All substances applied to food, 

any area or container where food is handled while 

ownership of the certified entity who handles the 

dates, rates, and method of application, and name 

[OFPA Sec. 2112 {d) l 

or applied in 

urider the 

food, with 

of applicator. 

d. JUl substances used in the handling of food or 

applied in any a:r·ea or container where food is handled or stored, 

while under the ownership of the certifi.ed entity who handle.s the 

food, with dates, rates, and method of application, and name of 

applic-ator. [OFPA Sec 2112 (d) l 

e. Proof of certification of all products handled 

and all organic ingl'.'edients used for each product labelled as 

organic or "with organic ingredients." (refer t:o NOSB PHL 

Committee Labeling Draft.) 

f. sufficient records of all inputs, products 

handled, and date, source, lot number, and quantity; and all 

sales (whether bulk, raw or processed) with date, source lot 

number, quantity and recipient/transferee, to enable an auditing 

or inspecting certifier or investigator to reconstruct a ",;ha in 

of custody" for all transactions during the period of time in 

which the certified entity holds title to the product, whether or 

not the product is physically in the possession of the 

certificant. 

on at least an annual basis, certifying agencies or their 

inspectors must conduct at least one random product commodity 

tracking that demonstrates the steps of production or 

manufacturing prior to the shipment of that prodnct from the 

premises of that farm or manufacturer. 

CF.RTIFIER RECORDS 

472 A. RRcords rern.Jired to b" kept by ce!.'t::ifier. to b" s11bmitted to 

4 73 lEj!DA/AMS as part of the Accreditation Aonlication and UP.Q!l 

474 .reauest available t.2......_SP.e public (FOIAI_:, 

475 Because verificati·on Of"'information about practices is 

476 crucial to consumer confidence in the organic label,· 

477 accountability of certifiers is essential. The basic premise that 

478 "organic" means "basic information about this food is 

479 obtainable," ext:ends logically t.o verification of the organic 

480 claim. Thus, "certJ.fied organic" must mean "basic information 

482 about this certification claim is obtainable." 

482 For this·reason USDA will maintain updated records of each 

4133 A.ccredit.ed"Certifier' s policies and procedures, and will compile 

4.B4 a list on quarterly basis of all Accredited Certifiers and 

accr"d. 694 
14 

485 certified p<i.rties, which can be made available to the public by 

486 request. The availability of the list should be published in the 

487 Federal Regisr:er and food trade periodicals. 

488 1. Organization address, phone #, hours 

,,, 

''' 49> 

,,, 

493 

494 

495 

49, 

497 

498 

499 

500 

SO> 

so' 

S03 

So• 

sos 

S06 

507 

sos 

509 

S>O 

S>> 

S>2 

S>3 

S>4 

2. List of certified parties 

a. Producers, l"1andlers, pror:essors 

i. Past and prese:r1t 

ii. curr·ent status of each 

3. Decision documentation procedures 

4. Decision making structure 

5. Decision n1aker identities and affiliations 

6. Certification review process 

a. Certification standards and procedu:r·es 

b. Review body identities and affiliations 

7. Inspector selection criteria covering both the 

compei::ence of i.nspector·s and their assignment. 

8. Organizatioual Struci:ure (Articles of Incorporation, 

By-laws, and organizational chart.) 

9. Organizational affiliat::ions 

a. Major funding sources 

b. Major shareholders 

10. Established standard procedures for document 

request:: response 

a. Fees for information requested 

(expenses, i.e., fax, photocopy, staff time) 

b. Reasonable turnai:-ound time for "standard" 

requesi:s for information. 

11. Established standard procedures for sampling and 

laboratory analyses that: pei:-tain to certification. [Sec. 

2107 (a) (9)] 

515 B. Public Access to ProduCtion and Handling Information 

516 NOTE: An addit::ional section concerning public access will be 

517 developed by the Accreditation Committee for subsequent inclusion 

518 into the Final Board Recommendations. This section will include, 

519 but not be limited to: 

520 1. ·Transparency and record keeping; 

521 2. Availability of prDducei:-/handlei:- records; 

522 3. i1.vailability of certification documents; and 

523 4. Content of producer's records of operation that are to 

524 be available for public review. 
15 

525 C. Records required. to be kept by_c~;r;t_ifie:r: and available 1roon 

526 reauest to the Secretary o;r his r·epresentativ.@.1. 

527 

526 

529 

570 

531 

SJ2 

533 

534 

575 

576 

537 

576 

539 

540 

541 

542 

547 

544 

545 

546 

547 

546 

549 

550 

551 

552 

557 

554 

555 

556 

557 

556 

559 

560 

-56-1 

562 

567 

564 

565 

566 

567 

568 

569 

570 

The cr·itical dBtenninar1ts of transparency are clear 

ari:iculation of the policies and procedures governing 

ce:r·tification decision-making, as well as open accessibility and 

clear documentat.i.on of the evidentia:ry basis upon which a 

particular certification decision is based. Transparency is 

achieved by having and following clear written standards, 

procedures and policies; good reco:z:·d-keeping; explaining the 

roles and responsibilities of officers, staff, inspectors and 

decision-making bodies; r·esponsiveness to legitimate inquiries 

and complaints; maintaining an open, accessible, and responsive 

appeals process; and, by full disclosure and timely r·esolution of 

potential conflicts of interest. 

Disclosure of the fiscal foundation for a certifying agent's 

activities is also essential to achieve transparency. certifying 

agents should, on an ongoing basis in an annual report or other 

accessible means, document all sources of funds and revenue, the 

level and pu:qiose of all expenditures, and the relationship 

between fee structur~. income, other sources of revenue, 

expenditures, and services rendered. 

Verification of certification claims thro11gh ongoing 

independent review is the basis of National Accreditation. 

Certifiers work must be replicable, documented, and accessible to 

review-, following cor!sistently administered policies and 

procedures. Field evaluators, under confidentiality agreements, 

designated by the Secretary, shall have access [sec. 2ll6 (c) (2)] 

upon request to any and all records concerning the certifying 

agent's activities under this chapter, including, 

a. Certificant files, including application, 

organic plan, inspection forms and questionnaires, decision 

documentation. · 

b. Personnel and policy manuals, organizational 

chart. 

c. Full documentation of all appeals, complaints, 

and trademai:-J~ or seal violations. 

d. Fiscal accounting: breakdowns of iriCome and 

expenditures. 

e. Inspector, st.aff and decision maker contr·acts, 

including confidentiality agreements and disclosure of 

affiliations relative to potential conflict of interest. [Sec. 

211.6 (c) (2); (d); Sec. 21.07 (a) (9)] 

f. Laboratory analyses, which must be reported to 

Secretary if shows any violative residue. 

g. Business records relating to conflict of 

interest: provisions of the National Standards. 

accred. 694 
16 

571 £.:___Records reauired to.be routinely available upon regyes..L_J;_Q 

572 certificant at reasonable.cost far procens~ng of request: 

,,, 

504 

5·75 

.'>77 ''' 

a. Innpector contract, as above. 

b. Inspection report. 

c. Names and affiliations of all decision makers. 

d. Results of laboratory analyses . 

578 Jl.._ .~aint·enancf!, access and transference of re~9;i;:Q.s as reqtJi:t;~ 

5"/9 under OFPA: 

580 a. Producers and handlers are required to keep 

581 records of all substances as required above, for five years. 

582 [Sec. 2112 (d)) 

583 b. Certifiers are required to keep records as 

584 above for ten year·s. [Sec. 2116 (c) (1)] 

585 c. Any certifying agent shall allow access by the 

586 Secretary or his representative, or the governing State official, 

587 to any and all records concerning the certifying agents 

588 activities under this title. [Sec_ 2116 (c) (2)] 

589 d. If any certifying agent is dissolved, suspended 

590 or loses Accreditation, all certification records or copies of 

591 records concerning certifier activities Accredited under this 

592 title shall be transferred to the Secretary immediately upon 

593 request, and made available to the governing State official. 

594 Confidentiality of records must be maintained by certifiers even 

595 following a dissolution, suspension, or de-accreditation of the 

596 certifier. [Sec.2116 (c) (3)] 

''' C. Independence' (freedom from conflict of interest) 

598 Definition: The term "conflict of interest" is defined as 

599 the use by an individual of his or her position for pei::·sonal 

600 advantage or to the detriment of the integrity of the Organic 

601 Program. Personal advantage includes interest in another 

602 organization by the individual or a member of his or her 

603 immediate family (household), or receipt or acc:eptariCe of 

604 economic or non-economic: favors, gifts or benefits of more than 

605 nominal Value accruing to the individual or his or ~er designee, 

606 other than as part of his or her bona fide compensation." 

607 Owners, officers, :staff, colIDilittee members, board members, 

608 employees and contractors of Certifying Agents who have a 

609 financial i"nter-esr: iri a farm or bandlii1§ ""0peration CextifiEid_bi{ __ -

610 the Certifying Agent, or who otherwise stand to gain financially 

611 from a certification decision, except for receipt of agreed upon 

612 fees for :service or for use of a t:rademark or seal, mu.'lt be 

613 isolated from those cei:·tification decisions in which they have an 

6l.4 . inr:ere:st. Certifying Agents act as agents of the Secreta:r.y u11der 

61.5 the Organic Program, so an individual employed by a Certifying 

616 Agent repr~senr:s the Secretary in certification activities. 

61.7 Recommend~tio~: The Committee recommends t:o the Secretary 

accri=<l. 69~ 
17 

618 that a Certifying Agent must have written policies and proceduren 

619 regarding: 

620 1. the application handling process; 

621 2. dj.scloisure of inspect:or financial interests and 

622 affiliations; 

623 3, the appeal of inspection results; 

624 4. the certification decision making process; 

625 5. disclosure of financial interests and affiliations 

626 of members of the decision making body, including 

627 conditions of disqualification from decision making; 

628 and 

629 6. the appeal of certification decisions 

630 Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the Accreditation 

631 Authoricy itself must have a responsive and accessible complaint, 

632 appeal and investigation process. 

633 ,Part III; Pr<;>cedure" for Accr,.dit.ition (and Outcome") 

634 The Accreditation Process has three phases: 

635 A. Application; 

636 B. Field Audit and Evaluation; and 

637 c. Peer Review and Recommendation to Secretary. 

638 A. APPLICATION (Phase I) [see accompanying chari:] 

639 l. Submission of Application 

640 To be eligible for review within the first round of 

641 accreditation, certifying organizations must submit applications 

642 for accreditation within 90 day.:> of the publication of this 

643 notice. Certification organizations who submit an application 

644 for accreditar:ion within this time fra1ne will be evaluated in the 

64.5 first round of Accreditation and may continue to provide 

646 certification services. 

647 Certifying agents will be asked in the application form to 

648 request accreditai:ion in specific program categories; 

,,, 

''' 

i. Organic Production: c±bps, livestock and related on-farm 

procel'ising. 

651 ii. Organic Food Processing and Handling. 

652 iii. International Trade. (Certifiers who certify operations 

653 outsicCe the USA ..,ho wish approval from L:l1e Secr·etary for 

654 import:: equivalency to US standar·ds.) 

655 To ini'tiate the accreditation process, a certifying agent 

656 shall submii: co the Secretary of Agriculture or his designee, an 
. 

18 

ACCREDITATION PHASE I: Application 

Groups currently certifying: May continue certifying while continuing 

through the process. 

Grnup.-; NOT currently t:E!rtifying: May not begin cl"!rtifying until 

Phase I completed. 

Public Notice 

90 days allowed No 

submit .. ·-- to Response 

application 

.,,..,,1:..e. 01'.'\ 

icatior1 o<S~ . "'.,;i .. App (.. c :u"G;" 

Sllhl itted to '{\o sV . '\.. '\.. ') '{ c. 

AMS f >•t revie1,1 s<' :J.~o;.c.1'.. 

. 

Applicat:iori ~ - - reviewed for 2nd .. complet:e11P.Bs by 

AMS Staff 2 c d -..:il.Lb 

(60 days) . Jrd submission 

Appli at ion found 

com' lete 

- -- "Peer Review" committee 

makes determir1ation of 

"accreditation applied for" 

status; gro11ps not 

currently certifying may 

he.girt ee:ctificat.iori 

servi.ces. -

5/17/93 

' 

current ··ce:rtl.i"ie rs must. 

inn 

ants 

next 

cease certificat 

services. App lie 

must "ait unti1-

rou11d to subm.it 

resubmit applica 

,, 

' b 

Reo n•e 

Application fo11n 

deficient return 

explanation. 

oO days allowed 

~_respo~se . --· -

or 

tion. 

d 

ed with 

for 
19 

657 appliccit:ion, cilong with all required memoranda, documentation, 

658 and the applicable fee. Appendix B contains the Application 

659 Form, Memorandum of Agreement, and a de5cription of required 

660 documentation. 

661 The completed application form and accompanying 

662 documentation should be sent to: 

663 National Organic Standards Program 

664 USDA/AMS/TMD 

665 P.O. Box 96456 

666 Washington, D.C. 20090-6456 

667 Phone inquiries regarding the status of applications should 

668 be directed to' Michael Hankin (202) 205-7806. 

669 In the fir.st round, applications will be reviewed in the 

670 order in which they are received. Existing certifying 

671 organizations shall be given priority in the processing of 

672 applications and field evaluation. Organizations which have not 

673 been certifying prior to the beginning date of the application 

674 period should not begin doing so until they have completed Phase 

675 I of the Accreditation Process. 

676 Until completion of the first round of accreditation reviews 

677 in response to all properly completed applications received from 

678 currently active certifying organizations, certifying 

679 organizations may continue certification activities, or initiate 

680 new categories of certification services. 

681 2. Review of .Aoplication: 

682 The AMS/NOP Staff. shall review applications for completeness 

683 and any obvious deficiencies or problems in a certifying agent's 

684 policies, programs, procedures, fiscal arrangements, or in regard 

685 to conflict of interest. If AMS/NOP staff makes a preliminary 

686 determination that the certifier's application indicates that the 

687 certifier meets the statutory requirements and the basic criteria 

688 of independence, transparency and competence as outlined in this 

689 regulation, they shall recommend to the Peer Review Panel that 

690 the "Accreditation Applied For" status be granted. 

691 If AMS/NOP staff determines that the certifier's application 

692 does not meet the requirements of the OFPA, or if there is a need 

693 f6r further information or clarification· of ·pci.liCies and 

694 proced11res, the applicant will be notified accordingly. 

695 Notification: 

696 Within 60 days of receipt of ar1 application, the AMS Staff 

697 shall respond to the applicant regarding whether the application 

698 has been found to be complete or deficient. Notification Ehall 

699 e][!)lain any deficiencies in the application and its supporting 

700 documentation, and explain options for overcoming deficiencies. 

701 New organi~ations wishing to begin certifying, and those who have 

702 been notj.fi-ed of an unsatisfactorily contpleted application, and 

703 have not responded within GO days of notice, may not provide 

704 certification services, and mu.st reapply for Accreditation. 

accred.694 
705 

706 

707 

"JOB 

70.9 

710 

711 

712 

713 

714 

715 

716 

717 

716 

719 

720 

721 

722 

723 

724 

725 

726 

727 

728 

729 

730 

731 

732 

731 

714 

715 

736 

737 

"138 

739 

20 

Within 60 days of receipt of any additional information submitted 

to complete an application deemed incomplete, the Accreditation 

Staff shall infonn the applicant of any remaining deficiencies, 

or acceptance of the application as complete_ If the applicant 

does not respond within 60 days to notice of an incomplete 

application, they will havs to wait for the next annual cycle of 

application and shall not be allowed r:o continue or· begin 

certification activities. If the response still does not fulfill 

the requirements of the application, resubmission may contin11e, 

but Phase I must be complete within 12 nionths of the opening date! 

for applications in that ann1lal cycle, or further certification 

activity will be prohibited. 

close and thorough review of fully completed applications is 

intended to optimize certifier's successful field evaluation, to 

focus field evaluation on 1nost salient areas of certifiers' 

operations, and to increase efficiency and effectiveness of time 

spent in field evaluation visits. To this end, the Committee 

:i::·ecommends that AMS utili7,e the existing expertise in Organic 

Certification Program Evaluation to provide in-service training 

to AMS/NOP staff who will be reviewing applications. 

To facilitate commerce during the first annual cycle of 

Accreditation, The National Organic Production Program will 

publish a list of certifiers who have satisfactorily applied for 

Accreditation, and are in the "pipeline" for field evaluation and 

peer review. This list Will be published six months following the 

opening of the application process, and subsequently every six 

months. 

i''ollowing the determination of "Application Accepted" 

status, the Peer Review Panel must be consulted on recommended 

assignment of the field evaluators and priority scheduling of 

visits. Upon completion of Phase I, and in preparation for the 

review process carried out in Phase II, AMS/NOP Staff shall 

provide applicants an explanation of the basic steps in the 

process and an estimated time-line for completion of various 

stages in the review and decision-making process. 

740 At this point, for the first round of Accreditation 

74J. application. AMS shall publish a list of all cei:·tifiers who have 

742 their applicatiOriS complete arid. who are .. ·ready fo:i:: fi·ei·d743 evaluation. 

744 8. FIELD EVALUATION ... ./'.J.ID AUDIT OF AGENCY RF.CORDS (FRASE II) 

745 l. N:...tur~ .. and Furpose of_. Fi.,ld .~u>1.tion 

746 The purpose of the field evaJ.uation-audit phase of 

747 Accreditation is to verify that each certifying organization is 

748 in fact functioning in a manner consist.enc with the requirements 

749 of the OFPA, the Accreditation Program and t~e policies and 

a.c:c:red. 694 
750 

751 

75, 

753 

75< 

755 

756 

757 

758 

759 

750 

761 

76, 

763 

76< 

765 

?66 

767 

?68 

769 

??O 

771 

77, 

7?3 

7?< 

?75 

776 

??7 

775 

779 

780 

781 

781 

783 

76< 

785 

786 

787 

788 

789 

790 

791 

791 

793 

79< 

?95 

796 

797 

?98 

799 

21 

procedures outlined in their applications. Ba.'3ic functions such 

as record keeping, assignment and activicies of inspectors, and 

the content and uses of the organic plan and audit control will 

be checked to assure that certification decisions rest upon an 

acceptable technical foundation. Policies on decision making, 

conflict of ini:erest protection and cor1fidentiality will be 

i::·eviewed_ in the context of actual cases, to deterinine that they 

are effectively being followed. 

2. Design/ AeaignmenV Approval of Evaluation Team 

The overall design of the field evaluation will follow the 

procedures outlined below. Some emphasis on certain program or 

policy areas may be indicated by the I'eview of l:he Application, 

ari.d these will be considered in the asBignment and balance of 

particular evaluator expertise. Questions of proce.dure or 

application of policies that remain from the Application review 

shall be indicated to the assigned evaluators. The size and 

composition bf evaluation review teams will vary depending on the 

Beale and scope of a certifying organization's activities.The 

proposed composition of Evaluation Teams shall be submitted 

routinely for comment to the 'peer Review Panel, as well as to the 

certifying agent to be visited. AMS shall take into account the 

suggestions of the Peer Review Panel, and any c:onc:eTI'ls raised by 

certifying agents regarding the ability of an individual review 

team member to carry out an impartial review. The USDA should 

seek in its selection to create the most qualified, appropriate 

and unbiased team possible. Final responsibility for-approving 

Evaluation Teams shall rest with AMS, with a process for appeal. 

All certifiers have the right to impose confidentiality 

conditions on any member of the site visit team, except insofar 

as OFPA requires USDA access to records. 

An international organic standards organization that is 

recognized by the Secretary for purposes of accreditation of 

certifying agents may perform on-site evaluations in the United 

States. Any on-site evaluation performed by such entity may, at 

the discretion of the Secretary, constitute compliance with the 

on-site evaluation requirement appearing in the Secretary's 

domestic accreditation program provided that: (1) All written 

reports or documents produced or resulting from the on-site 

evaluation by such organization shall be provided to the 

secretary; and (2) Such documents and reports become part of the 

permanent record of the ceI·tifying agent held by the Secretary. 

The site visit will routinely be scheduled at the 

certification agent's headquarters, and possibly at certain other 

field locations. Ir1 cases where a certifying organization 

carries out its act.ivities through multiple chapters in several 

locations, AMS/NOP, in consultation with the Peer Review Panel, 

shall decide how many additional field locations, if any, will be 

visited an~ evaluated in order to gain an accurate appraisal of 

the certifying agent's programs and policies followed across all 

locations or chapters. The key factor governing whether 
800 

801 

80, 

803 

804 

805 

806 

80' 

808 

809 

SJ_O 

Bll 

812 

Sl.3 

814 

815 

816 

Bl' 

818 

819 ,,0 

821 

8,2 

823 

824 

82S 

826 

82, ,,8 

829 

830 

831 

83, 

833 

834 

835 

836 

83, 

838 

839 

840 

841 

842 

8 4.3 

844 

845 

846 

84, 

22 

locations in addition to headquarters will need to be visited, 

and possibly accredited separately, is the locus of final 

decision making, permanent record storage, oversight and audit 

control. If chapters are completely autonomous in malcing and 

;r:-eviewing the final certification decisions, and are issuing 

certifications, they should r·equire separate field visits. 

3. Cont~t of Site Visit 

a. Formal meeting to introduce evaluators and 

staff, and to review procedures to be followed. 

b. Random sample of certification files pulled for revie\~, with case-file review form to be completed. 

c. Review of written policies and procedures, with 

quesc:j.ons fay_· st.aff re].at.ive t.o actual implement.at.ion of these. 

Do staff functions appear t:o be well defined, underscood, and 

carried out effectively? 

d. Review of decision making process, composition 

of review panels. 

e. Review of complaints and appeals cases, at 

discretion of evaluation t.eam. 

f. Review of :i'-esidue testing procedures and 

findings. 

g. Review of certifier's production audit systems, 

if applicable. If certifier does not maintain a transaction-audit 

syst.em of certified product, what methods do they use t.o insure 

that such systems are practiced effectively by their 

cert.if icant.s? 

h. Review of inspector qualifications and 

assignments. 

i. Optional field visits of cert.ificants: (kiQ§J! 

shall develon further -~ecommendatiopsl. 

j. Interviews by phone of parties relevant to 

certification decisions when warranted. 

k. Completion of Evaluation Scoring Form, 

including all areas listed above, as well as compliance with OFPA 

re: conflict of interest, confidentiality, use of seal, 

reasonable fees, appeals and complaints and 

investigation/enforcement:. 

1. Exit Interview: A summary of the Team's finding 

shall be presented verbally to the Certification Direct.or at. t.he 

conclusion of the Team's visit. 

'I. Aecee.i to Records. 

In ca:i:·:cying out field evaluations, individuals acting on 

behalf of the Accredit.at.ion Program shall be granted the full 

r.ights of access to info:i:111ation accorded the Secretary in the 

statute. Evaluators who ay·e contracted by the r:JSDA for this 

pu:i:pose shall sign non-di:;:;closure agreements assu:i:·ing protection 

of confidnritial information. 

Inability o:i:· unwillingness to provide requested 

accrcd. 694 
23 

848 documentation, records, statements of policy, resumes of staff or· 

849 members of governing bodies, or financial disclosure forms shall 

850 be grounds for denial or suspension of accreditation. 

851 The certifying agent shall be prepared, upon request, to 

852 provide copies of select:ed documents and records to Evaluation 

853 Team members, although most basic documents shall already have 

954 been provided as part of the application. Buch requests may 

855 include basic procedures and policy manuals, a limited number of 

856 case file records, resumes. of personnel, and fi.scal records, and 

BS"/ any other supporting material which may aid in the evaluation. 

858 5. Evalua.t:l.9.J1._Report 

as9 The Evaluation Team's field visit[s) shall be summarized in 

860 a written report completed, under all but exceptional 

861 circumstant.!es, within 30 calendar days of che visit. An outline 

862 of the Team's findings shall have been presented verbally at the 

863 conclusion of the Site Visit {Exit Interview, step 1. above.) 

864 The repor·t must be signed by all membei:-s of the review team, any 

865 of which are free to add personal observations or additions to 

866 the report, which may include objections or differing views 

867 relative to certain conclusions or sections of the report. A 

868 copy of the field evaluation report, as submitted to AMS, shall 

869 be provided to the certifying agent, .who Ehall have l.4 dayE to 

870 clarify or correct factual matters addressed in the i:-eport, or 

871 provide furcher clarification or documentation of program 

872 elements identified in the report as a possible basis for a 

873 decisio~ to deny accreditation. 

874 6. Role of Peer Evaluatorn 

875 A peer evaluator will be selected from each certification 

876 group being accredited that wishes to exchange volunteer time for 

877 this purpose with other certification groups. Selection muse be 

878 based on the qualifications outlined in Sec.A2. (below) and who 

9·79 is most familiar with the day to day operations of certification, 

880 and qualified to assist in the assessment of other certification 

881 program's management. These individualE will comprise an 

882 evaluator pool from which the selection of members for each 

883 review team can be made to create a balance of expertise and 

884 experien.ce wl)ic;h _r12fle.cts the size and type of program being 

81!5 evali.lated. In the case of very small programs it may be 

886 determined that only one evaluacor is required for· the field 

887 visit. In composing each review team from the' pool of qualified 

888 peer evaluato:i:·s, AMS shall strive to create a balanc~ of 

889 expertise in keeping, with the size and complexity of the 

890 certifying operation. State certification programs shall have 

891. their evaluations include a peer-ce:r:·cifier from anor:her state 

892 pi:-ogram, as private certifiers shall have their evaluation team 

893 include <lnot.her private certifier. All those in r:he pool will be 

894 required to attend a Training and Orientation session before 

895 doing any site visits. Evaluators may be compensaced for travel 

acc::ed 694 
24 

896 and per diem expenses to attend a r:raining session. 

,,, 

898 7. Qualifications of Evaluators 

699 Evaluators assigned to do field audits of (:ertification 

900 Organizations seeking Accreditation under the O.F.P.A. should: 

90:l 

902 l) Have complete farnilia:i::·ity with policies and procedures of 

903 Organic Certification program management: application, inspection 

904 and decision making, and required record-keeping. Shall have 

905 received orier1tar:ion in risk assessment in relation to 

906 certification program management. 

907 2) Have: a) demonstrable expertise in agricultural cropping 

906 and livestock systems predominately certified by the certifier to 

909 which they are assigned, or 

910 b) demonstrable expertise in food technology and 

911 inspection, or 

912 cl have demonstrable experience in quality systems 

913 management, audit-inspection, or pesticide-food safety 

914 enforcement. 

915 ]) Be familiar with all requirements of the O.F.P.A., and 

916 ensuing U.S.D.A. regulations. 

917 4) Have demonstrated both written and oral corr.munication 

918 skills. 

919 5) Submit three letters of recommendation verifying 

920 expert_ise and relevant experience. 

921 6) Submit notarized affidavits ensuring compliance with all 

922 Federal requirements regarding confidentiality and conflict of 

923 interest, for each assigned evaluation. 

92~ Preference will be given to those with past experience as 

925 certification inspectors. 

,,, c. PEER REVIEW AND RECOMMENDED OUTCOME (PHASE III) 

927 J..,_ Backaround comrr.enta;ry; 

928 Under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, any person 

929 or Seate government can apply to be an agent of the Department of 

930 Agriculture for the purpose of certifying a farm or handling 

931 operation in accordance with the Act. Only food products 

932 produced on a USDA certified farm and handled by a USDA certified 

accred.6B4 
25 

933 a:r·ganic handling operation can sell o:r· label their food p:t'oducts 

934 "organically produced" or "organic." Organic handling operations 

935 are defined as operations that receive or othe:t'Wise a..:quire 

936 organic agricultural products, and process, package, or ~tore 

937 such p:r·oduci:s. Under the lJSDA's National Organic l'roduction 

938 Program, consumers of food labeled "organicK are guaranteed by 

939 the US.DA chey are purchasing food products raised and handled 

940 according to the standards set forth in the Act. 

941 Because the USDA Accredited organic r.ertifying Agents are 

942 the critical element in legitimizing the organic label claim, to 

943 be an accredited certifying agent, an application must be made to 

944 the USDA, and verified through on-site f..i.eld evaluation. both 

945 che application and the field assessment then go to a Peer Review 

946 Panel appointed to assist the secretary in evaluating the 

947 performance of certifiers. 

948 The specification of a Peer Review Panel in the Act, the 

949 history of the US organic movement, and the use of quality 

950 management systems models (which_ certification programs resemble 

951 and which are required for inc:ernational trade) argue for a 

952 community or stakeholder role in assuring Consumers that organic 

953 farmers and handles are meeting the quality standards indicated 

954 by the "organic" label. 

955 2. Functions, Resoonsibilities, and Ooeration of the 

956 Stakeholder Peer Revie•IJ Panel may include: 

957 a). advise (oversight) of screening of applications, 

958 b). recommendations for site evaluators and evaluations, 

,,, 

960 c). reviews the Field Evaluation Report, Application Screening 

961 Report, and other documentation. (Might include complaint: or 

962 appeals information, other evaluation reports, references.) 

963 dl. completes Scoring Document 

964 el. recommends to Secretary as to approval {with time frame for 

965 re-evaluation, renewal shorter or longer) or denial, 

''' 967 fl. overriee fairness of process, 

968 g). make recommendat;i.ons to NOSB and USDA on ho1o1 to improve or 

969 adjust the program. 

970 This panel will conduce routine operational/ administrative 

97l activities by conference calls and by mail. In person meetings to 

972 make recommendations will be scheduled to coincide with 

973 accreditation cycles. The locations of these meetings will be 

974 der:ermined-by the panel. E'anel members, exclusive of the USDA975 member, shall serve withoui:: compensation. Travel co.sr:s will be 

976 reimbursed. 

accred.694 
977 

978 

26 

3. Oualificat:ions,. Compositio.n and Siz~~the 

Peer Review Panel 

979 The Secretary shall establish a Peer Review Panel that 

980 provides impartiality and representation of all sectors of the 

981 organic community. Individuals to be considered must have a 

982 history of participation and experience in a cert:ificat:ion 

963 program/process. Key qualifying con1ponents of 'this experience 

994 include servir1g on a certification committee, advisor to a 

985 certification board or pr·ogram, or as a certif.i.cation inspector, 

986 as well as having expertise in organic fanning and handling . 

. 967 The nine Peer Review Panel members should represent: five key 

988 sectors of the organic community, as follows' 

989 

990 

99, 

992 

893 

98• 

898 

L 

,_ 

3. 

certified organic tanner - 3 

certified organic handler/processor - 2 total (1 each) 

organic certification agents - 2 total (1 each from a 

state and a private agent) 

a consumer/public inte:i::·est grou9 representative - 2 

USDA representative - 1 

NOSD representative' (ex-officio) - 1. 

996 E~ch of the four geographical regions (as defined under the 

997 USDA-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program) 

998 should have at least two voting members on the t'anel. 

99, 

1000 

1001-

1"002 

1003 

1004 

1005 

lOOG 

1007 

10013 

1009 

1010 

lOll 

1.012 

101] 

1014 

1015 

l0l6 

1017 

101.B 

101.9 

All Peer Review Panel member must have required experience 

and should be trained on all aspects of the USA/NOPP Organic 

Accreditation Program. 

Conclusion: A Peer Review Panel with member representation 

from the entire organic community, working in conjunction with 

the Secretary of hgriculture embodies a democratic quality 

management system consistent with certification review practices 

used historically in the United States. It will further the 

ongoing involvement of grassroots organizations and consumers in 

a productive, efficient and effect:ive partner.ship with USDA. 

Such a quality system for organic certifying agent 

accreditation offers consumers, regulat:ors, and trading partners 

the assurance that "organic" f_ood will ... .;:.o;isistently meet US 

national "organic" standards. 

Note: In keeping with international guidelines for standard 

setting organizations, no individual acting as a Peer Evaluator 

or member. of an Accreditation Fie.Id Evaluar:ion Team shall also 

participate on the Review Panel. Members of the Review Panel may 

be asked to assist in the Application Screening/Review process, 

prior to Field Evaluation. Essentially, evaluation must be an 

independent-and discrete function. 

a.ccred.69~ 
1020 

1021 

1022 

1023 

l.024 

1025 

10.26 

10.27 

1028 

1029 

1030 

1031 

1032 

1033 

1034 

1035 

1036 

103 7 

1038 

103 9 

1040 

1041 

104.2 

1043 

1044 

1045 

104 6 

1047 

1048 

1049 

1050 

1051 

1052 

1053 

l054 

1055 

1056 

1057 

1058 

1059 

1060 

1061 

1062 

1063 

1064 

27 

PART IV. OTHER PROCEDURES 

A. Determination of Indem:i,jfica1;.,{gn proceae aw!_ co~ 

~Indemnification" means that the private certifiers must 

extend their General. Liability Insurance to add a clause naming 

the Secreta:i;y of ~he U.S.D.A. as an "additional ir1Eo1u1:ed." Typical 

cost for this estimated at 2-5% of premium cost. (Ind~mnification 

is not:. a ttsurety bond• procedure.) 

B. .A . .:Jonini:i trative II.ope ala and l'.'!omp),_aint.e ProgBsa. 

A fair and effectivB appeals system is es~entia1 to the 

success and integrit.y of the "National org<J.n.i.c Pr'oduction 

Program" and to the accreditation process. Independence and 

objectivity being of prime importance, the NOS~ makes the 

following recommendations to the Secretary: 

1. Any person adversely affected by a National Organic Production 

Program action or decision must be given the opportunity to 

appeal that determination. The Secretary must, in all cases, have 

final decision making authority in the administrative review 

process. 

2. !n the interest of fairness, the National Organic 

Acc:reditation P:rogram appeals must be conducted by independent 

hearing officers who are not responsible for the implementation 

and administration of the National Organic Production Program. 

Because AMS is responsible for this program, the use of hearing 

officers ~ho or employed or under the authority or control of 

.AMS, presents a problem of conflict of interest. To protect the 

integrity of the appeals process, and to ens11re fai:r·ness of these 

determinations, this board recommends that an independent USDA 

Appeals Divinion b~ utilized or established to conduct the 

appeals review process, and to make final appeals decisions. This 

board further recommends that the National Organic Production 

Program appeals be administered by the National Appeals. Division 

that is being proposed in the current USDA reorganization plan as 

called for in HR 3171, Sec.4.. This recommendation is not meant to 

imply· t·he establi"shment of a separate USDA Appeals Division 

solely for organics, but to strongly recommend the necessity for 

an independent review process and for organics to be included in 

the new USDA independent appeal division. 

3. To ensure an "expedited" appeals p!.·ocess [OFPA, Sec 6520 (al] 

and because food products are seasonal ai1d some are highly 

perishable, organic farmers, handlers, processors and certifiers 

must be given the opportunity to correct any adverse decision by 

the National Organic Accreditation Program so that they can carry 

out their business activities and avoid undue economic; losses due 

to the inability to market their products. 

accr,,d.69'! 
1065 

1066 

1067 

1068 

1069 

1070 

1071 

1072 

1073 

1074 

1075 

1076 

1077 

1078 

1079 

1080 

1081-

1-082 

1083 

1084 

1-085 

1086 

1-087 

1088 

1-089 

1-090 

1091 

1092 

1093 

1094 

1095 

1096 

1097 

1-098 

1099 

1100 

1101 

110.2 

1103 

1104 

1105 

1106 

1107 

1108 

1109 

1110 

28 

4. It is essential that all persons adversely affected by the 

National O:i:·ganic Accreditation Program be notified, in a timely 

manner, that they have appeal :i:·ights. Therefore, the NOSE 

recommends mandatory procedures be established that shall require 

all National Organic Accreditation Program decisions to be made 

in w:i:-iting, including written explanation of the basis fo:r· the 

decis.ion and a timely written notice of appeal rights and 

procedures. 

S. To ensure that this appeals system is end-user friendly and 

that knowledge of appeals rights are readi . .ly· available and simple 

to understand, the NOSE recommends that at the accreditation and 

certification application stages that appeals informational 

brochures be mandatorily provided to such persons. This 

informational brochure must include in easy to understand 

language the following: Their appeals rights, procedures, time 

lines for due process and all key phone numbers, per·sonnel and 

addresses necessary to "expedite" these rights, if and when 

necessary. 

6. Furthermore it is the intent of the NOSB to be systematically 

apprised of the appeals process functioning, on a quarterly 

basis. This information should include: number of appeals, and 

ouccome, kinds of appeals, and any problems arising from this 

process that may need new or revised recommendations co USDA for 

ensuring this independent and expedited appeals process. 

C. Costa of Accreditation 

Recognizing that there will be substantial start-up costs to 

implement the USDA Accreditation Program; that revenues from 

certification fees will be substantially higher after handlers 

not now certified have applied; and that costs of the first year 

of accreditation will exceed successive years; and, because the 

OFPA is a consumer protection law arid is intended as well to 

support and encou:i:-age environmentally sound agricultural 

practices and because additional costs to organic producers will 

be perceived as disincentives; the Board sees the use of 

appropriated funds as justified, and therefore recommends that 

the first round of accreditation be paid for through a direct 

appropriation of federal funds. Furthermore, the Boa:i:-d 

:i:-ecommends that (l) ~e~s charged to certifiers not exceed the 

· Oiigoing costs of administering Accredi.tati.on after the first 

round and that fees collected be used exclusively for that 

purpose; and {2) the ongoing program administration costs above 

the cost of A.ccredita,tion be paid for through direct appropriated 

funds. 

Contents' 

A. Glossary 

accred. 694 

Part v. APPENDICES 
l111 

l112 

1l13 

l1l4 

1115 

11.16 

lll7 

1118 

1119 

l120 

1121 

l122 

1123 

1124 

1125 

1126 

1127 

1128 

1129 

113 0 

ll31 

1132 

1133 

1134 

l135 

1136 

ll37 

llJO 

1139 

l140 

114l 

ll42 

1113 

ll44 

l145 

ll46 

1147 

29 

B. Application 

Part 1. Basic tnformation 

Part 2. Memorandum of Agreement 

Part 3. Questionnaire: Policies and Procedures 

Part 4. Required Documents 

C. Other forms 

Application screening reP.ort 

Notification 

Field evaluation repon:: 

Peer. review board sco:ring document and memo 

Indemnification of Secretary (Bond) 

APPENDIX A 

GLOSSARY {to be developed) 

AJ?PENDIX B 

APPLICA'£10N FOR ACCRED1TATION 

Submitted to: 

The United States Department of Agriculture 

for the 

USDA Organic Certification Accreditation Program 

Please fill out all sections ilnd answer all questions. 

Before answering questions in this ilpplication, please study 

carefully the content of the Federal Register Notice: " Standards 

and Procedures Governing Accreditation of Organic Certification 

Organizatio=." 

This application contains four sections: 

1. Basic Information 

2. Memorandum of Agreement 

(Statement of Intent) 

3. Questionnaire (Program policies and Procedur.es) 

4. Checklist of Required Documentation 

Please send the completed application and all accompanying 

materials to: 

accrcd.€i9.J. 

National Organic Standards Program 

fJSDA/AMS/TMD 

Room 2510 - s 

P.O. Eax: 96456 

Washington, D.C. 20090-6456 
1148 

1149 

30 

Phone inquiries regarding the status of applications should be 

direct::ed r:o' Michael Hankin (202) 205·-7806. 
1150 

ll5l 

ll52 

1153 

lJ.54 

1155 

1156 

1157 

1158 

1159 

1160 

1161 

1162 

ll.63 

1164 

1165 

1166 

1167 

1168 

1169 

1170 

1171. 

1172 

1173 

1174 

1175 

1176 

1177 

1178 

Applicatio:c.. for Accreditation 

Part 1. Dasie ;r11fo~tion 

1- Name of Organization; contact person for inquiries regaz·ding 

this application; phone/fax numbers; headquarters address 

2. Organization Type: state or private. 

2.A. Describe your legal status. Do you have chapters/field 

offices -- what do they do, what policies and procedures do they 

follow, and how do services offered differ across chapters/offices 

and headquarters? 

2.B. Please describe the rel~tionship of your governing body 

to the body which makes certification decisions. 

3. How long have you offered organic certification services? 

Ple~sc describe briefly the history of your organization or 

program. 

4- Please list the name, title, address, and phone/fax of your 

organizations chief staff officer, chairperson or head of your 

board or governing body, and the individual responsible for 

fiscal management. 

(Attachment) 

5. PLEASE CifECK THE Cll.TEGORIES OF CERTIFICATION FOR WHIC!l YOO ARE 

APPLYING FOR ACCREDITATION, and list the current number of 

certificate holders and/or licensees and estimated ~nnual sales of 

certified product: 

Number Volume 

of certificants 

___ Crops and/or livestock 

Processing and handling --- . 

Foreign certifications ---· 

i>CCr!Od. 694 
1179 

ll60 

ll8l 

1182 

1183 

1184 

1185 

1186 

1187 

1186 

1189 

1190 

1191 

1192 

1193 

1194 

1195 

1196 

1197 

1198 

1199 

.l.200 

1201 

1202 

1203 

32. 

of certificants who import to US 

6. If conducting ce:i:t".ifications 

of organic p:i:oducts impor.ted 

complete the following sections 

of tho:'. production 

into the United 

(a.-e. J below: 

and/or handling 

States, please 

a. Lisi:: the fo:i:·eign countries within wbj.ch you presently conduct 

certificat".ion aervices, and indicate Lhose from which produci::s are 

imported ini::o the U.S. · 

b. List those countries othei:· than the United States to which 

products bearing the seal ·of your agency are exported. 

c. Explain cases where 

procednres, and standards 

United states. 

the application of agency policies, 

differ frotu those applied within the 

d. Describe the measures controlling the issuance of certificates 

to producers and/or handlers in foreign countries that ate 

implemented by your agency. Please cite how these measures differ 

from thoae employed to ensure the integrity of products prodnced 

and/or handled within the U.S. 

e. List i::he records pertaining to the certification of producers 

and/or handlers located in foreign couni::ries that are accessible 

and on file ai:: the U.S. agency office. 

7. Geographic area (s) of current certification activity (states 

and other countries.) 

B. Areas of certification competence (s~ecific typ~s of producers 

and or. handlers for which you have specific si::andards and inspector 

expertise.) 

accred. 6 91 
l204 

l205 

l206 

1207 

l.208 

1209 

1210 

1211 

1212 

1213 

1214 

1215 

1216 

1217 

121B 

1219 

1220 

1221 

1222 

1-223 

1224 

1-225 

1226 

1227 

1228 

33 

Part 2. MEHORANDDM OF AGRESMlWT 

NAME OF CERTIFYING AG!lliT -------- ------

The following signatories, being duly authorized to represent 

the above referenced organic certification agency, hereby confirm, 

according to the best of their knowledge, f1ill and ongoing 

compliance with requirements of the Organic Food Production Act, 

1-990, National Organic Product.ion Standards, and Standards and 

Procedures Governing the Accreditation of Organic Certification and 

the accuracy of information provided in this Accreditation 

Application. Further, said 

responsibility for submitting 

signatories hereby assume 

or providing access to 

full 

che 

Secretary, or his designee, to supporting documentation as may be 

required. [§ 2116 (d), (el & (i), "Agreement;" "Private certifying 

agent agreement;" &"Administrator"] 

Further it is agreed that the private entity signatories shall 

hold the Secretary harmless for any failuro on the pari:: of said 

agent to carry out the provisions of i::he OFPA 1990. 

Signed: 

Date: _______ _ 

(Name, title) 

Notary Public 

·Name: 

Number: 

Date: 

Place: 

accred.694 
1229 

1230 

1231 

1232 

1233 

1234 

1235 

1236 

1237 

1238 

1239 

1240 

1241 

1242 

121J.3 

12'1 IJ. 

1245 

1246 

124 7 

1248 

1249 

1250 

1251 

pa:i:-t 3 . QPESTIONN'AIRE _ 

~"':i:-iption of ProqJ;'il!!!.. Policiies and .Procedures 

Please answer all questiong in· the space provided, summarizing 

information, policies, and procedures described in more detail in 

your attachments. 

VERY Il>lPORTANT After your summary response to each 

question, please provide clear and explicit direct:ions regarding 

where the full explanation/dor.umentation is located in the various 

attachments. 

ORGANIC PRODUC'.l.'ION STANDARDS 

The purpose of this section is to provide infonnation needed 

to evaluate the basic equival~ncy of your· procedures with the OFPA 

provisions governing the content and use of organic plans. 

1. Do you r-equire a three-year- history of management 1'1ithout 

prohibited substances for- all farms certified"/ yes no 

2. Do you have provisions and policies to insure that organic 

integrit:y is maintained "mixed" (organic/conventional) 

operations? yes~ no 

3. Do you require annual on-site inspection? yes~ no 

.. 4. Do you have a published list of <ipproved/prohibit:ed inputs? 

yes_ no_ ..• 

'5. Do you have st:andards for, 

organic farm and handling plans Y•"- no 
1252 

1253 

l.254 

l.255 

l.256 

l.257 

l.258 

1259 

l.26 0 

l.261 

1262 

l.263 

J.264 

l.265 

1266 

l.267 

1268 

l.269 

1270 

1271 

1.272 

1273 

l.274 

1275 

35 

soil fertility management 

manure management 

seeds and transplants 

wild crops 

livestock 

ye• no 

yes_ no 

yes_ no 

yee no 

yee_ no 

6. Do you have standards for organic food processing and handling? 

yes___ no 

7. Will your standards, fiscal policies or practices prohibit your 

or-ganizat:ion from recognizing cer-tifications by other organizar:ions 

acer-edited 1.1nder the OFPA? ·yes ... _ no 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 

Seal or Trademark 

1. Please describe your trademark or seal, and the policies 

govei:-ning its use. 

' . What are the financial consequences, if any, and policies 

governing use of your seal or trademar-k? (By "consequences", we 

mean any obligation to exchange funds, or incui:- a financial 

obligation of any sort) . 

Staff 

1. Describe your policy regarding inspector qualifications, training, and assignments. What do you ask inspectors to do? How are 

they paid? Who selects and assigns them to specific cases? 

2. D<:-scribe your· policies to guard against conflict of interest 
J.276 

1277 

1278 

1279 

1280 

1281 

1282 

1283 

128'1 

1285 

1266 

1287 

1268 

1269 

1290 

1291 

1292 

1293 

1294 

1295 

1296 

36 

among inspectors, staff, officers, committee members and clients. 

3. Does your organization perform consulting or advisory services? 

Are these agricultural, marketing or legal services? 

If so, do you have written procedures with respect to the 

separation of certifying functions and consulting functions? How do 

you insulate the certifying function? 

By procedl1re 

By organizational function 

Confidentiality and Acceea to Record~ 

1. Doscrlbe the policies and procedures you have used, or will use 

to assure confidentially of records on individual clients. 

2. Describe how you handle requests for information on a client 

f~om another certifying organization, from a member of the public, 

from a prospective buyer. 

Fin:;i.ncea 

Explain how your program is financed, with references to an 

attacl1ment which provides an accounting for your last fi,s:cal year. 

(i.e., audited annual repOit, financial statement, IRS .t"eport, 

state govt audit) 

App.,al~1 aild Complaints 

l. Describe your appeals processes and policies. 
J.297 

1298 

1299 

1300 

1301 

1302 

1303 

1304 

13 05 

1306 

1307 

13 00 

1309 

1310 

13 ll 

1312 

1313 

1314 

1315 

1316 

131 7 

J.318 

37 

Policy Changes 

l. Describe the process you use, and who makes decisions relative 

to changes in' 

+ Standards 

+ Program management 

+ Decision~making authority 

+ Job descriptions 

+ Fiscal mattel.·s 

+ Actions recognized by applicant as essential to attain 

accreditation 

Part 4. Additional DDC'Ulller1tation Recruired 

l. Criteria for certification (Standards) (Whai:: you send to a 

pot~ntial clieni:: who seeks information on the services you offer.)* 

2. Minimum information rc:>.quired from producers ol.- processors 

regarding growing or handling practices (Application/Organic Plan 

Questionnaire) anQ methods for verifying that information. 

3. Procedures for inspection, including frequency instructions 

given to inspectors, and what Inspection Report must cover.* 

4. Qualifications of and training requirements for all inspectors.~ 

S. List of key .staff. officers, shareholders, commictees, approved 

inspectors and persons with decision making authority, for chapters 

as well as main office.~ 

accred-694 
1319 

1320 

1321 

1322 

1323 

1324 

1325 

1326 

J..327 

1328 

1329 

38 

6. Program and personnel policy manual, including decision making 

procedures. 

7. Articles of incorporation or state law/charter. 

8. Organizational chart. 

9. Latest annual report or its equivalent. 

10. Procedures for soil and tissue sampling and analysis. 

l'.l. List of currently certified clients." 

*Chi1..llgl'!B or updatea in .,. items mltat be reviDed and reported 

a..tlll.lt"-lly to USDA. 

APPF.1'.'DTX C 

OTHER FORMS (to be designed) 

.accred. 694 

INTERNATIONAL 

J~ECOMMENDATIONS 

!111portation or organic ui,>Ticullural products ... . ' ' - . ' . ' ... 40 

1 

2 

I. 

40 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

FINAL RECOMMENPATION 

Adopted on June 3, 1994 in Sanca f'.e, Ne\\' Mexico 

PR.Ol'OSED RULE: Rl:!:GARDING 

IMPORTATION OF ORGANIC AG11.IC!JI,T'OR.AL PRODUCT:> 

Authority: U.S. Organic Foods Pr·oduction Act of 1990 

§2102 et Reg_ .. ; §2106 (b) 

3 II- Scope: 

4 

' 6 

7 

9 

9 

10 

11 

The recoQmendatiou set· forth herein governs the 

importation of any foreign product, whether raw or 

processed, that is offered for entry to the United 

States as organically produced and/or handled, The 

rule also governs the exporc of foreign products 

brought into the United·States pursuant to this rule. 

The definitions appearing herein are intended to apply 

to this regulation solely. 

12 III. Definitions: 

13 

19 

19 

16 

17 

19 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

'' 

29 

26 

27 

29 

29 

30 

31 

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

"Certificacion Program", means a system.for determining 

whether a product conforms with product standards applicable 

to that product; and 

If a product so conforms, for attesting, by means of a 

document, mark, or other appropriate evidence of conformity, 

to that conformity. 

"Fo,;·eign Product", refers to any product that has a country 

of origin other than the United States or its possessions or 

territories. 

nimport:ed" means a foreign product that has been released by 

the U.S. Customs Service for importation into the United 

States. 

n:rnt:ernationaJ.. Orgarii<.! Standards (lrgil.Il.ization" (IOSO), means 

any organization, 

1. 

' . 

The membership of ~1hich is open to represent'1tives of 

all countries, whether public or private, including 

representatives of the United States and, 

has been recognized by t}1e Sec:i:-etary for the oversight 

purposes set forth herein. 

importation. 694 
33 

34 

35 

35 

37 

30 

35 

40 

4> 

e" 

41 

~standard~ means, any of the following' 

L 

3" 

The specification of the charac:terj.stic:s of a product, 

including, but not limited to, levels of quality, 

perfo:cmance, safety, or dimensions. 

Specifications relating to the terminology, .symbols, 

testing and test methods, packaging, or marking or 

labeling requirement.s applicable to a product. 

Administrative procedures related to the application of 

any specification referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) 

above. 1 

42 IV. Rules 

43 

44 

45 

45 

<7 

40 

45 

50 

51 

53 '' 

54 

55 

56 

57 

50 

59 

60 

,, 

6, 

5, 

64 

65 

66 

Import:ation 

A foreign product, whether raw or processed, that:'. is 

imported into the United states as organically produced 

and/or organically handled, shall be imported pursuant 

to one of the following•three methods: 

A" 

B" 

Foreign products may enter the United States if they 

bear the official shield, seal or mark of a 

certification program or certification agent provided 

that the certification program or agent is regulated by 

a foreign sovereign, an IOSO, or regional entity that 

is recognized by the Secretary as regulating the 

certification program or agent in a manner that ensures 

observance of standards that are at ].east equivalent to 

those set forth in the United States Organic 

Certification Program. 

Foreign products may enter the United States if they 

bear the official shield, seal or mark of a~. organic 

certification program or agent that has received 

accreditation as a certifying agent or, where 

applicable, approval as a State program by the 

Secretary, provided all additional requirements for 

United States accredited agents or, where applicable, 

approved State programs certifying in non-United .. 

States' territory are met. 

67 'These definitions are slightly modified versions of the 

66 ones appearing at 19 u.s.c.A. §2.571. 

impo.-tation. 694 
69 

70 

'' '' 73 

7< 

79 

76 

77 

78 

79 

80 

8, 

87 

83 

8< 

, 

v, 

C, 

42 

Foreign products may enter the United States if they 

bear the official shield, seal or mark of a 

certification program or· agent:, provided that the 

Secretary has determined that the certification program 

or agent ensures obser·vance of standa-z:·ds that are at 

least equivalent co t::hoEe set fortl:l in i:he lJnited 

St"-tes organic certificat~ion program. 

Exportatio11 of Imported ~reduct"' 

A, No foreign product imported under this regulation that 

is handled within the ·united Seate,;, may be exported 

from the United States for purpose of sale ae 

organically produced and handled, unless it is handled 

by a certified handler having received certification 

from a certifying agent accredited by the Secretary or 

a State program approved by the Secretary. §~~ 

§2lD6 (a) (1). 

85 VI. Maintail1ing Organic Integrity Pu.ring Importation 

86 

87 

88 

Recommendations related to maintaining organic 

integrity during importation of organic products will 

be developed later. 

importation. 5~4 
\ 
43 

HANDLING AND PROCESSING 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

General urga11ic food labeling standards 

General organic fi1od labeling standards (Add. #I) 

General organic labeling standards (Atld. #4) ...... . 

General organic food labeling standards (Add. !110) 

()rganic handling plm1 ...... . 

()rganic handling pi<lll (Add. 116) ... _ 

!{cquiremcnts for J1andlcr ccrtilication 

Itcquiretnents for hmJtller ccttilication (Add. 111 l) ... 

C:omrr\ercial nonavailability of ingre<.\ients (Add. I! 5) 

()rganic good tnai1ufacluring practices (Add. 117) .. , _ .. _ .. _ 

NCJSI~ l'h<1sc-in/implr:1nentation (Add. fJ9) .. _ ........ _ 

l,abcling of cllJthing m<ide with <)rgai1ic cottun (AJ<l_ i/30) ........ _. 

.. 44 

51 

53 

54 

. . 57 

66 

G7 

71 

73 

' 76 

. . . . 81 

' ' ... !14 

l 

' l 

4 

' 

6 

' ' 

44 

NATIONAL ORGANIC .'lTANDARDS BOARJ) 

FINAL REqoMMENDATION 

Adopted on June 5, 1994 in Santa Fe, New Mexico 

GENERAL ORGANIC FOOD LABELING .ST~.S 

[NOTS: All foods n1ust confor1n t:o federal fooci laheli~>: 

re!:,'1.llations. For foods recmlated bv tl1e Fooci and Drug 

Aciminist.ration, see Ccid.e 'o! l-'ederal Re,;lllati.011:>, Tit.le :21; for 

fooC.s :.-egulated by th<" Fooi.1 Safety and Inspect:ion S<".:cv.i.ce, Uni::ed 

Sta::es DepartrnP.:n'C of .Ag=icultu.re, se.e Cc)de of Federal ReguJ.ar.:ioi~s,­

Ti:.:le 9.] 

1. CAI,cm:.ATION OP TE'£ TO'rAL l'~CENTAGE OF O!<GANICALLY PRODUCED 

Il/GJU:DI:::NTS 

9 A. Th.is ."lect;,.on appliP.s ta any food that pu::;:io:::·::s to be 

:!.O organic or to co11tain o:i:·gznic::ally prociuct:!d food ingre2ieni::s 

.ll (i.e., che product label OJ:' lilbeli!l\f bear.-, t!ie ce~n "o:t:·ganic" or 

i2 1nakes any direct or indi:::-er.:: represer1t:aLi.on that t:he iood is 

l.3 . organic or contains orsanica.lly prodi.1ced ing:i:·edient:s). 

J..t.. B. The t:otal perceni:age of organically produeeC incred."i.enLs 

J..5 in the food shall be calr.i1lateC f:::-or:i r.he ac::ual a1naun1:s 0£ the 

1.5 listed insredients' 

J.. 7 J... By weight: o::: optionally by fl.1lid volume if all r:he 

J..8 ing:::-edients o~ the food a:::-e liquid; 

~.9 2. Hy exo::ll.l.di:1g the ingredie!lts ai:::-, water anC: salt 

20 (sod;.ura chJ.oride) fz-om the calculatioi:i; and 

21 

22 

23 

2< 

. 25 

,, 

27 

,, 

'" 30 

3, 

34 

3. On t:he basis o: single-st.::-er1gth concent:::-atiori fo:-:-

.f.ood concei1:.:rat:e."O recons::i::uted wit.h war.er, if r.he food is 

icienr.j.fied as be.ins f~~otn cor1cez1i:.rate on the princ."i.;ial display 

panel. DY: in the product. identity sr.a-r.ement. 

c. The total percent-age of or9anically producec! 

ing=eC::.iP.nts i11 a foc:id -"lhall be declared by the wo1·ds •cantai:i.s 

oe=cent (or 'l:) orcanic ingredients" or " ~ercent: jar %) 

;;garlic ins:=edie.:it:s" or a ~i.mila::::- phrase, with t".ile blank filled 

in with the pe::-centaCle exu::-e."lsed as a whale nl.l.rnbe:: not:. crea.t.er 

than the act.ua.l tota.1 perCentasre of. or,;anically p::·od...,ced 

ingreC.ient;o;; i.ri. the ~OD(i.. 

D. ·rhe Cot.al pe::-cent:age of o::-,;anic ins:reC.ie:::::s i;~ a =aoC. 

uu=o:::-ti:i.c ·Lo be O!"<::anic o::· :.:;:, c0>n::ai;i orc:a11icall,· p::-cd:.:ced 

l;is~eC;ie!li=.s shall be co1~siDe::ed r.iand.atar-; - labe."!.i::i~ i!::o:cwa :;io.-:. 

· labclbt=. 89~ 
35 

,, 

37 

38 

38 

,, 

45 

F.. The totaJ. percentage of organic ingredients i:i a food 

pllrport.ing to be organic or to c:onc.ain organically produ.::ed 

ingr.e.die.nr.s shall be c:alculaced by the handler and ve=:..fied by a 

cert:ifying agency accredited by t:he SecrP.ta~ t.hrough.aocumenta~ 

s\l.bmissions ar1c\ spot c:J:1e,cks. Each har1dler shall be sGjec::: t:o 

net J.ess th...n or1e spot check for eac.:h year of ce::::-tifica;.:ion. 

lah.,l.bf:!:' .1194 
4' 

42 

43 

,, 

'' 

48 

49 

so 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

,, 

57 

Sa 

59 

ao 

,, 

,, 

,, 

,, 

as 

,, 

87 

,, 

-o "-

;o 

7:;_ 

. ,, 

·;3 

74 

75 

,, 

'/7 

'' 

79 

' . 

46 

FOODS TEAT AltE "ORGl!NIC FOCJDS~ (I.E., THE COMMON OR IJ!::IJAL 

NA!fi: OF THE l'OD!l IS "ORGAN:tC "'"'"'". "} 

A. Compcisit.ion and proc~ssins raquiremenr.s' 

The raquiremenr.s for Section A are nor. a<..:ceoted as of: 

this time as a Board Final Recomme!1C.ar.ian. · 

D. Labeling 

l. 

3. 

•• 

b, 

c. 

Declare !:lie total percen::::age of orga!1ic 

ingreC.ients on i:he inforrr~tion panel above 

the ing:!.""eC.ient listj.ng; 

Idenrify eac.:h ors;anic ins=edie!lt in the 

ingredient: de<::laration with the words 

•organic" or •organically grown;" 

Id!!:ntify t.he cer::::ifyinr; Age,1t (provi<:le the 

name and address) who cer"-:i.fiE'.C. the Har1C:le~·, 

irrunediately adjacent to;i tl1e ir1for1nat:ior1 

identifying the tnanufaci:::u!:"e::- or d.ist:ribui::or 

oi the fooci as c;;1=·en1:ly .::-e~ired by tood 

regulations. 

Prohibitions: 

a. 

b. 

c. 

Must not decla:t""e t11e pe:::oenr.age of organic 

ingredients on !".he principal displ.ay p2.nel 

imless: 

(i) t.he inq:r·~dieni: lis::.ing is on i:he 

principal display μanel; or 

(ii) the food is c:on1poseG wholly of orga1iic: 

agric11lt:ural pJ:od11c::s, s~.li: and wai:er and 

che per.-;ent:age of or~anic ingred.ienr.i; is 

100%. 

Mus:: no:: use any perc.en !".age n10C.::.fying ::.he 

o:::ganic natu:=e of food or· an iiig-.ed.ient. on . 

t:he pr.i.n<":iyal displ2y panel unless the :ooci 

is composed 1.;holly of organic ag:::iculr.:ural 

p:::ociucc:s, sal:: and. wate:i:· and the perce::ii:aoe 

0£ organ:Lr: ing::·edi.en1:.s is l00%. 

Must not use ::1:le.::e=m "o~an~.c whe" 

ava.:.labJ.e." 

Opt.~.or.al labe::. s::.;:v~eme!l.t:S (not". an all inc!us;\.ve. 
,, 

81 

82 

SJ 

,, 

l&belb:!'",,..11.91 

47 

l.i.si:: J : 

a. 

b. 

A USDA organic emblem (shield), to be c~eated 

by U.SDA; 

The seal, enWlent or logo of the Ce::-tifying 

Agenr. 
85 J -

88 

8• 

88 

89 

98 

9l. 

92 

9J 

,, 

95 

98 

9, 

98 

99 

100 

10.1. 

1C2 

l03 

l04 

105 

''' 

107 

108 

''9 

110 

lll 

l12 

. , ., .~~..> 

1.14 

1:!.5 

ll6 

ll 7 

l.18 

ll9 

1-2" 

48 

:E-'OODS THAT ARE 1.ABEL!:D nMADE WITB ORrl1.tUC XNGREDIEHT (.S) ". 

k. Ccmposit:ion anci :oracessin~ reaili:::emen::s' 

The rem.ii=ements for Section A are not acce?t:e~ as o~ 

tliis time as a 3oarci Final RE'.commendation. 

B. Labeling 

l. Requiremen~s: 

a. Der:.lare tlie pe:cce.ntage or organic: in~;:~·eu:?.ents 

on t:~e information panel above t:he ingre~ient 

listing; 

b. IcienLify each organic ing:!'.·edie!lt in tl:ie 

inoredient cieclarat:ion with the words 

"o;·canic" or "orsianicaJ..1.y gro,,,-.:.;" 

c. Identi:':y the ceri::.: . .:ying Agent (provide i:he 

name and acidress) who certified tJ:1e Handler, 

imrnediac:ely adjace:cit to the informaLion 

ide"1t:ifyir1q the mai1ufact:u:::-er or ·distributor 

of the food as cur::ently requii:·ed by food 

regulations. 

2. Prohibitions: 

.,. . M11st: not: cieclare the pe!:"Ce!ltage of organic 

ingreCients on t.he princi~al display panel, 

other thar, above the .in5I·edient list-.in5; 

b. Must not 11se ;;ny pe.=centage modifying the 

organic nature of food or an ingredient on 

t1le principal display panel; 

c. Must; not use the te~ "organic when 

available." 

.. ci. Mus;: not: use. a OSDA organic einblem (r>hieliil. 

e. Must not 11se the seal, enlblem o:o: logo of the 

Ce::::..ify.i.ns- Ageot 

3. Opt!.or1al laDel sta;:en1e:1::s (;:iot a::i ;a1.l inclusive 

lis:::.) : 

a. on ::.he o>::inci;::al Display P;;.nel, the ::.e=i 

"oroa!liC" mav be used onlv ::.o iden::i~v 

cle~rly and ~ambiguously t~e o::ga~ically 

produce~ ing::eC.ie:>c.s and r.ii.1s:. noi:. lis-::. bo:.:-, 
122 

,,, 

123 

124 

1.2.!:i 

49 

organi<. and non-o=ganic ingredients in 

conjunction ,,.:i.i;h the wori.l organic: The type 

size of the i.:erm "organic" cannot be la:!"gE::".' 

t!ian t.bree-!ourt:iis t:he si7.e, oi t.he name of 

the food. 
:26 

:27 

:_2 B 

:_2 9 

:_3 0 

l3 l 

132 

l.33 

134 

l35 

l36 

''' :!.] 8 

1-3 9 

140 

."c4l 

142 

14.J 

''' c_45 

'C_46 

i. 4 ·1 

4. 

5. 

50 

FOODS '!:'iA'I' ARE LAEELZD WITJ::i AN IN.GR~IENT DECLARATION AS 

CONTADITNG ORGANiC INGiU:DIENT (S) • 

A. Composir:io:i a::C ;>roc~ssing requ.i..re~ter:i:s: 

The re~~i=emen;::s for 

t!lis ;::ime as a Board 

E. Labeli11g 

Section A a!""e 11ot ac:;;:eo::ed as 

Firial Recommenciar:ioi1. - of 

The reouiremen::s for Section E are not ac'-eoted as o: 

this ::ime as a Board Final Recomrnenda::ion. -

INGRJ::DI~ DECIU\ltATIONS F.OR ?OODS PURPORTING TO CONTAl"N 

ORGANICAI,LY PRODUC:E:D INGrtEDIENTS. 

A. 

l. Tp~~ed•e~:: ~or the pu_-pose of labeling foods 

pu::--;icr::ing to con-=.ain org~ically produced ingre<i.i.en::s, an 

".i.ng::edi.ent' is defined as ar1y sub."'lt.ance u."'led in the preparation 

o: the fooC: p!:·oC::.ic:: that: is s;;:ill present: in the f..i..nal product as 

co:1su1neci, even if i;i modi:':ie~ fo::m . 

2. P=oc:~ssinc Aid Fa:r· tl1e nu:::--.:ioi;e 0£ labelinc foacis 

pu::'.?Ort:i._r1g to cCJn-.ai::i o:::,;a:i.ical.ly praci~cerl inr:;:::e~iEr.ts. ;;_ 

"~rocessin~ aid" means a subst:ance that is added to food ciurins 

the p~ocessi::ig of such £aoci but is removeci from the food before 

i-.: is packaged in its !'j.1~ished f0:!'.111, that. meei:s the cie::i;iit:ian of 

21 C!-"RlOl.l.OO(a) (3) (iil (a). 
51 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS 

f~NAL RECqMMEND;A.!_!2N ADDEND~ 

BOARD 

NUMBER 1 

GFllEML ORG11NIC FOO:O IJ\BELrnG STJINDAROS 

Date adopted: October 14, 1994 

Location: Rohnert Pa=k, Californj.a 

Tne following addit:io~s are to be inserted in t:he General Organic 

Food La.beliJJg Standards sectiori of t:he NOSE Fi11a.l R°ecClruL:lenda tions, 

page 7, line 12 

4. Foods that are labeled with an ingredient decl<J.ration as 

containing oryanic .i.nqredi.ent {s) . 

A. Composition <J.Ild processing requirements: 

1. Certified organic agricultural products must 

comprise 1% or more of the food, eKcluding the 

ingredie!lts w2ter, air and salt frorn the 

calculation. 

2. The same listed ingredient cannot be present in 

both organic 2nd non-organic form. 

B. Labeling 

ADDJUJL.EFR 

1. Requirement5: 

a. Declare the pe!."centage of ol'."ganic ingredients 

on the infor:mation panel at the beginning of 

t.he ingredient~ listing; 

b. Identify each organic ingredient in the 

ingredient declaration wi.th the words 

"organi.c" or "organically grown;" 

2. Prohibitions: 

a. Must not use the term "organic" on the 

pi:·incipal display panel othe!:" than in the 

ingredient liscing, if applicable; 

.· b. Must not use any perc:er>.tage modifying \:he 

organic nature of food or an ingredient on 

the principal display panel, other th2n the 

percentage of organic ingrediencs at the 

beginning of the ingredient declaration, if 

applicabJ.e; 
52 

c. Must not use the term "organ.i.c when available." 

d. Must not use a USDA organi.1. emblem (shield). 

e. Must not use the seal, emblem or logo of the 

Cert.i.fying Agent 

3. Optional label statements: 

a. None allowed. 

C. Documentat.iun 

ADD1LBL.EfR 

1. Audit trail documents for all certified organic 

agricultural products' shall be available for 

inspect.ion by State and Federal inspectors. 
53 

NATIONAI, ORGANIC sTANllARDS BO.ARD 

f!_NJl..L RECQMt.!ENDATION ADDEND~- NUMBER 4 

GENERAL ORGANIC LAEELING STANDAfmS 

Date Adopted: Apr.i.l 25, 1995 

Location: Orlando, Florida 

The fol.1.owing additions are to .l:;ip, insertP.d .into thP. Gensra.l 

Orqa.11ic Lahe.l .. i11g StazJda.rds sect.ion, page· 4, .line 85, of the NOSB 

Fl..na1 .Recommendations adapted June 1-4, 1994 in Santa Fe, New 

MP..xi.r;o -

85 4. Information on non-retail containers of an organic product 

86 should be giVen either on the container or in accompanying 

87 documents, except that the name of the proC:uct., lot 

88 identification, organic identi:('ication and the name and address 

89 of the handler should appea.1:· on the container. Lot 

90 identification, and the name and address of the handler rnay be 

91 :r:·eplaced by an identi:fication mark provided that such a mark is 

92 clearly identifiable with the accompanying documents. 
54 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

FTNl\J, RF:COMMFW1i"'!'TON AC.0...~ 

GENEllAL ORGANIC J.l'OOD LAE.ELI..'lG S'rANiJARDS 

Date adopted: Oct:ober 31, l.995 

Lor:ation: A11st.in, Texas 

The :tollowiD.g additioDs IU"f! to be inne:~;ted i;:i the Ge=ie~al Or;;-c,..'c 

Pond Iiahe'ing St=andarda: section, 1:1.t> iDdicat;ed, of t:he NOSE F.::::ia.'. 

Reco=e.r:idatio.c..s adopted JI.I.Ile 1-4, 1.99"} i::i Sao.ta l"e, New Mexico. 

Add at line 44, page - 3, [P'oodll' that are ~organic fotlds" (i.e., 

the c=on or Ullual name of tlie food is "organic".)] 

A. Composit:ion and p=cessing !:"e91iremencs: 

.'l.!:ll!..>.ll • " ' '"" • ?It!.. 

l. Certified organic agricultural products must 

comprise 95~ or more of the food, excluding the 

ingredients wate:".", air ar:ci salt from the 

cal.culat:ion. 

2. Non··synthetic non-ors-ar'.ic agricultural prociuc"::s 

arid their derivat:ives, that: a:::-e used as 

ingredients, processing aids, or incidental food 

additives are categor.i.eally allowed for use in 

toods labeled as "organic foods" unless 

specifically listeci as "p::"ohibitcd nat:urals" on 

the National r.i.o;t.. [Note: Becau.se of t:he for.nat 

of tl1e National r.ist, chese allowed subscances 

will not be itemi:iE"d.} 

3 _ Non-syntliet:ic 11011-agricultural products used as 

ingrediP.-nts·;- PrOces.o;ing iids, or incidenr.al food 

additives a:::-e categoricalJ.y allowed for use in 

toods labeled as "organic foodsn unless 

specifically listed as ''prohibited naturals" c;i. 

the Nacional. Lis:-.. [Note: Dec<iuse of the format 

of the National I,ist. a.1.lowed substances will net 

be itemizer:!.] 
55 

4. Synthet:ica.lly processed non-organic agricultural 

products and their del;:"ivatives sl:1all not be used 

as ing-redient:s, processing aids, or incident.a.l 

food additives in foods labeled as "organic focds" 

unless specifically list:eli. as "al.lowed .synthetics" 

on the National List. 

S. Synt.hei:ic 11on-agricult:ural product:s shall not: be 

used as ingredients, processing aids, or 

incidental food <1.dditives in foods labeled as 

•organic: foods" unless specifi.c:al1-y list:ed as 

"allowed synthetics• on tt1e National List. 

6. Tl:1e food must be hand.led/processed by a Ce!'.'t:i.fieci 

orga~ic handler. 

7. The same listed i.n<;-:::edie!lt cannot: be present: i:;i 

both organic arid non-organic form. 

Add at line 86, page 5, fr>oods that are labeled ftm;ide with 

=ga.nic iilgT.e~ient (B) ". J 

A. Composition and processing requ..i.reme:its: 

l. Certified organic agric-.iltural products must: 

comprise 50% or 1nore of the food, excluding i:he 

ingredients water, air and salt from the 

calculation. 

fl'on··synt:het:ic non-organic agricultural prodtict.s 

and their derivatives, that are used as 

ingredients, processing aids, or incidental food 

additives are categoric<1..lly allowed for use in 

foods labeled as "foods made with organic 

ingredient: (s)" unless specif·ically listed as 

"prohj.J~ited natur<ils~ on the National List. 

[Note: Because of the format of tlie National Lis::c. 

these allowed sl1bstances will· ?tot be itemized.] 

3. Non-synthetic nor1-agricl1ltura!. product.s used as 

ingredients, process.in~ aids, or incidental food 

additives a?:·e catego:i:·ically al.].o\Jed for use i:::i 
56 

foods labeled 'as "foods r.iade wi,th organic 

ingredient(s)• unless.specifically liBted as 

"prohibited naturals" on the National List. 

[Nate: Because of the for.nai: of the National List, 

allowed substancss will not be itemized. 

4. Synthetically processed non-organic agricultura:!. 

produces and their derivat:ives ."lhall not be u.<>ed 

as ingredients, p:c·ocessin<;; aids, or incidental 

food adOitives in foods labeled as "!oods made 

with organic ingredient[sl" unless specifically 

.list::ed as "allowed synthe~ics" an the Nat'ional 

List:. 

s. Synthetic non-agr:i.cultural produc!:.s shall not be 

used as ingredient".s, p:i:-ocessing aids, or 

inc.:idental food additives in foods l;:ibeled as 

"foods made with orga.nic ingreciient (s)" unless 

specifically list:ec! as "a:.lowed synthet.ics" ar1 the 

National List. 

S. The food mus:: be handled/:;;:i:-ocessed by a ceJ:tified 

organic handle::-. 

7. The same list::ed ing:;-edie!!f. cannot. be pr~sent i::! 

both oi:-ganic aocl non-orsar.:ic form. 
57 

NATIONJ\I, ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

f~NAL R~~..9~~TIOR 

Ado;it.ed on .Ju11P. 4, 1.'?94 ii:1 Santa Fe, New Mexico 

ORGAHIC l!ANDLING PLAN 

COMMENTARY 

1 An Organic: Handliris Plan must be createci by all orsar1ic l:iandlers 

2 ce";:"-:.i::ied under thP. Na":.:.ional O!"S'anic PrD~am as required by the 

3 Organic· Foods P::.-oduct.ion Ac::. oi 1990 (OFPA) . "The te~ 'o:::-i::ranic 

4 plan' means a plan of manageme:ir. of an organic f.il.rmin<; or -

5 handlir1g ope~·ation thar: has beer1 a<;reed co by the produce::- er 

6 ha.'1.Qler anci the c=tifying age!lt. il.Dd that ir1cludes w:r·i.::te!l plans 

7 concerning all asper:r.s a: as=icultural procii:tction or hanciliny 

8 described in chis title including crop 'ror.a:cion anrl or.her 

9 practices as required under this title." (OFPA Seer.ion 2103) "A 

~.O producer or handJ.P.r seeJ;:ing Co;'!rt.ification unde:r· t.his title shall 

1.l submit oi.n orsranic plan to the certifying agent and tlie state 

1.2 orc;;=ic cert.ificat.ion P=c:oram (if applicable), and such plan 

1:: shall he reviewed by ti1e c.,_r;:ify.i.ng agent who shall det:e::inine if 

l'i such a pla~ meets the requi?:·ements of the pro<;::oi.m." (OF'l?A section 

15 2~.:!.'l (al J "An organic ha11dlins plan shall contain provision:o; 

16 desig;ied to ensure tl:1at: agrici.:ltural proci11r.ts ti1at are sold or 

17 labeled as organically proC..11ced are producet:i ai1d handle<;i i11 a 

1.8 ma.."-•er. t:ha:: is consistent: wir.h the purposes of this tit.le. n (Oii'PA 

19 Section 21.l<: (e)) 

20 The N.O.S.B. thinks tha:: the Organic Handling Plan is a key 

21 e:lement. for implement:irig the required standards for organi>= 

22 ha...'1.C::lers as well as othe:c Oesi:cable handling practices. The OFPA 

13 rec:i--:i=es IJrov.i.sions in r.he handling plan i:o ensure pract:i.ces that 

2·4 a=e consi.o;ten"t wit:b. the Act. (Section 2114 (e)). The Board has 

25 included such provisions in Sec'C.i.on r of t.he Or9anic Handl:i.ng 

26 Plan P!·oposeci Resi:-lac:i.cns. The Board has also included 

27 "ecologically soUI1d waste manil.gement." as a O.esirai:ile pra-.r.:ice :":or 

21: o::aa!'.!oic hai1Clers and has included t'.his i11 Section rr o:: the 

29 o::ganic Handling Plan Proposed Regulations. Desirable practices 

30 .i.r. Section r::;: mtisL be ccmplet:e.d as pa:-t of t.he ori;;anic Hand.line; 

32 Plat: but certificacio12 is noc affec-:ted by compliance with the 

32 practices listed in Section Il. 

:;;:; ':'he Seara bel.i.eves t'.hat :-.he Organ!.c H"ndlin,,. P~.a11 must be both 

J.; ~::::·ac:-.ic;;.l and use:';u1- a...'ld 1n1~s:.:: he app:t.icab.le :;;o. <'.ll t.ypes c::': 

~:; 3 orgoi.:-.5.c ha:icile:-s ( C::is::ri!Ju;:a:::s, p:-ocessa:::s, packe!""s, si:ip_?e.>:s, 

3C .":"eceivers, rer.:a.:.}.ers wli_, p:-;::c:ess, et::.). The :Soc::.-C see" t:~1e 

:07 pi.:r-;:iose o:': r:-.he Oo:-=c::ij.c Sc;iC:.in,; ?la::i as be:'..~<; ::w::ifc.i.C: to assis:: 

3S :;.:ie hanC.."!.e!" and t:o assis:-. t:ie o;er-.::!.:':yin<;; a<;e:::.t:.. ?nr the t',o;::::.C.C.e:·, 

~9 t.';ie o-::·gar.:'..::: Sanf..ling ?l;o;.:i s::io1;lC. ;ircv:.de a :'.':lex:'..Ple, >lse:'.'..1.l, anC. 

.;,Q a::::o::.-6.a=le tool :o:::· developi:-io;: or<;21:ii_c hanC.~ing pract:ices e.nC. a,-_ 
58 

4l ec::ilogically .sound managemeni:c sysr;em for the handlinS ope.ra"CCion. 

42 The Organic Hand.linc Plan, should ser,,.e a5 a pr·oces.s for plaru:iing 

43 and evaluating mar1a9'ement practices aod for making t;ingible 

44 improvements to t:he han.J.lirig ope;!:"at:.ion. For t:lIB ce.:c-t:ifying 

45 oi.gent., t:he or·gar1ic Hai1dling Plan shoulci provide essential 

46 informai::ion for asse.s.siog the handler's comf>lic.i.nce with i::he O:O':?A. 

47 A5 requi:::-ed by the OFPA, c.he Orgm1ic Handlir1g Plan must be a 

48 wrii:ten doeumenc. that describes ~low t.he. organic handling 

49 operation is managed. It must be written by the handle::-:, agreed 

50 to by the certifying agent, and must be updated aruJ.ually to 

51 reflec"e. cJ:1anges and improveineni:.s in ban<iling opera>.ion 

5.?. mar1agemen1:. The Coimnittee thinks that the actual frirn1at of. t.he 

53 O;:-yanic Handliog tilan is best determined by i.he cert.ifyi:og aqent _ 

54 In orde:-" to cotnply with the OFPA, the Organic: Handling Plan must 

55 address all elements of orgariic handling including thP. handling 

56 t.hat are applicable to a particular handling 09era:::'i.on including 

57 the handling s;ystem des;criptirJn, procecl.ures !:or asJ>uring o:::·gaiiic 

SB intEg:r·ity, material inputs, the audit r.rail system, pest 

59 manageme!lt, and was::e management. The required compone!l.t".s of the 

60 Organic: Har1dli!l.g P.lan a:r·e outlined i.Ii the "Proposed Regulai:ions" 

6l that follow. In order to provide a practical example, the Boa~d 

62 has also inclucied a san1ple Organic Handling Plan in quesc:io1mai:::·e 

63 format. 

64 While Che N.O.S.B. reco<:mi~es t:hat: tl1e OFPA doe.s not: establish 

65 waste :r·eduction requio.effients for organic handlers, the Collll11ittee 

66 has included a waste management sec::ion in i:.ha nProposed 

67 Reg-..1lations. n ThP. Eoard thinks that: organic lliui.dlers shoulti 

68 establish waste reduct:ion goals; for thei:i:· operations. By 

69 i.nc!uding a waste red11ct.ion section, the Organic Handling Pla.."l 

·10 <:an m.ore thorougt1ly serve as a vehicle for the development: of 

71 ecol.ogica.l.ly sound ma:;:iagen1P.nt :.iractiees for i:::he hai1dling 

72 operatio11. 
59 

,, ORGAN!C F...ANDl,lNG PLAN PROPOSED ~GU-.L.AT!ONS 

,, 

75 The Organic HanCling Plan (OH?) shalJ. incll1de the followinc::r 

76 componeni::s if chey pe!:·i::ai;i t:o the specific hanciling ope;-:ar:Ion or 

"/7 i::.s agents, licensees, emoloyees, t:Ont::::-ac;:::.o:::-s, and subc::in::ract:or-s 

78 who J:i.andle its organic prOrluc::s: 

79 A. Organic B<U!dlL::i~ System Deaoriptiou 

130 (l) A general desi:::::-iption of i:.he handling ope::-at.io11, handlincr 

61 a11C./o:!:" processing p::.-ocec:i1ires, and organic fooC: {s) hanC.2.e:i. -

62 (2) A sche~at.'..c f.~ow ch~~t: or writt:en Oes~iption showi~g the 

83 1novement; of crganic food ciu:::-ing handl.1.ng anci/or p:cocessinc. All 

64 egu.'..pmeni:, machi.necy, and storage <t.I:ea:o used ill hanc:ili:'.g and/a::: 

65 processing must be i.de!lt:ified in the flow-cha:i::·t:. 

,, 

87 

88 

99 

90 

9l 

,, 

93 

99 

95 

,, 

97 

. 98 

99 

200 

:;._01 

l02 

]_ 03 

10~ 

105 

::.06 

:!.07 

::.oa 

:'.09 

::.:·. 0 

o. Assur:.u:ioe of Orga:uic :!ntegrity 

(1) A desc=ipt3.on of the Hazard Analysis Crit:ical Cont=ol Point 

(KACCP)"' syste'm o= simila~ system for the hr..ncili!l.S ope:o;:·ation 

whi>.h addresses the following areas of potential contamination 

(hazarCs) of tbe organic food: 

(a) Co-mi:iclinc <::e:::·'.:i::ietl o=oanit:: food with non-orsanic: food; 

{b) Conta::.i'iers - an!.! packag-ing 7 

( c) Sa::i tizer, bo.'..le= che111icals, processi:1y 2ids, and p:::·ohibi t: eci 

Sll...'?stances; 

{d) '!'.-.:-anspo~ation and st.orage; 

(e) Pest control substances; 

!:l FooC: spoilage rnicroor::anism.s; a1id 

{g) Prohibited hand:i...ins and p=oce.ssins- procedures . 

" 1-".ACC? is a systetn by which food processors and in1porters r:an· 

evalua:::e the kinds of haza:::-ds that c:o11ld effec: t.heir prod11cts, 

institu~e controls neces~ary co keep these ha~ards from 

occu:::'ring, monitor the per~o=manc:e of these con::rols, and 

1naintair1 record,; of r-.1'.is monit:orin<;; as a mat:t:er of :::-ou::.ine 

prar;;t_.-i. cE' .• 

{2) A list: that identifies all Jcno1= individuals or bu£i::iesses 

that: sell, transpo::-:.;, er st:o:::-e the p:::-oducts o:: t.he ors:c.nic: 

ha:::iC.l:'..ns: ope:::-aticr. bi1t de noi: hold legal t.;;.c1e tci such p:::-oduc;:.s. 

[3) ~ocume!'.t:ai:ion that .a2.1 indivici?.ials and bt!s:'..nesses ::ha:: sell, 

::.;:-a:J.Spo:::-t, o:. s;;:c:::-e the products of. the organ.".c: har1dli:i.g 

o .. ~;:::-:_::::.:;n, ~ut -~~.no:: ~c:i.~ legal tit!.e 1.:0

0

-;uch proUuc::".__ ~a".'.:e bee". ~''-D.:.ine·-< _,_ w.:.·_ ..... :ig o ... tne requi:::-enten::s :r: prope:::- ha:ic-.:.;i:,, o:" 
60 

l:!.2 oi::·ganic pi::·oduct.s and of the possible 12xpos.ure to fecierul civil 

l.13 penali:ies for violai:_ion the:?:"eo!: and that: all sueh individuals an.;; 

114 businesses a!!i!:"lfl by sisnature on a tiill of lading or or.her 

125 app!:-opr.i.<ir.<: affidavit: i:hat: t:hey do not ope!1, mix, <;;ombi.ne er 

116 ot:he.':'olise .::::-an.storm r:he o::-gani:: prod1,1ct:s and t!1at the o:t"gani<:: 

lJ.."/ int:egrity of the produci:s are not cc:imp:r.omiseC: while in thei:-; 

l.18 CU~to0.y _ 

119 

l.20 C. Material :tnpute 

121 

122 

:!.23' 

121 

120 

126 

127 

129 

l.2.9 

120 

121 

122 

(1) A list cf all ce:!'."tified organic ingredient .. <; and non-org'l!lic 

ingreCients used includins c.b.ose used for cll:!."ing arid smoking. 

(2) Foi:· each food labeled as an ors-al".ic food r.hat; r:ontains ane o:-::· 

n\ore non-or;anic qgricult:ural p:::-oducr:s c;..s iDgredients, a wrii:<.ei1 

description of: 

(a) the good faith efforts made to locate or develop a source 

of r.hP. cerr.ified orgu.nic form of the ing::edient and 

{ti) the progress macie over the previo1,1s years i:.o eJ.ir.ti!lal:.e nonorganic agricultural products as L~gredients. 

l3) For each non-orgai1ic agricultur·al pr1)d1icr. UsP.d as an 

ingre.dier1t, a description of the re.a.sans \olhy the c:e:::-ti!ied 

organic forin of the ingredient is no:: usP.ci. 

.l.33 (4) A list of all p1"ocessing aids used. 

l34. _(5) 

1 

";_description of ho'W water is useci in the hanc:l.:.ng ope.ration 

.l.35 1nc ... uo.J.ng r.he quaJ.ity of r.he \olate.r· 11!>ed. 

136" D. Audit Trail/R.,ca."t"d ltee:ping- System 

J.37 A desc:::-:i.?r.ion of the system of int;ernal record ke.e.ping that 

13 8 docume::"lts the movement: of eac:i. specific J.ot of orc::a.r1ic: food 

139 t;hrough each step of the hanri.'!..i.ng operation. 

l'll (1) A description of tl1e pest: u:::·oblems encount:P.:-:-erl :i.n i:h" 

1.;2 hanW.ing ope::-at".ion and of the p;;,,.si: monir.oring t:ec.h...'"li.ques use<l. 

l..:.3 (2) A descriot:ion of t.he non··chem3.cal pest co!"'.t:::-ol met.hods 

l44 tisec. in !:.he hi:ir1tll.i.ng opeccat.3.on. 

145 (:;) A desc:::·itlt:ion o:" ::.l1e use of c;i.en1icals f.o~ ccnt:::ollins 

l'l5 pes::s in r.he handl.ir19 opez-aticn. 
61 

1-47 F. Liveatock Ca:r2 

1-48 

i.;.9 

(1) A ciesc::-int:ion of l1andli.ng 1nethods used tc mi.niznize 

livestock si:.resS. 

150 (2) A desc:-intion of ilr:!:'angement.:s made for feed.:.nc livest.eek 

l.Sl tt1at 1nay be held ;ii: the packing plant: for more than 24 hours. 

152 (J) A ciesc:-:iption of a=anyements made fo!' _suppl yins: livestock 

l.S~ wit:h fresh watez- wi1ile at the packing plant. 

154 II. DE:SIRABLE PRAC'l':!.CES 

155 Wa~te Management 

156 (1) A descripi::.= of e:':'fori:s to reduce sol.id was:.e, liouid 

1S7 wasi:.e, and ai::-bo~e em::.ssions prod11ced.by the hanC:ling o!)e?:"at:ion. 

lSB 

:l.59 

160 

{2) A descripcion of recyc.lin9 

materia.ls, and efforts to reduce 

operation. 

ef.for<.s, t:he use of recycled 

packag.ing in the handling 

162 The format of the OF.? st.all be de•~errnin"d by th" ce~r:ifying 

163 agenr:. 
62 

1.64 ORGANIC HANDl,ING PLAN QUE.S"!'IONNAIRE 

16!'i (YEAR) {CERTIFYING AG:sNT) 

166 PRODUCER NAME: 

l6"1 FARM N1lME: ---------------------

166 ADDRESS:~..,-~--------------------- 169 FHONE & FAX:-----------------------

170 I. REQUIRED: 

171 A. ORG~NIC HANDLING SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 

:C72 1- Describe your haridlins ope:-ation and your handl.i.I1g a11d/or 

173 p:::-or.essing procedure!':. Include. a de.scripcio11 oi all equipment: 

174 and 1uachinery used. 

175 

176 

177 

l 7e 

179 2. Ar:tac!i a schemar:ic flow chart showing the movement of 

J.60 ce:!.'"t:ified organic fo.ici r.ilU"ing hand.ling and processing. Sha"' all 

161 equipmenL, machinery, and si:crage areas useci from the t.i.me tl1e 

182 certified organic food is received witil .i.e. is shipped. 

183 B. A.SfiORANG OF ORGANIC IllTEG;;.!'.::".';'." 

184 1. Desc:::-ibe you:!" Hazard Analysis C:?:"itic:al Control Point. (HACCP) 

185 system for assu!:"ing t.h!'! inr.eg::-icy of the ce=ified organic 

l.86 food(s) har1dletl in you= ope:::-acion. lncluCe proceO.ures 1Jsed t:o 

187 assure cl1at:' 

1.88 

l'' "'O 1,1 l,, 

193 

194 

195 

196 

l.S'7 

:!.98 

199 

200 

201 

,,, 

203 

(a) ce:::-t".i!iP.d organic fooC is sesre~ated from non-organic: 

fooci; 

(bl conr.aine:::-s and paclcasing do not: coni:aminace c:e~j.fied 

organic food; 

{c) cert:ified organic food does not come in contact with 

sanitiZer, ·boiler chemicals, anO. prohibited s•ihstances; · 

{d) contamination of t".hl'l ce:::-tifieC: orgi'lnic food does not: 

occur ciu:::-ing c:::-ansporc:ation or st:orage; 

(e) pest "'Cnt'..rcl Suh!lt:ances do not: come in r.011tact wit.11 t:he 

cert:.ified O!.""ganic food; · 

(fl food spoilage r.iicroorganismE do not: co11r.:amina:::e r.~e 

ce~t:ifi.ed o::t"cral'1ir. f.ood; arid 

(y) prohib£°;:;ed haJ"1cilii1g ann p::'."ocess:.n,; p::·oceO::t";o:-es are no;: 

used. -

~ Submission o: t~iE i~1fo:':lllat.io;1 sh.al}. co''-<>t:itur.:e cor..plia~1cti ;:ha:: 

a F.ACCP o:- s:i.mi.lar system i.s ide11-.:i!:.:.eC.. 
204 

205 

206 

20, 

208 

------

209 C. MATERIAL INPUTS 

210 1. I.is-:: all certified organic ir1grec.:..ents and all r1on-orsanic 

221 i.ngredie~1ts useci in you:.· 11ar1ciling ope!"a-.ion. 

212 

213 

2:!.4 

215 

215 

217 

2lB 

218 

2. Desc::-ibe your verification proce6U!'.'es for documentine 

non-ori:ran:.c agricultural p1:oduc:::s you use as inyredienr:~ 

com1neri:ially available i11 cer::.i.fied organic fo:::m. 

--------------------

t!iat t:l1e 

are not:: 

220 

221 

222 

223 

,,, --------------------------~ 

225 3. I.is:: all pro(:cssing' aids 1.1sei:i in your ha.D.dli.ng (!perat.i.on. 

225 

,,, 

2213 

22~ 

230 ..;. . Desc::::-ibe how wat.E!r is used in you= handling operation. 

2:J1 Desc:::-ibe your wat:flr so11rce and you:: wat.e:..- quality incluC.:ing the 

232 frequency and met.hod of te.s::ing war..er quality. 

233 

23t. 

235 

236 

''' --------··- -----

238 D. AUDIT TRA::;.:l./RECO:ouJ KEE.PING SYS'i:Dl 

23'7 -'-· Describe you:.· system .;if i;-Jt:e;=:Jal ::;-ec::i~d keepi"'S :::o::: 

2{0 doc;.i:;1en:::::i.:ig Lhe n1ovemei1t o:: each spec:..::.:.c lot: of. o:::-sa:1ic.: fooC. 

2.:.~ ::-. .!:!.--:-ous;.'1 e.acl1 step of. you:-- ha.'IC.l.:!.::is c;:ie::-a;:ior:. 
242 

243 

2<• 

2<5 

2<6 

247 

2<B 

,,, 

250 

251 

252 

253 

64 

------------------------· 

2. Describe your batch and/or lot number~.ng system and coding 

system. 

25'1 3. Attacl:i a sample .se.t. of audit trail documents. 

255 E. PEST MANAGE1'tEN'I' 

256 

257 

25, 

259 

''' 2 6l 

l. Desc=ibe the pest problems you encouoter in your handling 

cipe:rar;;ion. 

--------

262 2. Desc:=-ibe the pest: monitor.i.ng techniques used and the nC'ln-

?.63 ch~mical :μest cont:=-ol methods you '1se. 

26~ 

265 

266 

267 

260 

269 3. Describe t.he use of chemicals for pest control i11 yolll" 

270 handling operation. 

271 

272 

273 

2/4 

27S 

·-·---

-·---------·----·-- -------·--·. 

- ~-- -·- ·-------····------
65 

276 F. LIV:::.S1'0CK CA.RE 

277 i. A Uesc:-iptian of hand.ling mP.chod.9 used t:o minimize .live.stock 

278 .st::-ess. 

279 

290 

2S1 

,,, 

,,, 

2S4 -···---

2BS 2. A cie.sc:::iption of a~ange.1n~nts niade for feeding lives;;ock thar. 

286 ms.y be held ar. t11E! par.kii1g plant for more than 24 hours. 

,,, 

''' 290 

290 

---- --------- ----- ------------------------ 2!':!. 3. A desc:::-inr:ion of ar:cangem~nr:s made for supplying livest:.ock 

292 with £::-esil .,,ace::- while at t:he pac:kins pla11t. 

293 

2~4 

295 

,,, ·-···------·· ·----------------

-------=~-===--=====:::-- --·--·-----__ 

2.98 A. WASS MANAGEW':ITT' 

299 1. 8rie::ly O.esc::-ibe your ef::ort.s to :::-educe solid was::e, liguici 

300 was·.:.e, and ai::borne emissl.on!'i pro<lur.en by your hanC.li:-.!'.; 

301 oper~~io~. 

302 

202 

3 04 

305 

306 

--.. -- ------------------------

307 2. E:-:-ie!:ly desc::::ibe yo11r :ce.:.:ycling e!:fo:::-ts, yo11:-:.· use·of :i:·ecycled 

JOB materials, and your e:!orts to reCuce packaging in yocr hanrlli~g 

30~ 01~erar:io~. 

---------- ·--------····----- ----- ··-

3l0 

3.!.'.'.. 

3~.2 

3:;_3 - ·-·--===..:-....:=======-= _···_--_-_-··-

. ·-
66 

N1'.TIONAL OP,GAf./IC ST.l\NDrtRDS BOARD 

FINAL RECOMl-!El.JD.f,.T-ION ADDENDUM NUMBER 6_ 

Date adopted: 

Location: 

ORGANIC HJ>.NDLING PLJ'\N 

April 25, 1S95 

Orlando, Florida 

T.he .fol.J.ow;i.ng addit::ian..s1 are t:~ b6l in.1116l.r.t::.::id :i.fl tho Ch'1En.ic Handl:Lnq 

~ .,;r<\l'ct.ion, as indica"ted, of t-..he N05B Final. Recommendst:ions 

adDp~ed June t-4, 1994 in Santa Fe, Nev Mexico. 

Page 4, lineE 143-144: \2) 

<;1cti~·it1es end actio:.is used in 

~void pest problems. 

A descriptior. 

and o:::ound the 

of the non-chemical 

handling operation to 

Page 4, lines 1'15-146: 

for contro11i.n'l pests 

inclu.ding clfo:::-t~; taken 

future. 

(3) A description of the use of che&iCals 

in .'Incl arouP.d the h~ndling ope!"<'.ltion, 

::.o r<!c!1..;_ce or cli~inatc such use in the 

PiigP. 8,. linp,s ::.'56-257: ~. 

enco:..inter· in yo!..lr handling 

techniques yo~ use. 

DF.,;crihA t.hA 

optiratior: and 

p<>st. prohlP.m.s y011 

the pest mo::iitcri-'lg 

P<>ge 8, lines 262-263: 2. Dt!sc:::ibe i:he non-chetr.ical activities 

and J.ctions ~·cu ;;ise in and <.!roi.:r.d the !'landling operation to avoid 

pest problems. 

Pag>~ 8, lines 269-270: 3. Oef;r.rihf' t.hA ll!'lf! of 

control in ancl ar.ound your !1andlir.g 09eration, 

taken to redl'Ce or elirninat:e :',UCh '.lse. 

cl1emical5 for pe~t 

including efforts 
1 

' J 

' 5 

' 7 

8 

9 

'' :!_]_ 

,, 

'' 1• 

15 

,, 

1-, 

'' 

20 ''

22 

22 

23 

'' 

25 

25 

27 

28 

29 

JO 

2l 

J2 

33 

,, 

JS 

87 

NATJ:ONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

FINAL RECOMMQ!DATION 

Adopt: ed. on June 4., 1994 in San::a :Fe, New ·Mexi::::o 

REQUIREMD'ITS FOR HANDLDl. CER'l'IFIO..TJ:ON 

"The t:e= 'hanrlle' means to sell, process, or package 

agriculi:uraJ. producr.s." (OFPA Sect:ior1 2103 (8)) "'rhe te~:n1 

'handler' means any perso11 engaged in t.he business of handling 

agricultural products, except such i:erm shall not: iriclude fino;.l 

reta.ile?:s nf agricult:u:cal product:!< tha::: do not: ri=cess 

agricult:uro;.l produC:ts." {OFPA Sect:io11 21.03 (9)) "The t:errn 

• han<iling ooeracion' means any operation or porr.ior1 of an 

ooe.rat:ion (except final :r.et:ailers of agricult:ural prod11ct:s that 

d0 nor: proc.,,ss agric.."..:lt:u1·al produ0ts) t.hat receives or othe1.0wiBe 

acquires agricult1iral products and prncesses, packages, or st.ores 

such products" (OFPA Sect.ion 2J.03 (10)). 'l'.l1us, the definition of 

"handl.ing ooe::·ati.nn" fu:r·:::her defines "handle" ann "handler" to 

limit tha rneanin,-; a£ these te:::1ns to inCividuals and ~usinesses 

that "receive or otherwise acqui:r:·e agricultural products and 

processes, packas-es, or stores su<:h prod11c:.s." For example, a 

broke::::- fa2..1.s unde;i; the definition of "handler" as someone who 

sells organic produces. But., in the ca~e of a broke::· who does 

noL: "receive or ai:he::wise acquire" i:::he organic: produc::.ii, the 

b::-oke:::- is not: a "handling ope!'"ation." 'l.'hus, s1ich a b:::-nker does 

not need t.o be c::ertif.ied unde:::· the OFPA as an organic hanCJ.ing 

operation. The Board r.hinks that clarification of the types of 

handle:i:·s who must be ce:::·tified unde::: the OFPA as o:::-ganic handli11g 

ope:::at:ions is necessary. 

RE.COMMENDATION 

'l"he. N.0.5.!l. recornmen6s that, fnr the p11:::poses o! the OFPA, 

•i::·eceive or oth.erwise acquire" me11.ns 1:0 take legal title to the 

oryar.ic product. HanC.lers who hold legal ::.itle to or!;jariic 

p:i:·odu.c::.s should az1d must: be _responsible for maintaining the 

oroanic ini:::eg:=--ii:.y of the organic prorluc::.s r.hey hanC.le. Ea.ndle:!:"s 

wl:10 must be ce:::-ti:Eied under the OFPA incluO.e d.i.si::::-ibutors, food 

se!'Vices, jobbers, par::ke::-s, s:t:ip?ers, and processors who take 

legal cii:le i:o or!?"anic prodi.1cts, inclu<:iing live.~-.:ock feel'.!, as 

well as :r·ei:ailers who pl:ocess organic agricul::.'.l:i:·al p::-aduct:s. 

some r::ommon de.!:.i.ni?.:io11s ni: food handle::-s a::-e incli.1cied .in 

A::.::ach.ment: 1. 

The ac::.ivitv of individuals or businesses uhc do no::. take lega~. 

r:i::.le ta organic products but ac::. as asen,.s, lice~sees, 

e!n:oloyees, cont:r<ic::.o::·s , c:· subccnt:ra=nrs anci who ;;=cc:ess. 

package, or s;.:.or" c::-gal'.iC ag=ic1.llf.11ral aroduc::.s fa::- a ce::-c::'..:'.ieci 
68 

40 organic h<1ncilins ~iperation will be cove:::ed :by i;;he ceri:::::._ficacioii 

41 of t:hat: o:rganic handling operation. Such activity mus~ be 

.;,2 cie.sc!"i.beC. in the Organic Handlin!:; Plan and inspect.ed anr. 

43 scrutinized wit:h t:he sami;: :riqor and i;_o the same st:a!idartls as 

.;4 Cf,:-:'t.i!ied entit:ieH as part of i::he cerr:ificacion :::equireme.:1::: of 

45 the cert:i!ied org-an.ic hanQling operation for which they n.c::: a..; 

46 agent, licensee, employee, contractor, or subcont:::-actor. 

17 Examples inclu6e co-packers a11d co-processors. 

'lo G Individuals i!lld businesse::; that cio not need to be certified rn1de:: 

49 the OFPA include broke~s. commission merchants, truckers, and 

50 warehouse.rs whicb.-do noc take legal title to org-nnic prociuc;:;s. 

si A sr..all farmer/hanC.ler/processo:r. selli!lg no more tb.a..tl $5, ooo 

:;2 an."1ually woulci be ..exempt f=om the above [OFPA Sec.. 2106" (d) J . 
69 

53 A TTAc.1=1MDn l 

54 Cqmmon Defini_cions of Food F.1!.ndle.,....s. 

SS l. ~~oke~s 

56 A br;ke:r aci:.s as ai1 age:ii: for ot:hez-s in negcotiat:ing a sales 

57 con::.rac::. A selling .broker gene:::-ally repr<isent.s tI1e ~hipper, a 

SB buying broke!:' ac:t:s as a purchasing agent. for a distant buyer. A 

59 brr;,kf'.r who does not take legal title to orgai1ic producr.s doe,; not: 

60 ne!!d to bE! cer::ified as an orgatliC ha.nciler under the DFP.l\.. 

62 2. Comrn.~!i.§..ion Merchants 

62 A commission me::":chant acts as an agent: for the sale of 

6:5 merchandise on consignment:. A commission merchant who does not 6~ t.ake legal tit.le i:o organic products does not need to be 

6:; cer:..ifi.ed as a..'1 or£fan.iC handler rmdf'..::: the OF?A. 

6G 3. Dis::ri!<u_~ors . 

67 A ciis"t:?:".ibutor purchases product: 1mde:r. its own name, usually from 

6B sh.ippe:::-s, processors, O:>:' ot:her distributors, and generally sf\11 

6.9 oui::side i::!1eir local a:i:·e.a. Distr:i.butors may or may not: t:ake 

70 ohvsical possession of t:he merchandise. A distributor must: be 

7J. (;o;!;-t:it:ied as all organic ha.il.dler under the Oi:"PA. 

72 ~- ~ood Se:':"V'ices 

73 A food se.rvice company bi1ys and receives producf\ and/or proc:essed 

74 proci.uci::s for distribution t.o i11st:.itutional accounts such ai; 

75 sc:iools and restatU"anr.s. A food service co111pany mllSt: be 

75 ce::::-t:i:!:ied as all organic: handler =der tb.e OFPA. 

77 S. Jobbers 

78 A jo:O.be::;- sells locally ;;,n b""lllall lai;.s 211d purchases from receivers 

79 on t:b.e l.ocal lll?..rket:. A job=ie!" must: be ce~::.fj,ed as an orgar.ic 

80 hancile:::- uucie:r t.he O}"~A. 

8, 6. .'2.ackers 

52 A produce pacKing opf\:ration receives raw ag-zir.ultural produc::.s 

83 ~"ld packs i:he praduci:s for sb.ippi~1g. A pz·otiuce packer may al.so 

8.., stare prociucts and apply postb.arvest: mat:erials. A nteat packer· 

8~ cc~verts live ar.imals to carcass meats a.nd possibly to p:rimal 

86 cues a:::- boxed meat a:r1d othe:; .fresh meat fo_=s_. A packer that 

67 takei'5 le9"al title t:o the organic product must be ce.::-tified as an 

BB arsanic handler under the OFPA. 

69 7. Rcc~i..'!..~~~ 

90 ;.. :::-ecei ve:::- 9urcha5es anti i;akes pl"1ysical possession of t:rucK lor.;s 

;i::. .:::::- Cil.::" J.o::.s and resells t:hem intact 1.J:C" i11 jobi:iin,; lot.s i::i the 

92 loca.l area. Rece..:.vers are at des;;inoo::.ion poi.:it:s. A receive-,,; 

g3 i::!1at i:altes leg"'!. t.itle to t.l1f\ organic pro611.-;t mus:: be cf\::-tifieC: 

~~ as an orga.:J.ic na.,C::ler 1mde!'." t:!1e OFP1' •. 

9.5 ' - 9€ ;._ ;,:·e~ackar :c·eceives p::-oducts :'.::.:-om s::-owe.r~ a,,_- Othe,,_- SOL'.!'."<:::es, 
70 

97 removes t:he· proUuc::s £:::-om the original cont:ainer, tnay or may noi:: 

98 sort: the product:, and repacks cile product: for resale eit:he:i; i>J. 

99 the orJ-ginal cont~ainer or i11 a different containe:c. A re?acker 

100 that takes legal title t:o the organic prcciuct' mu:i\. be i..:ertifi~d 

1.01 as a:ri org"ilidc: hanciJ.er U..'lder th-e OFPA. 

102 9. Shippe~s 

103 1l. Shippe:.-:- .i,s located at: growinlJ or ocher shipping/intermediate 

104 ~oint'.S. A shipper sells products that is has grown and/or packe<i' 

105 under i"Cs own name. A shipper may sell for the account of · 

106 gro..iers or other shlppe:::-s. A shipper that tal<;es legal title to 

107 the organic product must: be certified as an organic handler unde!:' 

ioa the or~PA. 

109 :io. processors [~fe:::- to OPP.A Sec. 2103 (1711 

l:!..O A processor cooks,~bakes, heat:s, dries, mixes, grinds, chur.ns, 

ll.l fiefiarates, extracts, cuts, ferrnents, evisce:rat:es, prese"-Ves, 

212 dehydrates, freezes, ot:he:::wise manufactures, packages, cans, 

:!.13 jars, or otherwise encloses food ill a cot1taine:;:·_ A meat 

114 processor coi:lVerts f:-esh meat .itell'IS to comm.inut:ed and/or seasoned 

115 products such as sausages, co:ined beef and cured and/or s~oked 

216 proci.ucts. A proCr!Rfior nrust be certified as an orga.."'l.ic ha.<.dler 

.117 w1tler t:he OF!>A. 

118 11. !='o- ~:;:_q_<;'i'.g;"Ot" 

119 A processor 1<1ho does not r.ake legal title to tb.e ingreciients o.:t· 

120 che final pYo6.u<:t which is manufactured. for another p~ty. A co121 p:i::·ocessor does not neec:l to be cert.ifiad. as an organic haucller. b11t 

122 its activities as agent, licens<ie, 211Iployee, contractor, or 

l23 subcont::=accor for a cert:ified nrg;Jllic handler must %.le. covered 

124 under tbe cert:ification of that haDdle!:". 

125 12. T::'."tlclce~~ 

:!.26 11. t::".icker transpor-.;s proci.ucts betwef'..D farms, proce.'isinlJ plant.~, 

:'.27 ot:he::· ha.D.ciling ope!:"ations, o:i:· ot:be::- facilities. A tru.:ker does 

:!.28 not open pro<iuct co11taine:rs or mix, combi.De, or or::herwise hancile 

:!.29 Che. product 1<1.b.ile. it is ill its custody. A trucker does not J.1eed 

:!.30 to b~ certifie<l as a.n organic handler under l:be OFI'A. 

:!.3:!. l.3. Warehou~ers 

l32 A wa-.--ehouser receives and stores products. A wa...~houser does-not 

133 t:ake le.gal title i:o t:he product. A warehouse~ does t1or. open 

~.3.0:. pr=idur:r. c:Ontaine:-..·s o:r mix, r.omliine, or ot:berwise hanC:le the 

::,35 product while it is ill its cu.si;or.iy. A ware.b.i;iuser does not I1eef. 

:!.36 t:u be ce=ified as an organic hand.1.er unde::-_ the OF:t'A. 
71 

NATIONAL ORGANrc STANDARDS EOARD 

F•NAJ. R'l:'COMMENpATION ;;onnorn. -~-R-ll 

Dat!! adopted: 

Location: 

R.=:QOIR.......~S FDR HANDLER c::RTIFICA'!:i.:ON 

October .31, J.995 

Austin, Texas 

The foll.orixz.g a.mencbec!t:S are t:o be made i:D. ehe l?ei;prire'!lents .Far 

ffiindl e- Ce-+-i f 4 ca ti on sec:t:irm, as i.Ddica ted, i:D. !:he NOSB Fi.ual 

Rec:ll!illle.ctdatio.Ds adopted Jwle 1-4, 1994 izi Santa Fe, N~wHe:tico. 

Cli.c.11ge lines 27-:29, page 1, to z·ead as follows: 

Handle!'."s who hold legal title to organic proC.ucts "'baJI be 

responsib1e for maint<ii;:iing the· orgaoic :i.!lteg:::-ity and the i:ud~t 

t-ail of the organic products they hanC.J..e. 

Chan,.e lir1es 29-33, page ·1, to read as f.oJ.lows: 

Handle:::-s who must be certified wider the OFP.l\ iriclude 

d.:.sc_.:.:out,,,=!!, .food se::vices, jo:b~ers, packe~·s, s~1ip9e'-s, and 

processors who take legal title to organic products, including 

livest.ock feed, as well as retaile:::s anc> d{s:t-{b,.t11rs who pmress: 

and a11tist11nt:ia7 7y trar1gfe=· repack or -e7.Jhe7 or~aliic 

ag:::.-icul t u:::·al products. 

Add at line 51, page 2: 

Retaile:>.:s arici dist.:::·ibutors who taJce legal title t.o organic 

prociuc::s, but de not process', [OFPA section (2:!.03) see f.oot.r1ote] 

i;ubst.ant.ially t::-ansfo+n1, repack or relabel chese products a:-e 

exem9r. f:::-om the ce:i:-i::iticar:ion provisioris of the OF:'A. 

Add as footnote, page 2: 

'OFPA Sect..:i.on 2:'..03 Deiir1ir:ior1s (17) Processi:.i:"g ~The. r:e:?:"m 

"processing" me2ns cooking, baki::l<;;:, heat.i:"!g, d:::y!.ng, mix.i.r1g, 

grinding, chur.;::.i::ig, se!}a:::ating, e:c:::::·ac::::i:-:.y, cur:ti'1g, fe:::tt1ent.i01g, 

evisce:::-ar.ing, · C.ehyC.:::a::!.:ig, f:o:-eezing, er c::he;,;-wise manu£aCr.1.:r:.ng. 

and ir1c:1.ude.s t:h.e packag:.!lg, canni~i;;, ja:?:"::'.":.!'.9, or ot.!:ie:-:-~ise 
72 

enclosing food in a container. 

Chan£ie .lines 66-71., page 3, to read as follows: 

3. LlL'-1.!:...-;h11tors 

A disi.:ributor purcha:oes prnci11ct under its own rtame, usually f:ro111 

,!;l:tippers, proceflsors, or other distributors, and generalJ.y sell 

01.1t:side "1:.heir ·local area. Distributors 1nay or may net take 

physical po!'lsession of the merc:ha11dise. A distributor must be 

certifiF:d as an organic handler U!lder tile opp11 only j f ~ l2cJ:.b. 

ts.k..e......title to. the nrganjc ,p=dzrc,....s and s11bstant:l 117 Jy tr"ac.s_fo= 

_precess .. repackage Qr re1ahel tbese p=d11ets 
73 

NATIONAL ORGANIC ST.ANDARDS EOARD 

FINAL RECOMMENDATION ADDENDUM NUMBER 5 ---- . 

COMMERCIAL NON-AVAILAEILITY 01:" ::>U'.ITA.BU: !NGREDI}~NTS 

IN ORGANIC FORM 

Date Adopted: 

Locat:ion: 

April 25, 1995 

Orlando, Florida 

LEGISLATIVE. REVIEW 

1 References possibly relat:ed to CoITll!lercia.l avaj .. labil.i.ty ill 

2 hand.l:lng and .i.n the use ()f non-cirganic, non-synt:het:.i.c :materials. 

J section 2lll(a) (4) (OFl'Al: 

4 (al For a handling operation to be certified under this 

5 title, each person on such ha11dling operation shalJ. not, 

6 with respect to any agricUltural product. covered by this 

7 title: 

8 (4) add any ingredients that are not organically 

9 proQ.uced in accordance with this title and the 

10 appl.icable organic certification proqram, unless snc:i 

11 ingredients ar·e included on the National List and 

12 represent not ruore than 5 pe.c:::ent of the weiqht of the 

13 total finished prod\lCt (e;-c:cluding salt and wateJ:'); 

14 Sections 2110 (c) (1) (A) (iii and 2118 (c) (B) (i.i.i) (OFPA); 

15 (c) Guidelines for Prohibitions or Exe!rlp_tio11s. 

16 (1) Exe!rlption for prohibited substances. The National List 

17 may pr.ovide for t:.he use of substa11ces in e1n o:z:·ganic farming 

18 or handling operGtion that are othe:-:wi.se prohibited under 

19 this title only if: 

20 (A) the Sec!:etary deter.mines, in consu.lt.ation with the 

21 Secretary of He2.lth and Human Se:z:·vices a1id 

22 Aclro.inistrator of the Environmental Protectiori Agency, 

23 that the use of suc:ll subst2.uces; 

2• 

25 

26 

27 

26 

29 

30 

(ii) is necessary to the production or £iandlillg of 

the. agr·i(:\llt:ural product because of the 

unavailability of wholly ·natnral .substitute 

pr.od11cts; 

(B) thli substance : 

(iij:) .i.5 used in hand.1.ing anct is non-synthetic 'o11t 

is not organ.i.cally produced; 

31 Sec'.::i.on 2119im) (6) (OF?AJ: 

32 (ml Evaluation. In evaluat::i.ng substances consideJ:"ed for 
33 

34 

35 

36 

inclu~ion in the proposed Natio~al List or proposed 

amendment to the National List, the Board shall consider: 

(6) the alternat.i.ves to us.i.ng the substance in te!'l:ls of 

p.t·actj.c:es or other ava.ilable mat:erials; 

37 Senat:e committee Report:, page 299: 

38 "The co:rumittee intends that the guidelines for processed 

39 food ingredients on the National List be that such 

40 ingredients are difficult oi- impossible to obtain." 

41 BACKGROUND 

42 The Coinmittee lias struggled with the complex.i.ty of trying to 

43 define and regUlate "commercl.al avail2.bil.i.ty" as it relates to a 

44 minor ingredient i~ an organic food. The definition of 

45 commercial ava.i.labili·ty must encompass more t:han the mere 

46 existence of dll orgar1ically grown and processed fa= of the 

4·7 cornrnodity in question. The following list illustrates both the 

48 complexity and subjectivity of. defini!lg availability. 

49 

50 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

58 

59 

60 

61 

62 

• 

Supply must: be adequate for handler's volume requirements. 

For a handler to commit to the development aud production of 

a ne\.I itein, or the cost and effort to make changes in an 

existing product, there has to be a fair amount of certaintv 

that the ingredient under cons.i.Ceration will be available -

into the foresee2.ble futu~eQuality (grade or sp_ecif.i.cation, color, character, defects, 

etc - ) 

Suitabl.lity in prod1lct formulation. As products become more 

com9lex, the chemical characteristics of minor ingredients 

become more critical. The way organic ingredients interact 

must be consistent in order to perfo:r.m. successfully. 

Cost and cost: stability \.lhere applicable. The mai:·ket is t.'-:e 

arb.iter of 1'1hether a cost is too high to be acceptable. 

Consistency of supply and evaluation of bus.in·ess risk . 

64 DISCUSSION 

65 The ComJnittee 1.1otlld place the dete~inction of organic 

66 ava.i.lab.ility within the domain of the Zlandle!'. This \.lill not 

67 ci:·eate a regulatory loophole. Respons.-'.~ility far making a 

68 comprehensive etiort to oOi::a.i.n orqar1ic .ingreC:ients m1ist reside 
75 

69 with the handlers, as they are best qualified to make this 

70 judgment. ResponsibiJ.ity for verifying chat the ef:fort: has been 

71 made lies with the certifier. In this m.anne:!: we a.llow each. party 

72 to pe?::fo:r.m its proner function and avoid asking (:e:o:tifiers to 

73 ::iecome food technoiogists. 

74 The Ccil'nltlittee believes that: the hcndle:?:"ll who have achieved a 951! 

75 organ.i.c product are generally predispo:oed t.o use organic 

76 inqred.i.ents 1-1henever practicable a11d t.t1at: the competitive forc:es 

77 of the market wi.11 furt:l:1er drive organic ingredient use. To Illil.ke 

78 t".hi . .s even inore certai.n, the committee strongly res1:ates its 

79 belief that percent organic ingredient .label.i.ng is of <;;:r;i ti cal 

BO importan,:e. 

81 RECOMMr:NDATION 

82 The ha11d.ler must make and document a comprehensive effort to 

83 obtain organic ingredients. The certifier must verify tl1at the 

~4 level of effort has- been adequ?t:e. Specifically, the cert:.i.fier 

85 mu.st conduct an annual inspecti(ln of the handler· and mu.st rev.i.ew 

86 t:he Organic Handling Plan, as well as conduct an audit: of handler 

87 records. Records which will be audited will include 

'l8 documentation for each r1on-organic !l\inor .i.ngredient: which 

39 ciocu..-nents the unavailability of a .suitable organic for!D.. In this 

90 review, the certifier should: 

91 

92 

93 

95 '' 

96 

,, 

98 

99 

ll " 

;2 

1. ve:i:·ify that the ha11dler has a process for seeking out 

organ.ic ingredients .in the o:r·ganic Handling Plan; 

2. verify that the handler. ha:s made qood faith effo:i:·ts to 

obtain the organic fonn of the .i.ngredient :fol.lowing 

steps outlined in tl1e Plan; 

3. withhold certificat.l.on if, in the review of the 

Handling Plan, t:he certifie~ dete.cmi.nes that sufficient 

documentation to justify use of a non-organic 

ingredient is absent; and 

4. have ava.i.lable a listing of notl-o.c·ganic agricultural 

products u.sed in foods labeled as "organic foods" by 

each t1andler that it cert.ifj.es. 
76 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

FINAL RECOMMENDATION ADDENDUM NUMBER 7 - -- ORGANIC GQD:O MANUFACTtllUNG PRACT:!'.CES 

Dci.t:e adopted: April 25, 1995 

Location: O:i:·larido, Florj.da 

COMMENTARY 

l sect.ioz1 6510 of r.he Organic Foods Production Act of. l.990 {OFPA} 

2 outlines some general standards for ceri:ified oi::·ganic handling 

3 ope:i:·at:ions. In addition, Seer.ion 6512 of the OFPA, si.:at:es: "If. a 

4 production or handl"ir1g practice is nor: prohibited or otherwise 

5 :i:·estricted wider this chapt.er, such pract.ic!O'.s shall be perruit t.eci 

6 unless it is detennined that such pracr . .i.ce would be inconsist.ent 

7 wit.h the applicable organic ce~tificai:ion pro,,ram." The NOSE 

8 thinks tha-::: it is in the best ir1terest of those affect.ad by the 

9 National o:r·ganic Prog:i:·am to have more specific guideliii.es 

10 esl'.:ablished for organic handling operar..i.ons and to more clearly 

11 define those handling practices that are "inconsistent with the 

:2 applicable organic certification program." 

::.J The NOS:a r·ecognizes thai:: all oz·ganic handling ope:i:·ation~ must 

:1 comply with all federal, state, and local food handling 

15 regulations. In additioit, ma11y organic ha11dling operations muse 

16 comply w.i:r.h the current good manufacturing p:i:·acr.;ices outlined in 

17 the Code of Federal Regular.ions, Vo.lume 21-, Chapte:i:· 1, Part 110. 

18 These current regulations fo:i:m the basis for organic good 

19. manufacturing and h2.11dling standards. 

20 

21 

22 

23 

-, ' -

25 

25 

-;. ., 

While complying with currenr. toud handling regulations, organic 

handling operations IllllSL prevent the "luss of organic integrity" 

of r:he organic food and. feeq. ni;.oss of organic int:eg:rit.y•' 

includes commingling organic food or feed wit:h conventional food 

or feed; contamina:r:io11 of organic food or feed with substances 

that are not inc.l11ded on the National List of allowed synthetic 

materials or that. are on the list: of prohibited 11aturals; or the 

use of prohibiLed ha11dling pr·actic:1;s o;s desc:::-ibed in the OFPA a11d 

this doc1'ment. 
29 ORGANIC GOOD MANUFACTURING PRJl.CTICES 

30 GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE IN PROCESSING, PA_CKING, OR HoLlJ:(NG 

31 ORGANICALLY PRDDtJCED H1J?l!JIN FOOD AND ANIMAL FJ.:ED 

3? I. Definitions (refe:t:· to 21 CFR Part 110.3) 

33 ThP. following definitions i;;hall be effective for the processing, 

34 packing, or. holding organically produced hum.an food and aiiima.l 

35 feed by a certified organic handler. 

36 l. "Loss of Organ:ic Integrity" mo:o.illls thP. contamination of an 

37 organically produced r.aw agricultural product or an organic 

38 processed food by commingling with non-organically produced food 

39 or by contact with substances that are not; incltJded on the 

40 Natj.onal list of allowed materials. . ·' 

41 2. "Ci·icic:al Control Point" means a pai11t: in a food process used 

42 by a certified organic handler where there is a high probabil.i.ty 

43 that. improper control may cause, allow, or contribute to a 

44 hazard, a loss of organic integricy of the food, or to filth i.n 

45 t:he final food or decomposition of t.he finaJ. food. 

46 3. "Q1iality cont:rol Operation" mean.9 a planned and systematic 

'17 proced11re for taking all actions i1ecessary to p:r·event an organic 

48 food from being adulterated within the meaniDg of the Fede:r·al 

49 Food Drug and Cosmet:l.c Act and to prevent the loss of organic 

50 integrity of the foOd. 

51 4. ".Sanitize." means to adequately treat food-c:ontact: surfaces by 

52 a process that. is effective i11 destroying vegetative cells of 

53 microorganisms of public healch significance, and in 

51 substantialJ.y reducing numbers of other imdesirahle 

55 microorganisms, but w'ithou"t: adversely affecting ctie prod1.1:ct or 

56 its safety fo:i: the consumer or causing t:h"" loss of or,,anic 

57 inr.egr..ity of the organic food. 

58 II. Requir·ement:.s of Certif.i.ed (lrganic: Hand.J.er.s 

59 1. All ce:rtif.i.ed organic handl er.s must: cam9ly with the current 

60 good man11factUring practices specified in t:he code of Fede:::a1 

61 Regulatj.ons, Volume 21, Chapte:!:" 1, Part J.J.O. In add..i. i:::ion, 
78 

62 cerr.ified organ.it": handlers mu~t comply with all other federal, 

63 sr.ate, and local food handling regulations, 

64 2. All cert,ified organic }1and.le::>:s must Comply with the following 

65 additiona:J. requirements for the processing, packing, or hold.ing 

66 of or·ganically produced h11man food. 

67 a) Cleanliness (r~ffil:i:· to 21 CFR Pare 110 (b) (9) 

68 Nece5sary precautions ·must be taken to prot.ecl: a~ainst 

69- cont.:amination of food, food-coI1tac::t surfaces, or food-packaging 

70 materials with 111ici::·oorganisms or foreig11 substances including, 

71 but not lim.ir:ed l:o, persp.irat:ion, hai::-, coEmet.ics, tobat.:co, 

72 cllemic:a.ls, substanc;_es that are not inc.luded on tile National list 

73 of allowed mater.i.aJ.s, and medicines applied to i::he skin. 

74 b) Education a11d Trainir1g [refer t.o 21 CFR Part: 110.10 (c) 

75 Food handlers and supe!.""Visors sho11ld rece.ive appropriate traiI1.i.ng 

76 in px:-oper food har1dling i::echniques, proper organic food hand.1.ing 

77 techniques, and food-proi::eci::ior1 principles and should be informed 

78 of the danger of poor personal hygiene and insanitary praci::ices. 

·19 c) !?lant Const:-:-uction/Design [refer to ?.:!. CFR Part 110.20 (b) 

80 {2) J 

81 Plant. consi::nic::.ion and design must permit t:he taking of proper 

82 precautions t:o r·educ"' the poteni::ial for cont:amination of food, 

83 food.-contact s~faces, or food-packaging materials with pests, 

84 microorganisms, chemicals, subst:.ances t-.har: are not included on 

85 the National list of allowed, mai::erials, filth, or ocher 

86 ext:!:"Clneous materi.al. 

87 d) Pest Cont.:::-01. [re.fe::r:· to 21 CFR Part 110 .35 {cl J 

88 Pest control substances that are not' in-.luded on the Nai::ional 

89 List. of allowed mar.erials or t:hat. appear on c}1e National List of 

90 prohibited na::•1ral mat.erials sllall not be used during the 

9!. processing, packing, or hold.ing of organically produced human 

92 food and, c.i.nimal f.<-:ed.. Sho11.1.1':1 the use of prcihj .. b.iterl. pest". cont'.:rol 

93 substances be required t:o cont:::-ol an .infest:ai::ion, all organic 

94 food and feed must: be removed from the facility before and during 

95 the applicacion of the prohibited pest control subs~ance. 
79 

96 Organic food and feed may be brought back into the f~cility when 

97 cl1ere is no danger of contamination of tb~ organic: food wit.h thci 

98 prohibited pest. control substance. 

99 

100 el Sanitat.i.on/Food Contact Surfaces [refer tu 21 CFR Part 11.0.3!:i 

101 (dl l 

102 In organic handling operations, ·treatment of food contact. 

103 surfaces, including ucer1sils and food··contaci:. su.t·fac:es of 

104 equipm,.,nt, with cleaning compounds and flanitizers m11si:: be 1'l.one in 

105 such a way as i:.o prevent che loss of org-anic integrity of the 

106 food. 

107 f) Processing Aids_ [refer to 21 CFR Part 170.3 (o ( (2'1) l 

108 For the purposes of labeling or·ganit:: foods or foods pu:!:pori:ing to 

109 contain organic ing:cedients, an "ingredient" is defined as any 

110 substance used in r:he preparat.ion of the food product that .1.s 

111 still present in the final product: as consumed, even if in 

112 modified form. 

113 g) Boiler Water ACditives [refe:i:· to :21 C.'FR Part 1"13.310 (a) 

114 Residues of boiler wat.e:!:" additives must be pre•rented from 

115 conLacting organically produced food by the us.e of steam without 

116 eni:rained water, si:eam filtering, or other means. 

117 3. Certified organic handlers may not use any of the followin~ 

118 p:rohib.ir:ed praci:ices for the processing, packing, o:i:· holaing of 

119 oz·gani.;;:ally pr·oducea human foorl.. 

17.0 a) Chemic~ls Used in Washing/Pee.ling [refer t.:o 21 CFR Part: 

121 173.315) 

122 Subst:ances that are not. included on the Nar:io11al 1.i.st of al.lowed 

123 materials shall not: be used to wash, peel, or otherwise prepare 

124 organically produced raw agricult11ral produces <1r organic food. 

12!:i bl Water Used in Hanclling 

126 Water t.baC cout.acts convent.:iona.lly prodllced raw agr.i.cult:11ral 

127 p:r·oductH during handling operat:ions such as ~1ashing, floar.ing, 
80 

:.28 l'."insing, or cooli.ng must not be used for handling of organically 

:i.29 produc::ed raw agriC..ilt.ural products. If State or J.oc:al water 

:.30 conse:?"Vation lo;.ws prevent: compliai:ice wit:h this provision, t:he"1 

'--1 oi::·g<>.nically produced raw agricult:ura.l productfi that. CGme in 

1.:2 contact: with w.;:t:ez used to har1dle conver1tionally prodl1ced raw 

'.!.23 agrir.1•lt:ural product:s must rece.!.ve a t!:iorough final clear! wat:E'!::; 

:.: 4 rinse bef.ore further handling. 

::.-~s c) Ion.izi11g Radi.at.ion [refer to 21 CE:?. Part 179. 26] 

:!. "?6 Ionizing rac:iiation. for the purpose of killing insect£ or 

: 7 mic::.-oo:r·ganisms in the food (21 CFR :J.79.2!0) may not lie used in the · 

: :a handling of organic fooC. Use of radiation (X-rays) for 

:. !9 inspect.ion of orgallii.c food is allo1o1ed (21 CTR 179.2:1.). 

140 dl Recombinant DNA Technology 

l~l 

1~2 

143" 

·144 

Organisms that are created t.hl:;Ough t:he \1se of recombinant DNA 

technology, or products of such organisms, shall not be used as 

ingredient:s or processing aic:is in t.he handling of org«nic f.ooc! 

Wlle.ss they appear on t:he National r.ist as "allowed synthet.i.cs." 

145 III. - Requ.irement.s of Ce?Ctifyi11g Ageni:::s 

l~6 Dur:i.ng thf'. inspe<::tio11 of cel:"tified organi" handling ope::'.'<i.tions, 

J.47 i:::he ce.1:"1:.i.!:y:i.ng agent: shall assess r::omplianc:e with t:he goud 

148 m<>nufacturing practj.cP.s for. processing, packing, or holding 

:;,49 organically pr.oduced hLunan food uutlined in this docu1ne.'1.t. 
81 

NA'l'IONAL OR(;ANIC S1'ANDARDS BOARD 

J;'IN~RECOMMENDATION ADDENDm:L_NUMBER 9 

NOSE PHASE-IN / IMPLEMENTA'!J:ON RECOMMENDAT.IONS 

Date adopted: 

Location: 

April 2'7, 1995 

Orlando, 1'L 

ORGANIC HANDLE~-~1:I}'IC1l.TION PHAsE-I}'!° __ ~C-~DA'.\'.ION: 

For the purposes of organic certification, the implementation 

date of the Federal OFPA shall be the date that USDA first 

publishes a ltst of Accredited Organic Ce:r:·tifying Agents or the 

date that the Final Rules are published, whichever is later. 

O:rganic Handlers who do not: pror:ess but handle organically . 

produced and/or processed food aft:er the implementation date of 

the Federal OFPA must have a current application on fiJ.e with a 

USDA Accredited Organic Certifying Agent w.i.thin two (2) months of 

the implementation' date of the-· Federal OFPA. Such Organic 

Handlers must be certified by a USDA Ac~redited Organic 

certifying Agent within twelve (12) months of the implementation 

date of the Federal OFPA. 

organic Processors selling previously third party certified 

products in interstate commerce labeled as "organic foods" or 

"foods made with organic ingredients" after the implementation 

date of the Federal OFPA shall: 1) have a current application on 

file with a USDA Accredited Organic certifying Agent within 

two (2) months of the implementation date of the Federal OFPA; 'and 

2) be certified by a USDA Accredited Organic Certifying Agent 

withi11 twelve (12) months of the illlplementation date of t.he 

Federal OFPA. 

Inventories of certifi~rganic Ingredients Used in ~~istinq 

'iirO.dUCt:S . 

Inventories of certified organic ingredients that ~ere purchased 

prior to the implementation date of the Federal OFPA for the 

purpose of u:se -in an existing product- and were -not produced 

and/o:i:· processed ir\ compliance with the Fi11al Rules may be used 

in as ingredients in "organic foods" and "foods made with organic 

ingredients" for no longe:i:· than twelve (12) months after the 

:implemeritation date of the Federal OFPA. 

E1ri.sti11q .. f'roce:ssed X.?~!"."'oduc~~s_ 

organic processed food products that were fi:r·st introduced tnto 

interstat.e C!Jrniterce prior to the implementation date of t11e 
82 

Federal OfFA must be in compliance with the F.i.nal Rules eighteen 

(l8) months after the illlp.lementation date of the Federal OFPA. 

New Orqanic Processed Food Product~ 

After the imp-lernentatj.on date of the Federal OFPA, Organic 

Processors shall not introduce into interstate collllD.erce any new 

products labeled as norganic foods" tlr "foods made 1-1ith ()J:ganic 

ingr·edients" until their application has been received by a USDA 

Accredited Organic Certifying Agent. All new organic processed 

food products must be .i.n compliance with the F:lnal Rnles. 

Date adopted• A.pri.l 25, 1995 

Location' Orlando, Florida 

PID\.SE-IN PERIOD FOR LABEI,S ON FOOD.q WITH ORGANIC INGREDIENT ·- -···---. CLAIMS, 

All pI·eviously third party certified products label.ed as an 

"organic food" or as a food "made w:ith organ:ic ingred:ients" or 

containing any :ingred:ient listed as an organ:ic :ingred:ient 

manufactured lB month~ after the publicat:ion date of the Final 

Rules shall meet the label:ing requirements of the National 

Organic Program Regulations. 

Date adopted: April 28, 1995 

1,ocation: Orlando, Florida 

C..."ROPS AND LIVESTOCK CoMM;rI_!EES RECOMMENDATiq~~---~N IMPL~11ENTAT_ION 

OF C'ROPS AND LIVESTOCK STANDAP.DS: 

A. (1) The use of a practice or material wh:ich becomes 

--prohibit-ea under thP.- NatiDnal orgaD.:LC Program '(NciPl :shall be 

terminated at the time of implemer1l:ation. However, any such 

p:r:·actice or material which had been permitted by a USDA 

accredited ceri:ifying agency at ar1y time within the 36 

months irrunediately prior to implilnientation of the NOP shall 

not b.,, cause for decertif.i.cat.ion of a field, crop, or 

livestock. 
6. 

83 

(2) If. a c:eri:ifying ag~ncy should dec:icie to deny a 

producer's certif.ication OI1 i::he basis cf a practice or· 

-.Ttlar.er.i.al prohibited unde::!: thr.- NOP, but which had been 

permit:t:ed by a USDA accredited certifyi~g agency at any 'time 

within 36 months immediately prior to irnplementat.i.on, the 

decision may be appealed by i:he producer according to 

procedures established in the NOP. 

(l) Policies r.oncerni11g Pesticide and :<-"ertilizer Drift and 

Mi.sapplicai::ion Policy; .Smal.l Farmer Exemption; Res:i.due 

Testirig; Allowance for a Split.: Orierat:iCJn; and Emergency 

Spray Exc~ption .shall be applicable at the time of 

implementation. 

(2) Policies concerning Livestock Feed; Healthcare, Record 

keeping and Transportation Practices; Antibiotic Use; 

and Synt.hetic Parasiticide U.se shall be applicable at the 

Lime of implement.at:ion. 

C. The 1.ar1guage concerning PJ.anting Stock Policie.s shall be 

a!olplicable a<. the time of implement:ation. However, any 

pract:.ice which had baen pe:nuitted by a U.';DA accredited 

cert:ifying agency at any titne withj.n the 36 months 

immediat:ely prior to imPlementat.i.on of the NOP shall not be 

cause for decertification of a field or crop. 

D. The requirement: for an Organic !-'arm Plan (Crop or r,ivestock) 

written by tl1e praduce:i::· shall be applicable at the time of 

implementation. "l'he approval of the Fa:-111 Plan by the 

certifying agency shall be completed no lat.er than the t.ime 

at. whj.ch the applicant is certified uncier the NOP. 

E. In order to maintain their cerr.ificat.ion, produceI"s 

p;r:ev.:j.ously cenj.fied by third party ·cel:'::ifiers must lJe 

certified under t}1e NOP by a USlJA accre~ited r:e!:"t.i.fying 

age!lcy no later than 12 months follo.,.ing the ds.Le that USDA 

f.i.rst pub.lishes a list of accredited ce:"."C::i.fying agencies. 
84.· 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

FINA!, RECOMMENDATION ADDENUIWI NIJMBER _]_Q 

LABELING OF CJ,OTHING MADE WITH ORGANIC COT'J.'ON 

Date adopced' September 20, 1996 

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana 

In troduc ti.on: 

'rhe Processing, Handling, and Labeling Committee has debated 

the .i.ssue of creating standards for organically g:z:·own texti.les, 

specifically as regards the dyeing process and proper labelirig o.f 

fibe:t·s and clothing made from organically grown cotton. Although 

the State of Texas has a well-crafted document for the growing, 

harvesting, handling, and ginning of organic cotton which the 

Committee recommended as the basis for the.organic cotton 

scandards_ for the first draft of. the Proposed Rules, t:he Texas 

standard stops short of the dyeing process. Complexities include 

1) the dyeing process' typical use of heavy metals in the mordant 

in both natural source dyes and low-impact dyes {conventionallysourced dyes reportedly use less energy and water in production) 

and 2) the seeming lack of viable alternatives which satisfy 

color variety and color fastness expectations. 

Meanwhile, clothing made from organically grown cotton but 

dyed wit:h "natu:cal" dyes or low- impact dyes, both using heavy 

metals in the process, is typically advertised and labeled as 

"organic", a situation the Committee views as unacceptable. 

Curr·ently, unbleached, undyed, "color grown" cottons exist 

as alt.ernatives to dyed cotton. Commercially-viable natural 

dyes, based on organically cultivated source material, and free 

of heavy metals, salts, solvent:s, and toxic chemicals are now 

being--successfully developed. These- produce campostable, 

biodegradable waste products and could likely fit under organic 

processing guidelines. 

0

Reco=eI:1dation, 

Upon implementation of the. National Organic Pr·ogram, 

textiles made wit-h orgar1ically grown fiber b<1.sed on adherence to 

t:he regul<1.tions as detailed in the National Organic Standards 

shall be labeled only <>S "made with organic fiber" pending future 

corro:--.'U.IIELORG 
85 

deliber~~ion on the definition of organic 

include approved dyeing process st~ndards. 

COTTONLl.BEL.ORC 

textiJ.es which will 
86 

LIVESTOCK 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Organic livestock production standards ................................................................................. 87 

Organic livestock production (Add. #17) ............................................................................. 114 

Orgruiic livestock healthcare practices (Add. #8) .............................................................. 116 

Use ofinoculants and vaccines in livestock production (Add. #Zl) ............................... 117 

Use of antibiotics in organic livestock production (Ad(l. #22) ....................................... 118 

Use of parasiticides in organic livestock productio11 (Add. #23) .................................... 119 

• 

' 2 

' 

5 

6 

' 8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

,, 

l• 

15 

16 

10 

18 PART III 

19 @TE: 

20 

-21----

,, 

23 

'' 25 

26 

87 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS EDAR!l 

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS 

Adopted June 2-4, 1994 in Santa Fe, New Mexico 

ORGANIC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION STANDARDS 

INTRODUCTION 

A. Purpose 

B. Definitions 

ORGANIC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION._!?1..NIDARDS 

Sources of Livestock 

Livestock Feed Sta11dard 

Organic Livesi:ock HeaJ.thcare, 

Transportation Practices 

Record-Keeping, 

The Use of Synthetic Antibiotics in Organic 

I,ivestock 

The Use of Synthetic Parasitic.ides in Organic 

Livestock Production 

a11d 

ORGAL"'l"IC LIVES'rOCK FARM PLAN AND .. LIVESTOCK QUESTIONNAIRE 

Handling, Processing and Labeling requirements for 

livestock and livestock: products az·e included in the 

recommer1dations .put forth ___ in the separate Board ___ _ 

documents; 

Organic HaI1dling l'lan 

Requirements for Handler Certification 

Organic Good Manufacturing Practices 

General Organic Food Labeling Standards 

L.i.vestoc:k. 694 
88 

27 PART l. 

28 A. 

29 This comprehensive document cont:ains i::.he :r·ecomtnended organic 

30 livestock: p:r:·oduction standards being prepared by the r,ivest.ock 

31 Cornm.i.t.t.ee and the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) for 

3?. recon1mendation to the Secretary of Agriculture, USDA. 

32 B. DEFT!glTIONS 

34 "J'.'lrE FOLLOWING TERMS AND D~FINITIONS ARI: A WORKING VOCAB'tJL.ARY FOR 

35 THE LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE AND HAVE NOT BEEN FORMALLY ACCEPTED FOR 

3.6 RECOMMENDATION TO T!iE SECRETARY. 

3 ., 

)8 

Statutory Definitions 

§.~ction 2103 .of the OFPJ; 

39 Botanical. Pesr:·icides. The term "botanical pesticides" means 

40 natural pest:ic:.ides derived 'from plants. 

41 Certifiei;l _Oroanic Fa:Dn..,__ The t:erm "certified organic farm" means a 

42 far;n, or port:ion of a farm, or site where agricultural products or 

43 livestock are produced, that: is certified by the certifying agent 

44 under [the OFFA) as utilizing a system of organic farming as 

45 described by [t:be OFPA]. 

46 Livestock. The term "livestock" means any catt:le, sheep, goats, 

47 swine, poultry, equine animals used for food or in the production 

48 of fooci, fish 11sed for food, wild or domest:icated game, or at.he!:" 

49 nor1plant life. 

so 

Sl 

S2 

s' 

S< 

SS 

S6 

57 

svnthet.ii;,_ The term "synt:het:l.c" means a substance that is 

fonaulated or manufact:u:r:eci by a chemi.:al process o"r by a "Orocess 

that chemically changes a substance extract:ed fI·om naturally 

occurring plant, animal, or mineral sources, except that such tern 

shall not apply to substances created by naturally occurring 

biological pr·ocesses. 

·· m.addition·.to· the·se stat:utorv d8firtit:iOn!1:,_-t.fil_LivestoCk 

9ronoses that the followino d~finitions._;tie est:ablished: 

Committee 

SB Audit TraiL The term "audit trail" means a verifiable record59 ](eeping syst~m which enables t-.he o:r:ganic product to be t:raced from 

. 60 final st.age back to' orioin and includes a docun1entation of all 

61 inp1lt-"> used in p:coduction-far the purpose of organic certification. 

62 Breeder .~.tock. FemaJ.e parer1t of organic livesto.ck. 

63 ,C,.c;immerciallY Availabk.,_ [incomplete] 

Livestock. 6~<1 
89 

64 j:onc~i:i_t:rate. The term "concent.rate" means a feed used with another 

65 feed to imp:i:·ave the nut::r·itional value of the ration. Generally, a 

66 concentrai:e is a feed grain with a greater proi::ein or energy 

67 cont:ent than roughage. 

,, !?ITlOt. Paved or unpaved enclos11re, devoid of vegetation. 

69 f_~rmina Operation. The term "farming operation" meai1s a single 

70 farin site located in isolation from ot:her farm sites under the 

71 owner·ship or management of the producP.r- [Draft} 

72 r·eed..._ The term "feed" means edible materials which are i;onsu~ed by 

73 livest:ack. Feed may be concent:rai:es (g:i:·ains) or rou<';hages·:(hay., 

74 silage, fodder)_ The term "feed" encompasses all agricuJ.tural 

·1.<; commodities, including pasture, ingested by livestoc)r; far 

76 n\!"C:rit:i.onal purpl'.lses. 

77 Feel). ~uuolement. The term "feed suppleme11t" means a feed 

78 used with anoi::her fe12d to improve the nutritive balance 

79 or performance of the total ration and intended to be: 

80 (1) Diluted with other feeds when fed to livestock; 

81 (2) offered free choice with at.her part:> of the ration 

82 if separately available; or 

B3 (3) Further diluted and mixed to produce a complete feed. 

84 Feed. Additive. ~·he tenn "feed additive" means a substance or 

as combination of substances added to feed in micro quantities to 

86 fulfill a specific need, i.e. nutrients in the form. ot: amino acids, 

9·1 minerals, and vitamins. 

88 .fo!'aae.. The r:erm "forage" meani:; vegetable material in a fresh, 

89 dried, or ensiled state (past.1:ire, hay or silage) which is fed to 

90 livestock. 

91 Inauts. [incomplete] 

92 Manure Refe .. g:in.<;L. The intent.ional addition of manure or livestock 

93 litt:er r:o the rai:ion, 

94 Ora;:i,nic. An adject.ive r:o define livestock certifiable according to 

95 the recommended standar·ds, 

9G 

97 

,, 

99 

... 0r'i_ianic Production -Methods. 

organic method."s as defined by 

-Ped-. 1.00% organic -feed-and-- under 

the recommended standards. 

Oroanically-Raised. 

product:ion methods as 

r • .i ve.stock • 5 94 

Fed 100% org-anic feed and under organic 

det:ir1ed by the r·ecommended standards. 
''' 101 

''' :L03 

,,, 

''' 

,,, 

107 

).09 '''

''' ''' 

90 

R~.t..ion. The term "ration" means 

to an aJ:1imal. 

the daily amount of feed supplied 

Balanced B.ii!!;,.iRn. The te:i:111- "balanced rat:ion" 

means a ration that provides an animal the 

proper amounts and· proportions of all the 

r-equired n•1t.rienr:s. 

Rq!,11;~-I!~.Q'..~.!:L_ The term "routi11e use" means the sched11led regular or 

periodic administration of mariagement practices or application of 

ir1g:z:·edient:s such as feed suppleme11r:s, parasiticides, or medicar:io11s 

to livestcick rations or productior1 practices. 

Poug:)J~g_e_ .. 

livesr:ock, 

The term "roughage" means a11y cuarsE!, r-ough food for 

such as hay, silage, fodder, browse, or pasture. 

11-2 soecies. The term "species" means a group of livestor:k ..,ith common 

ll) at.t.r.ibutes and dli!signar:ed by a coinmon name; subsli!t of genus. 

114\ subtheraueutic_ The term "subtherapeut.ic" means low-level 

llS adrn:i.nj.stration of medications, such as ant .. ibiotics, to the rations 

116 of animals to prevent the development. of disease in those animals, 

117 even when sympt:oms of such --cond.it:i.ons may not be evident. 

ll8 

,,, 

''' 

systemic. The 

througho11r: the 

bodl.ly systems. 

"systemic" means ab,..orbed and distributed 

with the potential for affecting multiple 

121 '.I:Q!;i.ical .. The term "topical" means s11perf:i.cial or external. 

122 Toxic. The term "toxic" means any natural or syni:hetic subst:ance 

123 to which livli!st:ock are exposed that may be harmful or poisonous. 

124 "Toxic" effects are largely de!termined by dosage (amou11t of 

l'.<5 exposure) and individual sensitivity. 

Lives t:ock . Ii 9~ 
91 

J.26 · PlillT II ORG@IC I.IVESTOCK PRODtlC'l'JON STANDARDS 

127 NA'.r.!ONAL ORGANIC: STANDARDS BOARD 

128 ~~ RECQMMENDATJ:O?f 

129 Adopted on June 2, 1994 in Sarita Fe, New Mexico. 

130 LIVESTOCK SO'IJRCF.S 

131 9.t..~ 

132 (1) Livestock which do not meet: the standards for organic 

133 ]..i.vesi:::ock sl:1all not coni:aminat:e o:r·ganic livestock remaining in the 

1-34 farming operar:ion with substances prohibited by i:he National J,ist. 

135 (2) Livesi::ock and/or the products of livestock which do not meet: 

136 the standards for organic livesr:ock shall be divert:ed to the 

:L37 conventional 1narket when sold. 

138 (3) The USDA. accredit;ed certifying agents shall include a sect.ion 

139 in t:he Organic Farm Plan which requests that producers describe 

140 their current efforts and existing obstacles toward conversion. 

141 (4) Breeder stock, day-old poultry Etock, and replacement dairy 

142 stock shall be obtained from organic sources, with the following 

143 exception: 

144 Non-organic stock shall be permitte<l to be 

145 purchased if the producer can doc11ment to the 

146 satisfaction of a USDA accredited certifying 

147 agent that organically raised stock: of 

148 acceptable quality and genetic potential is 

149 not comme:r:·ciaJ.ly available. 

151 (l) Only slaughter st:ock that are progeny of fema:l.e breeder .stock 

152 under organic production ·methods from the ·1-ast third of gest-.ii.tlOn· 

153 or longer shall be considered organic. 

154 (2) Purchased breeder stock shall be unde:r:· organic production 

155 metho<is f:r·om such t.i.me such s-r:ock is brnught onto a certified 

156 organic farm. If such bi:-eeder stock is event:ually Eold for 

157 slaughter, it will not be conside:r·ed ,;r9·anic unless it meets the 

158. requirernenr.s for slaught.er stock.*" 

155 

160 *" o:r·ganic breeder stock may r.eceive an applicat.i.or1 of synthetic 
,,, 

,,, 

163 

''' 165 ' 

166 

>67 

''' 

,,, 

J.70 

92 

antibiotic .1.n t:h~ event of a healthcare emergency. In :such 

instance, the progeny may be sold or labeled as organically 

pi:·oduced provided that the application to the breeder stock does 

not occur in the last. third of gesr.at.i.on or while nursing the 

p:i::·ogeny, and the application is prescribed by a licensed 

ver.erinarian. The organic breeder sr.ock, having l'.·eceived an 

appJ.ication of synthetic antibiotics, is not disqualified fz·om 

having its fut11re progeny sold or labeled as organic. 

(3) Breede:i:· stock 

production methods 

born on the 

f:::-om birth. 

organic farm shall be under organic 

171 (4) AJ::·tificial insemination is allowed. 

172 SLAUGHTER S'l'OC]. 

1 73 Slaughter stock .shall be born to organ.i.c breeder stock and be 

174 raised under organic production mer.hods. 

175 

176 

;77 

17e 

POULTRY STOCK 

All poult.ry from which 

organically produced shall be 

'methods from onP- day old. 

meat or eggs 

raised under 

179' QAIRX STOCK 

will be sold as 

organic production 

180 Replacement dairy stock m11st be fed certified organic feeds 

181. and ra.i.sed under organic 11\Clnagernent p:r·actices from the time such 

182 stock is brought onto a certified organic farm and for not less 

183 than the l.2 month pe:r·iod immediately prior to the sale of milk and 

184 milk products from such stock. 

Lives t:ock . 6 94 
185 

186 

187 

188 

189 

180 

181 

192 

193 

199 

195 

,196 

197 

198 

189 

200 

20.t 

202 

20, 

204. 

205 

206 

207 

208 

209 

2"10 

211 

212 

21, 

214 

215 

218 

217 

2.18 

219 

220 

221 

222 

223 

224 

B. 

c. 

D93 

NATIONAL ORGANIC S'l'ANDARDS BOARD 

fINAL BOARD.RECOMMENDATION 

Adopted on June 2, 1994 ir1 Sa11t:a Fe, New Mexico 

LIVESTOC:[ FEED IO:TANilAlUl 

All ce?."r.ified organically produced livestock shall be fed 

certified organically prod11ced feeds and feed supplemeni:s. 

1. Feed Sllpplement:s fed t:o livestock directly or as a 

supplement tQ feed :r·ations shall be cert.ified organically 

produced. 

2. Pasture land upon which livestock are g:r·azed or pastured 

shall be ce!'."tified, and the o:r·gaI1ic Livestock Plan shall 

contain manageme111: measures designed to maximize soil. 

fertility and rangeland health as determined by the 

cert.ifying age!lt _ 

Feed addii:ives fed t:O livestock shall nleet: t:t-.e following 

requirements: 

l- Natural feed addit.ives shall be f:::-om any sou:::-ce, p1:"oviaen 

t:he additive is nor. classified as a Prohibited Natural on 

the National List:; 

2. Synt.het:ic: feed additives shalJ. be mat:e'.!:"ials which a::e 

classified as Allowed Synthetics on the Nat:io:ial r,~st:. 

The Organic Livestock Plan shall include a contingency plan 

for obt:ainj.ng cert.ified organic: feed from a seconcia~ 

sourc:e. 

In t:he event of a feed availability eme~gency, non-organic 

feeci may be fed t:o ce:::-tified organically produced lives:ock 

on an extremely limit.ed basis, provided that the ce::t.ifying 

agent is immediately not.ified of r:he emei:-gency and 

establishes a maximum t:ime period during which the nonor·9a11ic feed may be 11f>ed. F.ffort.s t:o locat:e feed which has 

been produced without use. of prohibited subsr:ances shall be 

document.ed. 

l. Feed availability emergency is a temporary and 

unforeseeable shortage of cert.ifi~rl o:r·gfiliic livest:ock feed 

due t:o emergency condicions heyond the producer's cont.::-ol: 

Th:i.:s eme~gency ffillst. he verified by the cert:ificai.:.i.un agerrr. 

usinq cc.>ns.i.ster1t criteria co erisure uniform excepcioris. 

2. .In t:t1e case of such emergency, the produce~· shall make 

Livestocl<. 69~ 
,,, 

226 

227 

228 

229 

230 

231 

2]2 

233 

2'.\4 

eve:i:·y reasonable effort and maintain a record of everv such 

e£fo:::·1~ to locate organically grown feed, using the following 

pz·iori L.ization: 

a. Cert:i.fied Organic Fe Ed 

b. Nori -ce:r·ti.f ied Organic Feed 

o. Feed from farms under organic management for 2 

years 

d. Feed from fanus under organic m<inagement foz· 

year ' 

'. Conventional Feed. 

!.i vest:"<;k. 6 94 
235 

,,, 

''' 

238 

2J9 

95 

NATIONAl, ORGAN!C STANDARDS BOARD 

FINAL BOARD RECOMMENDATION 

Adopted on June 2, 1994 in Santa Fe, New Mexico 

ORGANIC LIVESTOCK HEALTHCARE, R~CORD·-KJ::EPING, 

& TRANSPORTATION PRACTICES 

240 §.!;:atuto.rv Rei:mj._,:J~.ro.er1j:;_~ 

241 The following p:i::·act.ices are prohibit:ed under Sect:io11 2ll.O (0) (:!.) 

242 of the OFl'A! 

243 (1) Use of "subtherapeutit: doses of antibiotics"; 

244 {2) tJse of "synthetic ini::ernal pi'lrasitic:ides on a routine 

245 basis"; 

246 (3) Administration of "medicat.ior1, other t.han vaccinai::ions, in 

24 7 t:he absence of illness" 

248 Section 2110 (d) (2) sets forth the responsibility of the 9oard to 

249 "recommend co t.:.he Secretary standards in addition to those in 

250 [Sectiori 2110 (D) (1)] for the care of iivescock to ensure that 

251 such livestock is organically produced." 

2':i2 Qiv~n the aut.horitv se\: forth under Section 211Q.JAl.J.ll, the ~OS:3 

253 p.,..ouoses that the followincr stand~rds be established; 

,,, 

255 

255 

''' ''' 

259 

260 

261 

,,, 

''' 264 

265 

,,, ''' 

258 

,,, 

''" ,,, 

2·12 

2·13 

''' 

(:!.) Livestock whict1 are t.rear:ed witli o:i::· fed p:i::·ohibiteci mate:!"ials 

for healthcare pui-poses shall not: conl:aminate organic lives<:ock 

remaining in tt1e farming operation. Use of. prohibited materio;;ls 

on individ11al livestock sl:iall not result in a change of st:atuo; 

for the rem>1.ining organic livestock. 

(2) The action of a producer. to withhold creatment to 1na.i.ntain 

the or·ganic stat.us of an individual livestock animal whic):i 

resulr:s in the otl1erwise avo.i.dable suffering or death of the 

animal shall be grounds for decert:if.i.cat.ion. 

(3) A production er1vironment: which limits livestock stress and 

p:romoces livestock healtli shal.l be provided; it l!lllst include the. -f.ol·lowing factors: · ----·· · · · · · - -

(a) accesH to sl1ade, shelter, fresh air, and daylight 

suitable t:o the species, the st.age of p:t:od.uction, the 

climate, and th"' ~.nviror1ment.; 

(b) app::copriate clean and dry bedding, a9propriate to the 

hllsbandry syi;i::etn, provided 1:t1at: if the bedding is typically 

<.10~1sumed lry th<i ar1i.mal s1~eciP.s, t.he cP.rt:.ifying a<Jency shall 

make an express der.e=ination t.h;;r,t t.he feed st".andard sec 

fort:h in these regulations is riot: violated. 

(c) a hou.sl.r1g design which pl:"ovides :f.o:r.: 

Li ve~t:<><:lo • 6 9<1 
96 ' 

275 (iJ nar.11ral. maintenance, comfort behaviors, 

276 and the opportunity to exercise; 

277 (ii) temperature level, ventilar.ion, and a:ir 

276 circulation suitable to the species; and 

279 (iii) the reduction of potential for livestock injury. 

280 (d) a proper manure managemen~ system to reduce disease and 

2B1 parasite recycling and which also optirni<1:es nutrie!'.t 

282 recycling and minimizes soil and wateL· degrar:l.ation. 

''3 284 (<l) Livesr.ock ~onfinement standards to be developed late'-. 

''' 1 . l<-"l!MAL SOURCE A..l:JD LJE-"E L"'YCLE RECORDS 

28'7 ,Stat11tory Reauiremerits 

286 Section 2110 (f) (l) sets forth the requirement that producers must 

289 "maintain a detailed, verifiable audit trail so that each animal 

290 (or in the case of poultry, each flock) can be traced back to 

291 !the) farm." 

292 !n addit~on to statutorv reouirements the _NOSE nronoses that_~ 

~93 followincr standards be esi:::a.blished: 

,,, 

295 

296 

297" 

298 

239 

(1) An identification sysi:::em must ensure the ident.;.ty of organic 

livestock. 

(2) Each slaughter ai1imal/po11ltry flock/fish lot must be 

traceable through the life-cycle. 

(3} A prodticer shall documeni::: all li.vestock sales and purchases. 

'· H~ALT~CARE RECORDS 

300 Statu~~i.;rement§ 

301 Section 2110 (f) (2) (A) sets forth the requirement that: produce~s 

302 must "k:eep accurate records" pertaining to "amounts and sources 

303 of all medicat.ions adminJ.stered" to "each animal. (o::- in the case 

30<1 of poultry, each flock." 

305 In ac!dition J:q staCUt><£L_,recru;,rewents. the NOSB grooo.ses r:hat i:::he 

306 followino staru;@rd;a· be ·establ.i;.sbed: · 

307 (1) Producers must documeni::: the r<it:ionale for use of al.l 

306 syni:::hetj.c health care inputs appearing on the National List. 

309 3. 

310 .::>tatll.!;;Qrv Re@iren1ents 

:>11 section 2ll0 (fl (2) (B) sei:::s forth the requiremer11: thoit: pi::od11cers 

312 must "keep accurate records" pertaining to all feeris and feed 

313 supplemfO:nts bought and fed" for and to "each anin1al" (or in r.tie 

314 case of poultry, each flock). 

Livesr:oel<.69~ 
97 

315 'rhe NOSB nronoses no standarcL!:i.. in_i'.9.fil~-~D!l to the above st<1i.:ui::orv 

310 reouireme::its. 

318 In additior:i. to statutorv reauire~e!l.tS _ tb\"....llOSB Livestock 

319 coir,mii::tee nronoses t_ti.at the followincr _'?!;'-~ndard'?_.b_~--~s!;_~blished; 

320 

321 

332 

323 

111 

( 2 ) 

Ai.1dit: trail 1n1ist remilin verifiable tl1roughnut. 

transport.at.ion. 

Contaminacion by prohibited mat.ez:ials shall not occur duri11g 

trans1)ort. 
324 

32.'3 

326 

32'/ 

'329 

98 

NA~IDNAL ORGANIC STANDARDS EOAlW 

fINAR_E.EcoMMENJ;l~TION 

Adopted on June 4, l994 .i.n Santa Fe, New ~lexico. 

THE USE 0~ ANTIBIOTICS IN ORGANIC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION 

330 'l'l".e use or· application of ani-.ibiotics as medicc..i-.ion or 

33:1 gr·owt:h promote.t"s iI\ o:r·gar1ically produced sla11ghter livestock that 

3::1:.! is labeled or so.1.d as organically pror:i.11ced, is pro!1ibiced. 

333 should an antibiotic be administ:ered for whatever reason, to 

334 othe:-:-wise organically prod11ced livesi:::ock, ti-.at ::.::.vestock and any 

335 prod11ct.:s de'.".'ived therefrom shall not be labeled or soJ.d as 

336 organicall.y produced. 

337 A"'-t:..biotic Use ;n Oraaro.i-:: Breeder .stock 

338 The use or application of ant:ibiotics as medication or 

339 growth promote:?:"s in animals labeled or sold <.s orgcir.ic breeder 

340 stock, the progeny of which is int:ended to be labeled or sold as 

341 organically produced, is restricted. 

34'..l Org-"'nic breede:":" stock may receive application of antibiot.:'_c 

343 in t~e event of a healthcare e1nergency. In S\lch instanc;e, ,the 

344- p::;ogeny 1nay be sold or labeled as organically produced provided 

345 that the application to the breedsr stock does not occu:::" in the 

346 last thir(l of gesc:ation or while nursing the progeny, and c:~e 

34'/ applica'tion is prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. The 

348 organic breeder stock, having received an applicati.on oi: 

34-9 antibiotics, is not: disqualified from having its future progeny 

350 sold or labeled as organic. 

351 Arir:ibiotic Use in Orcrcinic Dairv Sl;.9!'.'i:s. 

352 The use or applicatioii of antibiotics as medication o::i: 

353 growth promotei:·s in dairy animals, ~shose milk or milk producr:s 

35<\\ a::-e intended to be labelfld or sold as organically produced, is 

3S5 rest:ricted. 

~56 .Should_ an ai1tib.i.c_:it:ic be acln1inis1:8;.ed to.i:· whatever reason to 

357 ot.he!'.-wise organieall.y p:i:oduced dairy stock, m.ilk or milk prod11ct::s 

3513 derived frorn t:hat da.i.ry .stoi:;k may r1<it be sold or .labeled as 

359 organically produc;ed fez· .90 day:. folJ.owing the date of 

360 applicaci_o11 or 11se and furtl1ermo:i::-e must sat:isfy all five 

Lives i:o<:k. b9 ~ 
99 

J!i:t conditions listed in the addendum to the recommendatiorl on i:::he 

J62 use of anr:ibiotics in o:i:-ganic livestock product:\.on. This 9olicy 

363 tc be reevaluated in two Y"-ar.s. 

r..i """.:or.I< , 6 94 
9,, 

965 

366 

367 

,368 

969 

9,0 

9,1 

J 72 

3,9 3,, 

375 9,, 

37·1 

9,8 

3,9 

380 

381 

382 

983 

384 

385 

38, 

9 8, 

388 

3 89 

390 

3 91 

392 

993 

3 9• 

995 

39' 

39' 

100 

ADDENDUM TO THE RECOMMENDATION ON 

T£E USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN ORGAN'IC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION 

l. Organic farmers and ranchers shall practice preventative health 

maintenance th:i:·augh quarantine for incoming stock, sound nut:rition, 

good lJreeding practices, proper s>lllit:ation and manure management, 

i'.ppropriate vaccinar:ion pz·ograms for the region, reduction of 

ani111al stre~s, well managed pastures and oi::her sound hsal.th 

management pr.actices. 

2. l'.\ny use or application of antibiotics in organically produced 

livestock will be the last resort after all appropriate organic 

managemflnt practices have bee!l utili~ed and documented in the Farm 

Plan. Ant:ibior:ics should only h-e used for medical emergi=!lcies 

requiring treatment and where effective alternative treatment are 

not yet available, in order to save an animal's life, to p:i:·event 

unnecessary suffering, and to restore the animal to full health. 

3. Any use or application of antibiotics in organicallv produced 

livestock is restr·icted to those substances which have been 

revieweci by the technical advisory panel according to the criteria 

arid process requi:r.ed under -:.!:le Act, placed on a National List by 

specific use, applicaLic:i and/or species, and approved by the 

Secrei::ary of Agric:ilture. A....-iy use or application of antibiotics 

in organically p:i:·ociuced l:'..ves:.:cck shall OCC\lr within the context of 

a valid veterinarian cl:'..ent pa-:.:'..ent relationship as def.ined by the 

Food and Drug Administration Compliance Policy Guide #7125.06. 

4. Any use or application of antibiotics in organically produceci 

livestoclc will require a written justification for each use durins 

t!Je anneal farm p.lar1 r~view and an evaluation of prac::ices in place 

in orC.e:.: t.o el.i1ninate the need for antibiotic use in the future. 

5. If used, ar1i:ibiotic treatment:.s muat be subject to record 

lc~e,;iing and observation of sr.rict 1~ithdrawal periods. Any treated 

animal musL be individually ident:ifiable during the drug wit!1drawal 

period. Subtherapeutic o:r· routine use of any antibiotics and 

administration of. any antibiotics in the absence of" illness is 

prohibit:eQ. 

Li vest:oc:k. 694 
399 

399 

400 

40J. 

<02 

403 

101 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

?INAL RECOMlifEN!lATION 

Adopted on June 4, l.994' in Sant.a Fe, New Mexico 

THE USE OF SnrniETYC P~SI'TICIDES IN QRGAN!C LIVESTOCK 

PRODUCTION 

404 SYN'£HETIC P~?ITIC!DJ;;_ USE _IN ORGANIC SLAUGHTER .<;il'OC'S; 

405 The use gr application of syi1t:l1etie parasiticides in 

406 organically produced slaughter stock t.hat. is labeled or sold as 

407 organically produced is prohibited. 

400 Should a synt.hetic parasit:iGirle be administered for whatever 

409 reason to otherwise organica.lly produced livestock, that 

410 livest.ock and any product:s derived therefrom shaJ.1 not be labeled 

4ll or· sold a.s organically produced. 

4.1.2 ,2~7.."E'!'l\:_ P.11-11.ASIT':J::!:DB USE !N ._ORC:ANIC BREEDER S"!'QCK 

4l3 The use and application of synthetic parasiticicies .l.n 

41.4 livestoclr labeled or. sold as organic breeder st.occk, the proge:-.y 

415 of which is intended to be labeled or sold as organically 

416 produced, is restrict.ed. 

417 Organically produced breede!:" stock may receive aoolicar:ion 

41.B of synthecio parasiticides in tl1e event of a tiealthcai:e 

419 eme!:"gency; such an exception for use of synthetic parasitic3.des 

420 shall not be canst.rued as allowance for routine application. The 

421 p:r·ogeny of the treated breeder st.ock may be sold or· labE' .. 1..ed or 

422 organically p:r:·oduced p:r:·ovided t.J1e application does not. occur in 

423 the last third of gestat.ion or during lac:t.ation, and provided t:he 

424 need for the application has been vP.rif.iP.d by a licensed 

425 vet:erina:r:·ian, 

426 The treated organic breeder stock is not disqualified from 

·427 the organic producr.ion program, arid··reinains eligible ·for the ····· 

428 prodiict.ion of futu:i:·e orgariic offspring. 

429 SXNT;.!E'rrc PhJl.ASIT!CIDE_ USE TN OWGANIC DAIRY S'I'OC::,"S_ (coritinued) 

430 st1ould a. synt:l1etic parali'iiticide be <>.dministe:::-ed fo:t· what.ever 

431 reaso;:in to otherw.i.se organically produced dairy sr.ock, milk or· 

432 1nilk products derived from that. di'!.izy stock inay not. be sold or 
102 

4:33 labeled a:i organically produced for 90 days following the date of 

434 appJ.icat.\..on or use. 

435 Dairy stock: may receive appli-cation of synthet.ic 

436 parasitic.ide.s or1ly in the event of a healthcare emergency; such 

437 an exception foi:· use of synthetic parasiticides shall noc be 

43!! construed as allowance for routine application. The need foI' 

43S such applica:cion to dairy 5tock must be verif.i.ed by a licensed 

440 veterinarian. 

,,, 

,,, 

443 

Any deviations f'rou1 the above standards shall 

specific and be set forth in a separate document. 

shall include, but. not be limii:ed t.:o, sheep, goats 

be species 

Such review 

and swine. 
444 

445 

,,, 

103 

ADDENDUM ·ro THE RECOMMENDATION ON 

'l'HE USE OF SYNTHETIC PARASITICIDF:S IN ORGAi'<IC LIVESTOCK 

PRODUCTION 

447 1. The :i:-egular·, planned or per.i.odic Ufle of parasiticictes is 

448 considered t:o be a dependency on routine medication and is 

4<:.9 prohibir.ed. 

450 2. Any intentional use or application of ~ynthetic parasiticides 

451 in organically produced livescocle will be the last: resort aft~r.-

452 all appropriate organic management pract.ices have been ut:ilized 

453 and do·cumented .i.n the Farm Plan. These would include but: not: be 

454 limited to: 

455 

•56 

,,, 

4S8 

459 

460 

46, 

462 

463 

464 

46!:i 

466 

46' 

468 

469 

4 '0 

4 "/J, 

,,, 

4 ·13 

''' 4,5 

4 '' 4 '/"/ 

4 '/8 

·-400 '''

481 

,,, 

483 

464 

485 

a. Quaranti11e and fecal exams for all incoming scock. 

b. Adequate pascure rotation and good pasture ma11agement.. 

c. Periodic fecal exam and culling seriously infE'.sted 

in di viduaJ.s . 

d. Vector and int.E'.rmediate host control. 

e. Using biological cont:rol measures sucl1 as fly parasites. 

f. Maintaining dusting·wallows for poultry. 

3. Any intentional use or application of syni:hetic parasitic:'.des 

in organically produced livestock is restricted to those 

substances which have been reviewed by the technical advisory 

panel according t.o the c:i:-iteria and p.cocess required under t11e 

Act, placed on a National List of permitt"'d synthei:.ics by 

specific use, application, arid/oi:- species and approved by the 

Secretary of Agriculture. The use or· application of synthet.ic 

parasiticides in organically produced livestock shall occu:i:-

within the cor1tent of a valid vet:e:t·ina:z:·ian client patient 

relat:ionship as defined by t:he Food and Drug Administration 

Co1npliance Policy Guide ll"/125.06. 

4. Any intentional use or application of synt:hetic parasiticides 

in organically produced livestock. shall re.qt.tire a justification, 

for each use, during the arlitual fa:r'lll plan review and an 

evaluai:ion of practices in place to eliminate the need for 

parasiticides in the future. If used, synthetic parasiticide 

treatments must be subject: Lo careful record keeping and 

ohse=vation of st:rict withdrawal per·iods. Any t:reatetj ani!l)al 

mu5i; bEi ··:i.ndiviaually ideritifi"able dUi"ing· the drt1g withdrawal 

period. 

5. Any int:entional use or application of synthetic pa:r·a.!iiticides 

in organically prod1iced livestock shall be adminisr.:ererl in a 

manner as r.:o mosi; effectively t:reat pa.'t'asite infesi;ations in 

or(ier to eli1~ir1ate t:1ie neerl to treat. in the f11tu:t·e, 

Li vest:ock. G 9~ 
104 

486 - PART III QH_GA.l'llC F8ffi.'L_PLAN_ 

4 8 ., 

488 

488 

490 

481 

482 

493 

484 

485 

496 

487 

488 

488 

500 

501 

50, 

S03 

S04 

505 

506 

507 

5 Cl 8 

508 

510 

Sll 

s:..2 

513 

534 

.• 

535 

515 

'517 

518 

518 

5,0 

521 5,, 

,,, 

524 

525 

~26 

517 

520 

!; 29 

"The t.e!"Ttl 'certified organic farm' means a farm or portion 

of a farm, or site where agricultural product!> oz· livestock are 

produced, that is certified by· the certifying agent under this 

t:itle as 1:tilizi.ng a system of oz·ganic farm.ing as described by 

tt1is title." (OFPA § 2114[a)) 

"The term 'organic plan' rne<ins a pla11 of management of an 

organic farming or handling operation that. has been agreed tp by 

t:he prodi.1cer or handler arid t.}1e certifying agenr. and includes 

written plans concE'.rr1ing all aspects of. agricultural produci:ion or 

hanciling described .i.n this tii:le including crop rotation and other 

practices as required under this title." [Organic Foods Produc:t:ion 

Act: of J.990 (OFPAJ !i 2103] "A producer or handler seeking 

ce.rtificai:::ion 1inder this title shall submir. an organic plan to the 

ce:rr:ifying agent and i:he State organic cerl:i.ficai:ion program (;if 

applicable), and such plan shall be rE!viewed by the cert:i.fying 

agent wh.o shall di:itermine if such p.lan meets the requ.irements of 

the pz·ograms." (O!'PA § 2114) 

The puzpose of t.he Organic Farm Plan is twofold; t.o aEsist the 

producer and to as~ist tl1e -.ert:ifying agent. i:or the producer, the 

organic Farm Plan provides a fle:x:ible, us.,, fill, and affordable tool 

for developing an ecologically sourid resouz·ce manage:nenr: syst.em on 

her/his farm. The process of developing the Organic Farm Pl.an 

allows the producer t.o plan and evalu<:lte far<n management: practices 

and make tangible improvements in the farming operai:ion. li'or the 

cez·tifying agent, the Organic <'arm l'lar1 provides e.ssential 

information for assessing i-.he producer·' s compliance with the Or"PA.. 

The Organic Farm Plan is a wr.i.ttP.n document t:hat describes how 

che organi;: farm is managed. It is wrir:r:en by the producei:, agreed 

to by the ce!'t-.ifying agent, and must: he up<lat:ed annually t.o refJ.ect 

changes ancl improvements in fa:nn management. The actual format may 

be incozparated ir1to the clocumer1t:s which the certifyi11rr agent uses 

in their -yearly appl-icatior1/renewal process or -as a pai:t of theiz· 

annua1 farm inspection. The foll.owing components, prese!1r:ed below 

in questionnaire form, n1ust be inc1.1lded .i.f they are relevant to r:he 

ope:rat ior1. 

'rhe Organic: !-'arm Plan mllst address the key elsmenr.s of organic 

crop production' s1Jil and ernp manage1ner1t, rei;ource mar1t1gement, 

crop protei;;:tion, and maintaining oz·ganic ir1r:eg.i:-it:y through g:z:·owinq, 

harvesting, antl posi-.-harvest operilt:ions. Where livestock are 

ir1cluded ir1 t:he overall operation of the organ.i.c i.·arm for t:he 

pul:'.pose of n1a.rl<etinq and labeling orgar1ic livest.:ock and livestock 

Lives toc:k. G ~4 
105 

530 producr.s, the Organic Farm Plan must address the key elements of 

531 organic livestock product.:ion: manure managemeni::; livestock health, 

532 care, and breeding practices; artima.l sources; feed sources; feed 

533 conl.ingency plans for short.ages and emergencies; maintenance of 

534 organic feed int.egrit:y fi:·om field to feeding; ho11s.i.ng and liv.incr 

535 conditions; record keeping; handling practiceE; pasi:ure and graiing 

53 6 land management; ecosystem oversight co reduce the env.i.:<:"or1mental 

537 impact of animal p!:"oduct:ion practices; and, if applicable, 

538 appropriate der:ails for ensuring integrity of organic animals on a 

539 spli.t. operation. 

540 Not: all componerr1.:s of. the Crops or r.ivestock questionnaires 

54l p:r:·esented below will apply t:o all farms. Producers m11st decide 

542 which components are relevant t:o their operations and incl11de them 

54) l.n their individual organic farm plans; 

544 Organic farming is not merely a list of acceptable and 

S<:.5 p:r·o~1ibiteO niat:erials. It is a management-int:ensive t:eclmology 

546 designed to achieve a balance ir1 i.:he agricultu:r·al and livesr.ock 

547 system similar to that fo11nd in natural systems. Such a balance 

548 produces healthy soils and high quality crops and livestocJc. A 

549 commitment to long-term soil improvement or maintenance at a high 

550 fert:ility level should be z·ef'lected ir'.l the Organic Fazm l?lan. The 

SS:i. em~hasis should be on building up o:r·ganic ma\'.ter in t:he soil 

532 through green manuring and/or applieat:ions of compost:ed materials 

553 with coinplement:ary application of rock m5.ne?:"als. While ce?:"t.ain 

554 soluble soil fertilizing n1aterials and foli.ar appJ.ications are nQt 

555 prohibited, they must be used as an adjunct: to a ].Qng-term approach 

556 to soil f.err.ility and/or for specific shorr.-t.erm needs. 

557 'l'he grower will. provide adeq11ate maps of all parcels farmed 

558 under his or he?:" control, with 3-year hisr.ories of all parcels, as 

559 pa::-t of t;heir cez·tification application. 

560 

56.t 

562 

563 

56• 

565 

566 

567-

560 

569 

570 

The inclusion of livest:ock in a total farm organic management 

sysr.em cont:ributes significantly to clQsed nutrient recycling 

through the 1ir.ilizaLion of forages on fiBlds wir.h rotational 

seedings and through the produi;;t:i.on of nut.rier1t:-rich manure. 

Persons raising livestocl~ organically m11st. be committed to 

providing positive health management practices and the utilization 

of organically producr.d feelis for nutrient arid minern.l needs ir1 

order ta produce progressj.vely stronger animals and eliminate· ·a 

depe!tde~c:y on arid u!'le of vet:erinary medications. The animal's 

spacial environment must be mar1aged so. ;i.s to avoid population 

de~siti.es that may lead to stress artd disease pz·oblems. 

J ,i ve'Ot oc:l< .• 6 9~ 
573 

572 

106 

ORGANIC LIVESTOCK FARM PLAN . 

QUI:STIONNAIRE 

573 [NOTE: It was the :lntention of the NOSB Livestock Committee in 

s·11 prepa:i:·ing this guestionr1aire to inQicat.e as clearly as possible the 

575 a:r·eas co be addressed by organic livestock proi:iucers. Thus, this 

576 document in its present star.e may appear overly exha1Jstive. 

57? Furr.hermore, many areas of this quescionnai:i:·e may not apply to all 

578 o:r.ganic livestock producr::rs.] 

s 79 I. 

HtJSINESS NAME 

BRAND NAME 

~RODlJCER 

ADDRESS /!.()CATION 

580 

503 

582 

583 

584 

585 

596 

-====--··--

COUNTY ------~- ---- ·----·--

!i87 Tr1roughout the ent:.i.re questionnaire, a "livest:oc!c unit" refers to 

588 the following spec1fic classificatior1s .of livestock by spe.cies and 

589 ma\-.u':'.:it:y; 

590 

553 

592-

5 :;>3 

!i 94 

555 

556 

557 

599 

555 

600 

503 

602 

503 

604 

605 

506 

6 07 

608 

609 

cA·n'LE 

Cal\res 

Yearlings 

He.i.fers (open or bred) 

Cows 

Slt1ughter Si:ock 

Ot:her 

POULTRY 

l:lroilers 

Layers 

Tur·keys 

Othe:-:-

SWINE 

Weauling/Feeder Pigs 

Gr·owing/Finishing Hogs 

Gilts (open or b:c'e-d)-

Sows 

Slaughter Stock 

Ottier 

6.1..0 EEES 

SHEJ::I:> 

La1nbs 

Yearlings 

Mai:ure Ewes 

Slaught:er Stock 

Other 

GOATS 

Kids 

Yearliz1gs 

Mature Does 

Slaughter Stock 

Other· 

FISH 

Finger lings 

Matμre. Stocl:cWILD/DOMESTICA'fED GAME 

}:QUINE ANIMAJ:,B 

611 A. From t}1e categories d<i9cribect abO'll'e, please describe the 

612 i:ype (s) of live.o;;toc;l~ produced a:i·ganically or1 yo1Jr far11t ;;i.r1<l far 

613 wh.i.r:h you arP. :r:·equesting certificat:ion. 
107 

61~ B. Please describe the type{s) of livestock product(s) marketed 

615 bearing your farnt' s registered brand name by checkir1g the 

616 applicable boxes below. 

617 

618 

619 

620 

621 

622 

623 

62• 

625 

626 

627 

629 

629 

Dairy Products 

Eggs 

Beef 

Veal 

Pork 

Poultry Meat 

Lamb/Mut:ton 

wool 

Fish 

Goat Meat 

:Eloney 

Oche:!:" 

othe::: L<!-12.eJ-. 

630 C. If your fc.rming operation was certified previously, ident.if.y 

631 the ce:::tification agency(s) and the date(s). Is doc~mento;.tion 

632 available for verifi<::ation? 

,533 

63• 

D. How many years has part. nr all 

under organic production methods? 

of your fa'.l'.1nj.ng operation been 

Please elabor~te. 

635 E. Are chere livestock produced l.Ulder convenr.ional production 

636 methods in your farming ope:::-ation·: lf so, please be sure 

637 t.o complete Sect:ion J of this questionnaire. 

638 F. Ut:ili:::ing the livestock cat.egories pr<.Jvicied in Sect.ion I, 

639 please c:ornplet.e the following chart. for t.he past cercification 

640 ye;;i.r: 

641 

642 

6•3 

6<4 

6•5 

6•6 

647 

6•8 

6•9 

6 ~; 0 

651 

£.μrrent Livestock 

Number Numhe.r 

Produc!!d Produced 

Orcranj.callv Convencionall v 

Number 

Sold as 

Orc:anic 

G. Utilizing the livestock product categories provided in Seccion 

IB, please cornplet.e the following cha:r·t for the past certi::icatio:i 

year' 

Livestock 

R:r·oduc t:., _ ·rY.P.£'. 

Percem 

Produci: Prod1!ct 

Produced Produced 

Oroani.cally ,C9nvehtion~ 

Percer1tage 

Sold as 

Oroanic 

6':i2 H. Utilizing the livestock categories provided iri Seccion I, 

6.'53 please complete the following char1: tt) iridicat.P. yt)ur plans for .sale 
108 

654- of livestock: produced or9ar1ical.ly th.is cer·t:ificacion year: 

655 

656 

657 

658 

Current L~Stl..lC~ 

Number Number 

Produced PZ.oduced 

Orcranicall.Y Conventiona!b! 

Number 

Sold as 

~.Di.£ 

659 I. Utilizing the livestock product catego:r:;i.es provided in Section 

660 IB, please con1plete the following chart. to indicate yo11r plans fo:i::· 

661. sale of livestock product.s produced organically this certification 

662 year: 

663 

664 

665 

666 

667 

668 

669 

,,, 

Livestock 

P!:'ociuct 'IYP.~ 

Percant~e. 

k'rod11ct.: Product 

P:r:·oduced Produr.ed 

Or-oanicallv ~onv~JJ.tionally 

II. ORG~IC r.~ocx P!l.CDDC"!'"l"ON "'!'-AC-:'!CE§. 

Percent acre 

Sold as ~ 

Q~ni<;. 

An "Organic Livests::.": :-;::::::::..:::::.:.:::; ?:·:;.c:::.:::es" quest:'.on!l.a.i.re 

be completE!d tor eac!i or:;;-a:::'_:: ::..·:estock typEi! inte:td<:".d for 

in the ove:::all cert~~~:~~~on decision. 

for-r.i must 

inclusion 

67l A. Iiive:'lt°.ock Source:'! 

672 .t. Desc=ihe your tner.hod for identifying your organically-produced 

6"73 l i vesi:ock (i.e. ear-r.aggirig, branding) and how this method ensures 

674 chat each livestock animal can be r.raced back t.o it.s origi::i. 

675 2. Describe your method for ideritifying organically-·produced 

676 livestock products and how this method ensures t.hat each .livesto:::k 

6"/7 animal can be traced back to its origin. 

678 J. Please indicate the sources of your current .1.ivestoc:-1: inver.tory 

679 wit.h.i.n the chart: format. provided below. 

680 

,,, 

682 

663 

,,, 

686 '''

883 

a. For livestock raised organically from birth in the farming 

oper<ition, dei;cribe--live·stoCk unit; 

Desc:::iption of tJ11it. 

{i.e. lot#, 

identification lU_ 

Age 

of 

!Jn it 

Number 

in 

YI.1.i_J;_ 

b. Por livestock raised organicalJ.y fron1 hirtt1 but purcl1<1sed 

outsi(ie yo1.ll'." farming operation, describe eac!1 livest.eek 

unit-.: 

Li v".s tock - 6 91 
688 

689 

690 

,,, 

692 

699 

694 

695 

696 

6 9"1 

6;18 

698 

·100 

701 

702 

Descriptiori of 

(i.e. lot.#, 

ide"t:ification 

Unit Age 

of 

#). Unit 

109 

Number· 

in 

UniL 

Date 

Puxch.~sed 

Sou:r·ce 

of 

Pur.~g_ 

c. For livestock raised organically from some time aft:e:-:- bii:th 

and raised within your. farmir.g operar:ior1, describe each 

livestock unit: 

Descript:ion of Ur1it 

(i.e. lot#, 

.iMntification #)_ 

Ago 

of 

Unit;.. 

Number 

ir1 

Uni_!;_ 

Date from 

which organically produc_~_q 

d. For livestock raised organicall)r from some r:ime afte;i:; birth 

and purcl1a5ed off-farm, clescrihe livftsto<.:k unit;; 

Description of Ur1it 

(i.e. lot#, 

iq~ntification #} 

n. Ft.>et.l Sources 

Age 

of 

Unit 

Number 

in 

Ur1i~. 

Pace 

pμ:r::·c~ased 

Source 

of 

Purchase. 

703 1. What: percentage of total feed fed to livesr:ock this past 

704 certificat:ion ye<J.r was produced or1-farm? If feed was purchase<i 

705 off-farm, please ar1s1>1e!:" questions 2 and 3. Taking t:he capacity of 

706 your farCT1 into account, what 1<1ould yo11 consider the optimum level 

707 ot on-f;;.rm feed production?" 

708 2. For each feed purchase made within the past. certificacio11 

709 year, complete tl1e chart bo:olow. YQu have the opti.011 to ar.t.ach a 

·110 copy of yGuz· feed records in plar:e of chis chart. 

,,, 

,,, 

Quantity 

Pu_~chased 

Date of 

J:U.;[_C~ 

Source of 

Purchase 

Loo 

HQ.,_ 

Ceri::i:'.ied 

Bv _ 1Aoe'1t: l 

713 3. If you have plans to pui:·chase feed fz·ont sources oci".eo. than 

714 those listed in Lhe chart above t:his cert:ificat .. i.011 year, please 

715 identify youX" new sources and cite the certification status of 

716 eac!:1. 

71"1 4. Describe yo11r audit trail for feed purt:hased off-farm. See 

71-B Glossary for definition of Audir. Trail. 

·11.9 

''' 

___ s. What back-up .. sources of feed exist: 

your curren~ ori-farm or purcha:>P.d feed 

in case tJf a short---supply in 

so1xrces? 

721 6. P.1.ease list th" r:omponent.s, witt1 pei::·centages, of the basic feed 

·122 ration fed to y1Jur livestock, desci::·ibing var.i.at.ions in it. acr.ording 

723 to sea!;ons or otl1er reasons. For example: 

724 Whea•: ( 30%) /()at.s (/.0%) /Al.:falfa Hay (-5 01:) .. .. S11111mic>.'(' (J11ne -.S<;;p~, ) 

72-S Do nae include. feed additives. 

'726 c. 

l.i v"'s to<:k • 6 ~<I 
110 

·127 See Definitions for description of Feed Addit.ive. 

728 l. Please complete the chart below for eacl1 feed additive to the 

729 basic feed ration fe.d to live.stock last: cer.-t.i.f:i.cacion yea.r. Please 

730 ai:i:ach labels for premixes or oLher additives. 

731 

732 

·133 

Type of 

Feed 

Additive 

Brand 

Name 

Method 

of 

Feedina 

Average 

Quantity C'ed 

Pe!:· Eeedir1g 

Purpose 

of Feed 

8dditiye. 

734 2. Which feed additives, if any, do you plan to discontinue use of 

735 in this ceri:ification year? Are there. any feed additives that you 

736 plan to add to the diets of your livesr.ock this cerc:ification year? 

737 3. Are you aware of nutritional defici.enc:ies specific to your 

738 region which are of specific concern to yo11 as an organic livestock 

739 producer? 

7<0 Do Drinl~i.n~ Wate:i;: 

·141 l. Describe the primary souree ot drinking water for your 

742 livestock and list ot.he;:;- sources. 

743 2. Foz· those drinking water source£ wh.i.ch you co~1trol {i.e. wells 

74'! or pends on your pro;:ert.yl, are nit.~te or other contaminant tests 

7~5 regularly conducted? r: so, please describe t=equency and fin~i~gs 

70:.6 anci attach a copy of each test result. 

70:. 7 3. Are you aware of contaminants in the local wate.r table wt1ich 

70:.8 are specific to your· region? Please cite and inciicate whether or 

70:.9 not tests for these contaminants ai:-e regularly coriduc::t:ed and by 

750 whom. If you have results of such tests on file, please at.tac~ a 

751 copy(s). 
052 

753 

050 

055 

111 

•• Li~~~~ock Production Environment 

1. Descr.i.be, in general terms, the environment: in which youi::· 

livestock are produ<::ed. For example, d<tiry cattle -·· stancl:1ion 

barn. 

756 2. For live.stock which graze on pastureland, describe the length 

757 of time each ploi: of pasti1reland is grazed before r·otation, and 

75l:l what length of time each year the l.i.vest:ock are not g::-azirlg on 

759 pastureland. 

760 J. Describe how your system for managing land grazed by livestock 

761 is sustainable. F'or example, describe your management of ovcir762 g:razir1g, wast.e run-off, erosion, and stocking rates. 

763 4. }'or those livestock confir1ed to a drylot at c.;ert";ain times of the 

764 ye11r, describe t.he length of each confinement perior;l an1:l t.!:1e 

765 co11ditions of tlie ci.ryloi:: during that period. Be .sure to indicate 

766 the '.:ype of shelter and space allotme11t givell. to livestock during 

767 this period. 

768 5. For those livest.ock confined "1ithir1 a building during certain· 

769 t:imes o:f the year, desc:ribe tlie length of ear:h confinement period 

770 and the praccices which en.sure organir: integrity in confinen1ent, 

771 i.e. ventila~ion, temperat.ure, .space allotment. 

772 6. Briefly explain hQW your livestock production system 

773 incorporates t:he hu~bandry standard.'> outline.cl in the Of'PA. 

774 7. Are any changes planned for this cez·tification year which would 

775 improve the product.ion env:t.ronment of your livestock, i.e. 

776 iniprovements in housing, etc:? 

777 

778 

07, 

780 

781 

082 

783. 

F. Manure Mana_gement. 

1. Describe your system for handling, storage, and utilization of 

raanure. If applicable, desc:i::·ibe your syst;em for compost.ing manure 

on-farm for use on crop.s. 

2. What measures are t.aker1 in your farming operation to avoid 

environment.al degradation? For example, describe how r.lie water 

table is protect.:ed fro111 i1utrient -le.aching and/or manure runoff. 

784 3. What chauges, if' any, in youl'.' m~nure management system are 

785 planned for tllis certificat:.ion year? 

786 G. 

787 i. How are your livestock servicect - by art:.i.fic.i.al in1;:emination, 

780 natural breedj.11g, ur both? 

Li ve<st.oclo . 6 g4 
112 

789 2. Describe your breedirig p:rogra111. h"hat t;raits do you select for 

790 which enhance l:i.vesi.:ock health? 

,,, H. 

'/92 l.. Describe the type of health records kept for your· orgari.i.c 

793 J.j.ves::ock. For example, inciividual dairy cow health cards, log 

794 book, computer spreadsheet. 

795 ;;::. How does your livestock record-keeping ax1d identification 

795 system ensure t.hat. livestock: that are trear.ed with prohibited 

"/97 materials are not sold as organic? How does your system also 

798 ensure ·c-.hat all material inputs are rec:oz·ded and restrictio11i; 

·199 complied ·witl1? 

800 3. Describe your livesi:ock. health plan, citing conunonly used 

801 material inputs. Ee .'lure to describe prevElni:::ative measu:res taken 

802 for disease and para.site control. 

803 4. For each livest.eek w1it (I,. Unit), complete the cl1art below for 

804 each specific livestock disease outbreak(sl, parasite outbreak(s), 

805 anci/or injury(s) during the past certification year, citing the 

806 pract:ices/materioil inputs used t:o ensure the orga11ic iz1tegrit:y of 

807 t:;he animal (s) afflicted, 

808 

809 

aio 

Health 

Al. . ' _me!:lt 

% of Total 

L. Unl.t 

Affl' cted 

'!'!c.erapeutic 

Practi,ce 

Matez·ial Input. (s) 

utilized 

Prev'ent.ative 

P::-actice for 

.... Not Af<"lic:ted 

811 s. Complete the c11art below for each livestock animal or 

El2 livestock unit withdi:·awn fro1n organic producr.ion because of 

SC.3 treatme.:-it with a pro!1ibit:ed rr.aterial l.nput: 

£ :.4 

sis 

818 

r.ivestock 

Afflict:ed 

( Ident:ifyl 

Health 

Ailment: 

Material Input(s) 

Utilized 

Row Ofte'1 

817 6. What, if any, new or·ga11ic pr·actices will you try this 

8l8 ce::::-tification year to enhance .livestock health arid to avoid the 

819 need for prohibited n1aterials? 

820 7. Please explain how barnyard flies and other insect pests 

021. {excluding parasit.es) are controlled in your farrning operation, 

B22 citing both prever:1.tative practic.:es and material inputs utilized. 

82~ 8. If applicable, describe i::he material input utilized to 

824 disinfect your livestock facility (s), and how of;'.t:en i.t: is appJ.:i.ed. 

6::>.5 Please also describe how the livestock werio removed and 9rotecteCt 

825 from exposure t.o t.he disinfectant. 

82'/ '· On-·Farn Hant!:l.ing of .Liv@sl.:ock Produ"'t. 

Li •;est:oO'lO . 6 ~4 
113 

828 1. For each of the product5 der.ived f:rom your:- livestDck, describe 

829 the relevant Federal and/or State graciing status. For example, 

830 U.S. Gi::·ade A milk. 

831 2- In the cha:r·t below, describe each of the sanit:izers, soar.is and 

832 cleansers utilized in the process of handling your livestoci"C -

833 product (s). 

83< 

830 

836 

National List 

Matei::·ial Input 

!Name) 

?rohibir:ed 

Mater·ial Input 

(Na111el ··-

Purpose of 

Mat.erial 

Inuut Use 

837 J. Mixed Orqanie/Conve~tional ~.~9<!1.!.~t_ign 

P:r;ocedui::·e t.o 

Preve:it 

~-opt amipa ti~1. 

838 Please complete this o:ection if livestock are prod11ced unCer bot.h 

839 organic and conventional methods within your farming ope::-ation. 

840 1. Please comnlete the chart below for each livestock UIJj.t. ir1 

841 transition to ol:-ganic in your farmin.g operation: 

842 

''' 844 

Type of 

Li ves:ui.<;~. 

Nu1nber in 

UniL 

Desc:z·iption of Unit 

(Identification ;; 1s), 

kQ~NJ.!!1J.bersJ. 

fl45 2. Please describe how you ensuz·e that: organj.cally-produced 

8'l6" livestock products are not conta1ninated by 111ater·ial inputs or 

847 practices utilized under conventional produ~tion. 

848 3. Please descr:i.be ~1ow you prevent a co-mingling of 

849 conventionally and organically produced feed in youz· fanni:ig 

850 operation. 

B!:il 4. If, within your fa.tining operati.on, you produce the same 

852 species of l..i.vest:ock: 11nder convent.ional met.hods that you p:-oduce 

653 under organic met.hods, please describe youz· current effor::s and 

854 exj.st.ing obstacles toward conve::i.:ion. 

Livestock.6~~ 
Date aci.opt.ed: 

Locat:ion: 

October 31, 1995 

Altstin, Texas 

114 

T.?Je :follow:in,q de.letioD.s art'! t:o be 111ade iiJ l:...':le Q.!:ga .. ~i::: f.~V"stcc:!;; 

P-ocuef:~cn St;,;wda-ds sect:i..on o;f the NQSB F~21. Rer:!.:>=e.:tdat.io.c!s 

ac:!opted Ju.;;ie l-4, 1991 .ii:i Sa.nt:;:i P<'!, New M<ii!xi..c.o. 

The Comntittee has dete~ir1ed that the i::>~.J.nwi:i.q se~tions 

sholllrt be deleted from t::'le fo:r-:ne:::-.1.y approved ::;"eccm:~e.::::ic.tions for 

i:.he foJ.lowing- reasons: J.) mant.lai:ing the 1:se 0£ 2 ve>:erinaria."'l 

mig-ht: lay aciC:.e.i cost.:s 011 !,)r<::ducers who, hec:=1".se of thei::- own 

k..-i.owledge ant.! e::tpe::-ience, c:=.r1 make app::.-c;;:::-iat.e decis::.ons 

:::-egarC:.i:::ig the care of t:heir ar:imals, 21 t::e ::-ecc::"Jnenc'.at.:ions 

s!::.culCn':.: si.:ggest:. i:.his kind of micro manage':l'le:-.t:., anC. J) t:.his is 

an u..TJ.enforce:able i.ssue thr-t .shc11lC J::e he!::>'leen ce:::::.i!ie::-s and 

p::-oci.11ce.rs. 

Delete at li-"l~N 378-381, page 1~; 

Any use or a~plicat:ion of: ant:ibior.i.cs in o:-:g<:.n.i.r.al2.y pror?.ucecl 

livestock shall occur within the cont.ext. o:'. a valid vete::-ina:-:ia11 

clienc patient: relai:ionshi::> as de:'.ine.C. by t.he i."ooC. anC Dr..ig 

Administ.ratic:::i Compliance Policy G1.1idF. #7125. O 6 . 

De_1et:e a_t. 1,i_ne.s .46".2 00 456, pa!j"e 17 ,-

Any use o:::- app.lication of syr.r.het:.ic pa-:: as~ -.:.:'..c~ c.es in orsanically 

produce:U l.ivest.ock sh01ll occI1:::- within t.he cc:::.::f!xt. cf a v.._lid 

veterinarian client. pat:ienc r~lat:iaI1ship as CefineC by the Food 

and D::ug Aci:ninist.::ation cc:mp:Liance Pol.i..cy Gu::'.tie #7125. 06. 

---- ------ -- ----

Int:;::-oduction' 

'£he fol.lowing c:ban~es st:ould )::,e made -----
115 

Recnmmendations consistent with t~e law. The .committee 

recommends t:hat t.he words "or growch. promot:ers" be deler:eC. 

because thP. law prohibits the use of antibiotics as growth 

promote::;s. At the present t.ime the RECOMMENDATION ON TI=.E US;;: OF 

ANTIBro·.r:ccs IN ORG>.N'IC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION, page 12, lir1es 

332-335 and lines 346-349, :::-ead as follows: 'The us~ ~':r: 

~culicat:ion of antibiotics as meCication or growth promoters in 

animals sold as organic bre~de:::- stock, the progeny of w}tich ,;_ 5 

intended to he la.b~led er sold as organically prociuced is 

rast:rict:ed' (lines 332-335); and 'The use or application of; 

antihiot::i.cs as medication or growth promoters in dairy animals, 

whose milk or milk ·prodttets arlll inte11ded to be labeled or solii as 

organj_cally praduc:ed, is restricted' (lii:ies 346-349) . 

. Delete al: li::iea 332-333 and at li:uea :!46'-347, pagie :t2o 
Date adopteC: 

Location: 

·116 

N1'1.'rIONA1, ORQ>...NIC STJl.NDARDS DO.ARD 

_F!:NAL RECOM!-!E:NDATIO'N ADDENDUM NUME:C::R 8 

DRG;;NIC LIVESTOCK HEJU.:.t'HCARf.: PRA.CTICES 

April 25, 199.5 

Orlando, ~lorida 

The foll.Dri.ng ad:::lit::.ons are l:o be :W.s@.rted .in the Oroanic: :Livestock 

Healthcare P~act:.ices section, page 10, lin.e 278 of the NOSB Fiu.a..l 

Recc=endat"ions .adopt:ed June J.-4, :t.994 .in San.t:a Fe, N~v Mexico. 

278 Certified o:?:ganic livestock farms shal.1. ~e :Oased on a syste!lt tliat 

279 i:::icorporat:es ac::::esS to the outdoors a.'"1.ct direct: sunlight. 

280 It is unde::st()Od · th2t proper livest:lt:k he~lth manageme~t tnay 

281 include pe!:ioC.s of tilne when livestock are lio11sed inCoors. 

282 Te...'!lpora!'.y indoor hous:'.ng may b"e justified for: 

283 1. incle~ent weather conditions: 

284 2. health, care, .safety, and we.1.l bei:::ig of the 

7.85 livestock; and 

2B6 3. p::ot~ction of soi.1. anrl water. qi.1ali1·.y. 
117 

NATIONAJ, ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

FTNll,!1 RECOMMENDl!TIQN l\,PDENDIIM NDMB!<"R 2 J 

Date adopted: October Jl, 1995 

r.oc:at:io11: Austin, Texas 

Committ:E!e discussion revealed that a statement 011 the use of 

inoculants ar1cl vaccines bad not. been developed in the Na.t..:ia11al. 

Organic:. StancJarcJS Board Fjnal RecQil!!Dendatj=s passed in June, 

1994. 'l'he.l'efore, an Adderidum to the reeommendat:ioni; .i..s regui!:ed 

to provide guidance. 

The Cofllmittee believes u"e of inoculai:1t:s and vaeeine:; may be 

necessary t:o ensure the health of the animal and to remain in 

compliance with Federal, State, or regional regulations. 

T.he :fo.llowirig additionll are to be iJ:11>erted .:1.n the Organic 

Lfvestoc!:: P=d11crjnn scentjacds aeotic;1;c o:f t:he NQSB Pillal 

Reco.m:iie.adaticms adopted June l-4, l994 jri Siil!ta Fe, New Mexico. 

Add prior t:o lir1e 278, pa!]e 10: 

The inoculation and vaccination of livesr.ock is allowed. In all 

cases, kille<i or attenuat:ed vaccines should be 11sed l:'athe:t than 

live vaccines unle.ss the latter is the only effective ineans of 

prevet1tion or control. J.ivestoek producers must. show in thei.r 

records which vaccines or inoculants have heen administered and 

11hen they were adrniriistei:-ed. The l"a:c'rll Plan s-ho11ld reflect 

~ffort.<i to use proper n1anagement, nutrition, and gene~-~~ __ 

select-ion· for di5eai;e t"esist-ance.·-~11d lor1gevity. 
Date Acl.or•t:ed' 

Location: 

118 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

EIHAL. RECQMME?ffi!l.'.U..Qhl__1\DllENill1!!Nl!MBEiL.-22 

October 31, 1'195 

Austin, Texas 

:!'he 

prod••ct•oc 

followi:t>J.g 

sectiac., 

addition" 

as iDdicated, 

a.re to b" 

of 

.izisez·t~d 

the NOSB 

.i12 

Final 

die! ~ 

R"'comme.Ddae.ic~s 

sdopeed JUJle l-~, l994 .i.!I Saata Fe, Ne~ Mexico. 

Adel. at line 358, page 13: 

Afil!BTOTT{" TISE IN m:('.Jl.,NIC l,ll.'{JNG BYNS (Egg 1'rcd11ction) 

The use of axit:ibiotics as a growth prom(~t:er in poultry is 

:i:cohibited. '!h" use <Jf. antibior.ics in poultry 1'1hOSE! eggs or sgg 

p::"ociucts are int:ended t:o be laiJeled o:: r;ol<:l as orsanicaJ.ly prod1.1ced 

iJ; rest::-ieted. 

Should an antibiot:ic be administ.ered for whatever reason to 

otherwise organically produced pault:~y, eggs or egg products derived 

fr<lm that: poultry may not be sola or J.abeleQ as tlrganically produced 

for 90 days follo~ing the date of applications or use and 

furthermore m1ist sati~fy all five conditions listed in the addendum 

in the recommendatior1s on the use of ant:ibiotics in organic 

livest:clck pro<'l11ction. This poli<..-y is to be r.P.evaluated in t'd() 

years. 

To be inserted at line 360, page 14, as a preface to: 

MnENDIJM TO TiiE RECOMMENDATION ON 

THE U5E OF ANTIBIOTICS IN GlRGANIC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION 

Just as ~oil health l!IUSt be restored af.te~ the use of 

restricted materials, a:rlirn.i.t.ls, whose healt.t1 has beP.ri tlireatened. by 

:i.llne.ss or infection, must be allowed arlequate time to :t·ecuperate 

after admir1istratior1 of a.n ar1tibiotic. The restoration of health is 

effected Chx·ougl1 adequate recovery manageme11t:. Prod11c:t.s fro1n both 

rE!l>to:r.·ed S(Jil arid :csstored a11imal;i nia.y tl1e~1 be labeled as 

organically prod11cerl. 
119 

N'ATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

~"TNP,J. Hl='CQMMENDATION ADDENDUM NTTh!EER 2). 

THE USE OF ~ARASITICIDES Ill ORGAN:IC LIVESTOCK PRODUC'£XUN 

Date Adopted' October 31, 1995 

Locar.:i.o:n: Austin, Texas 

Thi!! fo1.lo1.-.iDg additirmJJ are to be inserted iI:i t:h"' Ori;ranic 

.J:..i.2..efitor!c Prodnct=ion sect.ion, a£" i.1:1.d.ic:atad, 0£ tlte NOSB Yirial 

Rec=eridatiCl:lB s.dopted ,Jw;e 1-4, 1994 ill Sant:a Fe, New MP...xic:o. 

AdQ at line 435, page 16: 

PARASTTTCIQE IJSE IN QRGANJC X.AyJNG HENS (Egg Product.:f.on) 

The use of pa;:asiticidf:.s as a growt:l:1 promoter in poultry is 

prohibited. The use of parasitic.ides in poultry whose eggs o:r: El~g 

prod11c:t.s are :i.ntencl.ed to be labeled or :o>old as ol'."ganically 

producen. ;i,s rest".ricted. 

Should a para~iticide be ad.ministered for whatever reason to 

otherwise organically produced poultry, eggs or egg products 

de=ived from that poultry may not be sold or labeled as 

organically produced for 90 days following the date of 

applications or use and furthermore must satisfy all five 

conditionE listed in the addendum in the recommendations on the 

use of pa:i:·asitic:ides in organic: J.ivest:ock production. This policy 

is to be reevaluated in two years. 

To be inserced at: line 411, page :L7, as a prefar:e to: 

ADDENDUJl'I TO 'I'HE RECOMMENDA'fION ON 

THJ:: USE a~· PJ\RASITJ:CID:ES lN ORGANIC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION 

Just as soil-health must be restored after the use of 

restricted materialH. animals, whc:ise health has been tl1reatened by 

parasite infestation, must be allowecl <1deqi.1ate time to z·ecuperate 

after administration of a parasiticide. Tt1e restoration of healt.h 

:i.s effected thro\1gh adequate recovery 1na11agement. P:i::·oduc:t.s from 

llo~h restl'.l7:'ed Hail and res\;o:i:·ed animals may then he labGled as 

organically produced. 

120 

CROP 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Organic crop production standards ....................................................................................... 121 

Specialized standards for green.houses and mushroom productior1 (Add. #3) .............. 150 

Banana planting stock (l\dd. #24) ......................................................................................... 153 

En:iergency spray exception (Add. #29) ............................................................................... 154 

1. 

'· 

. '~ ,. 

121 

NAXIONAL ORCAHIC S1'JUIDARDS BOARD 

FINA}'.. Ri:C~A'l'rONS 

-~ Adopted June i-4, 1994, in Santa Fe, New Mexico 

OllGAlfIC CROP P:ii.ODUC'l'ION STANDARDS 

TMILE OF CWlENTS 

INTI{ODUCTION 

11.. IntroCluctiou ...••..........• · ••• ·. · · · .. · ... · ........ . 

:El. Oefinitioiis ..•..•...••..••••................••....... 

(1) Organic Foods P~oduction Act Section 2io3 •...••• 

{2) NOSB Definition Recommend.at.ions ...........•..... 

CROP PRODUCTION STANDARDS 

A. PESTICIDE AND FERTILIZER DRIFT AND 

MISAPPI,ICATION POLIC:t' ..•.•••.... · ... · .........•...... 

l. Statutory Requirement OPPA Section 2105{2) ••..•. 

2. Senate Agriculture Report ..•.................... 

3. Rec::CIJl!llendation.s .••......•.......••••...••..•.••• 

a. Definition~ of Prift aud·Misapplication .... 

b. "hgricultUral Products Subject to Drift 

and Misapplication .••••. , .....•..•..•.•.... 

e. Agricultural Products G:rown in the Thre<?.-

Year Period Immediately Following a Drift 

or MisapPl.ication Incident. .•... ~ ..........• 

B. SMALL FARMER EXEMPTION ...•.. - ... - .................... . 1. Statutory Requirement OFPA Section 2106(d) •..... 

2. Rec::cnmiendation •.•••.••..•...•...•.•....•...•.... 

c. RESIDUE TES'l'ING •••••••••••.• o.-•••••oo••············· 

1. Legislative Revic.w .••••••................•••..• : 

:z. Recommendatiou •••.•...•...•.•.•.•...•..•.••....• 

a. National Level System of Residue Testing ... b. State Level System cf R.e.!1id11e Testing ••..•• 

c:. Local Level. system of Residue T;;ist.ing ..... . 

D. ALLOWJ'INCE FOR A ~SPLIT OPERATION• ........•... o······-

E. 

... F. 

G. 

1. Statutory Requirl:!Ulent. 

OFPA Section 2'.1.07 {b) {1) {A) , (B) , (C) ......•• " ..... 

2. Rec::rn11111endatian •••.•.•.•...••...••...•.........•. 

PLANTING S'l'OCK POLICIES •••••••••• - •••• - - .•.••. - .••• " • 

1. Statutory Requirement OFPA Section 2109 •........ 

2. Reco111111ecdation ......• , .••....•.................• 

ORG1tNIC FARM PL1;N •••••••• • • • • - • • • • • • • • • • · • • • • • • • • • • • • i. Sta.tUtcitji" Requirement: OFPA SectiOD.·-2"11'4 (al •.•... 

2. Recommendation ..•••.•...•..................•.... 

a. Standards ................................... . 

b. Organic:: crop Fa:rll! Plan Quest.ionnaire ••..•.. 

EMERGENCY SPRAY EXCEPT:!ON •••••.•••••••••••••••••••••• 

1. Statutory ~quirem=t OFPA Sei.!tion 2105 (.?.} and 

2:lU'l'(B} (2) •••• " ........................... ; •• " ..... . 

2. Rec::otmnendat.ion ••. , .........••............•...... 
122 

1 l. INTJlDDUCTION 

2 A. Incroduction: The National Organic Standards Elci<:1rd {NOSBJ 

3 has prepared this comprehetrsivc document to preseni:: the areas of 

4 agriculi.:ure 1o1hich per.tain to r::rop proci.uct.ion. 'l'he document: gives 

S a brief overview of the st<itur.ory requii:·ements and describes the 

G standal.'.ds approved for recommendation to tlie SecrP.tary of 

7 Agriculture June 1-·'1, 1994. 

9 {l) Ornanic Foods Product:ipn Act of 1990 fOFPA) Sect.ion 2103, 

10 Bot.anica)_ Pescicide~.: The term ~botanical pestic·ide:;n means 

11 natural pest;icides derived from plants. 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

l' 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

2, 

28 

,, 

30 

31 

32 

33 

Certified Organic Farm: The term ncerc.ified organic farm" ineans 

a farm, or portion of a farm, or site where agricultural products 

or livestock are prc:aluced, that is cerc.ified by i::he certifyi11g 

agent wicier this title as utilizing a syst:em of o:rgaiiic farming 

as ciescribed try this title. 

cnrp Yea;r;:: 

for a crop 

Secretary. 

The term "c:i:-op yea:r 0 

as detl!rmined by t.he 

means the n~rmal gro-.iting season 

Organic Plan,: The term "organic plan• means a plan of management 

of an org-anic farming or handlin!l operation that has been agr<iied 

t.o try the prociucer or handler and the ce=ifying agent. and that: 

includes written plans conce%lli.ng all aspecCs of agrir.ulcural 

production or ha.Ddling de.scribed ill this tit:le including crop 

rot.at.ion and other practices as required under this title. 

oroanically Produced: The term ~orga.uj.cally produced" mea.us an 

agrieultural produce that. ;.s produced and. handled in accordance 

with tb.is title. 

ks_tif:_i.i:l-.~.' The term "pesticide" means any subst:a1ice which alone, 

i11 chemical combination, or in any formulation with one or more 

substances, is defined as a pesticide in the Federal Insecticide, 

Fungicicie, and Rcdenticide Act (7 U.S.C. l.36 et seq.) 

34 Producer.: 'The t:erm nproducer~ meaDS a person who engages in the 

JS business of growing or producing food or feed. 

36 Secret:acy; Th~ eerm nsecrer.a.ryn means the Secretary of 

37 Agriculture. 

38 st.ate Orga:n;i._c_c;_erj:ifi~atiq:n Program: The t:e:rm "State a:z:·gauic.: 

39 ce=ifi.cation program" 111ean.s a Frograut tbat meets the 
123 

40 req1i.iremenr.s of secr:ior1 2107, is approved by the Secret::aiy, and 

t.1 that is designed r.o ensure th.at a product thar. is sold or labeled 

42 as "organically produced" under th.is title is produced and 

43 hand1.ed ii;sing organic methods. 

44 .$ynthetic: T11e t:erm "SyYl\.:hetic" rueans a subst<l.nce t:hat i~ 

15 fo:anulatiad CJr manufact.ured by a chemical proces!:l .or by a process 

'.16 th«.t c:hem:i.cally changes a .substance ext:c:acr.ed from naturally 

47 oc;urri.ng plaur., animal, or mineral sources, except that such 

4B term shall nor. apply to substances creai:ed by naturally occurring 

49 biological processes. 

50 (2) !!at.iP..nsJ. Organic Standards Board Uefinition Recommendation~ 

51 Drift: The term "drift" means t.he physical movement of 

52 prohi.bited pesi:ic:ide or fertilizer droplets or- 9rat1ules from the 

5:3 intended target site onto a certifi.ed orgauic field or farm, Q:t' 

511 porcj.Oil t:hereof. 

SS Mi!l~~at:i,Qn: The t:er.n ~mi:sapplication• m~s the accider1ta1-

S6 direct application of a prohibited pesticide or fert:ilizer to a 

5'7 ce:i:-tified organic fie!ld or fa'rm, or portion thereof, by a pezson 

58 who is not the cP.rr:ified organic producer or a person working 

.S9 u.nde:r the direction of the certif.i.ed organic p::i:·oducer _ 
124 

60 2 • CROP PRODUCl'TON STAND~Q?. 

61 

62 1. Statutory Requirement Section 2105 (2): ['.Co be sold or lahel2d 

63 as an organically produced agriculcure product lll'ider t:his 

64 title. an agricultural product shall] (2) except as ocherwi11e 

65 provide-1 in this title and exeluding livestock, nor: be 

66 produced on land to which any prohibited substances, including 

67 synthetic chemicals, have been applied during the 3 years 

68 immediateJ..y preceding the harve5t of the agricultural 

69 products. 

·70 2. Senate Agriculture Report: •on occasion, organ.i.c fanners, 

71 ;:i.lt".hough following the acrict standards in this bill, may 

72 produce products with minimum residues due co inadvertent: 

"T3 environmental contamination such an drift from a neighllo:t:ing 

'74 farm. A ~The {Senate Agricultw::all Commictee does not int.end 

75 i:o prohibit minim.al residue conr.aminar.ion that. does nor. r!!sult:. 

76 from pracr.ices used by tbe orgilllic farming ope:raticn." 

-17 {Reference: U.S. Senate Col"lllllit:t.ee on A!:jriculcure, Nutr.i.tiou, 

78 and Forestry, Report 101-3-57, July 6, J.990, page 300.) 

7.9 COMMENTI\R~ 

90 An undersr.anding of the legislar.ive ini:enr. of the Orvanic Food'i 

Bl Product.ion Act: w.ith respect to pesticide and fertilizer drift ont:o 

82 cerr.ified organic farms can be found in th~ Senar.e Agricultural 

83 Cammir.i:ee Report. •en occasion, organic farmers, alt.haucrh 

84 fallo_Wil:19'. .th.a strict. standards .in t.J:iis bill (emphasj.s added), niay 

fl.5 produce products wir.h mi.nimum residues due to inadverte!1.t. 

86 envi.ronmental contamination such ?!§ s)rift from a neighbor.ing farm.~ 

87 "The (Senat.e Agricultural) Co=iti:ee does !!.9.1'.. j._ntjO'nQ. J:o prohibit 

99 mi11imal l:'..§_~_id_u~- .!;;Q_nta!!linatio:o. that does pot result from practj.ce_s. 

09 ~ £:f. ~ o:rgan;i,_g_ farming operation (empl1as:is added) . 

90 (Reference: o.s. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Ntrtr:i.tion, and 

91 Forestry, Repo::r::t 101·3~7, July 6, 1990, p~ge 300). 

92 The National Ori.Janie Standards Board. ha~ rec:eived mall.Y comrnent.i"; 

93 from the' public on the subject of pesc:icicle drift onto organic 

94 farms. In ad<l.ition, discussion and debate of the C..ift. issue at. 

95 the May 1993 NOSE meeting clearly indicated that i:he majority of 

96 -NOSB members· think that pest.icide drift incidents should be-handled 

97 in the sarae mn.i:mer as t;he NOSB Draft: N.ecommendat:i.on for government 

96 emergency pest erad:icat:icm programs. 

99 Recogn:l:i:ing the importance of striking a bala.ice bet.1r1eP.n meeting 

100 tlte cor1sur.1er' s e:xpect ... tiox1 that organic food ha.i,; not been subjected 

:l.tl~. l:o dr:ift: aud 11I.·oi:ect:.inq (~l'"g<U.li~ p:cciduce.:.:s f:i::om unrea5onabl8 

102 p8na.ll::i.es ca11i:;ed by dr.ift or misapp1ication :incidents which are 

J.03 beyond tbe organic:: :pri:iducer' s crJnt;rnl, t;he NOSB makes tile follow.i.ng 

~04 recommend~tian. 

cxcpsb£z-. 891 
' 

105 

106 

107 

108 

109 

110 

111 

l.12 

llJ 

114 

115 

11G 

117 

118 

119 

120 

121. 

122 

123 

124 

129 

120 

127 

128 

125 

RECOMMENDATION 

Th~ Na1.:ional Organic Standards (NOSB) request".s that the Secrei::ary 

reco1~men(i to Crmgi::·ess that: certified organic: producers who incur 

crop losses and/or market losses caused by pesticide or fercili:::er 

drift or misapplication he eligib1-e for reimbursemeni:s from }'ederal 

crop disast:er programs or }'edP.J:al er.op insurance programs for all 

damages and expenses incurl'."ed_ S11c:h eligibility should only apply 

iil situations where the drift irtc:ident. or misapplication occurs as 

the re~ult of action.9 of a person who is not the certified organic 

producer or a person working under the direc:~ion of the ceri::ified 

organic producer·. 

I. Definitions of Drift and Misapplication 

A. For the purpose of the OFPA, ~drift• means che physical 

movemenc of prol1ibited pesticides or fertilizers from che intetided 

cargec site onto a certified organic field or farm, or portion 

thereof, caused by~ person who is not the certified organic 

producer or a persot1 working under che direccion of the certified 

organic producer. 

r:i. Fo:i: the purpose of the OFPA, ~misapplication~ means the 

accidentaJ. direo::c application of a prohibite.d pesticide or 

fertili.zer r.o a certified organic field or farm, or portion 

thereof, by a person \olho is not the cer.cif.ied organic prodl!cer or a 

per·son working 1mder the direction of tlie certified organic 

producer. 

129 II. AqriL-ult11ral Proc'luct:.s ~ubjected t"' Drift or Misoipplication 

130 Agricultu:i:al p:t"oduct.s, including livestock feed crops and 

1~1 pasturage, chat are exposed to dri.ft or 1Qisapplicaciot1 wii:h a 

132 proltlbited pestio::ide or fertili:zer shal1- not: be sold or liil:leled al'> 

133 organic:ally produced or fed to cert:ified ~anic livestock. 

134 A. Requirements l'.lf the Certified Organir. Producer 

13$ :i.. AS a drift ~revention measure, certified organic producers 1uust 

136 give ~otification to all adjacent property owners and to thei:t" 

137 appropriate public officials info:cTUing th.em of t:he bounW.rie:1 of 

130 the"-0-tgan.1c: farm.i.ng operation and of any-posi:;;i.ble financia-1-----

139 responsibility Should a:ay drift or misapplir.ation incident cccur. 

140 It is recommended that chis not.ificatio11 l:ie in writing in order to 

141 :facilitate any potent.ial legal c:la:i.m."I on behalf of the certified 

14.2 organic prgducer. 

143 2. ln cases wt1"'°':;;e ptiys:i.<.;al and/or viSual ev;i.dev.c:e i.o.dic"'t~ c.hat. 

144 agricultux-al. prod'l.!ct.s have beP.n subjected 1:0 drif-i: or 

145 misapplication with a prohibited substanc.."P., t:he cP.rtifie.d orgalllc 
126 

146 producer shall' 

147 a. not:ify the certifying agent and the appropriate public 

140 officials within 48 hours of discovery. 

149 

150 

151 

b. not sell or label as organically produce:d oz· feed to 

certified organic livestock the agricultural products 

subjected to drift or misapplicationo 

:i.5:2 a. Requi:rements of the Certifying Agent and/01: State Official 

l53 l. Upon receiving notification (from a c:e=ified organic produce:c, 

154 an organic farm inspector, a certifying agcne, a State or County 

J.55 OfficiaJ., or a member of the public) tbac an agricultural produc::t:. 

J.56 has t>Ben subjectecl. to drift or misapplication with a prohibited 

157 substance on a certified organic: farm., the certifyil1g agent shall 

l.SEI work with the appropriate public officials eo do the follo"1ing: 

J.59 a. determine i.f a drift ol.· misapplic:ation inc:idtic:c has 

160 ac:tually oc:c:urred and, if so, investigate the incident; 

164 

165 

166 

167 

16, 

,,, 

170 

171 

172 

173 

174 

175 

176 

h. attempt to identify tbe prohibited substance that hai!iii 

drifted ontc or been misapplied to Ue c:ert.ified organic 

farm: 

c:. identify and mark the portion of the organic field 

expo~ed to drift or misapplication and assure that 

agricultural products growing in this area of the field are 

not sold or labeled as organically produced or ted to 

ce=ified organic livest.eek; 

d. Conduct, if necessary, pre-harvest residue testi11g to 

verify the extent of the drift of lllisapplic:ation in-.ident; 

=d 

e. determine the po=ion, if any, of the field that was not 

subjected to drift or misapplication and determine if 

agri=iltural products growing ill this area of tbe field can 

be sold. or labeled as organically produced or fed to 

cert:i..fied organic livestoi::k. 

177 III. Agricultural I'rc:ducts Grown In The 3 Year Period Immediately 

176 Following A Drift Or Misapplication Incident 

J.7.9 Agricultural, pn.ducts grown in the 3 year period immediately following 

160 a drift or misapplication incident may be except1<d from t:be requirement 

'-Ill in § :'.:tOS {2) [§ 6504 {2) J t·1hich requires agricultural producr:.:;; sold .::i:.: 

:\.6:2 labeled as r:irganic:ally produced r.o he produced on land that: b.as not: li.at 

183 prohibited subSlta..'lce~ appl.ied d1i:ring the 3 yea:r:s .i.mmediately prei;;r.ding 

J.8'! /;larll'est l.lf the agr.ic:ultural prcido1ct:s. The except.inn ~hall. be 
127 

:J.85 determiiied hy t:he certifying agent: subject t.c~ the follo1Jing 

186 requirements: 

J.8'7 A- Rsquireinents of the Ceri:::ified Organic Producer 

:taa 'l'he <";ertified organic pi:oducer shall no-c, without; the approval of 

189 the cert:i.fying agent., sell or label as organically produced or 

190 feed to i:.:er1:ified orgariic livest.oi;k:, any agrir.:llltrn:;al products 

191 grown on 1:he po:i:"tion of a ce:l:'tified organic farm that was 

152 subjected to drift or misapplication in ehe 3 year period 

193 immediately following the drift ~r misapplication incident:. 

194 B- Requirements of the Certifying Agent and/or State Official 

195 The certifying agent and/or State Official shall det.err.Une using 

196 pre-harvest resii:lue testing, if deemed necessary,· if agricultural. 

197 products can be Eold or labeled as organically pn:iducecl or fed to 

198 certified organic .live.stock that are: 

,,, 

200 

201 

202 

1. produced on the portion of a certified organic: farm that 

was previously mll:ljected·to drift or misapplication; and 

2. n.q:!;. directly exposed to drift or m.i.sapplication dur:i.ng 

the current crop growing sea.son. 

203 In the c:ase of drl.ft or misapplication onto pastuz~:;; or forage that 

204 cannot be cut for hay or oth~rwise removed, organic livestocl-:. shall 

205 not be allowed acee5s to the past~e or forage for the remainder of 

206 that pn.si:ure season. For continuous seaso11 pasture systems, tbe 

207 dete=ination of tbe withholding period Ebal1 b~ at the discretion of 

20IJ tbe c::err.i£ying agent. 
209 

210 

:.!l1 

211 

213 

214 

215 

:.?J. El 

217 

218 

215 

220 

221 

222 

,,, 

224 

225 

226 

227 

226 

229 

230 

231 

232 

233 

234 

23!5 

236 

237 

23e 

239 

240 

241 

242 

243 

244 

245 

246 

247 

,., 

249 

2:"0 

251 

128 

S'l'ATUTORY PROVIS.IONS 

tJ.S. Organic Foods Production Act of l.990, Section 2l06 (d): ~Small 

Farmer Exempt.ion. --Subsection (a) (1)" shall noi: apply to perso11s 

who sell no more than !?5, 000 annualJ.y in value of agr:i.c1~.ltu:t·al 

product.s. • 

.,Stlbsection (a) (1) : a In general. --on or aft.ar Octoi)er 1., :!.993--

(A) a person may sell or label an agricultural product as 

organically produced only if St\cb product is produced and handled 

in accordance with this title; and 

(Bl nn person may affix a label to, or provide other market 

information conc:e=ii.ng, an agr.ieultural proQuc:t if sucl1 label or 

information implies, directly or indirectly,- that such prodttct. is 

produced and handled using organic met.bods, except. ili acctirdance 

with t.his t.it.le. m 

RF.CO~ll.T.ION 

Persons who sell llO more than·SZ,000 a.nnually in value of 

agricultural procillct.s and seJ.l or labc?l iii- portion or al.l. of such 

agriculcu:ral products as organically produced or handled are 

exempted from certification by an USDA-accredited agency hut. are 

required t.o produce and handle organic products in accordance wit.Ii 

the product.ion and handling standards provir3ed :for in the OFPA. 

The exempted person shall demonstrate COl!lpliance 'dit.h tlle OFJ:IA by 

the implement.at.ion of che following measures: 

(1) Signature on a CPmplet.ed Declaration form, which at.t.est.s to ~ 

thorough knowledge of the provisions of the OFPA and t.o the 

prodl.l.ction and handling of organic prodi1ct.s according t.o t.he OFPA. 

{2) The development ot all Organic Fann :JM./t::Jr Handling' !?lan, in 

accordance with the :I:<'>quirement.s 0£ the OFPA. 

IJ) '!he est.ablisbnimt of record-keepiug adequate to t:1:·ac!! an. 

organj.c; proQuct from production site through to sale for 

con.:iumpt.:i.on. Reco:'('Qs must be kept for five yeaz·s. 

(4) Tl1e provisions 0£ publi~ access t.o the above docu1nent..~" 

Exempted Small Farmers vho democstrar:.e compliance with the OFPA 

'9ba:t.l bs able t.o market. non-certifit:!d organic; products from their 

fa= direct:ly to cons1lll!ers at direct sales. outlets .. Examples-.of 

direr:t .sales out.lets include roadside stands, farm market:s, and 

c<:>nsU111t:.r subscription programs (C"'..ommll.!lity Supported Agriculture}. 

Exempted Small Farmers ~ho wish to market. direct.ly to retail 

out:lei;s =Y do so by providi..ng copies of the Declarat.iou form to 

the individual recail outlet.. In no instance sball non-certified 

o:i:'Ja.rn.r:: products be market:et1 1;bro1~gh e.xpri:r.t:ers, whoJ.F..<;ale7i-;, 

broker}.;, proCt:o$.:l07.':S, rn: rei;aj.J. c:bain w...reboUhles. 
129 

252 Furthermo:r:·e, an exempt: farmer may not sell or label an agricultural 

2;;::, product a~; "certified organic" unless certified by oin USPA254 accredited cerci:f.ying agericy. 

2SS The ~xempted Sm.al]. 1''arl!ler aiid/or reta:i.l outlet. 111ay display c.t1e. 

256 Small FarmeY Declarar-io11 £Orm at the place of sale. There shall be 

257 no mandatory filing requirements for tl1e above smal.J. farmer 

256 exemption provisions. All required informatioP mUst be on file and 

2SCI available. on the premises of !:he exempted farmer. 

260 The above provisions shalJ. no\~ be canstrued as precluding a Stace 

261 f1·01u issuing additiona). r!<lgulat:.ions ~garding the Small }-'armer 

262 Exemption. 

,,, 

264 SMALL FARMER EXEMPTION fROM USDA CEnTIFICATION PROGEAM 

2GS ANNlJAL DECLARJ\..TION OF 

266 1 .. l declare tb.at I sell i10 t!lOre than $5,ooo annu·ally in al}. 

267 agrit.'Ulcural product.s and. that;." all agric:ulcural producc.::1 t.hat I 

268 sell as cirganically produced or baDdled a:i:e produced aDd handled iu 

2G9 accol.·dance wii:h the Organic Foods Product:ion Act of .J.99() {OFPA). 

,70 

271 

273 '''

,,, 

275 

276 

'- 7·1 

270 

'· I declarir. that: a. I have read and un.derscand t.he re!Jlll.ations regarding 

produccion and handling of organic produces co ~be OFPA; 

b. I have developed an organic farm and/or handli:i:i.g 

plan in accordance with the requ;i.rements of the OFPA; 

c. I 'bavP. records tracing the organic production from 

produ~tion site to salei and 

d. I will provide reasonable public ac(;!ess t.o t.he aboVP. 

doclllTIP.nts. 

279 3. I decla:i:·e under penalty of perjury under the laws of t.he 

280 United St.ates of America that. the fore~oing is truP. and correct. 

261 

,,, 

,,, 

,,, 

2B5 

,,, 

EXECOIED t:his ===~da~y~o~f;_;::;~;;:::;:===-::--' 19 ___ , at·. 

(city &. St.aT.e) 

(Signature) 
287 

266 

2139 A. 

130 

C. RRS.!!ltra TESTING 

C'OMME"N'tl£Y 

Summary of F.xisr.ing Law Relat.ed t.o E>esticide Re.siciues 

::290 Pesticide residues on food and feed are regulated. hy t:he Fedez:al 

29l Insecticide, Fungicide, aJJd Rodenticide Act (1-'IFRA) (7 USC 130) arid 

292 tl1e Federal Food, Drug, ;md Cosmet:ic Ael: (FFDCA) (21 OSC 3:21) • A 

293 pesticide tolerance [established by EPA under the FFDCAJ :i.s tile 

294 atnount of a pesticide residue t.hat legally- may De present i.n or on 

295 a raw agricultu:ral commodity or a processed food (40 CFR Chapter J., 

296 § J.77.3). Under the FFDCA, food er feed conl:aining a pe:stic.:i.de 

29·; residue i12 excess of the EPA tolerance or ccintaining a pest:.ic.:i.de 

290 residue for which no tolerance exists for that food or feed is 

~~9 adulterated and CaDI!Ot be sold. Onder the FFDCA, tbe FDA is 

300 responsit)le for enforci:cg pest:.icide tole:i;ances. 

301 Some pesticides (e.g., mr.r, aldrin, dieldri.n) have had their 

30.2 registrations canceled and i:.olerances revoked hy t:he EPA but 

303 continue to persist in tbe e:cviroDl!lent and may occ:ti.r as unavoidable 

304 residues in food _or feed. EecaWS"e t:heir EPA tolerances have been 

305 revoked, FilA established uaction levels~ for these pesticides to be 

305 used for enforcement. ID est:a.blisl:l.ing cile FDA action level for. 

307 each pesticide, t:he agency: 1) used its pesticid!i! residue 

300 monitoring data to determine residua levels c.ha.t: could not. be 

309 avoided by farmers and food processors using good growing or 

310 manufacturing practices; and 2) took i.nt:o acc:ount. its analytical 

311 a.bj.lity to detect and measure the amount:. o:t: tb.e unavoidable 

312 pesticide :residue in a food or feed. 'l.'be FDA action levels .?.Xe 

313 sub:!:ltantially lower th.an the original EPA toleranees for -chese 

3J.4 pesticides. (Refere.uce: Federal Reqisi:er, Vol. SS, No. 74, 

315 4/17/90) 

,,, B. Summary of the OFPA and Legislai:ive.Intent 

31 7 There are six specific -references to resj.due testing in the OFPA. 

318 !i 2112 {a) requ.ires t:he Secretary, State official, and eert:.ify.i:cg 

319 agent to utili:z:e a asyst.em of :i:-esidue testing" to assi.sl'. in 

320 enforr.ement.. § 2107 (al {IS) requires "per:i.od.i~ residue test.ing" by 

321 certifying agents to determice if organic food coni:ains pesticide 

322 residues, other non-organic :residues, or natural toxicants. § 

323 ----2-112 (1:>) ·states that the Secretary, State .ot':f!icial,_or certifying_ 

32G. agent =Y require pre-harvest residue testing of any crop grown on 

325 soil suspected of harboring contaminants, § 21=1.2 (c) (1) requires an 

326 investi~ation t.o be conducted by the Secrec.al:y, Stat.e official, or 

327 t:he cert.ifying agent if it is determined t:bat an organic =op or 

328 IJl:.""Oduct co11-cains @Y •detec:ta.bll!" (ell!Phasis added) pestic:i.de 

329 -.:e.o;idue, non.-o:cgan...ic: i~esiclua, 07: prob.ihj.t:ed natural Slilist:anr::e 

330 residue. § 21·12 (cl {2) states that: fooli may iiot lie 1:;u].d a~ O:r;g-d:O.;.e 

33:.L ;\.;!; ii.: conta5.ns z·e!Oidtll!!l at levels that: are great~r t:lJ.aU 

332 ~unavoidab1e residual enviroruneJ:J.t:al r.:o:o.t..,,.w.i.l:i.ar.irin"" § 2~l'.!.9 (kl (5) 
._ ·-

3:13 

3:14 

335 

33 i; 

337 

33' 

339 

3<0 

341 

3<2 

343 

3<• 

3<5 

346 

347 

3,, 

3<9 

350 

351 

352 

353 

35• 

355 

356 

357 

35, 

359 

360 

361 

362 

363 

36< 

365 

366 

367 

36' 

369 

370 

371 

3"72 

373 

37< 

375 

376 

377 

37' 

379 

360 

131 

requires the NOSl:l t:.o advise the Secretary concerning testtng of 

organically produced prod\tct.s for residues caused by ~unavoidable 

residual environmental conta~ination." 

T!1e Report of tl:1e Cornmitt.eP. on Agriculture, Nutr.:i.tion, and 

:!e'oresr.ey, US Sen<i.t:e, 1:0 Accompariy s. 2630 (Report 101-357) provides 

assistance in unde~standing the legislative inten~ of the OFPA. 

The rt'lport has an t.intire seer.ion devot~d r.o residue testing (pp. 

299-30:1.) wl1ic!1 contains consideral:ile discussion of the sllbject. 

C::. Maxi11111tn AlJ.owable P"est.icide Rel!l:i.duc f.or Organic Food 

Because residue testing is mandated by the OFPA, a l'lla.Ximwn 

pesticide residue leve.1. mu6t. be e.sr.abli!'Jhed as a standard for 

organic food. But the OFPA does not e~tablish such a residue 

level. The NOSB has devoted considerable time in its att.ampt to 

·a.evelop a pesticide residue standard t.bat is reasonable, practical, 

affordable, ~ousistant wich-eonsul!IP.r illterescs, and consistent with 

the OFPA. Three options have been considered and debated: 1) a 

zero residue scand.arrl wl1ich 111ay be i!llplied by the term ~unavoiclable 

residual enviro111nencal colltCtminatiou• iu § 2112 (c) (2) of the OFPA; 

2) a 100% of EPA pesticide tolerance scandard which ifl the same 

sca.ttclard applied t:o coLWentionill food.; and 3) a percentage (5~ or 

10~) of EPA pesticide tolerance ~tandard which is used by some 

State organic laws, some certification agents, and specifically 

recommended in the Senate Comm.it.tee Report. 

The NOSB believes that a zero residue standard for organic food 

would be impractic:al, expensive, and difficult to ac:hieve (it is 

impossible to prove a negative - particularly when residue testing 

levels of detect:i.o;in are low2red each t:ime che analytical technology 

imp:r:oves) • A zero residue ,;;tandard would force orga.nit: fa:rmei:-s to 

bear the expense and consequences of pesticide use by conventional 

farmers. While§ 2112(c) (3) of the OFPA may appear to sec a ~c:ro 

residue standard, careful study of the Sanate Conmri.Ctee Rc:por1:. 

reveals thac the l~islat.ive intent was not to set a zero re&idue 

standard. The Senate Committee Report scatea: 1) nHistoricaJ.ly, 

~organic~ has been a production claim and not a re.sj.due-free 

content clairo.~ 2) ~on occasion, organic: fa.l:"l!lers, although 

fol.lowing tt1e stricr. stanCl.ards ill thi-s bill, may producli! products 

with minimum residues due l":O inadvertent environmental 

contamination such as drift from a neighboring farm." 3) "Second, 

residue testil1g bridges the concept that organically produced food 

is defined ·by tbf':-manner in which ·s11ch food- was produced- and the--

widely held concept that organically produced food has ~T:: 

(emphasi.s added) residues.~ 4) ""!be Committee bas been asked to 

provide guidance :regard:illg the me~ning of 'll.Ilavoidable residual 

environruental contami.nation. • 1.'be Cormnit:tP.e does uoc intend l:t) 

p:r:obibit minimal residu~ (emphasi5 added) contamination th.at does 

not: :cesulc f:t'ow. p:cac<.ices ui;cd by the arganir: f.a::i:ming opel:"at.~.i.on. 0 

5) ~The Committee does not int.end, hO"OltiVel:"", that: a :level g:i:eate.:r: 

th.an 10% ~f thr. E~A level or that :1'.fl.ro pt;>~;t·:enl: of: t:oleranc:e be 
132 

381 approved hy tlle Secretary. The desire is to leave the Secretary 

382 the dist.:retio?1 to set residue levels somewhere becween 1.% and 10~ 

383 of the EPA levels." and 6) "Finally, as a r2sulc. of the Commir.C.P.e's 

384 dehate as to tl1e merits of various levels of acceptable residues of 

1RS pruhihited mat:.11.rials for organic food, the Cowmitcee decided t'.har. 

3136 the l'ilOSEJ () would be the most kno..,ledgeuble on thi.\:I subject an<:l 

307 thv.s tl:1e Cornrnittee intends i:hat the NOSB shall advise tt1e SeCrt!tary 

388 cor1cerning appropriate residue levels and testing'" methods for 

389 organir. producr.s.a Furtbermore, § 2119(k) (5) requires the NOSFI to 

390 advise the Secretary concerning the testing Of organic food for 

391 residues ca.u!led by "unavoidable residual environm_enca1 

392 conc.aminat:ioD.• 'Ihis ·implies chat the meaning of "unavoidable 

3 93 residual environmenc.al contamination" ll'OlSt be det:ermined by the 

194 Secretary_and, therefore, is not predetermined co mean zero 

395 resid;1.~e. 

396 The NOSB believes that a residue stanclard of 100\" of EPA t.olerance 

397 is Ullaccepcable. The organic comrrrnnity, consume:r gl:'Oups, and 

39B environmental groups are gene:;.-a.lly opposed to such a standard for 

39!1 organic food as well. 

400 Becau~e a zero residue standard and ~ 100~ of EPA tolerance 

402 standard are both unacceptable, tbe NOSB is proposing chat the 

4.02 residue level for ozganic food be sec at 5% of EPA tolerance, For 

403 the purposes of the OFPA, "unavo.idable residua.J. environme.ntaJ. 

404 contamination" sball mean no more tban 5~ of che EPA toler1illce" 

4DS In proposing this residue ::itandard, the NOSE! re-empliasizes that the 

406 residue standard does not define ozganic food (organic is ~ 

407 production c.laim, not a residue-free claim). Rather, the res.idue 

408 standard. serves as a toci.l {nlalldated by c.he OFPA) i:.o assi.l:lt USDA, 

409 State organic pro5Jrams, and pr_ivate cerc.ifir.a.tion agent.s in 

4.J.O asl:luring complia.D.ce with the OFPA by ozganir: producers and 

411 bandlers. Nevert:.heless, the NDSB recognizes th.at: r.be residue 

412 standard being couisidert!d is ce.ncral 1:.0 maintaining cousumer 

413 confidenc::e in 'Cile ent:i.re organic system. With tbi.s responsi.bilit:y 

~1'1 in mind, the NOSB believes che proposed 1'esidue stand.a.rd is 

415 consist:enc wich che OFPA, with the legislac.ive int:enc, and with 

416 several existing Stat:e organic laws. In addition, the proposed 

4:t. 7 res:i.due standard wi.ll well serve conslliller int:erest by adeqwitl'.lf 

4J.B balancing food safet:y concerns with tb.a practical limitations of 

419 producing organic food in farm commun:itie~ where pesticides have 

420 b-eer. -used and will. continue co- be-·used-in- the fut.ure. 

Pesr.ic.ide Re.sidlie Levt>l .tor Organic Food and Feed 

42."l }\gl:'ic1tlt:ural Ji'.'l:'tldui;:Cs sol~l o:r. laihe:te.d i?!.l!l 1,rga-;;:i:i.~ sJ:m:J.:t l'.Clt". o::l!'lxttr<::i.n 

424 pest;j_r:j.de :cesidues in e:J(r.ess of 1:.he FDA acr.ion l1P.vel CL" 5% of the 

425 EPA t:olf.o:rance. lf, 1:or a. specifii~ ll'!Sl:.icide, detection a.1: Si'> of 

.\\?.6 the 1".J?.l-\, t;clel'.:anc:e ir.: JJ.Ct: l:eehnir:aJ,ly fea.sible., t'.be. pestic:i..d12 
133 

427 residue level shall be the lowest le.ve.l of detection attainable for 

428 that pesticide. In such situations, the certifying agent shall 

429 survey the regiona1ly available acc~edited laboratories and !lelect 

~30 the laboratory 1~ith t:he analytical p:roceditres capable of detecting 

431 the lowel'ir. level fo:r. the μesticide . 

.;32 For the purposes of the Federal Organic Food.5 ProQ.uction Ac\:, 

433 nUllavoidable residual envirol"ll!1e'tltal contamination" shall mean no 

434 more than t.he FDA act.ion level or 5% of the Et'A tolerance . 

.;35 No Star.e shall be permitted to lowe.r the pesticide residue level 

436 for organically produced agrieultural products below the FDA actinn 

437 level or 1% of the El?A tole.:-anc:e. 

438 '!'he pesticide residue leve:l for organic food and feed shall be 

439 rev:i.ewed annually by the National Qrg;mir. Standards Board. Suc:h 

440 review shall include consideration of the effec;ts of improvements 

441 in residue testing technology and changes in E2A tolerances • 

,,, >. • system of ResiduP. ·rest.ing - OFI'A §§ 2112 (a), 2io7 {a) (6) 

443 A. National 

444 The Sec:ret.a;ry of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human 

445 Services shall enter into an agre~ment that directs FDA.·to inc::luOe 

446 a relative percentage (not less than 1%) of organic: raw 

447 agricultural commodity samples and organically processed product 

448 samples as part of it.s Regulatory Monitoring program for pesticide 

449· residues. Result:i obtained from organic: produc:P. and orgauically 

450 processed products sl1all be compiled in a separate ann11al repo=t 

45l sullmit;t.ect to USDA. 

452 If a pesticidP. residue or residue of a.nothe:i:· p:i:chil:lited. sullstani::t! 

453 is fouud on an organic raw agrj.eulc.ural co=ility or an orga:i1ically 

45~ processed product. by the FDA Requlaco:ry Monitoring program, FDA 

455 shall immediately notify the 5ec::retary, the applicable governing 

456 St.ate official, and the ~pplicable certifying ag-er11; of the firid.ing457 so an investigation can be conducted under§ 2~12(c) (1) cf the Act. 

45S B. . . .\3t:<1t~ 

459 For those States that conduct pesticide residue monito:i:ing 

460 programs, thP. Sec:reta:ry of Agrieult.ure <!lld the applicable governing 

46"1 State official shall enter into an ag-ree111ent that directi; the State 

462 to include a relative percentage (n~t less than 1.%) of <lr!Janic raw 

46"3 agricultural commodity. samples. and org.=ically pn:icessed product464 samples as part of the State pesticj.de residue monitoring progra111. 

4.6"5 Results obtainP.d from organic produee and organically processed 

466 product samples shal.l be compiled in a Beparat.e annual =:l=lort: 

<!67 .subm.it:t.tecl. to USDA.. 

41ifl T.f <1. pe.stj.r:;irl.e :<:~to.~.P.i.1<" r.>%" r.esidllf.l o;f. anr.ithe.:!' p:r,obil1;i,t:A~1 si.lhst.anc~' 

469 i.s fC">l.llld on a.r1 organic: raw ·agr.i.c::ultlL1.al conrrnod.ity or an ol'.-gfillic:ally 

1170 EJrocessecl prod1lct by a Stat.e pesticide Yl!'sirlue mo11itoriug proff.Lam. 
134 

471 the .'>t:.at:e shall irnrnediat:.ely notJ.ry i:he Secret:a:ry, the St.at:~ 

472 governing official, and the applicable certifying agent of the 

473 finding so an investigation can be conducted under § 2112 (e) (l} of 

.:, 74 the Act. 

475 C. ~-o..sli ·· l'eriodio: Residue Testir19 Fro9Tam - § 2107 (a) (6) 

4'lG The cert:ifying agent sliall develop a:IJ.d implement: a syei::~m for 

47-1 evaluat:ing the potential for agricultural produces produced or! 

4"10 l;'ertified organic farms or by certified orga.ilic liandlers to c:ont:a.i.n 

4 79 residues of pesticides or other prohibited substances. Such. 

480 ev~luat:.ion shall include an assessment of the potential for 

481 residues on organic produces resulting from residues in soil, 

4ll2 residues in irrigation water or rainfall, drift, State or Federal 

483 emergency spray programs, and intentional application of prohibited 

464 substances by the grower or handler. 

485 1'h;e certifyiDg agent ab.a.ll conduct periodic residue testing- of 

486 agriculr.ural products to be sold as organic iu t.he following 

43e1 situations: 

480 

489 

490 

1. ln cases of pesticide drift. 

2. When farm or handling facility inspect:ion leads to 

suspicion of"residue problems. 

491 The certifyin"g agent l!laY conduct periodic residue testing of 

492 agricultural products to be sold a~ organic in situations such a~ 

493 the following: 

494 

495 

496 

497 

498 

<99 

500 

501 

!:i02 

1. Suspicion 1:.hat the soil barbers contaminants. 

2. Suspicion tb.at i=igation water or rainfall contains 

residues. 

3. During t:he 3 Ii i:nonth period iUIIllec:liately f~llowing 

treatment of a certified organic farm by a St:ate o~ ~'ederal 

emergency spray program. 

4. Il:l response to written complaints. 

5. To follow up on positive :res:i.due testing re.!lult:s £:rout 

Federal, State, or local government. tl'lSt,ing. 

503 J.f a pes-cicide rssidue or residue of" another prohibited :subst.ance 

S04 is foll.lld on an organic raw agricultural commodity or an organically 

SOS processed product by a certifying agent, the certifying agent: shall 

SOG illllllediately not:ify the Secretary and the State governing official 

507 of the .finding so an inv~stiga_t;Lon qm~_l?!l- .. teC)nductf:!d un~e.+: .. 5 .. sos 2ii2 (Cl ·r1r of" Clie· ACt~ ·strict c:oii.f{dentiality wiil :Ce maintai.Ded 

509 by all parties notifi~d of a drift i.Jlcident or misapplic~tion 

510 during t:he invcstigatiou. · 
135 

511 

512 

!i13 sect.ion 2107 (bl (1) (A), (E), and (C~: 

514 Discretionary Requirements: 

515 (1) provide ±'or t.he certification of an entire fapn or h1.l.l1dling 

516 operation or specific: fields of a farm or par~s of a handling operation 

SJ.7 if -

518 (A) in t.he case of a farin or field, t.he area r.o be certified has 

519 distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zone9 separating the land being 

520 operated through the us~ of organic methods from land that is not being 

521 operated t.hrougl1 the ttse oi: such mP.thoc\s; 

522 (Bl t.he operators of sucli farm or handling operation 1naintain records of 

523 all organic operations separate f~~~ records relating to other 

524 operations and make such records avai.lable at all times for inspect.ion 

525 by the Secretary, Che cert.i.fying agent., and the governing Stace 

526 official; and 

!::\27 (Cl appropriace physical :i:at"!il'ities, machinery, and management pract:ic:es 

528 are established 't.O preven't the possibility of a mixing of organic and 

529 nonorganic:: produces or a penet:racion of prohlbited cliemic:als or ocher 

530 substancP.s on the c::ert..i.fied area .. 

53:1. COMMENTARY 

.'332 The process of conversion from a conventional farming operation to 

533 an operation that relies solely on organic production methods is 

534 based on the produGer's assessment of the agronomic::, economic::, and 

535 environmental benefits of organic agrieul.ture as well as en the 

536 producer's personal philosophy. The fact tl:lat some farmers decide 

537 to maintain ccnveccional. productiOJJ. methods in some areas of t.tieir 

530 farms whlle employing organic met.bods in other area.-s; prornpt:s 

~39 philosophical debate over c.he producer's commitment to norganic• 

!::\40 and prac:t:ical debate over the implications for organic 

541 cert:ific::atioD. The debates over such 0 split operations" have been 

542 carried out at the loc::al, national, and international levels for 

54:3 inany years. 

!::\44 Tbcse promot:ing a required 100~ conversion to organic: production 

545 met.hods offer the following a%gllme.Dts. The extent to wli.ic:h a 

545 "farming· operaci:on-·b.as been or-is· being converted to·-organic 

547 productiorl i:i an indication of the producer's commitment: co the 

548 orgauic phil.osophy to some. Others believe split cpe.:r:·aticns are 

549 difficult or impo8Sible to certify because the risks of 

550 contamination ~r fraud :.re coo hi9"h and an unbroken chain of 

551 custody ;i.s poasible only within au all organic: managemenr; syst:em. 

552 .rt: is alsci poirit:ed out; <:hat: ;;r;moi cartifir.ac;ion o:cgani:i:atio11s i11 

55:3 this C::t:lw1:r.ry and i<l Europio new require a gr.;,.au~J_ conversion of 

554 participati11g farms t.o a tot.ally organic operation. 

-.. r .. 
5:;5 

556 

557 

55_8 

!:i5.'J 

550 

~Gl 

562 

563 

564 

SGS 

566 

557 

558 

555 

570 

S7l 

572 

573 

574 

575 

575 

577 

578 

570 

580 

581 

582 

SEl3 

584 

585 

586 

587 

588 

580 

590 

591 

·5s2 

SS3 

594 

505 

595 

597 

590 

599 

500 

136 

Those :promoting an allowance for split operatio11s offer t:he 

followin!; arguments: Real commitment: to an organic sysl:.em.will 

flow frotn the aci:ual success of a producer and should not: be. 

rnandat:ed by the governmellt. Sometimes the economics of an 

operati~1n 1.1ill prohibit. a producer from fully acting on the 

commitment they might have to the organic philosophy. In addition, 

it is argued that mandatory whole farm conversion discourages entry 

level organic production and may force a premat:ure commitment fro~ 

growers who are evaluating the agronomic and economic i1npacr.s of 

the organic transition of their farms. While split operations 

present a sign:1.ficant challenge to certifiers, the rE'lal issue is 

the a.l:lility of the fa= management eystem to maintain the organic: 

integrity of organic: fiel.ds and crops. 

The NOSB believes that t:he Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 

(OFPA) neither requires nor il!lpli~s a commitment from the producer 

to complete conversion of the fa.no. to organic production methods.· 

The OFPA states in the definitions (§ 2103(4)) that the te:rm ~certified organic: farm" may refer to a •portion of the farm.~ § 

2~.07 (bl (ll (Al, (Bl, and (C) states tbat tl::i.e "progralit established 

under this title may provide for the certification of an entire 

far!II ... or specific fields of a farm." The NOSB recognizes t:be 

challenITeS tila.c c:ertifying a split operation presents, but agaill ~elieves that the OFPA add~sses this challenge. Under 

§ 210·1 (bl (1), restrictions an farms with split opl'!:i:-ations are 

clearly identified,- setting forth requirements fo1: boundaries and 

buffer zones, separate record-keeping, measures for preventing comingling of produi;:t. in handling and processing, and measures for 

preventing "a penetration• of substances used under convencional 

farming practices ill.to Ht.he certi:fied area.~ The NOSB wishes r.o 

acknowledge that sigD.ificaut challenges lie ahead for certifying 

agents whose task is to verify c0ritplia.r.t.ce on split operatiocs. It 

can he especially difficult in split. livestock operations where the 

mobility of animals presents increased risks and may require · increased scrutillyo In order' to address. this issue over time., and 

to encourage. conversion to 100% organic prodiiction, the Cornmir:tc~s 

will amend the organic Farm Plan to include a section whicb 

reque:st.s that producers describe their current efforts aud exisi::ing 

obstacles toward conversion. 

In-a. farminco--operation .where bot.h--organic--and non-or>Janic fields-, 

crops, and livestock are managed, the time table rui.d level of 

transition to organic production is at the discret.ioll"of the 

producer_ The producer must be in full comPliance wit:li § 

:Z107 {b) (1) CA), {BJ, and {C) of the OFPA of 1990. Organic 

certification !llb.ould be determined s1;:1lely on the basis of t.lie 

f.ari:n' s ;:~mplianc:e with the. OFJ?A. 
601 

60, 

603 

137 

E. ~~l\F-1'.:;:NG STO,q:: POLICXES 

.STAn:TTORY REQUIREm:.'NTS FQR SEED. SEEDLINGS, 

AND PLANTING STOCK 

604 OF~A !i 21.~: "For a farm t~ b~ cert.ified under this title, 

605 producers on such fa:r:m lihaJ.l not apJ,Jly materials t_o, or engage in, 

606 practices on fleeds or ~eedliDgS that axe ccnt.~ary to, or 

607 inconsist~nt With, t:he applicable organic c:ert.ification prog·ram. • 

608 J"RANSP!,l\NTS 

609 OFPA § 2109 {c..l.J.3.l: HFor a farin to be c:ertified nnder thii::; tit.le, 

610 producers on such farm shall not - . - use transplant:S that are 

61l. treat:ed with any synthetic o:r. prohilJited materi_als." 

613 In addendum to the statutory requirements, the NOSB proposes the 

614 following standards: 

615 Dl'.'.fir1itions 

616 COllm!~rc:ially Available: The determination of commercial 

617 availahility shaJ.l be at 1,:lle d.iscret:..i.on of the certifying agent and 

618 entail the following good faith efforts documented i11 writing by 

619 the producer: (al the good fzi.lth effo:i.--r.s illade to loc:at;e or develop 

620 a sotlrc:e of organic transplants or untreated seed; and (bl progress 

621 made over the ri~vious year to eliminate non-organic trai1splants or 

622 untreated seed. 

623 ~ual ;rans.plant:; 

624 Recomm~ndat.iov.: All aimual .tJ::aUSPlants utilized .in a certified 

625 organic farmin~J operation Ehall Le organically grown in ac:corda.nce 

626 with the Organic Foods Production lt.ct of l.990 (OFPA), w.itb the 

627 following eJl':Ceptio:n: If organically grown transplants are 

628 destroyed by frost, flood, or other natural disaster, resulting in 

62s non-avaiJ.abil.ity of organically gTown transplants for replant.ing, 

630 the use of non-organic transplants roay be pertu.itted. Det;.erminat.ion 

631 of disaster status and o:x.-ganic tr.m.splant av<i.ila.bilit:y shall be 

632 determiDed by the. c~rtifyin9 agency. 

·tiJJ ~pniLJ.l...J:fil,nsplants--

634 

635 

636 

g~mme!ld<J.tion; 

to harvP.st: from 

organic sr.oc:k. 

One year 

perennial 

of organic: management: is required prior 

plant material ~hich is not producAd from 

5:>i £Q!!rlt1E'Tll:f'i!:!!'.' ')'.'l1e. tRrn "J?f:;n!rnia.l \~:i::o\VSI)J.mJ.t:, N f<Jr the purpose,; Of 

638 tl1e al:love stand:.rd, id~ni:ifies tree fruits:, graJ,Jes, ano;l small 

639 fru.it:s of genu.i; Rubus, llibes, and V<!.ct:illium, .ll!.i::.1.udi!:lg t:.1:anspla.1:1i:ed 
138 

640 nlilt.ure bearing stock:. In general, the NOSE considers perennial 

641 pJ.anting stock. frol!l any sourcs to be •organicoilly produced" after 

642 one year of organic management. Ale.hough there is come a:r·gar1ically 

643 produced stock cu~ently available, there are nut enough of all 

644 varieti.es of all crops yet:: available to require perennial trees and 

645 vinen be organically produced. 

646 p~ij'ic Transplant Standard§. 

647 The types of transplants described specifically beJ.ow are plants 

640 prcpaga>;:ed vegetatively, by means of division, specialized organs., 

64;1 such as bulbs or corms, layering, cuttings, and tissue .::11J.ture r.o 

650 reproduce an individual plant wicb.out genetic change. 

GSl ln all ::;ituatioru; wher~ availability of organic plan'Cing :>tock is 

652 an issue, the NOSB urges organic producers to persistent.ly request 

653 that organic: stock and cransplant growP.rs research and develop 

6~11. organ:ic propagation. 

655 11.sparaaus 

656 Recommendat_ign: One year of orsanic management is remlired prior 

657 to t:he harvest of spears from asparagus crowns that were uot 

G58 organically produced. 

65!1 Crnmnentarri Asparagus is a pertmnial plant. Direct field !oleedi.ng 

660 of asparagus i:s practiced by few growers. Host asparagus plants 

661 are started by planting one year old c:rolo'D.s. Typically, the c=ovms 

662 .are grown .in a nursery in early spring. The following spring, the 

663 plants are dug, separated, and replanted ill permanent;. bli.ds .. 

664 Harvesting of asparagus spears usually begins the third spring from 

665 planting. 

666 Garlic 

1';67 _R!tcommend.ation: Garlic: cloves utili.:z:ed for i:be propagation of 

66B garlic plants shall be organically produced, witb •.he following 

659 exception: :if the producer can dOL"U.ment to the sat;.isfaction of a 

670 USDA accredited cercifying agency that organic.: garlic cloves are 

671 not comme:!:"cially availabJ.e, non-organic: garl.ic: cloves shall be 

672 pex-mittetl. 

... 673 

674 

Commenta::r;y• · Garl..ic- iE vegetatively propagated through the el1;1ves . 

Garlic seed is rarely produced. 

6"16 Recamt;tendation: 01:\~.()l'l. se-.t".!l, top sets, anri 1mi:l1c.i:r;>liers utilized ln 

677 a certified organic: farming operation shall be. o:rganic:al.ly 

6"18 produced. with the falloving exceptiou: if dte prod1~cer can 

679 documeu'C to the aatisfac:t:ion of ;,,i USDA acr:rec:lit<0d ceri:ifying a!'j"ency 
139 

680 t:hat o:r.ga11ic onion sets, top sets, or multipliers are not 

661 commercially available, non-organic stock shall be permitted. 

66:2 CommentaIT' Although the C()m:i'!lon field onion is propagated directly 

683 fro1n seed, other variet:ies of the same species ar!.'. pro1~agated 

684 asexually, by l) sets; 2) t:op S!!t:s; or :;) m1l.ltipliers. Sets are 

6fl5 small onions halted in develop111enc by b~ing growr1. very thickly from 

686 seed arid ripened off early i:1 the season. When Planted tbe 

687 following spring, t.hey resume their gJ:'DWt:h and produce mat:ure bulbs 

686 earlier than direct seeded nrU.ons of the same variety. Top set: 

699 onions are little bulbuls that appear on t:be flower cluster in the 

690 place of flowers and a~~ handled in t:Oe same way aB sets. 

691 Multipliers or npotato onionsA: are a form in which the bulb 

692 divide~ ir1tn :separable parts and each part is planted t:he following 

693 spring. 

694 Rhubarb 

695 

,,, 

Recommendation: 

to harvest: from 

ODe year· of organic ma;..lagement i.;; required prior 

rhubarb roo~s that wer~ not: organically produced. 

697 £Q!!Tment;a:i;::i:: Rhubarb is a pe;:=ial plant:, usually propagated by 

69B division of tl1e fleshy roots, small pieces of which will grow if 

699 separated from the old established root~ a.ud planted in rich soil. 

700 Planting is t:ypically i.n the spring" 

701 Seed Potatoes 

702 RgcommenPatinn• Seed potatoes utili~ed for the propagation of 

703 organic potato plants shall be organically produced, with the 

704 following exception: if the producer can doi=uI11ent to the 

705 satisfaction of a USDA accr~dtted certifyin~ agency that organic 

706 seed potato~s are not coll!\I\ercially available, non-organic seed 

707 po~atoes, including tho~e treated with synthetic post-harvest 

708 fUllgicides, zhall b?. permitted. 

70.9 Commen~: Potai::oes are vegetatively propagated through the 

710 tubers, commonly known as •seed pota.toesR within the trade. To the 

711 knowledge of the NO.SB, sources of potatoes produced organically for 

712 Sll!ed a.re scarce. particul.al'.·ly because of the strict phytosanitary 

713 requirements of various State seed ceri:ification programs which 

714 t>.ncou:rage post:-harvest use of fllllgit:ide and o~her prohibited 

715 ---~t:eriaLs p:rio:i:: to storage. 

717 £1.ei::cmmen!t!!;ion: Strawberry croTM utili~ed in a certified o:i:-ganic 

7lll f.arm.ir1g opex·ation slul.11 be o.cganically px·oducetl, with t.b.e f!'.1..1..~w:i.ng 

719 exc:ept.::i.Qn: If the produc:e.i:· can docum~t". to the s;.i.t:isfact:ion of a 

720 USDA acer.edited ceri:ifying <'.gency tbar. organic st.rawberry cnJwn5 
"124 

"725 

726 

72"/ 

72, 

729 

~/30 

73,. 

732 

733 

7:34 

7:15 

736 

737 

73" 

'739 

740 

74'.l 

742 

"14.3 

74< 

745 

746 

74'/ 

748 

745 

750 

751 

752 

753 

·;54 

755 

756 

757 

756 

·759 

"7GO 

"!6,. 

140 

are not commercially available, ·non-organic strawberry cr·owns, 

inc.luding t110.!!e treated post-harvest with prohibited suh:>tances, 

shall be allowed. 

Commenta:r.Y: St~rawberry planr.s are typically propagated by the 

forroacion of 11ew plants called "crow11s" that are formed 011 runners, 

and are abundantly produced during the growing season. Commercial 

strawberry producers usually set llurse:ry-grown pl<ints. Although 

st:i:·awberries are pere110ial plants, in California and mos\: ·soui::hern 

States, strawberries are planted in the fall and w.i..ll produce th<.l!lir 

first·. crop the following spring, about six months from pJ.anting. 

To the. knowledge of the NOSE, organic~lly produced strawberry 

crowns are not commercially available, parti~larly because in many 

areas they musi:: be certified disease-free by county or State orde~ 

whi~:h necessitates fumigation. 

Sweet Potatoes 

Recommendation: Sweet pot:ai::o slips and vine etlttings must be 

organically produced. •seedw tubers may be obtained from nonorganic sources and post-harvest treatment with synthet:i~ 

fungicides is allowod if the producer can document to the 

satisfaction of a USDA accred.l.ted certifying agency that 

orga.n.ical1y prod11ced seed tubers are not cowmercially availabJ.e. 

Such tubers nrust: l1ave been gro\om without the application of 

pesticides prohibited by the· National List to the plai1t or soil. 

Comm~ut;:Jr~::.::i:.: Propagation of sweet: potatoes is asexual, uSill.:f 

c:ran1:1plant:s cir vine cuttings. Transplants are called "slips,~ a.i.Jcl 

a.rise from nseedn tube:i:·s placed iu eicher heated or tlllheated beds 

and covered by about: ·2 inches of steriJ.i:zed sand. Two or three 

puJ.li.ngs 9f slips a.re ofte..c practiced. In area~ of long growizlg 

seasoD.S. after early plantings are eJ.Jtablished with transplants, 

later planti1igs may be established with vine cuttings obtained by 

c.'Uttiny- eighi:: t:o t:en inches of tips of growing vines. This 

involves cotwiderable labor and tends to redt~ce yield!'; of the.. 

:motlier planr.ings, l:iut:. has the advantages of requ.i:ci.ng less . seed 

stock and rerlucizlg danger of spreading d.iseo.ases and pests. 

TREATmJ SEEDS. 

OFPA !i 211e /cl !ll (Bl lil: "The National List: may provide for the 

use of substances in. an organic farming or hand1ing operation th.at 

are otherwise prob.ihited under th.:i.s t:itle only if . . ~ t:l.le 

substance • . is 1ised in prod11ction and contains an active 

.synthetic ingr.edieut in the following catego,:ie.!'i' .. t:real:ed 

seed.<> ~ 

76:2 As an addendum t:o th1'l ~t:r:itut:.ory ~eql'LU·~menl:" .. '\l, i:ht!!'. NOSB p:r:-opoi;~~ t".he 

"163 following s"tandards: 

'764 Rllc:Ofl't[!\end~ion.: Seed 1:rP-ated wit.b. substances prohil::.iited by OFI'A 
141 

765 are prohibited, with the exception of seed treated with syn1:her.ic 

766 fungicides appearir1g on the National List, The requirements 

767 appearing in the section addre5sin9 conwerc:ial availability must be 

7GS fully satisfiet'I. Pelleti::ed seed is allowed imless ir. cont:ains 

769 prohibited subst::ances. J?J.astic polymer p!i!llet:ization of seed 

770 shall he prohibited. Seed originat.::i.ng from rec:ombinax1t DNA 

771 technology shall also l:le prtJllibitert. 

772 

773 

771 

775 

'/76 

777 

778 

779 

780 

791 

702 

793 

784 

-785 

Commentarv: SyntbeticalJ.y treat:ed seeds have been historically 

exempted fo:i: use in organic pr.oducti1;1n and arc exempted. it1 the 

OFPA. It is the understanding of. the NOSB tbat: fungicide treatment 

plays a critical role ·in germin.at:.i.on and esr.ablishment of certain 

seeded crops planted into heavy, wet, cold soils. ~bermore, to 

the knowledge of the NOSB, treated seed may be r.he only seed 

commercially available for certain crop varieties. While some work 

is being done to find alternatives to chemical treatment of seed .by 

treating witb natuxally occurring substances, r.his research has not 

yet resulted in practical alter.natives to chemical seed t:reatmez1ts. 

'Ihe NOSS strongly supports the efforts of seed companies to offer 

untreated seed and the efforts of researchers to develop orgoinic~lly acceptable seed treatments. 

Seed fol." Sprouts 

786 Recomme:;dation: Seed ut:ili:::ed fo:i.- the prnduct.ioa of edible sprouts 787 shall be organically produced. 
7BS 

76, 

790 

791 

7 !l ::.! 

7.93 

794 

795 

796 

79·7 

798 

·799 

ace 

aoi· 

802 

803 

,,, 

sos 

606 

S07 

sea 

BOO 

sic 

•11 

012 

813 

,,, 

S15 

,,, 

017 

''" ,,, 

,,, 

,,, 

e22 

B23 

,,, 

025 

026 

,,, 

670 

029 

03 0 

,,, 

83?. 

142 

F. OR(i»r:I~ FAllM PLAN 

STA'fUTOEY REQITTREMEN'l'S 

~'l.'he term 'certifitld organic fa:rm' means a farm or ~ore.ion of a fa:i:: 

o:i:· site where agricult:ural products or livestock are produced, that is 

certified by the certifying agent under this title as utilizing a syst 

of organic farming as described by this title.. 0 {OFPA § 2114(a)) 

""!'he term •organic plan• means a plan of management of an 

organic farming or handling operation that has been ag-ree.d to by 

tbe· producer or handler and the certifyi.J:ig agent and includes 

written plans co11ce:rning all aspects of agricultural produc:ci_on or 

hand.ling descrihed in this title including crop rotation and other 

practices as required under this title." [Organic Foods Production 

Act of 1990 (OFPAl § 2103] RA producer or handler seeking 

certi:!:icatio11 under this t:itle shall submit an organic plan to the 

certifying agent and the State organic certification program (if 

applicable) , and sucll pl<m shall bl! reviewed by the certifying 

agent ~ho shall' dete:rniine if such plan meets ~e requi~ements of 

the programs.~ (OFPA § 2114) 

.UCOMMENDATI:ON 

The purpose of the Organic Farm Plan is twofold; tD assist the 

producer and to assist the certifying agent. For the producer, the 

Organic Farm Plan provides a flexible, useful, and affordable tool 

for developing·an ecologically sound resource management system on 

he~/his farm. The proce~~ of developing the organic Farm Plan 

allows the producer to plan and evaluate fazm management practices 

and make tangihle improvements in the farming operation. For th.fl 

certifying agent, the Organic Farm Plan pn:ivides ess~ntial 

information for a.ssessing t:hl!! produc:er•_s compliance w;i.t;h the OFPA. 

The O:i:,ganic: Farm Plan is a written dccumel'lt that. describes how 

the organic farm is n:ianaged. J:t is written by the prDduce.r, agreed 

to by.the certifyinq agent, and must be updated annually t:c reflect; 

changes and i111provements in fa= management. Tbe actuaJ. format. may 

be incorporated into the documents wilicb t:he certifyiiig agent uses 

in their yearly application/renewal process or as a pa:z:T. of their 

annual farm inspection. The following components, presented bel""" 

in questionnaire. fo~, muse he inc:·luded if Chey are :.:eleva.ut co the 

operat:ion. 

The Organic f,'arm l'lan 1nusr. address t.be key elemer1ts of organic 

crop producc~an, soil and crop managemP..nt., resourc~ management., 

crop protecticn, and maintai.ning organic integrity t.b..rough growing, 

harvesting, and past:-har<Fesf'. oper;;i,t:!.ons. Wh>;":re ~.;i,ve.st;c1ck '.'.re 

included i:a the overall. operati.ciu of the Organic: Fann f.or t.l:lc 

purpose of market:l.ng and ~.abeling oi:-ga.nic ).ivest:r:ick and l.ivestock 

products, the Org<mir.: Fann Plan must: address t.he l~e:y elemeut.s of 

orga.ni~ livestock pr.cd.1Jr.t . .io:s:i.:. !llallin:~ malliiigeme.n1:; livest:oclc 11ealth, 

.,, .. 
113 

833 care, and breeding practices; anin1al sources; feed sources; feed 

834 contingency plans for shortages a?ld e111erger1cies; maintenance of 

835 organic feed integrity from field t:o feeding; housing and livin~ 

836 conditions; r,ecord keepi_ng; handling pract.i.C:f!S; past.Ure and grazing 

837 land management; ecosystem ovP.rsight to reduce the envl.ronmental 

828 impact of animal production practices; and, if applicable, 

839 appropriate details for ensur.i,ng inr.eg:i;·;ii::y of organic animals on a 

040 split operation. 

841 Noe all components of the c:i:·ops or Livestock questionnaires· 

842 presented below uill apply to all farms. ~reducers must decide 

843 which conrflonents are relevnnt 1.;o thei>:' operations and include t:hem 

84-4 in t.hei:;:- indiviO.ual organic farm plans. 

845 Organic fanning is net merely a list of acceptable and 

846 prohibited m.a.terials. It is a management-intensive technology 

847 designed to achieve a halance ii:i t:he agriculr.ural and livest:ock 

848 system similar t:o that: found in natural syl'it:ems. Sucl:1 a balar1ce 

B'l9 produces healt:Xiy so:i.ls aud high quality crops and livestock. A 

850 commitment to lOl'l.g-term soiJ. improvement or maintenance at: a high 

651 fertility level should be reflected in tb.e Organic Farm Plan. The 

852 emphasis should be on building- up org-anic m.a.tt.cr .in the soil 

8S3 through green manuring and/or applications of composted materials 

854 with complementary application of rock minerals. Wl1ile certain 

ass soluble soil fertilizing materials and foliar applications are not: 

856 prohibited, they must: be used as an adjunct 1:.0 a long-term approach 

857 to sotl fertilit:y anrl/or for specific short-term needs. 

SSS The ~wer will prcvide adequate maps of all parcels farmed 

!!59 under his or her control, with 3-yoar l:J.istor:i.es af all p=cels, as 

660 part: of their. <::ettific:ation applicat:ion. 

861 Th.e inclusiou <::if livestoc:k in a total farm orga:riic management 

862 system contributes significant:ly to clos~d nutrient re~cling 

1363 throt19h tbe utilization of foragel'l on fields witl:i rotational 

864 seedings and t.hrough the produt:r.ion of nutrient-rich manure. 

865 Persons raising J.i.vestock: organically must be coTillnitted to 

866 p:rovidir1g positive healtb managem111nt prac:t:ices and tl1e utili%ation 

667 of organically produced feeds for nut:rient and mineral needs in 

t!68 order t:o produce progressively stroDger animals and e.1il!linate a 

BG9 dependency on and use Qf ve.terinary mew.cations. The animal's 

870 ·spatial environment must he managed so as to avoid population 

871 densities that may lead to st:ress and disease probla111s. 

' 
144 

872 ORGANrc FARM PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE 

873 ('{EAR) (CERTIFYING AGENT] 

879 A. Describe the g~neral crop :i:-or.at.ion for your amiual crops. 

aso ExpJ.ain ally pal:tic:ul<'.r m.an21gement strategies in the rotation and 

ae.1 list: which fields a:;:e following thi5 rotation. List fields r.hat. 

082 are not following this rotation and corranent on their status. 

883 ecimment on any t:c"ends you are seeing and mention any changes you 

884 may m.ak~ in your rotations .because of these trends. 

BBS 

BBB 

B07 

888 B. Desc:::ibc the general management plan for yQur perennial cro~1s. 

689 List which fields are following this plan. List fields that arc 

a SIO nci:. t:olJ.owing th.is plan and coll'!lllent on thei-::· stat1is. Comment:. on 

89J. any treuds you are .!leeing and ment:i.on any changes you may make in 

69]. your plans hecause of these t:cends. 

89, 

894 

895 

896 C. {ANNUAL CROPS) Describe seedling prcduci:ion, including 

897 planting l~edia ingredientS O:P:' source of seeds and seedlings. 

898 COI!llllent on any trends you a:z::e seeing and mention any changes yo1~ 

899 l!laY make in your mauagement because of these trends. 

900 

•01 

90, 

903 D. {f'OR OPERATIONS Tl!AT DO NOT FIT INTO Tim. ABOVE, I.E., 

904 MUSHROOMS, SPROUTS, MAPLE SYRUP, ETC:.} tlesi::rihe your basic crop 

905 management scheme and strategy. Co=ent on any trends you arc 

906 .'leeing and mention CL.llY changes you may make :i.n your ma11agement: 

907 because of these trends. 

•oo 

909 

-9;'.l;[.l . 

91J. 

91, 

913 

914 

9J.5 

916 

917 

•1B 

l'.I. Soil and Resource Management 

l\. Describe your t.illag~~ program a.Jld any step!"' t·.ake~t t.o eoncrol 

soil er.osion. Comment: Oil any trends yo1t a:i:·e seeing and mention any 

\"'":ha.nge5 yn1t may make 1.n y0ti.r man~getnAl:•.i". hP.c211~.se t'.lf tti.es~ t::v7e!"),d.,-;. 

-------~----··-··--··-----

B. List all reso!lrces used to bu.ild or maintai.D. so{lfertilit.y. 

:r.:i:i.d.lc:a"l:e quanl:".ity used, how t~sed, and l;lr"!\J..>:C:P. o:t all buJ.k oryanic 
145 

919 ma tr.er, including green manures. COIMlent on any t.rends you al'.·e 

920 seeing using these resources aiid mention any changes you may make 

921 in your manage1neni: becausi: of these trends. 

,,, ''' 

924 C. List: all uses of manure ir1 the operation and a:i.scus:;; how 

925 manure is handled within the guidelines in the 0£PA. Describe uses 

926 of raw manure on green manure crops, pe:rennia.J. crops, or other 

.927 crops not for human coi1sumptl".on. When raw _manure i.'> applied to 

926 crops for human consumpt.ion, verify that applications are made no 

929 less than 60 days before harvest. De.sicriklc rnanage.me11t s'i:eps to 

930 asisw:e thac manure application do«is not contribur:e to nitrate or 

931 bacterial concanrination of water. Include d~scription of on-farm 

932 composting whe:i::e applicable and/o:t· dol:!'lmeilt off- farm compost 

933 ingredients. Comment on any trends you are seeing using manure and 

934 mention any changes you may make in your management l:lecau.se of 

935 these trends. 

,,. 

''' 938 .D. List all other inputs used in crop prociuction for nutrients or 

939 growth promoti<::ln (iuclude all mierohial iuor:11late, foliar feeds, 

940 etc.). It.emi:ze all use of fertilizing materials with high salt 

941 content, such as sodium nitrate and potassi11%11 chloride, and explain 

94:2 how salt huiltlup in soi.l is prevented. Comm.ent on any trends you 

943 are seeing using these inputs and mention any ehanges you may make 

944 in your management because of these trends. 

945 

,,, 

947 E. Describe your wateJ.- source and manageinent of it. Comment on 

94B a.cy trer1ds you are seeing in the quality of your wat.e:t:" scw:r.:e and 

949 ~sults of any i=igat.ioIJ prograta and/oi· moisture management; 

950 program. Mention any changes you may l'!lake ii;:i your 1t1a11ag1>l!liiiint: 

951 because of these trend.<;;. 

952 

''' 9S4 F. Drr!scribe use of soil, water, and plant t:issuti testing as 

955 management tools on yo1.tr farm. COl!l!!1!;".nt oc. any trends you ar"' 

956 seeing in thft result:.!> obtained from soil, water, and plant ti.ssuP. 

957 testi11g and lnention any cha.cges you tr.1ay make in your management: 

951> because of t:liese treuds. 

,,, 

,,, 

961 III. Pe.st HaI1agement:. 

962 A. List pest maziagement stra.tP.gies and pest control rnate.'i:'ia.1.s 

963 used. to prevent: or niinIBge insect:, disease, nematode, 1>1eed<>, and 

964 verc.eb:r.at:e pest prol;ilen\S, comment on- any t::i:e'!lds you a:t'1ll seeing a>i 

96~ a, :result: of the use of these matei::·ials ant'! st:i.<1tegies and mencio11 

9166 any change."1 y011 may m.al~e in your management because o.f t.hese 
146 

96·1 trel1ds. 

96B 

969 

970 IV. Maint:aini11g Orga.:nic Integrity 

971 A. Identify potential sources of cc::mtamination by prohibited 

972 substances arid .stages of product:ion where co-mingling of organic ~73 crcps and c:onvent:ional crops could occur. Describe land use on t:he 

974 borders of 'i::hc: organic fields on your farm. If c:onveutional 

975 farming" operations exist near t:he borders of the organic fields of 

976 your farm, des~ribe strategies used (notification, buffer zones, 

97"/ etc.) to minimize t:he potential for contamination by prohibited 

978 substru1c:es on the organic fields of your farm. If a split 

979 operation, descriJ:le your system for avoiding potential 

980 conta~ination of prohibited substances used on the conventional 

90J. portion of yo11:r fa:rm. Describe how your crops are hand.led after 

982 harYest to preve11t contamination or mixing of organic and non983 organic produces. Mention bow your precautionary steps have beeu 

984 working as vell as any changes you may be considering. 

985 

986 

967 B. Describe thi'! faxm s record-keeping syst:em and illust.rat:e the 

9BB ability to pn:sO!rve tlle organic identity of farm products through 

989 the maintenance of an unbroken chain of custody. 

990 

991 

,,, 

993 

99< 

995 

996 

997 

998 

999 

'.lOOO 

J.OO:L 

J.002 

1003 

1004_ 

J.005 

1006 

1007 

1008 

:L009 

J.0,.0 

·J.OJ.1 

J.012 

1013 

v. Mowagement of Wild Crops 

A. Identify the area fr0111 which the wild crop will be gathered or 

harvested. Include a three-year history of the manageml!nt of the 

area, listing all materials applied to the etrea and date of 

application. Comment on any trends you are seeing and mention any 

changes you may inake becau.se of these trends. 

B. Describe plan for the harvesting or gather.:i.ng- of the wilcl. 

crops that: assures suc?1 harvesti11g or ga.thering will not be 

destructive to the environment: and will sustain the growth and 

production of the wild crop. Comment on any trends you are seeiD.g 

-as a- result of. this ... plan. and--ment·ion a.JJY changes -you -may---make -in 

your m.anage1ne:nt becau6e of these trends. 

C. Answer Seccion IV Part A as it applies co t:.b.e "1i.ld erop i--r;:-' 

question. Com!lle:nt on any trends you are seeing as a J:·es1.1lt. of these 

precauc.ionary meus1Jr.es and menr . .1.0~1 <llll' r.::l:!ang~s ynt' may mM.<11 00~1".llSE 

of these trends. 

============--= -=-=-===-======~--
~ 014 

015 

1016 

:t.017 

1018 

1019 

1020 

J.02J. 

1022 

J..023 

. J.024 

1025 

1026 

1027 

1028 

.1.029 

1030 

1031 

1032 

1033 

1034 

.035 

1.tl36 

~.037 

1tl30 

1039 

1040 

:t. 0'4.1 

l.042 

J.043 

104.4 

l.045 

1046 

J.0'17 

J.04B 

1049 

1050 

J.O.'i~. 

J.052 

1053 

1054 

1055 

147 

Ci. E:MERGElfCY SPRAY EXCEI'_:v.;ON 

STATIJTORY REVIEW 

Section 2105 !21: To Be Sold Or Lal:leled As All Organically Producec\ 

Agricultural Prcduci: Under This Tit.le, An Agrie1llt:ural Product Shall· 

(2) _ . Not Be Produced On ~d To Which Any Prohib.i.1:.ed 

Substances, ltlc1uding Syu1:hetic Chemicals, HaV"> Been 

Applied During The 3 Years Immediately Preceding The 

Harvest Of The A9Ticultural Product:. 

Section 2107!BJ (2): 

Discretionary requirements: an o:i:ga.nic ceri:ific ... r.ion program estal:llisheC: 

under this title rnay -

(2) provide for reasonable exemptions fro11i specifie zequ.i.rements of thi~ 

title {except the provisions of sectioll 2J.J.2) wj.i:h respect: i:o agricultural 

products produced on certified organic farms if such fauns are subject tc 

a Federal oz Stai:e ~m.ergency pest. or disease program. 

Emergency Spray Exception: 

Repori:: Of The Committee On llqriculture. Nutritiqn Anq 

Fo;i::estry - \Jnitgd Stai:!!S _fu!~ 

]::xernotior1s F'or El!\eraeney Pesl: or Disease Treai:me.IJ.l:_: 

The SecretQry may provide for reasonable exernpti~ns from specific 

requirements of t:his legislation wi!:h rei!ipect to agriciiltural products 

produced on orga:1ically cert.ified farms if such farms are subject to 

Federal or Scace emergency xies:c: ox disea1se treatment. programs_ 

The exemption for organic farms mean.-:; that such fa;.rnu; shall :ooi: lose 

ceri::ificat:ion and shall be permitted to continue labeling food produced 

on such farms as "organically produced." T11e one except.ion to th.i.s is 

in regard to re.!5idue cesi;:ing - the products of s11ch farrn.s must still 

meet whatever residue zequirements are set by the Secretary for all 

organically produced food. The NOSB recommends to t:he Secretary chai; in 

t:ho.,e areas where emergency pesi; or disease t:reatntei1t occurs ;odclit.1.onal 

residue t:esting he unde:ctaken to enzure that food prod>!et:s meet the 

standard.ls set forth under c.hi.'i tit.le. 

'· Hir..iqation of iiim.ages to J:';;:'Cldg'r.cirs ere·at:ed by n:me:::gency !'est. 

Eradication ~zograim> 

The Secretary shil.:tl instruct local, State, and Fedei:al agencies 

responsible foz conduci:ing e111el:'g'ency pest eradicai:.ion programs to 

take all. poFiSible steps to avoid treat:1t1el:li;; of ce~"'tified organic 

farms with p:cohiliiter.l sub,;r;ances wlleu ~i1ch 1!~"lilb ii.l:'e subjecte'~ to 

emergency pei>t eradication proCTrams. 'Agencies responsible fo;.; 

cond11cting emezqency !li!St e:i:adicac.ion prog:i:aw.s ishalJ. be encouraged 

t.o use no11 .. chewical pest contrnJ. 1~et:Uods arid/or subsi;:ances allowed 
1056 

1057 

J.058 

1059 

1060 

1061 

1062 

1063 

1064 

1065 

1056 

1067 

1058 

1069 

1070 

1071 

1072 

1073 

1074 

1075 

1076 

1077 

J.IJ78 

1079 

J.OSO 

lOSl 

1082 

1063 

1084 

J.085 

1036 

ioa·1 

1088 

1089 

1090 

1091 

1092 

1093 

1094 

148 

under this t.itJ.e fol:' use on certifie<:l. organic; farms when eonducting 

emergency pesr: e.'l'."adic::at.ion prograltls on such farms. 

II. Con1pP.nsation for Damages to ProQucers Created by Emergency 

Pest: Eradication Programs 

The Secret.ar.y si1all work with local, State, and ;.'ederal agencies 

responsible for conducting emergency pest eradication progz"ams co 

develop a system of compensacion ~or all damages resulting from the 

t:reat.ment of a certified organic farm, or portion thereof, witl! a 

prohibited s~stance used in any emergency pest. eradicati~n 

program. The producer shall be compensated by che responsible 

governrnent agency for all crop losses and m.~rket losses caused by 

tbe treatment of the certified organic farm with a prohibited 

substance used in an emergency ~est eradicacion program. 

IIl. Emergency Spray Exception 

Pursuant to t.he O:iscretionar.y authority granted the Secretarv under 

§ 2107(b) (~) [§ 6506(b) (2)], the followin!i exception to t.he -

National Organic Standards til.at appear in§ 2105{2) [§ 6504[2)] is 

proposed: 

Any certified organic farm or portion of a certified organic farm 

tJ1at is: 

1. 

'· 

treated with a prohibited substance; and 

such t.reetment is the direct result of an intentional 

loeal, St.ate or Federal emergency pest eradication 

prograni, 

shall be excepted from the requirement in§ 2105(~) (§ 6504(2)] 

wbicb requires agricultural products sold or labeled as organically 

pr0duced to be produced on lat1d c.hat ha.t:l not had prohibite<:l. 

substances applied durin~ the three years immediotely preceding the 

harvest of t..b.e agricuJ.tural products. 

IV. Agr.i.cultu:ral Praduct.s Receiving Direct Emerg~.ncy Spray 

Any agricultural pr~O:ucts, inc::l11ding livestock, feed crops and 

pasturage, that. arf'.: 

v. 

1. produced oo a certified. organic fa.rm; 

2. exposed to a prohi:bite.d s~sta.nce; and 

3. such exposii,re is the direc::t result of an int:entional 

local, St.al:t: o:t' FeL~eral erner:r!!nCj' pest eradicatio11 prog:i:a1u, 

shall not be sold or labeled as organically procluced or fet.'l o:-.~ 

organic livestock. 

Requir.ement.s for the l'rorll~cer 
1095 

1096 

1097 

109B 

1099 

1100 

1101 

1102 

1103 

1104 

1105 

J..106 

1107 

1108 

1109 

1110 

1111 

1112 

1113 

1114 

1115 

1116 

1117 

1116 

1119 

1120 

1121 

ll.22 

lJ..23 

1124 

1125 

1126 

1127 

1128 

l.129 

1130 

1131 

1132 

~-133 

1134 

149 

In situations where a certified organic farm, or poi::·tion t:iie:t·eof, 

is exposed to a prohibited sub.stance as a direi;;t resuJ.r. of an 

intentional State or Federal emergency pest eradication program, 

the certified producer shall: 

:L. Notify the accredited certifying a.geni.:. that a Federal ~1r 

State emergency pes~ eradication program has caused a material 

prohibited by the Organic Foods Production Act to be applied 

to the certif:i.ed farm. Notification shall occur within 48 

hours of ~iscovery. 

VI. Requirements for Certifying Agents 

:Cn situations where a certified organic fnZ'lll., o:r porc:ion the:!·eof, 

is exposed to a p:i:-ohibited substance as a direc~ result of an 

intentional local, State or Federal emergency pest eradita~ion 

program, the certifyin!J agent. shall: 

1. 

che 

Determine the p:t:·ohibited subst:ance or substances used by 

government in the emergency pest eradication program; 

2. Notify the cerc:ified organic producer that. all 

agricultural pi·oducts that received a di:t·ect exposure to t.:he 

prohibited substance (or substances) used in the emerg~ney 

pest eradication program shall not be sold or labeled as 

organically produced or fed to organic livestock. In the case 

of pasturage that cannot be cut far hay or ..,the.rwise re.mc;1ved, 

organic li"Wstoclr. shall not be allowed access to the pasture 

for the remainder of that pasture season. For continuously 

growing pasture systems, the deterinination of the withhol(ling 

period shall be at the discretion of the cen:.ifying agent.; 

=d 

3 . Determine how :residue testing will be used ta asee:::-tain ;i,f 

agri=lt:ural products can be sold or labeled as organica.lly 

produced or fed tD organic livestock that: 

a) did not receivf'_ a direct '1"..JCpo:;n1:1:e ti;i thfl pnihibiteci 

subst.ance used ill the ~mergeney pest. eradication program; 

and _ ... b) are __ harvested or used for pasturage within the three 

year period itumediately following exposure of the 

cerc:ified organic farm with the p:i:oh.i.bited substance. 

su~h agricultural products and pasturage having pesticide i~sidues 

that exceed the fPA act:icn J.evel er 5\" of the Ei'A tolerou1ce for any 

pr.oh~.bi.ted pesticid<!! shall not. lie sold or labeled as organically 

produced or fed to orgatliC livascor..:k. 
·150 

Nll'!'ICNAL ORG.NIC STANDARDS l301'.RD 

~·INA!, R!';COMMENDJl.TION ADDENl:?~ NUM!3ER :3 

Dat:e adopted: 

Location: 

A_or!.l 25, 1995 

Orlar1do, Florida 

The fo1.loving add.it.ions are to b~ .inserted in tl1a C:rop:s 

l"roduct:i.on St:anda,.t:Cs ,1,·ec:t:ion, page 21, line 788 0£ the NOSE E".ina.l 

Rec01llll'lendat:ions adopted JU.oe .l-il, .1994 .in Sant:a Fe, Neli' Mexi.co. 

71:!S ~pet:~.~_j~ Standards ftJr G=ee:J.houses 

·799 Recommendation: 

790 (il Gr.eenho11ses shall comply with all provi.sions of the OFPA, 

79l. int:ludinq Fa.':nl Plan p!:ovisions·, .,ith the following exception: 

792 greer1houses operated as benc.'":t systems shall be allo.,ed to plant 

793 c:rops after demons::?:at:ing to the satisfaction of an USDJI.-· 

794 accredited ce!:tj.fying agent that no prohibited rnate?:.i.als \./ill 

795 compromise the orgar\ic integrity tJf the gree!l.iiouse p!"oduction 

796 s.yste!!I. Greenhou::;es ope::-ated as in-grtJund or per::nanent soil 

797 :;yst:e.'Tis shall conip.ly with the standard three-year pe:::ioci without 

798 applications of pi:·oiJ.ibited .stlbstance.s. 

799 (:2) All qreenho11ses shall tak<!. ad<'.qllat:e measures to p:=-everit 

800 contamination by proi".l.bited materials of cec:tified organic c:-:ops 

801 or transplants. 

902 (:3) Use of pot:ing soils containing prtJhj.bited mate.!:'ial.s is not 

i:03 allowed. 

il04 (4.) P.lants and so:!.l shall not be in direct o::ontact wit:i wood 

505 treated with prohit:ited mate=ials that is used for grf'.~!lhouse 

806 s~r:uct::μi::~.:> or fraJ)J.es _of_ rai.sed-hed.'i. 

'107 (5) Botl1 organ.it: 'and no11-organic pr.oductio:r1 may co-exist in a 

308 greenhouse operation, if tlie followi11g c:ont.litions ar:e met: 

ao9 fa) An impe=eable wall shall separ;;.te organic and t1011-

:!J.O organic production sites. 

3J J. {b) The venti.:.ation syst!>lll .shall e11sure ttiat prohibited 

812 mate.i:-ialfi do net: drift f~·(ll!I "1.0n-oi·gani(: to organic proC11ction 

8J.3 site:;. 

BJ.4 le) To ensure tl1at orobi!.:iited substanc~s applied during 

1:!15 mixing o:t' non-orgaP..ic pcr.i::ir:y soils are not conveye-i to orgi:;11ir; 
818 

s1 ·1 

818 

819 

820 

821 

822 

823 

824 

825 

828 

a2·1 

828 

828 

830 

831 

832 

833 

83< 

835 

836 

a3·1 

638 

838 

840 

84J. 

8'!.2 

843 

8<< 

845 

048 

84' 

848 

849 

850 

851 

852 

853 

85• 

'855 

856 

us-1 

858 

151 

soils, soil 111ixing machines shall be tl:iorou(Jhly cleaned prior to 

11.se for mixing orga11ic potting sails. 

{d) Adequate physical fa(;j.lities, a:; dete::::'l1.ined by the 

inspector, shall separate organic and non-organ.it.: plno·t::; j_n 

stor.<:.ge o:r· holding areas for shippi11g; adequate records shall 

also be maintained. 

(e) Gree!l.houses shall be conspi,:t1ously labt".led a!l in 

organic production. 

Soecialized Stande!:"ds for Mi1shroo1n Productio11 -~ ·-- R~com,m__.§E.E!ation: 

(1) House Mushrooms: 

(a) Mushroom house.s sl1aJ.l cc1mply with all provi:;j,ons of the 

OFPA: productior1 in mushroo!:\ houses shall not be allow8d unt:ll .it 

has been demonstrated to tl1e .satistaction of an USDA-accredj.ted 

cert.i.fying agent that no prohi):Jited materials wilJ. cornprolili5e t,lle 

organic integrity of the mushroom production syste~-

(bJ Uncom;:osted substrate shall be organicalJ.y produced. 

(c) Cultur·i.ng spawn en organ.le grain is not !:eau.ired, J:1ut 

prohibited materiaJ.s sl1a.!.l not be applied during spaW:t1 

pr·oduct.ion. 

(dl Spawri is not required to be ce!:"1:i.f.ied orr;rani(:ally 

produced. 

(el Sa11itizers and disinfectant.!i not on the national list 

may not: be applied to c:o;:is or g:r·owing substrates. 

(:f)- Botl1 organic and non-orqan~.c sites may co-·exist in a 

mushroom house Op<2!:"ation, if thE f1Jllowing cOn(iitions arf:! met: 

(i) Organic and non-organi': product:ion s::.te5 are 

separateC by pe~anent struc~ure~. 

(ii) The ventilation .sy;;t:em shall e!1sure that 

prohib.ited mete.t:ial.s do not dr.ift fz·om rion-·orqanic to organ.ic 

product i.on sit es, 

(2) Log-Growi1 Mushrooms 

(a) The operation s!1all be managed organically: throughout: 

the entire growing pe!:'iod of th!:! fungt1s to bf! sold as certified-

- (b) r.og-grown mu.sl1room. producers sliall comply with all 

pr.ov.i.sions of tlle OFPA; p:::-oduction shall not: be allowed until it 

hits been de!nonstt·ated to the sat:isfactior1 of .an USDA-accredit~d 

certify.i.ng agent that no prohibi1·.f!.d mat·.eria}.s will compromise ;:he 

organic integr.ii::y of tlie inushro(}Ill. produt:t'.ion system. 

(C) L1)gs t:o be .inoculatr.d sl1all be org2.nically p:-:odur:ed or 

sour.ced from a site that ha:> not: been tz·eat:eO. with p:rohibii::ed 

materials fo:r:· a mtnJ.Jlllllll of tf1ree y~a:c·s. Logs <ind sawdust t.::eated 

i.iith prohibited i:iatP.:::-ials, du!'"ing tf1e milling process a11d 
1 !:)2 ... 

'3S 9 

860 

otherwise, shall not be uti.J..i.zed as product:ion medi~. 

trees shelJ. be docume~ted. 

Sources of 

Soe'"'.!.alized Star1c!arcis ::=o:z:· Hvd:-:-onon.;.c P::-ociuc-::.'...on 

- --r!lSOilless -Media 

:i;3 HyCI'O?Oilic prt1du::::tior1 in S(lilles.s media to be lciieled 

854 organir:ally prodttced shalJ. be allowed i£ all provision.s o:' t~e 

3 ""'5 OF!?}>, have been 1uet. 
153 

NATl"ONAL ORGrlNIC.: ST;.NDARDS EOARD 

~R"'COMMENtlI\'f'TQN pnnpm1IR1 'llJ¥9FH ll 

Date adopted' Nove!nbe= l, 19~5 

Location: Austin, Te.."Ca.S 

:r::l:!e .toll~wing ac!di tions to bP. i..rJse;;;':::ec! i.r:i tbfl C:~~ 

St11ndard.3 sec:tioD, page :20, .li.:::ie 75.? c'J.f e.':;i.e NOSIJ ~izlal 

Rec=c:ci=-acio.i:is a.dopt:eci J=@ l-4 6 :J.!J.91. ~ sa=t:a l?e, New Me:ti.i:o. 

Banana t.:::'ees 1o1e:=-e typic;i.lly p:-opagat.ed L'l the fic.lc:1 in see<ibeds 

which produced three types of ·rhizomes: maide!lhead~, sword 

i:;uc:ke:::"s, and sword suckers witb. a~::ac:hec:l moc.~e.r rhi:;::o111e and base 

of pseudo.stem. It is possible to produce D-10 suckers per plant 

the first year wide:::" ideal condi~io~s. The number of suckers 

di111inishes in the followi:i.g ye~r:i. Sueke!:" !;:,eduction must be 

lil!lit:ed or f=t.:it prociuc:!:.ic:I~ yie!Cs vil! J.esse!'l. 

~lanes arP. now produced in vit:o for comme:::"cial use in the forr.1 o~ 

tissue cultures. Depending on the variety, bananas Jnay Set f=uit. 

anY"here from 9-1B 1110J1t.h.s a:Ete::- pla.llt.ing. ~t.e::- producing fruit. 

the mot.he::- tree is dest.~vecl a.~d the suckers are either 

t.ransplanr.ed ar their fn1i.t is ha::-vested. TD the knowledge of the 

NOS3, organically prcC:.uceC: banana rhizome!"i a:::-r=. not: ccmme:::-c;ially 

available. 

Rerc=endarinn: 

Banana rhi::i:omes ui::ili.%.ed in a ce:::i::.ified organic farming O!;Je::-ation 

!ihall be· organically· proCuced· ·with i::he following- except::ion: · If the 

pr0Cl1ee,_.. can dor=ume:it to the sat.isfaction of a USDA ac.creditecl 

ce,...tifying as-er:c..J' that orsanic baii.ana rhi::i:omes are ncit. 

commercially available, non-or~anic; r~i::i:omes and/or tissue 

cultures, inc:lud.i..ns th1:1se treated pest-harvest: uith prol1ibited 

sub:>tances, shall be nJ.lowe.d. :.Cf non-org<1.nic rhi:.:omes are us~c~, 

che produce= toust: doc:wnent:. in che Fa:::.n I'lan effi;ir:.:s i:ci obr.ain 

rhi:i:omes t:liat have not. ieceiveci po.s;;: harvest". t:=eatme!lt: Hit.h 

prohibit.e.cl mate=ia:!.s. Tl-.e prcC.uc~= rnus't: <1}.so C.c:nonst:;;'ate effort.:s 

t.o obt1'.in Or<;<inic r!'\i:zD1~e~. 
154 

NAT~ONAL ORGAN~C ST;\J.'lDARDS BOARD 

rn11.r. BFCO~Tl1\TT/"';N r..np•NUtTh! Nll!'=1-'R ?C 

Date adopt:etl: No;ivembe:::· 1, :!.995 

Lor.al:'.ion: Aust.in, Te.xii..<; 

T'he :fi;illowi.:::z!i{ ac!r:!itio:cis !I.re to ,b.,, .:illse.!:"-:ed in t.!Je c-::;ps 

p ... odnctjon Sta11da~·-151 .icc:::;,!<;.n, pag-e 27, 1.i.:cze 104.9 of !:..?!e NOS3 

Pinal Recammecidai::.io.cts adopt-ed Jtu1e 1--!I, J,.~S4 i.::z Sa.i:ita Pe, 

New Hex:!.co. 

1049 The sec::.-etary sh<>.11 inst::'."Uc~ local, scat.e, and Federal age~c:!.es 

lO~O responsi~le for conducting emer5ency pest eradication programs 

lOSJ. and all CQu:ot.y _ _tu: legally c:mst~t11tecl jnaect.ahate'Ila.,t :proi;rams 

1052 "''C" ae mosQ••to and yec:tor ccrit:-cl d;:st-•cts, t.C'l take all 

lOSJ possible steps to avoid tre~t.ment. of certified organic fa::-ms with 

10~4 prohibited substances when such fa=ms are subjected t:O emer~ency 

1055 

10=6 

1057 

10SS 

:os9 

l.O!iO 

l.051 

l.062 

1063 

1064 

1065 

1056 

pest: e=aciication p=ogxams. 

The Sp.c=et:ary .shall work with local, St<>.t:e, anC. FeCera.l age:lcies 

rssponsible fol'.· conducc.i!'.l.g eme::;genc::y pest. e:?:"aCica::ion programs 

and a11 eo1•.,t=y or legaliy eenstitu~ .. il=.a.eci:....ahatf>'lle~t.~-=s 

~.and vector cont-ol dJat-~elal, 1;0 develop a 

syst.f!ill of c~mpensation for all dam.ages resulting f=oin t;.he 

t:::-eat:me:::i.t of a certified o:-:ganic farm, or port.ior1 t:hel'."eof, wit:h a' 

prohibited substa11ce 1iseci .in any erner9"enc:y pest eraciicat:ion 

pr·ogram. The p=ociuce= shaJ.1 be compensat:l!!d by the responsi~le 

gove=me!:t: agency for all c::cp losses and n1ark.e:.:. losses .::auseC by 

tlie t:reat:ment: of t!ie ce=t:ifiad o:c-~a11ic farn1 wit.h a p::::ohibit:ed 

suhst.anc::e used in an ell\e::::ge!".cy pest. e::·acticat.ion p:i:·osram. 
155 

MATERIAL LIST 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

l'rcmnblc ...... , 

Materials rcvie'v criteria (Add. tl26) 

Allowable Methods of oil extraction (Add. ii 12) ....... . 

[Jsc of nutrient supplementation in organ.ic foods (Add. 11-1 J) . . . . __ ..... _ 

[Jsc of natural flavors in organic foods (Add. #14) ... . 

lncidcnlal f11od additives in organic foods(Add. 11-1 5) ........ . 

Addition of synthetic magnesium chloride (Add. IJl6) ................. . 

"fAI' l'(!View of syi1lhetic vitan1ins& minerals in livestock (Add. # 18) 

'l'AP review of inoccula11ts and vaccines in livc.<;tock (Add. # 19) 

l'AP review of antibiotics and pillasite in livestock (Add. #20) 

Botanical pesticides policy (A-<ld. #27) . . . . . . . . . . .... _ 

(;hiJean nitrate special use guidelines (Add. #2R) ......... . 

Arsenate treated lumber (A<l<l.11-2R) ... _ 

Jnscrls of the National List. . ..... _ 

Sum1nLtry of material voted in CA, FL, 1·x, and JN 

156 

158 

159 

161 

162 

164 

166 

168 

170 

172 

17.1 

176 

177 

178 

181 

, 

156 

PREAMBLE TO THE PROPOSED NATIONAL LIST 

The National List applies only to "generic" materials which are active ingredients, and does not 

apply directly to brand name produi;ts or product funnulations which may oontain synthetic in en 

ingredients or other synthetic additives. A separate procedure for examining and determining the 

acceptability of proprietary inert ingredients is under development. 

The expectation (to be embodied in the National Organic Program Standards) is that cultural, 

biological, and other management pracii~ will be sought to replace the use of any material 

inputs, synthetic or natw-ai, as an organic production system evolves over time. 

Materials determined to be synthetic roust appear 011 the National List of Allowed Synthetics 

before they may be nsed in the production Or handling of any organic product under any 

conditions. In every case restrictions will be placed on the use and application of such materials in 

relevant sections of the National Organic Program Standards. Art<} use and application will have 

to be justified within the required O~mic Farm or Handler Plan, inc hiding provisions for seeking 

alternatives that continually enhance organic production. Documentation that such a plan has 

been implemented will be part of required recordkeeping. 

11aterials determined to be non-synthetic will 3flpear on the National List only if their use is 

prohibited in the production. or handling of any organic product_ The exception is that all nonagricultural produces mt1st appear on the National List before they can be used as ingredients or 

additives in organically produced fuods_ 

Non-synthetic crop or livestock production i.1puts that are not prohibited, but which may be 

incompatible with organic μrinciples in certain circumstances, will be restricted by use and 

application in the relevant portions of the National Organic Program Standards, and be subject to 

the Organic Pim and rr,cordkeeping requirements. 

Some confusion o;.an -arise with regard to materials known to exist commercially in both synthetic 

and non-synthetic fonns. The synthetic fonns of such materials are being reviewed for inclusion 

"on the National List in the event that the non-synthetic forms ;ire commercia.lly unavailable or 

-their-source eannot readily bc-detcnnined. In cases where the synthetic :furm is accepted for the_ 

National List, the non-synthetic fonn must be chosen whenver possible. 

All allowed uses of materials, whether synthetic or non-synthetic, must be consistent with any 

label or usu;ige restrictions imposed by FDA or EPA 

Materials for Organic Production of Crops and Livffiock 

There are a few generic non-synthetic materials which are commercially unavailable in 

formulations that do not contain synthetic rtablizers or other additives. Such materials must, afte.r 

identification of the specific synthetic additive materia!s, be evaluated as Allowed Synthetics on 

the National List. Some materii!ls traditionally assumed to be natural an: included on the National 

List because of known synthei:ic additives. Foi example, liquid fish product is a non-synthetic 
material that includes phosphoric acid as a stabilizer. In this and other cases, the synthetic 

additive does not appear independently as an Allowed Synthetic on the National List and cannot 

be used other than in the designated form. 

MaJerjobfor Organic Handling 

All non-agricultural inBfedients used 01S ingll:.dients in organic foods (which contain at lea.st 95 

percent organic ingredients) must appear on the National List. An allowt:d synthetic ingredient or 

processing aid that is compatible with organic handling principles may be used in organic foods 

only when an acc:eptable, non-synthetic ingredir.rrt is commercially unavailable. 

Non-organic agricultural ingredients 1nay be used in organic foods only when an acceptable 

organically produced fonn is C1Jmrnen::ially unava.ilable. Justification of use of non-organic 

ingrediehts as well as efforts to develop organic sources for non--0rganic ingredients must be 

addressed within the Organic Handling Plan and recordkeeping requirements. 

(PARTIAL) PROPOSED NATIONAL LIST 

(MJchad Johnson insert) 
158 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

FTN]il. RECQMMEN!JAXfDN 

Date-adopted: November 1, 1S95 

Location: Austii1, Texn.s 

O.bjent;ive; Develo±1 r~vie~ criteria or pr.inciple.s for proposed 

synthetic farm input materials that mo:i;e clearJ.y define and 

elaboratP- on the seventh OFPA criterion for evalua~ion' 

~compatibility witJi a system of St!stainable agziculture." Tl1ese 

crit.eria must refer back t.n the founciation principles of organic 

production stated in ~Prologi.ie, Moving Towards S1istai.nability," 

and ~ill be used to guide the NOSB and the Secretary in making 

decisions about wliether to add a material t.o tl1e National Li.st: of 

Allowed Synthetics. These criteria are offered in acknowleCgr.ient 

that adequate available scientific data may not be available to 

add:i:"ess the other six OFPA criteria. It is i.uipcrtant to 

~b.asize that: none of the.ae c::;-ite:-ia can be <:::onsidered in 

iscilatio~ any one :tnay expand or dillri.nish :ill impo:ttance in 

relatic~ ~o the clarity (or a.ri:.l;.iguity) o! d~tel:'11Li:!.ations about 

t..l::ie others. However, no material may bloO consistent wj.th orga!liC 

agri~ulture and appe<ir on t:l:.Le National I.i.st. in the abse!AC€". of a 

strong_ £act1.1al showing in sci~nt".ific criteria. 

Tl1e Prf!amble to the National List. {July 1995) language 

refert>.11cing Standards and Farm Plan requirements also applies; 

specifically, that the us~ of any allowed synthetic materials 

de.1nands t.l1at. t:h"" :proci.ucer be making a good faith ~ffort to _fi,nd 

or develop alternat.ives tb.at are more compatible ;,;,ri"tb. 'organic 

pr:l_:r;_ciples. Phase-·out requi:i:·emerit.s are best consid!!i:ed in this 

context since the lengt:h of time fo.i: which the use of a ma.terj.al 

may bP. necessary will vary accordi11g to site-specific c:onstra.i.nt:s 

whicl1 are best. left tn t.he judgement of thE-~ produce.!· anrt the 

cez·tifier. 

1. LoipaC't ut1 Ec:c.log.i.eal l'la.la.ncel!I• 

Org:<!.nic a9r icttl tu.c·e is dist:i.nguisl1ed fr()1n convent.io11al 

agrlc11lt:ure by .its emphasis on r111t~ie!'lt recycli11g and ina.i.ntai:-ii!lg 

ecolog.icaJ. ba.latlces for soi 1 and .:.:::;-op nianagemenr: . The::;-efore, t!::ie 

int:c·cd11.:.:::ion of synthei::ir.a.lly ci!.".c-ived o:=-ganisms w!10."'e 
159 

NATIDNJl.L ORGAN!C STANDARDS BOAlUJ 

FTN~T. RECOM'MfNJ)Jl'!'.IQN_~JME'='R J.2 

ALLOWABLE METRODS OF Olli EXTRACTION FUR :P~OCESS'TII POODS 

Date adt'lnted: 

Location; 

:tnt::=oduc:tiou: 

Octob~:::· 31, 1995 

Ai1stix1, Texas 

The Cornmitt.E!e ha-"l debat.:ed wh~the:?:" oils aC.ded as a11 

ingredienc in orgai1ic :f.\":lcicii; should only be f:?."om oils ext::::-act;ed 

according t:o a non·-chentical ex::::?."acticn mecb.od.. The::-e a:?."e l:wo 

basic wavs in which oils a:::-e cu:::-rent:ly being ex~=ac~ed f:::-om their 

i:;ou:::-ce mat:e.ria.1. 

Mechanical pressing, also known as expel le:?." press iris-, 

remove~ oil thrc>ugh th~ use of, co11tinuously C:.-:.ven sc:::ews tha::. 

crush the seed or ot:her oil-bearing material int:o a pulp f:c:om 

which the oil is expressed. Friction created i~ the process can 

gelle:::·atfl heat b~tween :J..20-).90° f'. Th!!:refore, the use of the t:erm 

"cold p=essedu, somet:i1nes used iri reference to mechanical 

pressit1g, is a m.:i.snoiner. 

Solvent: extraction of oil ,.,as :i.nve!lt:ed i~l C-ermar.y ix1 :J.870 as 

a 'Way to maximize tl:Je efficient removal of oil f:=orn t:.lie o::-aw 

material·, especialJ.y sinc:e r.he pulp left over f:::-:::n1 rnechanical 

pressing has about. 5-· 13 % res.i.C.11al oil ren1aining _ During sol vent 

extraction, flaked and cooked ke:!:nels are exposed to hexa11e, a 

!1igl1ly flammable, colorless, volatile r;olvent: tl'iat.: d;'..ssolves out: 

tl1e oi.l, leaving otily l.-3% oil remaining in t:he :=esidual u1eal. 

Hexane compolJnds a:z:e cai;:i_sidered carcill99"enic by ::he EE'A .a11d are 

classified as a hazardous subsL.ance. Oil m-"lnufac:t:ures c::'.laim that 

hexane is flashed off whe!l che oil/solvent blend. is heated to 

2l2° F. and t:l:\e!"l dist.illerl t:o remove all trace.s cf hexane_ Son1e 

t:x-aces may remain in the res:i.dtial me2.l leftovt>.:!"." f;r:om production, 

a st.i.bsr:ance t.har1 solr1 to t:he l.\ve:;tor:k .i.ndusr.:o:y a!; c:attJ.c: f.eet-1. 

Full ~efin.ing of i:he ci.il w.ill genec::·ally reinove most: t:::-ar..:e.s ·of 

hexar1e. 

Acc~:o::d.ir1g to some. manufa=u::-es, expelle:::-pc:"~ssed C)il costs 

approxin1ately s:10 (:e.nts mo:-:·e pe:::- pound t:ha11 so:!.·.re11t: ext::-:-act:E'.C. 

oil. Althou:;:i. more expe!ls:.ve, the fac:: :>::·emo.::.~s :::iai:: a r.on·· 

.....,u.c;:. ?!U. 
cl1c:-,,,_; 

Cl",/'' 

p:r.-:,-:.,-

~·11-i'.i". ~- , .. 

160 

.,_,.;.;o',!l.S of extraction, . i.e. , the expelle:i::· pres:., .is 

_,_._ . ,,·,~::ilemen"i:ation of ttie National Organi.c Program, all 

o•Oe~led as "organic" or "made with organic irigreriient~" 

.i:Ol:iD oil as ar1 added ingredient must be able to documeni:: 

t 1-;:o.t. ~: · _,-; ]_ has been extracted acco:r:-ding to 11on-che>.mical m~ans, 

i. (;!. , tn- ': ,_,_,J.cal pressed (exp ell er pressed) , l:iydraulic pre.Ssed, 

or S't.Oll(; l .. "(-l.SSed. 
Date adopted: 

Location: 

J:ntroduation: 

'\61 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BQARD 

.E_TN)IT. RECOMM}:Nm\.'!Z.Qli-1!JIDE'J:.IQllM...NIJMBEt./ l 3 

octobe:!'." .31, 199~ 

Austin, Texas 

The Conmiit:tee t1as debateC. the i!'o'sue of the inclusicr1 of. 

synthetic vit:amins• minera-lB, and/or accessory nui::;rie!lt:s in 

organic foods. Altl'l<lugh .it is g:enerally r.:<lnsidered that :f.oods 

themselves are. the best source of n12i::rients, in some cases, Stn.te 

regul;;.tior1s mandate- the inclus.ion of vitamins arid/or mineriils t:O 

fortj.fy foods, An example of t'.his is enriched white flour pasta 

in which some States mandate the inclusion of tl1iam.i.n, 

riboflavin, niaciri, and iron. . 

The Committee also believes that ·::c·ecommenciatiorl by 

independent professional associat:i.ons may also be taken int~) 

consideration. An example of this is infant c.:e:?::eals in wh.i.ch 

fortification of iron is hi.9hly recommended by the American 

Dietetic Associat.ion and various associatior1s dealir1g with 

pediatric care and nutrition as a baby's stored iron s11p,t;ily f:r.om 

before. b.i.rr:h nlI!S out after the birt.ll i..1eight: cioubles. 

In t:he recommendation listed below, t11e i::erm "accessory 

nt\trients" me?Jls nutrient:!': not specifically clas.<>ified as a 

vitami!l .or 1nineral but: f:ound t:o pi:·omote opt:imal healt:h. Examples 

i1tclude omega-::! fatty acids, inositol, cl:10J.ine, camit:ine, arid 

taurine. Wit·.hout this inclusior1, we helieve we may be li1nit::i.ng 

ourselves given future nut=itional discoveries. It:: is also· a 

term used frequently r:hroughout the food and supplement 

- . - ' 

industries. 

Reco=endat:ion: 

Upon .imp].e!nenl".ation of the Nar:ional Organic P~o<;ra1n, t:he use 

of synthetic vitan1ins, mineral!>, and/or accesBory nutrie:'.'lt:~ in 

products labeled a"> orgaaic must be limited t:o t.:hat wl1i(;h is 

required by re~tlar:ion o:t· rec::innnendetl for enz·j,r;hmei.1t. iinC 

fortification by independenr. ;-;rcfessional assor.iar.i(?P.s. 
162 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOATID 

ETNA! prcoMMENDA~ION.ADDENDtJM NJJMBER ]A 

TllE tl'S:K OF NAT1llUl.L FLAVORS Di ORGAN'It! F()f.lDS 

Date adopted: Octobe~ 31, 1995-

Loco..""'t.ion: Austin, Tex.as 

:rntrod1;1.ction; 

The C';ommittee has debated the i:>sue of the use of natural flavor~ 

as ingx·edie!lts in orgariic foods. The focus of the dt!bate l1as 

been whet.her natural flavors, with certain constraint:s, are 

apyropriate for use-in ~organic foodsn (95~-100~ organic 

ir1gr·edients) or whethe:':" nat:ural flavors sl1ould be restricted to 

use in foods "made with orc;anic:: ingredie11ts" (50%-95% or·gan.ic 

ingredients) only. 

Natura]. flav<JT.S. are materials which are t.:ompriseq. of flavor 

compounds derived from nat:ural (non-E>yntl1etic} bas8.s (tyti:i.cally 

botanica.l.'> such as he:?:bs, sDices, fruit:s or comoounds derived - - - from fe:r.me.ntation), a ca=ier {ethanol, propylene glycol, etc.}, 

anci agents which help preserve t:l:ie natural flavors (glyce.rin, 

acei:ic acid, e.tc.). The nat:ural constituencs included in the 

natural flavor are extracted using ~ number of natural and 

syntheti(: s<ilvents. ·The solvenCs may be alcohols, ethyl acetate. 

hexane cir acetone and ·are c!"J.(lSen based on their physical and 

chemiea.l prope?:"t:ies and their: ability to extract the desired 

natural const.itue::i.t. The solvents are removed by evaporation 

with the f.inal flavor CO!l\..DOunds including t:racf! aml':lUilts of the 

solvencs (i;ypir::ally .c:lOppm). The numbel'.· of flavor compounris 

coraprisi~1g 11at:.u=al flavors va::y, but: may number up t.o 100 Ql" 

more. 

Natural flavors are usea in very smaJ.]. amour,ts (app:ro:ii::imately 

.05-.40%) to lic1os::. thfl flavor prof.5.le .i.?1 produet:.s 1o1h.ich, bec;ause 

of funct.ional ox· eccJllc.J\(Jic necessity, require less t.har1 opt.imal 

aniotint: of foodst:.uff rieces.sa:::y t:.o give th~ fin.:i.slied p:i::·oduct:s the 

requi:i::ed flavor o-:-o::ile. The';' a!:"e 1.'1:i.dely u~ed ir1 dairy pl'.·oduc:t:s, 

baked goc)ds, and· ju.i.(;e p::.·oduct.s, as well as in or.he~ foods. 
163 

Reeommll!!lda.tiori. ~ 

Upon implementation, all manuf<l.c:turer.s will be requ.iz:ed to have 

cert:ification from t.he producers of the natural fJ.avari> t_h.at, 

l.) AJ.l of t:l-ie flavor const.ituents used. in t:he nacural 

flavor are fr<.lm nat:1u:·aJ. sources and have not been 

chemi.cally modified il.l a way which n1akes thent different 

than their riat:ural che~ical state. 

2) The natural flavor ha.s not: been produced using any 

syntl1etic solvent: and carrier systems or any artificial 

prP.servae.i ve.s. 

Por "'food.a made w:i.t.h o::cgax:i:i.i:: i~1gredie.nes"' (50115-95% organie'! 

ing:i:·edienta) i 

1) All {Jf the flavor constituents \lsed in the natural 

flavor a:t:e from tiat:ural sources and l1av·e not been 

chemically moCifierl ir1 ii way which make!; them di±"ferent 

than t:heir i1acural chemical state. 

2) The nat11ral flav·or does not: contain prr.:ipylene glycol, 

any artificial presei-,rat::i.ves, and is i.1.ot: extracted with 

hexane. 

Additionally, mar1ufacture:!:"s shall p:t:ovide written documentation 

in their Oruanic Handlir1g Plan showing efforts made t:oward the 

ultimate production of an orsanic.: natural flavor as listed ·in th::.-. 

stepwise p:rogrestiion __ beJ.ow: 

Natural flavor cor1stii:.t1ent.!l and r:~n-synthetic cari:ier hase 

ai1d pr~servat:ive agflnt:s (ex. grai11 et.haI!t)l, iion-sy11th~i:ic 

glycerin· and no11-syr1t.hetic ilt::etic acid). 

Organi,; flavcir const:ii:uent~. organic carrier· base, and 

organ.ir; preservati V<~ agent:s. 

Orga11ic flavor cons<::.itu~!lt·.s extracted usi·ng organical).y 

producerl solver1r:s, oYgar:.:c c~arrie:::- base, and organil: 

pJCeservat·.ive ag~11:~;. 
164 

NATION11L ORC":<ANIC STANDARDS eorum 

FJ"NJl.I. RECOMMENDATION l\DpENDUM NDMBER 1 5 

INCIDENTAL FOOD ADD:r::l'IVE.S J:N dRGANJ:C FOODS 

Dat.e ado~Jl:~d: October 31, 1995 

Location: Austin, Texas 

Int=oduction; 

The Food and Drug Administration's Code of Federal Regu.lations 

(CFR), Title 21, Part 170.3 (o) lists the types of ingredients 

that. may be added to foods for the purpose of. imparting pl1ysicaJ. 

or techn.i.c"al funct".i'bnal effects to the food. Thi~ list i11cludes 

1nany ca1:egories of ingredients including anti-caking agents, 

C<)lors ru1d coloring adjuncr:s, emulsifiers, leaver1ing agents, 

processing aids, stabilizers ~d t:hickene~s. The~e food 

additives mt1sr. be listed as ingredients on fnoU product labels 

unless exempted from the labeling requireme!lt:S i.n 21 C!'R, 

Part 1.0l..100. 21 CFR, Part: 101.J.00 (a) (3) describes incidental 

food . addj t·i ves that are exem!Jt fron1 food label i11g requirflments 

and do not need t".o be lisr.ed in the ingredient stateme-.nt of food 

product". label~. Incident".al food acldit:ives are prese!lr. in food .i.n 

ins.i.gnificant levels arid do not; have any technica:l or f1lnct:.ior1aJ. 

effe-.c::i; in that foud. Suc.:h incideni:".al food add.it:ives include: 

1) stl.bscances that art! iricorporated into t:he food <:l.l'i a result of 

bl"!irig an :i.ngr.fldient. of anot:hl"!r t.:ood (Ex<i.mple: An ingredie11t in 

pasta sa11r.l"! is diced tomacoes that C\"lnt.aiil cii:.ric acid for pH 

cont:?.""ul. Citric acid must be list:f':d ~s i:ln i11~1redie!lt in i:.he 

'li-.:ed tomatoes. But che p<lst".a sauc~ labe.l dt:Jes not have i:.o lisi:. 

citric ac.id as an ingre.dier11.: unless adcl.:i.tional citric acid is 

added during processing of t:i1e pasta sauce.); and 2) p!'."ocessing 

aids t!1at: i) - are- added to i::he food -during· proc:essi·ng ·but- are 

remuved from t.h,;: food befol:e packayi11g, ii) are added to the food 

duririg processinc;, are Conve:r:t:ed to const:it.uent.s r1onnally pre!;et1C 

in i:.he food, and dn not l'>ignifiCant:ly inc::::ea.se the amour1t~ of 

these co1lst:ii::::uen1:s no:r;rn.ally found in r.he food; and iii) are added 

co t:l1e. food f:(~r t.ht!i:!:" te,:J;micil.l ur f1i1ir.::1.:lorial effect a.:i"rir1g 

processing but: are pr·ese!lt c>.t in!;ignifit:~rlt le:vels iil t:he f:i.nal 

product and h<i.ve no technical OJ'." funct.it1nal ef:fect: i;:i t:he final 

product. 
165 

Although incidental food additives ma·y r:iot appear in the 

ingredient statement or.: foods labeleq as organic £cods, these 

additives must be subjected l:O t:he same. Nat:.ional I,ist evaluation 

process as other processed food ingredients. 

li.e~ommendation: 

Organic processors must list all incident:al processing aid"s t:hat 

are added to tt1eir organic foods during processing .ir1 the OrS!"anic 

Hai1dling Plan. For each incide:1tal processizig aid used, the 

org<Ulic processor must document, to the satisfaction of the 

certifying agent, that the substance is non-synthetic or 

synthetic. For incidental processing aid;.; t.l1at are syntl1~tic, 

the organic processor must: 1} doc11ment that the food ca1mot be 

proce~sed without the synthetic incidental processing aid; 

2) docum~nt that a good faith effort has been made to source and 

develop a non-synthetic alternative; and 3) demonstrate progress 

over time in tl1e effort to replace or discontinue tlse of the 

synthetic incident:al processi.n9 aid. 
166 

NA'l'IONAL ORGl'NIC STANDARDS BOARDFINJ\J, RECOMMENUl\TTON ll.TllJENPIJM NTJMBER 16 

Dat:e adopted: October 31, 1995 

l.ocation: Austin, Texas 

Included within t:he discussio~ of the materiaJ.:!l rev.i.ew of 

magnesium sulfate, considerable concern was raii:;eU abc>ut "nigari" 

or magnesium chloride, a substance used to coagulate soymi.lk in 

t.he production of tofu, specifically if it was cu=ently he:i.ng 

mislabeled as to the actual source used. Accordingly, the 

Processing, 1Iandling, and Labeling Committee was charged to 

research nigari as well as natural and synthetic forms of 

magnesium chloride to report the group's recOmmf'Ildat:i.()ns afi t.:o 

whet.her these should or should· not: be included on the Natior1al 

List. Our research includes the fellowing: 

In ger1eral, the confusion originates on the correct 

definition of "nigari", the t:raditional r1ame used for the t;()fU 

coagulant made from salt water. Natural extracted nigari is the 

most traditiona1 and one of t:he most natural coagular1ts f(>r tof11. 

Ext.:ract.ed from sea water by r·emoving 1nc1st or all of t.he sodium 

chloritle and wat:e:r·, it <oontains primarily magnesium c;hlori.de plus 

all t.:}1e _other P;;alts and trac;e mine:i;·als nat:urally found :i.n sea 

water, as well as t:wigs, sand, plankton, 01·ganie matter, etc. if. 

not p:r-operly filtered. As most tofu shops have found nat.UI"al 

r1igari ()f questioru:i.ble purity and sanit:ation, m(lSt prefer the 

rtifined form. 

JapilI1ese produc&ion of refined r1igari cor1tinues t.o be 

extraction from sea water, available via two diffe.:i:ent exr::ractio11 

met.Jl_oc:!13: 1) the ion-exchange process or 2) a method in which sea 

"'ater is concent.ratetl;··-f-ilteied, ~bfeaChea.·;- an.a· cook-ea to yield 

magnesium and na~ural salt. Most tofu producers in the U.S. use 

refined nigari processed according to the second met.hod. 

Although from sea water, 'refined nigarj. mui:;:t: be classified as a 

syne~t:hei:-. .;.c due to the bleachi.ng proc::e.ss i?I its manufaci:.u:i:e. 

Food grade tnagnesi.um chloride made in the U.S. j_B prod11ced 

front the reaction between hydrochloric acid and magnesium. It, 

t(JO, is a io:ynthet.ic p;;:;t)-.;ess, albeit '\l"ery pure, sani.tary, and safe 

to 11se. However, since the Japanese. soux-ce is P.Xt.racted from sea 
167 

water, it: appears that it: rem.ail.ts "more natur<l-1" than U.S. fdod-' 

grade magnesium chloride. 

While other types (lf C'.oagulants can be used to prod11C'.e tofu, 

such as calci11m chloride, cal.cium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and 

glucono dell.:a-lactone, most manufacture:i::·s use magnesium cl:1loride 

(or refined r1igari) as at: leasl; t.he primary coagulant (oft.en 'a 

blend of coagulants is lAsed) to achieve _the flavor and textur~ 

that is typi.cally preferred. 

Reeomme.:i.dation; 

The Processing, Handling, arid Label.ing CO{Q!Uittec recommends 

that synthetic rnagi1esi.urn chloride ext:rat!ted from sea ~ater (often 

referred to as ~refined nigariu) be added to the National List a~ 

an allowed synt;betic for use as an ingredient: in organic foods. 

Natural (unrefined} nigari should be li~ted as a prohibited 

natUral. on the National J,ist. 
16B 

NAT!ONAL ORGANIC.~ STANDARDS BOARD 

mID..... RECOMMENlJATTON 11,DDF'NDIJM NIJMB}:'R ·1 a 

"l'AP REVIEW OF SnrrsETIC VITAMINS AND MlliE:RALS :CN Lrv'ESTOCT 

PRODUCTION 

Dat:e aC.optedo Octobe:!: 31, 1995 

Lor;ci ti on: Aust:ir1, TexaA 

Illt..~du<:! t:.icn; 

The Committee has de.te:i:1nined that a policy on the T~..P revi.ew 

of vitamins a11d min.e:?:als as described in the NOSB Standa:::-ds £6:i:-

Organic Livestock P:;oduct.ion pas!'led i11 June, 1994, should be 

df!veloped. Discussions with a11thorit.ies from two unive:r.sitj_es 

revealed two specific i-"lSUE!S wii::h r·egarci to the TAP review of 

~ynthetic vit:am.iriz and ruineralS; J.) non-synt:ht"!t.ic vitamins for 

use as supplements are difficult to obcain, and 2) 1:.t1ez-e are 

hundrt"!ds of cotnbinatior1s of rn:ineral supplements available on the 

markP.t:. Tt1e l·'DA already rev~.ews synt:hetic v.i.r:arflin!:i e.nd m.ine:r:als 

used .in livestock production, and t.he Nat:ional Resea:?;"c]:1 Councils 

and t:!1e Association of Amer.i.can Feed Coiitrol Officials, Inc. 

flr·ovide recommendations s;ie.r;ific to use oi t.:1:1ese supple:ue!ltS .f.or 

e::i.ch species. Therefore, Comm.it.te~ decided tec;lu1ical aC.visor.s 

should be recruited .i.n the f:uture to review synt:h~t..i.c vitamins 

ancl minerals and to alert the committee to call for ~ TA? rev·iew 

of ar..y s11hst:ar1c:e wh.ich may conflict wit:.11 t.he o:cganic principles, 

T~iis informat:ion would be m.ado:o avai).able co prod1.ice.rs and 

ce:!:"tifie::-s by t::!1e Nat.i.ona! Organic StandarUs Board throug-h 

incorpora1~:iot1 into the US:UA l/Jiit:ional organic Program poli.<.::y. 

Statement:of Principle~ 

f'rodo1cers oft:en niay noi: l:Je ahle co cont:rol t~ie quan::ity of 

vitami.ns and minerals natu!."ally oc::eurring in f~ed.st:uffs. Non·· 

syntheti(:; vitamins or minerals should he used ·.'i.£ available, but 

l:>"ynthet . .:i.cs are aJ..1..01,,ect. Ho1'1eVe:>:", t:he c;uantit:y, k.ind, a::i.d Cates 

t11at the syntl1etic vitamins and miiierQl.s are added c,-;i feed must: 

he documented iii the pJ:"oducer rf!corcis a11d l."eviewed by the 

cert:ifie.r. Guidel:i,nes for: prefe:::-red v;.1:~2.ntin and mir1e:::a.l fe.ed 

additives 11il.l be ci~ve.loped by the NOS3 Livest:or.;k Comm.',;::;:ee. The 

p:rodt.!c:e:::·•s farm nlan .shouJ.d r·eflec-: actempr.s to follow c::e 
169 

guidelines and to decrease (lr .elimi~lat:~ use of. feed additives 

when possible. Synthetic vitamins and 1ninerals s.hou:ld be used in 

keeping with the recommendations of the National Research council 

and the Associac:.ion of American I-'eed C:o11trol Officials, Inc. 

specific to each species. 

Recommendation! 

'l'he use of vitamins ar1d minerals af; fe~d additives is 

permitted. The Livestock Con1mitt:ee rl:"!commends deferri11g initial 

TAP review of synchetic: vitaiuinB al1d mine:::-als except in t:he case 

that t:he c:.ec!-..nical ·advisor calls for a TAP review of a subst:;:;.nce 

which may appear t.o conflict with the OI"!=fanic 11rinciples. 'l'his 

poJ.icy is to be reeva.luate.d within 2 years. 
Date adopted: 

r,ocation: 

Il:ltroduct;i. on: 

170 

NA'l'IONAL ORGANIC S'l'ANDARDS BOARD 

EJ:I:J'AI. B""'COMMFNllt\TTON ADDENQDM NUMf!ER 1" 

October 31, 1995 

Austin, Texas 

Tlie Con1mj.tt:e~ det.e.:rrninecl that t".he use of iilOr.:Ul<l.nts and 

vaccines is allowed i!l organic 1.ivest.ock production. Rela::.i.ve :::o 

t.his decision, the ccimmittee believes that two issues :z:·egc.rdinsthe Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) review_ of t:he the.se mate:::-ials 

11eed to be evaluated: 1) the cone<!= t:hat: inoculant.s ai1d 

vacci?1es needed to protect: the t1ealth of animals =d to conform 

to Fede:':"al, Stat.e, o:':" regional ·regulat.ions must. be readily 

av~ilable to organic producers; and 2) the active materials i~ 

inoculant:s and vaccines a:z:·e non-syni;het.ic, usually car:::-ieci i.n a 

water or oiJ. Liase, a11d conc.ain a s111alJ. allll:lw1t ( .5 cc) of 

·re,;e:r'vati ve. 

Statement of Principle: 

The _Ccmmit:.te~ recognizel'l tt1at the USDA already reviews 

inoculants and vaccines for sc.fety. Based upon this recognitior. 

and becat\se t;he NOSB Recomme11dat::ions allow f.o:i::· the use o:= these 

niat:e:?:"ials, the Cornn1it.tee suggests che following basis he 

es\:ablished for tl1e use of inoculcutt:~ a11ci vaccines: 

The comm.it.tee sho\tld :::"eJ.y on knowledgeable technical aCv~.sor.S to 

rank the inoculants and vaccines hy dt"'gl~~P. of preference for 

organic product.i.o:i;i. For ~~'°"._TOflle, ,kil.le~ ... or ai:tenuat.ed va_ccir1e~_ 

should be ranked more acceptable than live vaccines, or an 

inoculant carried in wat.er m::iy he prefe~ahle to the sa1ne one 

c:a:-ried in o.il. Thi:; informat:ion wou.lct be made avail~le t.o 

~"Jroduce:-s and ce;::ot.ifi~:r:.s by t:.he Nati.anal Organ:i.c Standarr.is Boa~:l 

r.l'l.~l'.l1lgl"1 j_ncorporar.ior\ .i.nr.o t:he USDA Nationa:L 01:gan:i.c P!"og:ram 

policy. Pror.!llc:e:rs r1'lcorcl. keepir1g sho11J.d ~efl,eet: r.t1e app:::-09r.j.at·.~ 

information regai:"d:i.ng 11.se of ino<:'.Ulani;s or va.:.:cir1es. The fa::111 

plan should refl,ect: meo;.sur·es taken t".l) reduce t.tie use cf these 

mate'.:'.'iaJ.s when possibJ.e. 
171 

Recommend.a ti on: 

The Livestock Committee recomme11c.1~ defer-ring ir1it:iaJ. 'l'AP 

review of j.noc:ulants and vaccines except: .ilil the case th.at a 

tech:i.1ical advisor alerts the NOSB of a mater:tal necassar.y for 

livestock produr.tion but in conflict with the organic principles. 

This pclicy is to be reev<tluated wit:hii1-2 years. 
172 

NAT:IONAI, ORG:ill:IC STANDARD.S EOARD 

E.J:NAt. i1"'C0MMITTJiJA7'T~. NUMBER 2Q 

'.r.Al' REVIEli/ OP ANTI:SJ:OTJ:CS AND PARASI'l':tCIDES IN LIVESTDC:X 

?:R.ODUCT:i:ON 

Date adopted: October JJ., 199S 

Locac:.i~in: Austin, ·r~xas 

:In t.r.oduc t:i.o:a: 

The Committee has deter.nined that the use of ant.ibiot.ics and 

parasiticidos has bee:!l tl:1oroughly described in the NOSB Standards 

fo:i:· Organic Livestoek Production passed .i.n June, 19.94. The 

Committee be.l.ieves that: the I'e<:ommendat~.nns should be ame!lded to 

take the p:.o:acc.ic;i.lities of impletnentatiotl into cons.ideratinn . 

• Spe<:ifically r..wo iSS\lf!.S r1eed LU be eval11at:ed; 1) the amount of 

time nece.ssary 1.;.0 c.:ontlUct Tec:J:m.i.cal Advisory Panel reviews for 

each possibl~ material and /.) the conc:e:::Tl Chat materials needed 

to h<"!lp :r.est:ore t:l:J.P. healch of anim.al.s would not be available in 

t.in1e .for program implementat.iori. Because FDA already reviews 

hese. materials for safet:y, i::he comm.i.ttee decided i:o recommend a 

means of prioritizing antibiotics and pa:rasitic:ides for TAP 

review and to allow the stilis::itution of non-reviewed antibicit.ic:s 

and parasi.t:icides wherl TAP reviewed mace.rials are nae ava.i.lahle. 

'r.he Comm.it:tr;e re<.:ogr1izes t.hat: t::t1e Board may wish t.o i::-eview 

irifo:nnil.t:ion about: !".he creat:ion and production of t.he a11tibiot.ics 

and parasiticiC.es and abciut the pe:rs.i.sterlce of tl:1e mat:e:::·ials in 

the b(Jdies (lf. t~t1e ariimals aftt>.::-: a,\1ninistration. 

The Comn1ittee recognizes th<it: t.he · F!lA already reviews 

ant:ibiotics and parasiticiC.es for safety. Based 1.ipon this 

recognicion and because the NOSE Recommendations alrea<ly great.ly 

limit the use of .medications and parasit.iciri.es', the Com.mit:t.ee 

st1ggests t.hilt'. t:he following ba.o;:is be est:Wlished fcir the TAl' 

::ev5.ew of ancib.i,otio::s at1d par.asit.ioides: '.('l1e conintittee s\-1oul.d 

I·eJ.y on knowler.:'geable technica~. advisors i;:o ra11k ant.ibl.ot::.i.cs a:t(l 

parasiticicie!; by likelihood 0£ sati.sfyi.':1<; t:he Se\":t".inn 7.119 (tn) 

o::it'.e!'."ia unrle:!:" t.he st:atuto::y x·e91iremertt. for esr:.ablisl1in9 the 

'latec:-ials li.sC. The mate:?.""ials should t:he!l be revieweC by the 

.ecX:1ical Adv:i.<Jory Panel for co1103ider2tion by the NOSB for 

placeme111:. on t.he. Nat.!.onal Lis::. The t.ecb.tiical acivifiors' 

p::·ioritized l.ifit. of informa.t.icrJ would be ma.de available to 
173 

produce?."s t:hrough USDA NationaJ. Organic l:'rogratn policy, thus 

prnviding producers all. opport:unicy t.o c.hoose ant:.i.biat:ic.s and 

parasitit.:ides i11 keeping with the organic pr.in1::i.μles. 

T.he followi.zJg add'.it.:i.CJD.s aze t;O be i.Dse1:f;ed i..ri. the Oqμniq 

LjvestoGk pmd11ct1'pn secc.ior.i, as ii:Jd.:icat;ed~ of !:he NOSE Pinal 

Reco.mme..12dii1t.icins adopted JunF. l-4, .7.994. i;::. ,<J.u:tt"a Fe, New Me.xi.co. 

Add at l.i.n~ 378, page 11': 

If an antibiotic is necessary t:o fulfi.11 t.tie intent of Si:!ction 2, 

the first choice of the prociucer slioulC. be a material that is 

included on t:he National List.; however. i.f.: a suitable antil;iiotic 

is ?lot on t:he Nat:iC2,nal List;, 

that has not: beet1 reviewed. 

within 2 years. 

Add at line 462, page 17: 

the produce::.- may use an ant:ib~.otic 

This poli"-"'Y is t:tJ be reevaluated 

If a pardsiticide is necessary iil case of a healt.h care emerge11cy 

l.ri per111itted .situations, the first choic~ <:1f tlie producer should 

be a mat.erial. chat is i11cluded on the National List; l1owevflr, if 

a ouitable parasit.icide is not. on the Nat.ional List., the producer 

may use a para.sit.icide t.hat. has not. been reviewed. Tl1.i.s policy 

is ta be reevc;.luat.e"d within 2 years. 
174 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

'.t'INAL RECOMMENDA'.l'ION ADDENDUM NUMBER 2 .. . 

BOTANICAL PESTICIDES POLICY 

Date adoptP.d: October 14, 1994 

Location; Rohnert Park, California 

COMM:ENTARY 

The Nationa.l Orgn.nic Standards Board (NOSH) is charged with the 

respo11sl.bili ty of conductirig a special r·eview of botanical 

pesticides wider Secti.on 2.l19(k) (4). oft.he Organ.ic Foods Production 

Act of 1.990 (OFPA) : "The Board shall, pr·ior to the establishment 

of the Nati.onal Li.st, revie~ all botanical pesticides used in 

agricultural production and consider whether· any such botanical 

pesticide should be included in the list of prohihi ted natural 

substances." 

The specj.al review has been conducted with the fol.lowing results: 

10/13/94. Ne~ 

10/13/94 Nicoti11e 

10/13/94 Pyreth.t"UIOS 

10/13/94 Quassia 

10/13/94 Rotenone 

10/13/94. Ryania 

10/13/94 Sabadilla 

10/13/94 Strychni11e 

10/14/94 Pipe.i::·Or1yl 

B11toxide 

ADD2BITT.BFil 

Motion to add to the Prohibited N9tural 

List was defeated. 

Tabled while identity and review are re·· 

established. 

Motion to add to the Prohj.bited Natural 

List was defeated. 

Removed from consideration 

Motion to add to t.he Prohibited Natural 

List was defeated. 

~lotic1n to add to the Prohibited Natural 

List waL' defei:i.ted.-

Motion to add to the Proh.ibi ted Natural 

List was defeated. 

Tabled llllti.l. '.l'AF ·rev:i.ewers are f'ound to 

c:ornp.lete :ct:!vir:=w. 

Mot.i.on to add to the Approved Synthetic 

list as a synergist for use with 

botanicals ~as defeated. 
175 

28 Additionally more TAP reviewers or c:.larif.i.cations of unclear points 

29 were request:ed fo:r Rotenone and Ryania. Mor·e i.nforlilation on all 

30 the botanicaJ.s i.s st .. i.11 coming in and will. l1e evaluat.ed as i.t. does. 

31 Thi.s list of botanical pesticides .i.s limited to those generic 

32 substances that are commonly known, registered with the F.~A 1inder 

33 FIFRA, and that have been used histori.cally in organic cr·op 

34 production because of the:Lr documented insecticidal propertie0. 

35 RECOMMENDATION 

--· - . 

36 The Board maintains that prevention should be a pr.oduce:r;' s primary 

37 approach to pest management. Cu.l.tural and hj.ological technj.ques 

38 must be g.i.ver1 the highest prJ.ori ty by producer·s and be well 

39 documented in the 01:ganic Fann Plan. Nothwithstanding, the Boarcl 

40 recognizes that when cultural and biological. practicP.s fail to 

41 provi.de adequate crop protection, the use of botanj.ca.l tiestic.ides 

42 can be an effective second line defense. 

43 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 

50 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

.58 

59 

60 

61 

It is the position of the Board that producers 

pestj.cides .i..n organic crop production shall 

restrictions set forth below: 

who use 

comply 

botailical 

wj.th the 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4 . 

Botanical pesticides shal.l. only be ut.i.l.i.zed withi11 the 

context of a biorat.i.onal pe.st management prog:r·am and 

sha.l.l not be the primary 10.ethod of pest cont.:t·ol set forth 

in the Organic Farm Plan. 

Producers shall utilize botanical pesticides j,n a maruler 

which is least _toxic and least ecologically d.'i.sruptive. 

All EPA label restr.ictions and directions need to be 

fo.l..lowed. This .includes livestock, c:r·ops, target pests, 

safety precautj.ons, pre-harvest intervals and worker reentry. 

In light of the fact that the Sunset Provision in Section 

.2J-l8. pf .OFPA .does .not apply. to Bota.riicals unles!'l they are 

p:t·ot1ibi ted, and serio1is data gaps have been :i.denti.fied in 

some areas, the NOSE recommends that a comprehensive 

review of Botanicals occur within 5 years of 

.i.mplementation of OFPA. 

fi.7. F11r.t.hennore, the B(larr:l. conclud.ell tl1at it .i..s 11rJt: p\lssiblc 1,;rJ (iefiI1e 

63 the "cautious and judicious usen of botanica.l. pesticides on a 

64 nat.i.onci.l basis, and t!1erefo:r·e asserts .i.ts position that organic 

65 cert.i.fying agencies shall monitor the use of particular botanical 

66 pest.i.cides as a:Ppropriat:e to local sitllations and si1all assure that 

67 these recommendations are str·ict.ly adhered to. 1~dd.itionally, 

68 certi tiers may use their discretion on further restricting the μz·e69 harvest interval beyond the minimum label reqi1.i.l'."e.ments. 

i\DD2DOT.IJFll. 
176 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD. 

FTNl\t, RECOMMENDATION 11,DpENDTThl NJJMBEE 27 

Cfll!'.EAN HJ:TRATE SPECIAL USE GUIDELINES 

Date adopted: November 1, 1995 

Location: Austin, Texas 

E.eJ.!mrmu•ndatj on: 

The use of Chilean Nitrate (1~-0-0) ic o~ganic crop production is 

li1nited to not morr. than 20 percent of total nitrogen z:;upplied to 

a crrip. The producer• s Farm Plan shall contain specific 

provisions anU strcltegies designed to substantially reduce the 

use of Chilean Nitrate over time. The amolUlt and timing of thes!'l 

redut:tion.s will be consil'ltent: with documented site spe(:if.i.c 

constraints. The Farm Pla11 will seek to explore eact1 and every 

alternai-.ive to the routine use." of Chilean Nitrat:e in the farming 

system. These alternatives include, hut. are not limited to: 

composting, improvement of compost, leguminous cover crops, 

interplanting, ror.atj.ons, microbial enhancements, animaJ. manures, 

varietal selections, plaiiting date alterations, and reducing 

amol.lnt.s of applied supplemel1t.al nit:rogeii. The t.:i.ming and 

efficiency of Chilean·Nitrate applicat.ions shall be optimized and 

documenr.ed in the Farm Pl.an. Certifiers will monitor progress in 

the reduction of C:hilcila1l Nitrate use and will decertify fal'.mers 

that develop .long terqi dependence on this r11aterial. Strong 

farmfl.r comm.itment, aggretisive action, and measllrable results ar·e 

all tl~cessary elements of this specl.al 11se of Chilean Nitrate. 

This policy shall be reviewed within two years. 
177 

NA'l'IONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

I-'TNA.J, RECOMMENDATION ADi)ENDIJM NfJMBER 28 

Date adopted: November 1, 1995 

Location: Austin, Texas 

T.be foll.owirlg add.it.ion i.a to be B.dded to t.hi! Natio;ca.1 O.rgaiJ.ic: 

SClllJ.dards BOard;B Pbaae-Tn I tmp1ementatjOIJ Rea0 mmendatlnas, 

Adrfendwn_m1mher . ..!l, adopted April 27, 1995, in Or.lazido, P.lorida. 

Recrnmpeudation: 

Effective on the publication dat:e of the final rule, the use of 

arsenate (and other prohibir.ed materials) treated lumber is 

prohibited for new construction a11d replacen1ent purposes. 

Certificat.ion applicants shall provide records to the certifying 

age11t that arsenate (and otl1e.r prohibited materials) treated 

lumber was not installed witl1in 36 months immediately preceding 

the initial harvest date of ariy organic agricultural p:i:·oduct.s. 

I11 no case shall arser1ate (and oc.her prol1ibited material~) 

treated lumber be allowed in installations in ci;Jncact with the 

soil and us8d to grow vegetables (soil beds). 
\ 

178 \ 

proceeded to discuss a doi:um~t entitled "Handling of Inerts Polir:y al the NOSB April 

Meering," dated April II, 1995. 

This motion is intend~d to help the Uoa:rd to move forward in the materials review process by 

leaving inerts to b1:1 dealt wilh in the future aftet publication of the initial NaJ:iocal List. 

Eppley pioposed ru1d Sligh seconded to dis~uss the followin,g Proposed Motion l: "Synthetic. 

inert iugredieuts shall be reviewed by the NOSB according m the criteria in the OFPA for 

inclusion on the Nru:ion11l I.ist. Th.is .shall be handled as an .amendmeut "lo the National List 

after 1he publication of the i11itial ],ist and after We inerts are identified and evaluated" 

Hankin 11oted the Staffs position on inerts and the problems inheri:llt with the NOSB trying !o 

attaln confidential information neces.sary for reviewing inerts, and observed tl1at the Board's 

continuiug at this time to develop a policy on i.Derts review does not contribute to the working 

relationship between· the Staff and tile NOSB. Sligh noted thru; the Boan.I cannot shrink from 

iu perceived responsibility 10 le.t the industry know where they stand on this i:>5oue. Me~lgru1 

went on lo discuss some of the historical wncerns th:.l.l: the industiy bas with. inen:s. 

Chanrller offered the following a.mexuf.roent: 11ie inert priority shall be after the initial 

nationa.l list. Vote: Yes a 4. Oppo!ied - 9. Abstain - l. Amendment fails. 

Merriga:u 1nadc a n1otion ser,.onded by Kirscl1enma.ru1: '!'he NOSB will make every ejfon to , 

The NOSB will work'With manufacturers CJfiner"!l. substances W obtain fell disclosun'. 1his . . 

""""~''"nd°"""'···· 
179 

process will l..i1ke place after ihe proposed national fi1;t uruf it! subsequel'l1 Federal Register 

.il!!: publication. Clark commimted that if the N'OSB doesn't review an iuerl, lheii I.bat in{.'ft 

.112. shouldn't be allowed in production. Crossley poI?ted om the differwce between full 

430 discloswe (for i..D.stallce, confidentially to the USDA) and p11blic disclosure (lo the general 

431 public). Others thought the NOSB could be gi-anted an approved starus to review confidential 

43:t informarioc. Rogers noted th:it the NOSB does not have statutory authority to be granted !his 

433 status or review inerts for the Program. Vote: Yes - IO. Opposed - 4. The motion passed. 

~ Sligh proposed the following motion: /nens on the EPA list 4 an considc,-ed to be generally 

435 recognized as safe and will be accepted for o~anic production. with a TAP review and 

~ NOSB evaluation according to ih"e criteria. in the OFPA for tho:re thrit are synthetic. Inerts 

fil proposed for organic production on EPA 's Lisi 2 which are potenria/ly toric and List 3 which 

43!1 are unknuwn will be compiled by the NOSB cnd.fonvQrde.d to the EPA as maierill/s.for.fastfil truck review and possible reclassification by them. 

~ Craig offered an amendmeut, sec.anded by Crossley to strike "with a TAP review and NOSB 

441· eval1ia!ion accurding 10 the criteria on the OFPA for those that are syni.hetic." Sligh J:emarked 

fil_ _!Ji.at he opposed this amcndmCDt because he wanted iD review eacl!..in_ert ra~e.i· th.a,r! ac_cept an 

443 entire category. Vo~e: Yes - 8. Opposed - 6 .. The amendment fails. Weakley !.hen followed 

444 with a morion and it was seoondt:1d by Kahn 1o tablet thP. discussion. Vote: Yes - 10. 

445 Abstain ·· 2. Motion carried. 
1BO 

"111.e Board then passed a resolution on inens which read: 

Inero 011 the EPA I.isl 4 are 

considered to be generally recognf:z:i!d as safe nd "/! b 

" Wl e accepted for organic production 

' 

"<->fto<l•n<1""'1"" .•• , 

gnless an NOSE eva/uatian finds a specific List 4 inert lo be unacceptable. Inerts proposed 

for organic production on EPA 's List 2 which are potenti£J/ly to:ric wid List 3 which are 

Unknown will be compiled by the NOSE and forwarded lo the EPA as. materials for fast-track 

review and possible reclossijication. 
•, .- ·' 181 ,". 

SUMMARY OF NOSB 1'-1ATERIALS \lOTED UPON AT 

ROHNERT PARK, CA; ORLANDO, FL; .A.USTIN, TX; AND INDI..\NAPOLXS, IN 

Key: 

Rohnert P::i.rk, CA c: R 

Orlando, FL"" 0 

Austin, TX= A 

lndian;1,polis,.IN"' I 

PROCRSS1NG 

1. TI·c following m:iteria!s ha'ie bee.n determined to b~ non°S}ntl1etic and a\lo\ved for 

organic processing: 

Agar-Agar"' 0 

Alginic Acid "'O 

Calcium C:i.rbQn.ate = A 

Calcium Cliloride"' 0 

Carrageenan =O 

Citric Acid~ )'1.-lu>t be produced b)- microbial f.-rmenltl.tion of carbohydrate subsrrares.= 0 

Cornstarch (Nntive) =A 

Cultures, Dairy - Bacteria ma:1 not be a product ofrD>J".J, technology. =A 

Dintllmaceous Earth· For tOod filtering: aid only.= 0 

EDZ)·mes: 1\.1alted Barle~' =I 

Fruit Waxes (Plant-deril·ed)- Resrric1ed to carnaubn and wcad-rcsin... =I 

Guws (\V!lter Extracted Only-Ar.ibic, guar, locust beaIJ, ~nd carob bean) = .4. 

Kiiolin & Bentonite = 0 

Kelp - ,J.,,J\o,,·ed for use :is a thickener and dietaJ)· suppleroent (as defined in the CFR).=O 

Lactic Acid= 0 

Lecithin (Unbie:iched) = 0 

Magnesium Sulfate. (The 5yntbetic form of this substance is to be rei.·iewed at'a later 

-date _by tl!.~_P_.i:o_cessing Committee.)"" 0 

Natural Bacterial Enzymes· ~'mes that ure produc.::d by 1nicroorganisms that arc 

products of recombinant DNA teclmoloID' are synlhetic and aro:: prulribited unless 

.<.pecificali)' .;il!crn'ed. Syru:b.etic bacterial er.zymes must be petitioned b}· the 

mauuf::icturcr or processor.)= 0 

Nitrogen .. Oi!-fi"t:e grades; from 110n-oil so1u:ce_ = 0 

Oxygen·· Oil-free grades; fi:om non-oil source.= 0 

Pectin (High Methozy) = 0 

Perlite • Allq_wed as a filter aid in food pracessing. =I 

P.:tt .. ssium Chlorid\! = 0 

Pot!lssiun1 Iodide= 0 

April 1~97 
162 

Sodium Carbonates & Bic:irhonates = 0 

Ye.ast, Autol}'Sate -1'east (used for source) that is a product of!DNA teclmolog)' is 

prohibited.= A 

'\'e.o.st., Baken ·- 1'~st (used for source) thar is a product of rDNA technology is 

prohibited. =A 

Ye!lst, lln.'ll'ers - Yeast (used for source) that is a product ofrDNA technology i~ 

prohibited. ""A 

Y~ast, Nutritional· Yeast (used for source) tbat is a product ofrDNA tect-.noiogy is 

prohibited. Growth 011 petrochemical substJ:ates and sulfite v.-aste liquor is also 

prohibired. =A 

Yea5t, Smokfd - Y~e:.i (used for source) Ll-iat is <1 product of rDNA technolog)' is 

prohibited. Grov•th on perrocbem.ical substr<!.tcs and sulfite waste liqucr is also 

prohibi~d. The hlllldler must document in the Organic Handling Pion that che sn1ok . .e 

fu1•.:oring used is produced using a non-S)'Il1hetic process tJ-iat does not use sy11thetic 

processing aids or additives.= A 

2. "fhe fol!o""~ng rnateri:i.ls have been detennined to be S)'Ilthetic and allo\Ved for orga.<ic 

processing: 

Alginatc5 =A 

Ammonium Carbonatts & Ilicarbo11ates - LimitP.d tQ use as '2.. lea-..·~'ll': agent. = 0 

Ascorbic Acid= 0 -

Calcium Citr11te =A 

Calcium Hydroxide"' 0 

Calcium Phosphate1 (Di, "fri, l\1ono) =.'I. 

Carbon Dioxide= A 

C!ilorine Bleach (Calcium hypochlorite, sodium h:rpochlorite, chlorine dioride) -

.4.llov.'ed for disinfecting and saniti2.ing food cont:i.ct surfaces. Resid1J:J! chlorine levels 

for wash water in direct crop or fQod contact and lli. flush -.vai:er from cleaning irrig11tio11 

systems that is applied to ci:ops or fields cannot e.'tceed the maximum residual 

disinfectant limit urtder the Safe Drinkinc: \ilatcr Act {currently 4mg/L expres£ed a.> Cl,). 

This substance is .to be re,•iewed again in t\vo years. =A 

-Ethylene· For use as a ripening agent for hana.n:i.s only.= .4. 

Ferrous Sulfn~ - Allo\ved for iron fortification of foods that is required by regulation or 

for ii:ori Cnrichrncnf by professional iecommeiida:tlon. = 0 · · -- - -----

Glycerin - Must be produced by hydrolysis of fats and oils.= A 

Hydrogen Peroxide~ A 

Lecithin (Ble:iched) ,., 0 

Magnesium Chloride~ Allov.'<lble only· if extxactlld from se;;i, w~ter. l\fugnesium chloride 

produced by synth~tic pror.esses (e.g .. hydrochloric acid reactio11) is not al!ov.<1blc. 

Unref10.ed '1.0ll-S)•nihetic magne:;ium ch.lo rid:; (rigari) is not recognized b}' FDA as an 

allowed food inp-edient. =A 

Muno&: Di!ii)·ceri(ltj ·For use iu claim dr:·ing of food only.= 0 

,\pril 1997 
183 

Nutrient Virn.mins and J\.fin.ern.ls - Allowed for use in org:J.Ilic foods for emichmeo.t or 

fortificntion 'V.ben reqllired by regulation ot recon'!mended by an independ<:nt 

professional organization.= A 

Ozone=A 

Pectin (Low Mctho11') ""0 

Pfltas~iurn Acid Tartratc"" A 

Potassium C::irbonate -Allowed onl)' for FDA-approved applications v,:het·e natural 

sodium carbollll!e is not ar1 acceptable substitute. = O · 

Potassium Citnitc = 0 

Potassium Hydroxide - Prohibited for use in lye peeling of fruits and veger,,.~!es and 

where non-S)'nthetic sodium carboII!lte is an acceptable substitute."' A 

Silicon Diol'.ide ~I 

Sodium Citrate"" 0 

Sodium Hyclro.lide - Prohibited fur use in lye peeling offruirs and vegctabl;:;s and where 

the non-synthetic sodiwn carbonate is an acceptable substitute. = 0 

Sodium Pho~pilate11 - Use restrit."ted to dazj.• foods.= A 

Sulfur Dioxide - Far use in org:mic wine only; nl:lJ' not ~added to ,,vine ;:it levels 

grearer than I 00 ppm; lhe le-vel of free sulfites may- not exceed 35 ppn1 in tl:1e final 

product= 0 · 

Tocopherols. Must be derived :fron1 ·,,-egetable oil \Vhtm rosen1::uy e:-."tmclS ~e not ;i 

suitable alremative. =A 

Xantb.am Gum= 0 

3. The fol!o\vL'1g materi<lis have been detem-Uned to be synilietic and unacceptable for use in 

organic foods, but ncci;ptable for use .in lhe food c<1.teg0Jj', "wadi! '.'-'ith orgo.nic ingredients": 

Magne:sium CarbonB.te =I 

Magnesium Stenru.te =A 

Pofussium Iodide= 0 

Pot11ssiuw Phosphate= 0 

4. The follov.ina materials ha\•e "been detcnniued to bc synthetic arid una.cceprable for use in 

organic food5 and unacceptable for use in, tl1i:- food category, "made with organic insfedienis'':- - --- -· - - - - · · - -

Ammonium Phosphate= A 

Cnlcium Sulfate= l 

Chymosin (i\1icrobi2! Re:a11eto bio-cngineered form)= I , 

Colloidal Silica"' A 

11/{agnesium Silicate= A 

Nisin =A 

So di.um Tnrtt3.te =A 

Sorb1c Acid,___; A 

.~pril 1~91 
' - ,-

184 ·- ', ,- -.. • . ' ' 

... ' 

-------------------------------------------------·---------------- ··------:::-1~I1ili -SiiGH ___ -----;;::-;:;:;: (l~«0Ji9i tHl' j.(;,J6 F.U 202 ~90 J9Jl-l -" 'i'.Juvo 

Sulfuric Acid""- l 

5. The follov;ing roat<irials 11ttve been delem:rin<J.i to be non-syoth-eti;:. ancl uu.accept.:tbk !01 use in 

crg-ruric: food processing; 

NoD~or-g.:w.ie::i.lt;; Produced \Vhey Protein (Permitted from .a11 tirg~nic .s1Jurc~ only)."' I 

5. The follo~l!ing tnlltetlal~ Wive beeo tabled by Ihe NOSB: 

BllkiPj!; Powder (Aluminum Free}= .<Ii. 

Cbymosin (Em:ymc fu-rm)"" I 

Clay (Fuller's Earth, Attapulgite),,. l 

Ell2}'0leb: !\fold, fungal, }'ell.sf, plan1, "a.oimal"' I 

fru.it Waxes {Al.lim:al \\·-ai:;es}"' I 

Limt-, coutrut!ed atmosphere"" I 

l\1agnesium CarbQnate (non-synthetic forn1) "'I 

Unmodified Starches ""A 
185 

CROP.S 

l. The following m:'l.t~als have b= detew.J.ined to be synthetic &ru:l allowed for use in 

organic crop production: 

Alcohol (Ethanol) - Permitted for use as a disinfectant. =A 

Alcohol (I!oprop:i:I) - Permitted for u.se as a disinfectant. =A 

Ammonium Carbonate - For use as bait in i11sect traps only. Co.nnot be in di:rect C{',ritact 

v.ith crop or soil. =A 

Ammonium Soaps - Cannot come iil (;ontlt;t '"ith soil or edible portion of crop; to be used 

as an an.Una! repel I ant only. = I 

Antibiotics (Strept..lmJ•i:lii sulli.te) • P~m.tirted for tts<: a5 a !1rebligb.t control in apples and 

pears only. To be reviC'\ved agaiTI in tv;o ~-cars.= A 

Antibiotics (Terram~·ein) ~ (Oxyter:acyciine c:i]ciu1n complex) To be re,,iewed again in 

two ~-e:u:s. =A 

Aquatic Pla11t Extracts (Other th.::in !1ydrolJ·zeif) ·Extraction process is limit~d to l11e 

use of potassium h}'droxide.ruid sildiu1n hydroxide. Th~ amount of the solvent used is JlOt 

to c.i:ceed ilie amount necessaI}' for e:\.tr.1ction. "'A 

Bordenu."t !\-Ili:es (Copper Sulfate aii.d Hydrtttcd Liinc)- .\iust b"' wed in~ ma..'1Ilci-. 

that minimizes acmmulation of copp!:r in tli.e soil."" 0 

Boric Acid - May be used for 5\ructural pO!st control. No direci contact \~'ith food or 

crops being certified."" 0 

Chlorine Ble1.1ch (Cnlciun;. .bypo.:b.lorite, sodiun1 h}·pochlorite, "blorine dioxide) -

Acceptable for cleaning l::rig:i.tio11 syste1ns. Allo\ved for disinfecting and sanitizing food 

contact surfaces. Residual chlorine Je;,els for wirshv;arer in direct. contacl w"ith crops or 

food, and in flush water from clelllling i1rigation systeins that is appliecl to o:ops or fields 

cannot exceed the maximum residual. disinfec1znt limit ll.D.d~r the Silfe Drinking V.'ater ii.ct 

(currently 4rngiL expressed as Cl,). TI1i.5 substa.l:l.ce is to be reviev.·ed again in I\\'o :y=rs.=A 

Coppen, Fixed~ May be wed for dis::asc control. f-...fa)' not be wed as nn herbicide. Shall 

~used in a manner that prev~ts excessive copper accumulation in the soil. "'A 

Fi~h Products u L.iquid ftsh pro<lu= can be pH adjusted using sulfuric, citric, or 

phosphoric acids. The amounr of ac:id us~d cannot exceed the m.inirnwn amowit needed to 

.!Ower.tb.e .. pH.to.3.5.-= 0. __ 

Humic Acid~ (fmm water and alkali e:i.:tr11cts or D~turail)' occun-ing deposits)== I 

l:lydrogen Peroxide= A 

Llgnin Sblfo1111tc u .t\Jlowed for use "·it.'i. nllcronu1tien1s ~d macro nutrients and as a 

chelating ageut Also allo\ved for use as a dust suppressant and a floar.arion a.gent= A 

Lime SuUur ·· Resriicted to applicarlon as a fungicide er an i11secticidc if no feasible 

alternative exists."" 0 

Magt1es.ium Sulfa~e u Allov.'e'I for use as ii. soil amendment ''"ith a do::umented m'.lgu~sii= 

deficiency.= A 

Micronuti:·ients ~Us<= re~tricted to c::.ses \\"bere soiL1

pla.11t nuU:ient deficiency is 

docum.ented by soil or tissue testii1g, Tl1ose made from nitrut<:s are not a.1!01,.,~d; those m<ide 
1 A6 

fro1n chlorides are not iillov.·ed; not to be us~..d. as a ::lefoliant, herbicide, or desiccant_ = O 

Ne\\·spQper Mulch D GloSS)' paper aud colored inl;: paper is prohibited. "'_,\. 

Oils, Petroleum Based A .i\.Uowed on ·"''oody planrs for dormant and summer Jlest control. 

Prohibited for weed coutrol use. = 0 

Petroleum Dhtillu.te'> - Restricted to petroleum deii\'a.ti''es with a 50~1i boiling point at 

lOmm mercUJ.}' pressure br.tween 415 de pees F' and 440 degrees F•, :±: 8 degrees F·. 

Aromatic petroleum solvents including, but not limited to, benzane, riaphlh.alene, tol~ne 

nnd xylene are prohibited. Allowed for use in organic production a-s suffocating or st;.'let 

oils on foliage and as inert ingredients. Ma)· be applied to donnant pereunials. Direct 

application ta Mn•ested crop is prohibited. Perroleum distillates may not be used as either 

v»eed or cmot oils in organic production. Lru:id covered \''iili petroleum deri''~d pavement 

and ro:id oils cannot be certified organlc for 3 years follo\l.i.t1g ;ipp!i.cati.on. =A 

Pheroinones '"""0 

Plnstie Mulch and Co\'er.i [Petroleum b;ased; other than poly-vinyl chloride (PVC)] 

PVC is prohibited. Petrolewn basi;:d plastics oilier th1lll P\7C are acceptable. Restricted by 

OFPA as ba,'ing to be removed <1t the r:nd of each growing or harvest seao;on: also, shcll not 

be incOiporated into tl1e soil or left in rhe field to decomiJGSe."' _.\. 

Soa.p.11 - Not allo;•;ed as an herbicide. "'0 

Soap-b:ued Algicidcs/demossers =I 

Soap··based Hc:bicidcs - 1\llowr.d for use around buildings, on road-....·ays, ditc!-ies, rightof-ways, and ornamental crops. =I 

Sodium Sili(ate - • .\llo\ved for floa1ing rree fruits and fiber precessing. =I 

Sulf~r (elemental) = 0 

Sulfur Dioxide -Allowed for me in sulfur smoke bombs for control of underground 

rodents."" I 

Stic!<)' Trap£ ancl Bar1-iers .., A 

Vit:!m:lm Bi, C, ;and E"' A 

Vita win D3 - f'ennined as a rodenticidc. "".4. 

2. The follov.-iog materials ha,'e been de1errnined. to be synt!1ctic :md unacceptable for U>c !n 

organic crop ploduction: 

Antibiotics (Avermecrin} "°A 

ANenate Tre:i.icd Lumber~ Effectl\•e on rhe publication date of the fip..a) rule, the use of 

arsenate (and other prohibited materials) uea1et1· Juhiber is r.rollib'itt:;d for 'new coilstitiCrlob 

and replacement purposes. Ceri:ific:itlon applicont5 ~hall ;r.6vide reeords to the certif;:-fug 

agent tluit arsenate (mid other prohibited materials) treated l1llilher v.1as not installed ~ithin 

36 months immediate!~: preceding the initial huvest date ofony organic agricultural 

prodJJcts. In no case sl:..all arseuate (and other prohibired n1a1eriill~) treated lumber he 

a!!ov.,.·ed in installatiorts in conl<lcr ~ith the soil ru1d used to groY• vegetables (soil OCds). = _4. 

Gyp~um ByvProduct (From flue t1·appin1J~ aud fertilizer manufacture)= A 

Gypsum By~Product (From d()''A'!lll manuf11cture) "".'\ 

Killetl Microhi11l Pesti~ide (Pseudo111011lJ~'f101"esr::e= !<-·itl1 Bl ge11e) ""A 

,\pril 1~; 
Leather By-Product= A 

Nicotinr: = 0 

Potassium Nitrate (Niter)= A 

Sewage Sludge= I 

Sodium Chlorate= I 

187 

Sodium Fluoaluminate (Non-miued) =I 

3. The follo\"liing materials have been determi!led to be non-synthetic <md i·ecommended for 

plai;ement on The Prohibited Natura.ls List: 

.-\5h (from mmure bu.ming) = 0 

Sodium Fluo11lumin:iitc (Mined)"" I 

Srrycbnine = 0 

Tobacco Dust= 0 

-l. The foilo\ving materials have b.:en determined to be nlln-synthe1ic and not v:ithin the scope 

of the National List:· 

Ash (from the combustian of biologically tleril·etl materials)= 0 

C:ilcium chloride (Ei:!racted fro1J1 brine)- _,.\l!o1ved f'or use.to correct bitter pit problems 

in apples: al!o,~·ed for use to comp!:.· •vi th emergenc)· spra)' programs (cotton desiccWJt) or 

to prevent imme.dia:r~ crop loss in organic cotton pro:luction. =I 

Gibberellie .-\cid - t>.tust be produced il:um fettner:!btion of non-genetically engineered 

organis~. =I 

Gypsum .By~Producr (Mined Source) =A 

Hydrolyzed Aquatic Plant E:ttr!lcfs "'° 0 

!1.-Iagnesium Chloride {Extr:i.cied from brine, se:nvatcr, and salt deposits)"' I 

Potassium Chloride (Muriate of Pot::i.sh) - O;Uy tlle mi11ed SOUtte is considered non· 

syntl1etic. AIJ.y use shall be in a ma."llle:r tl1at pre'\·cnts exces.si,·e chloride accw:nulation ii.1 

soils. Soil te5ting Ill1.lY be required in bot11 treated and untreated adjacent soils to verif}• 

absence ()f chlOJ:ide build-up. =A 

Sodium Bicarbonate c: A 

Sodium Chlortde - Allo\'<ed fbrus.e to comply \vilh em~ency spray 1irograms (cotton 

desiecant) or to prevent immediate i:i-op loss in organic.cotton production. =I 

Sodium Nitl-:ite (MiDed) - (1be Crops commit",ee v.ill develop a po5il.ion paper for 

anpropriate use resnictions and JlOSsibl\'.. phas~ out.) n; 0 

5. The follo'Y<ing materials ha''e been mbll':d by lhi; NOSB: 

Alnino Acids=:( 

Ash (from coal burning)"" 0 

Boron Produe1s, Soluble"" 0 

,\pMI 1991 
Peb1rgonic .acid="' I 

Potassium. Bicarbona1e = 0 

Potassium l'crmanganate"' A 

6. Borru:llcal pesticides. 

188 

Neem - Motion to add to the Prohibited ~atur.alo List \Vas dei'eated. = R 

Pyrethrums - ~lotion to add to the Prohibited Naturals List \\'<IS di::mted. = R 

Qua~si!I - Removed from consideration. = R 

Rotenone - Motion to acid tO tl1e ProJ:..ibited Naturals Lisr was defeated."" R 

Ryania - ..,_1ocion to add to the Prohibited Naturals List \VEIS defeared.= R 

Sabatlilla - Mution ta add to t11e Prohibited Nawrals List \Vas defeated."" R 

Piperonyl Butoxide - Motior. to add to the Allowed S)'llthetics list as a sy:nergist for11se 

with botanicals \\'as Jefo::ated."' R 

LJVESTO....c:K 

1. The follo\\.ing materials have bceu detennin<:d to be synthetic and ll.llc'\ved for use in organic 

li\•cstock prodncrion: 

_4.lcohol (Ethanol) - Allowed for use in medical trt:am1e11ts and as a disitlfecl.3r.t. 

Prohibited for use as a feed additive. = A 

;\lcohol (Isoprop!-"l) - Approved for use only a.~ a disinfectant.:= A 

Aspirin· Approved for heallh-=e use to reduce inllammation. = 0 

Chlorine Bleach (C>llcium h)·pocblorite, S;>dium hypocblorite, chlurinc dioxide) -

Allo"<ed for disinfecting livestock facilities and sanitizing food contact surfaces. Residual 

c:h!orine le..· els for wa.sh,vater in direct con tac! ""ith crops or food. and in flusl1 \vater from 

Cleaaing inigaLiou syS1.:ms lhat is <1pplied to crops or fi~ld..5 =not exceed i.be inaximum 

reSidual disinfecrant limit under tl1e Safe Drinking \Vat er Act (currently 4rt1.g/L e:-:pressed 

as Cl,). 1bis subsi.ance is to be revie,,:~d ab'lln in two ye:i.rs. ""A 

Copper Sulfate - For !apical 115e or as an esse::i.ti.a.l nutrient.= A 

Electrolytes - May not contain antibiorics. =A 

Glucose"' A 

Hydrated Lime (Calciutu.li)·(l_rcixide) • Npt perm_itted for sall_appli,catiun or to C:)ut_C:t:ize 

mutilations or dcod.Jrize animal 'vast.es.-= A 

Iodine= 0 

Loc:i.J Anesthetics (Lldoc2ine anil"Procaine only) .. t:se requires a withdi:av.-..U period of 

90 days in livestock intended for slaughter and 7 d11ys in dairy animal". =A 

Magnesittm Sulb.te = .~ 

MUk Replacers - En1ergenc,-- use oul;· when fresh milk is not available. Mill~ replac~IS 

based o:n non-Il)ilk prod:icts or fu:im BST treat,~d anituals. ru:e not pe1mi11cd. No anribiotir.:-. 

l:ll!lY be arlded: Milk. from certifi'-"d orgru:iic a!!it=ls is preferred."" A 

Mincra 1 Oil - For ropical use and :as a lubri~ant. =A 

April 1997 
189 

Nutrient Vitamins and .1\-Ii11er.1.l.s ~ Linllted ro rhose approved by the I'ood and Drug 

.-\dmia..istration for livestock use.= A 

Ol.)'tocin - No routine or long term use. Jl.1ay be used only when necessary to <tl!::n .. v an 

anitnal to let do\~11 milk during first fe\\' days oflactation and also for other appro,·ed 

\'eterinary uses. = .4. 

2. The foUowing material5 h&ve been d'll:ernrined robe non·s::·nthetic and not within rhe scope 

of the National Li~t; 

Alcohol (DeTiV~ fr11m fermentation)= A 

Colostrum Whey~ No colostrum from rBST treated i!plm!!ls allo\\'Cd. =I 

Probiotics ""A 

3. The follov:ing materials hCl\'e been 12.bled by· the N"OSB; 

Alcohol {!llethanoi)"' ;\_ 

Biotin= 0 

Brewer}· Wa~tes (A;; a feed suppleme111,} =A 

Colosrrnm 'Vhey Antib lldies =A 
190 

ADDENDA 

t'edcral ()rg1mic t'oo<l~ l'ru<luction Act of 1990 ... ' .. - - - . - .. 191 

2 Definitions an<l inlerprclations ..... _ . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . ' ' ' ...... - 199 

3 Definition of orgai1ic ___ .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 200 

4 Draft affidavit til1m at fur U . .S. certifying agents . ' .... - ...... - .. ' ........ 204 

S Private seal usage ....... , ..... . - - - - . . . - - - - - - . ' .... 206 

6 Biuteclino\ogy policy ............. _ .. '. ' ..... - ... 207 

7 Transitional label . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... _ ..... . - - - 208 

209 

214 

8 Resolution or Qn-goirii. role ofNOSB 

9 Small Business Regulatory J.'a1mess Act 

10 Codex Aliment~ruis _ ....... _ . _ ... ' .. '.' ..... ' ..... ' 215 

191 

FEDERAL ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCT101'1 ACT OF 1990 

Prol'idt<l by 

C:ilifornia Ccrtifiei:l Orianic F:um=t. Inc . 

. §65QJ PURPOSES. ,-' 

h is lbc purpose of <bis cbapl.er 

ADDENDA! 

(1) to c•Ulblisb aational .~, go•erniog lhe Utarkeling of ccl'iain "griculuual piodu~ as organicilly pioductd produci;; 

(2) to as•ute coru;umen <ha• organic""1y prodw:cd producLS """"l" co11sis1.ent •=d:inl; and 

(3) LO facililar.: inien'""' comm=c in fresh and pmc=rl food Lh.i. is orgilllically produced. 

§6502 DEFINITIONS. 

As usod i..a Lbis chapll:r. 

(1) Agrlcultur"I Produr.t. Tho lem! "agri<:ult1%1'a! pn:>duct" m= any ogriculwn.l co111111odi1y or prodw:r_ wbclb<r r.>w oipro<e.•cd. including any COIIllllodily or product derived from livesiock lb•< is m:irkc"-<i in die Uniled Siaw: for bwnan or livesio::k 

consumption. 

(2) Botanienl P•<ticides. The t=n "bo!Jnical pesticide,· 1>1<0>m• naW1a! pcsticidt:S dcriYcd frtlm plODu;. 

(3) C•r!ifying Ag~t. The leim "ccrtif)'ll1g agon<" m•..an.< the cbi<:f c~ocuuve olfic<:< of a Stale or. in I.be ca:;c of• SL.ate lha1 

provides for the Suucwide election of an official IC be resp<lnsible soWy for lbo odminil:!l'lltioo of lbc agriculLur.tl opaoOOns of a 

SL>to. such off,ciaL and any pcnon (ino!uding privOlc ennties) wbo is acr~l<>:I by lb<: Sccrc191')' os a ctnifying agcot for lbc Pllfl'O'C 

of ccnifying a fami or handling <>paadon ~• a certified organic frum or handling operaU<>n in accordance with Lhi• cbaptor. 

(4) Cerlilied Orgauic Farm. Tho= "cenified organic faim" in= a fam1. or pon.ioo of• f>nn, or siie wbcr. agriculnin! 

produru or live:s!O<:k ""' pro:luctd, lhat is certifio:1 by Lhc certifying agent under Lhii ch•pler .__, uLili1ing a •Ys""'1 of organio f"11ling 

.. d .. aibt:d by this chap=-

(5) C...rtifiM Organic HaudliDg Op<ration. The 1crm "ci:rlified or~~oic handling opemion" "'"""' any operaLioo, or portion 

of ""Y handling open-11011, !bat is unified by lhc ccmfying ageot 11ndo.r thi• cbaptc:c as 11cilir.Wg a •ystc.m of orsonic hondhng a< 

doscribed uod<:r !his cboptor. 

(6) Crop Year. Tue im:m "crop year""'"""' Ille normal growing sea<on for a cmp as dclemline<l by the S=-ew)'. 

('1) Goveroiog Staie orrtclaL The ~ ·~ovemmg Sll!.!.O official" m~.aos tho chief executive official of a St.ale or. in Lbc C"-'< 

of a Sta"' lhat provides far lhe S<al<Wido clc.ction of •D off.cial \o be =POl'-'iblc solely for Lb~ admirU<lJl!.tion of lbe agriculrural 

oporatiollS of the SUie. sucb afficiol. who admffiisl.ea •n organic =-tifiCllti<>n pt'Og>a:m under this~· 

(8) Handle. Tue 1':fm "b3"dlo" m= to scll procc::;s or package agricultwal prOdl!Ct<. 

(9) H1111dler. The term "h3Ildlor" means any person ettgagcd in the businc,.; of handling agricultonl prodnc!:i. cx.;:ept such !.Onn 

•ball no1 include fwal rt:ta.il= of •gricul<tlral prodnc,. !bat do not pmo:u agiicul<ittal products. 

(10) Handlln~ Opentlion. The u:no "balldling operation" means any Dpe"ltion Of ponion of an operation (cxcep< final «:uil= 

of ~gricultural productS thol do 001 prt>CC>• agricultural products) !bat 

(A) rccoivc• or oLb""'1o'isc acquiw; agriculrurai prod..,;!S; ai!d 

(B) pio=ssos. packagos or•=• •u<h produc,.. 

(II) Llvestook. The toml "livestock" !DCOD5 any cattle. sh«.1J. goois. swine. poultry, equine animals used for fwd or in th• 

production of food. flSh used for food. oiild or domesticated game. <>r O!hcr aon•plaot life. 

(12) N11l101111l LlsL 10.o ICnD "Nario<!al List' means a list of approved and pmhibi~ sub5lallCOS as l""vid<c.d for in section 6517 

of this titl"-

(13) Org1111ic Plan. The IUln ·organic plan" means a plan of 111magemcnt of"" wgOJ>i<: fanni:tg or ha1ulling opaaUon t!in 

ba< been O!'.f""ed to by lbc produ= or h.lndler and tho certifying •gc:tJ.1 and tbaL include:; wril.loOlJ pl;ws concaui..cg l!ll as?""" of 

•sriculruro.I pro::IUC!JC>Tl or bandling dt:Sorib:d in Lllis cbapLU includiog crop m!lltion and oLlt.,. praoticcs "" n:quired utld.,- thU •bo\ilor. 

(14) Org1111i<ally Produced. The "'"" • orgo.oi"'1lly produced" IJle:aDS ~n agricultural prodncl lh•I is produced and hllldled in 

accordanc"e with Lbi:; chapter. 

(15) Per..-oD. Tue"'"" ·pe,.on· mean:; an individual, group of individuals. ~orpomti<nl. asSC>Ci•tiM. orgz:uution. cooperative. 

or other entity_ 

(16) Pesticide_ The lonn "pe<tioide" means :my :;ubsl:lnee wbich :tlonc. in cbemical rombination, or in any fomiulilliOIJ with 

one or rii= •DbS"-"CC:.. is defined., a pesticide in the Feder;U lnsccticidc. .fungicide. and Rodcnlicick Act fl U.S.C. 136 et seq,), 

(l!l f"r""':""lng. Tho . I.Cm! • ~roc<o•_•iDg" '°""''. cooltitlg, b~g, h~g. dryiDg. ~g. grinding,_ c!J1'lting. sepm-.clug, 

extncung~ curung, f"1111cnung. cv1>c=aruig. p=crvmg, dcbydrat.ing,--~g. -OT oth""""'e lnllIIUfa'-""'nng, and. include< lbc 

paci;agWg, oanuing. jaiflllg, or othorwioc cndo.sing food ill a oontl'.incr. 

(JS) Pradueu. "Ib~ i= "producer""'"""-' a p<:tSO!l who ""gages in the bu•incss of g!'U91i:iig or producing food or fi:cd. 

(19) s.,.,.,.tary. The """' "Seoreiary" means the Secrcwy of Agricullnre. 

(20) Stare Ol"gll<liC Certllic:alion Program. The "'= "Sta"' organic certification progrom" mewi• a pro[131ll lb•L me""' Lite 

roquilwlents of section 6506 of lhi> title. is apprD'led by !ho S=-ewy. and that i< designed to enmre !ha< a pralu<"t lhat i< Ulld or 

!obcled os "OTganii:ally p100ur.ed" under Ibis chaplr.r is produ=:I aod ba11dl<d using organic 11:1<:thods. 

(21) S)'ili.h•tic. The Um "s)'lllbotic" !n~.;ms a sub<tin<:e !ha! i• fumutla!Cd or manufac=I by a chemi<'ll process <>r by ' 

process lb•! obcm.ically cha<>gcs a <ut.s!a.!lce cxtnc""1 from naturally ocam:ing plan!. aoWul, ot mineral'°""'"'• c~cept 1hot such 

tc:rtn shall not apply ID •ubstances =aied by nanira!ly occmring biologic<tl pmcc<•"'· 

§6503 NATIONAL ORGANIC PRODUCT/ON PROGRAM. 

(•) I~ Genei•sl. Tue S=tary shall cstablith an mganic certification program for prodw:as and bo.odlcr> of ai;ricultnn.l produr.ts 

lhol have been ptoduccd using organic mclhods os provided for in Lhi< chapter_ 

(b) State Pn>gr.om_ Jn t<iablishing the program under <nb;..:tioD (a) of thi• 'cctian. tho S=-acy :;boll permi< <:<1ch State ID 

implement a S<a<e organic oertlfic•rion proSJ=! fot produc= and h3!ldl= of ag.ricultur:al products that b>.ve l>:>::n produce<! u•ing organic 

molhOOs as provided for in Lhis ch•pl<T. 

(c) Consultation. In developing lhc program undc:i- •ub•cctirni (•) of this s=Lion. =d Lhe Narloool Wt nndc-r <°"'-ion 6517 of th.i< 

1.Jtl<, lbc S<;O"Ctary •hall conrul< with tho National Org>Dic Standa.d• Board c•wblishcd und<:e soction 65Ja of this title.. 
192 

F~rol Orxamc Food P~<km Aa 0[1900 

(d) Cutifl"'1ilau. The SOQ1::13I}' •hall impl=<:n< 11"; pm~ cs"1bli<hed Wida •ul=ctioo (a) of thil; •eclion !hmu~ cctifying 

agi:nll. Such crrutying ~Z"""' may =tiff a fami err h"'11l!Wg opc:1.1irlo lbal Ill""'-' We !'CQui=nenu. of llili cllapo:.. .00 lhe ""JllirmicnL< 

of Ille orgflnl<: =tific:atio<i program of !he Sw.c ("If appli03hle}as an cxgncic:tlly ocrri.tiod frum or h,..,,ru,,g cp=!ion. -

§6504 NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ORl".ANJC PRODUCl'ION. 

To be i;olcl ct W..:!i:d os 11.11 mgani""11y produo:d ag:ri<:ul.llll'Bl prodn<1 uado;r ibis dap<"1". an agriculrun.l pro;lui;t .ball 

(1) h•ve bo::o prnduml. 11.Qd bandlod wilh111n tho i= cf ;yntbi::lic chemjnls. ao:pt llS olhcrwise providod in mil chap""-

(2).c:w:pl us ~ prmido:.'I in thil; d!•p-!rl" '-'ld excluding livestod:.. u<>1 be produced oo hwd to which "'1)' prmib"utod 

solllwiou, Wcludin!! syn111eri<;.cb=icall;, ha"" b=t oppliod dllrilig lhe 3 yc= imm<ili>i.,,ly p=.,.fu,g lhe bm-e<t of Ille ai;ricu!IUrilll 

pro:.111Ct1; and · 

(3) be prod!ICCd IWd haodltd in rompli"""" "'1i:b. lll1 !Jl&lllli<: pbw agt=J w by lb<: pro:::luct:r and hMdh of racb..prod11c1 orul 

the cc:rtifyiDg lljlCllL , ;..;:.-

_§6505 COMPUANCE REQfJIREMENIS. 

(a) Domestic Produm. 

(1) In Genend. On ur afiQ" October I, 1993 

(AJ a p:n:cn may •ell or label ""agrlcullnr.ll product as crgWliull.y prod=:d only if •w::h ~l is produced and 

h•ndlcd in ~ with lhil: chap!i<r, o.m! 

{BJ 110 ~ may affix. a labc:l IO, Ill" <>Iller pmvidc morb:t Wfwmaticn O'Co=i.Dg. an agriculwral pro;luci if such label 

at info:matiw impli.,., dircclly or indircdly, Iha!. s1u:b prodlll:I i.s p!t'.ldu=I '1<1d h.o.o.dlcd using orgilllk methods. C)Occpt in 

a<:<:oidance with this chapta. 

(2) USDA St.andutb nrul s...ot. A L1b:l piffixal or ol.bcr 11111rl= infor:maiion prnvidod. in accnrd:mce whll μangnpb (1) ln•J' 

Wdicatc that the agricultural produi:t = Dep>l1I!!<ml of A¢cull= •W>da:ds for organic prcdui:tioo and may il:l<01p0rnte the 

Depnmnen< of Agriculttm: seal. 

(b) lmport.od Prndum. fmpo:tW •¢culninl produ<U inay be sold 1.1"1" bbcled as ori;.Wcally produ=I if the S=-owy de<cnniru::; 

th9l $Uch products have t>.,.,., produ=:l ""d handled wuicr "" <qwiic ce:tificalion program lh.i provides oafcguanls 1111d guidelines 

govclliag lhc pte>dueti<m a:od handling <if •uch pte>ducls lhat an: at least cquivo!CJlt ro the :t:quin:mrnts of lhis chapter. 

(c) &emptiOll'l far~ Food. Su!=ction (•)of this scaion s.hall not •pply to egricul!Ural. producu: !.Ital 

(l) contain at la•! SO pero:nl orgllllically p:mduced ingtcdionts by ""'lg.ht.. excluding wo.= and sail. io the ex<ent tbat the 

Scaewy, in con.iul!:Uioa with the National ~anic Sllllid:nd< Jloud """ !,he S=-etlty <>f Health l!lld Humaa Se:vic.., lu· 

clcicnnil'.1-=<! IO~ the wo:d ""org.Wc" to be lls.=d OD Ille prioc:ipal dl>pl.1y pan~! of $u<=b produ<:lli <>nly for th~ pmposc of do.scribil 

the orgsni.::.lly produ=l ing=licals; or · 

(2) wntain I= thau ~O percent oq:llllical.ly produ<Xd Wgn:dicnu by wcight. excluding water :llld sol!, IO th~ exD>ul 1lia1 lbe 

Sa:rcln:y, in consulullon with the N•tit>nal Orgrutic Sl>lldwds B""1ll aDd the Sc=Lmy of Hcilili and Hum"" Servioes. b-.. 

dc::a::nnined ro pc:nnit th• word ""'ganic" IO •ppear on 1be iflgrcdit:nl li'lling pond ro do.scribe tho<e W!l""'fi~tl that""' <>rga:oi<'Olly 

productd m ~ with this chapter. 

(d) Small. Fll.l"lll*r Exemption. Subsection (a)(l) of dW; •o:tion s.bi..11 nol apply w p::rscns who .<ell no"'= tbm S'.1.000 ""1lUally 

in volue of 11.griQiliural pro:.lw:li. 

§65116 GENERAL REQUlllEMENTS. 

(a) In Geneml A pmgrun c.rablisbed under !h;i; cliiip!c:r ,b;i)l 

(l) provide that an agricull.urn.l product to be oold oc labr.lcd..,. organically produced must 

• 

(A) be produced only oo c011ifiod wg:anic fanru lWd bandli:.d only through cenilll!d orgauic b:mdling ope..uious in 

=dance wilh this chapter. Md 

(Ill be produced and haodlcd W =dance with such pwgnm; 

(2) requW lhat produ= aod hand!= d<::iiriDg W pmic:i~ Wider such program csl3bllih an organic pllUl Diido: •=ioo 6513 

.oftbi<:},i~; .................... ,.· .......... . 

(3) providc for prno:dun::< dial ..Uow prod= l!lld lwldl= IO appe:U 1111 adv=w administrative d~on Ulldcr llili 

dll!pt<:r; 

{4) reqllin! each cmi!ied organic f"'1n or each =tificd <ng'10i.. handling opa:otion to =tify to tbc Scctem)', the governing Statt 

oftici:tl (if applicable), :md I.be cenify;ug agenl on an mmlla( bW. that mch fanu or bandier ha, oot produood or bfUld.IW .,,y 

«gric:Wwn.l pmduct •old OJ labeled a• organically piodui:cd c:=o:pl in =rdaocc wilh lhi> ciuipla~ 

(5) p:rovidc for,.,.,,ual <m· .. iu: inspection by !he =tifyi.ng ag~< cf each fum and handling np<m<tion 1hat bits been c"'tificd under 

Olis cliaptto:; 

(6) n=quin; p<>iodiC "'>idue Jesting by cenifying •galls of agriooltmai picdUC!S lhat bavo l=J:i prod11<:cd o;a; =tlfled OJgocic 

fmw: =:I bandlcl lbrougb =tifiod organic ba!lrlling opaaiimts to de~ wheil11::; web producis contl>in ..,y p;:oci.:idc or olbcr 

OOll<Ji"S•llic =idue or n.at<al toxic..,is and !O ""Im <:rtifyi.il3 agcuw. ro lhc =t lhiu """b ag<t11< ""'awaro of a 'liolWon of 

appli<:able laws n:laling to food •af4ty, to rcpcn :<!>Ch vio!alion IO~'" approp:ri.M.t: h""1ili ~gcacii-.. ; 

(7) provide for appmpriare and .dcq11a1<: enforcement ptt:ttdure<. !lS dc=ined by lbc &.:rcwy to be n=""Y and oo'1Si•tcnl 

with Wis chap!e!~ · · 

(8) protr;:t agai!lst ccmflicl-<>f-in11:n:s1 as specified nnd"'" ~"" 65lS(h) of tbis title: 

(9) provide for public= lll oertifieruicn doetm1ents and Wiontory lWaly•o• that p<:rtain to =tifir.ation; 

(10) provide for the colloctioo of r=nabk: f= from prodw:=. =tifyi!lg agont• illld h:mdlcn wh<> par!iloipati: io suoh pmgran. • 

.. 

(Ill ri;qnin: •uch olbc:r ll:nrJ; ""d c:orulitioru us may Ii<: clc!crmi.o.cd by lb" S=""Y to Ii<: n•.e.="'Y· .;: 

(b) Dlsc:ntlolllll)" Reqlrit'emonl<. An orgollic calili<:atiau i""grnm -=ibllibcd untkr !hi> ~baplor ma)' _ 

(l) ptnvidc for die c011ifi~.atioo of"" <:nlirn fami m handling opecation or opcQ!ic fields af a f.,.m ox pW of1a b.OOliDg 

opemion if · 
193 

----------------------------"'"edeml 0J.,,.ic Forxh ProdiJnion A<I' o( JWJ 

{A) in 1.be r.= of a farm or fiold. the ari:a IO I:>; =rtilicd has di:nil:u;t, dc:fined b<lUQd!;ri"' and bllffcr Wile!! •~g lb<-

land bc:Wg opcratcd through !he lll:C of cirg3l!ic mel!lod> from land W.l is 1101 !>Wis opuat<:d ibtough 1ho: m.i of •w:h m.,l!uxls: 

(B) !he op<ntms of lillch fanu er haiidli!>g op<tarion main"'1ll. ~ oC fill wplllli: opcUllian.I s~ flO!ll t=lrtl• 

relating !o o!bcr opaarWru &Dd mo.k<: •Uth r=ds .. wil.ahl<: "'all ti= fa iia[>ectiao by ti!~ Sccn:<;Ji-y, t:.. =tifyiug •&<'1L. 

8!ld !he govcmi.Dg Swc. official: and 

(CJ app<Opriatc physic31 f8cilitics. mochinery. al!d llll'tllogemc:nl practi= = CS'! .. l11i'-ht>:l w prevent tile passibility of a 

mixing of crganie end 11<>11orgmie pmdllCts or ~ penelratica of prnhibiial. chcmi"""-' or olhei· ~u~°"" on Lhe =tifiOO >11<>; ""' . (2) pmvidc for rensonabh; aCiJlPDCllS from .-pccifLC l"'lnircnou,. of this chapter (cxi:epi tl!~ ~io"" of i;c<.1ion 6511 of thiJ 

title) wilh rcsp:ct to egrlculrmai prndnots prcdu=I on =tifoed o:ganic f>l:lW if such fami.• a:e subj= IO a Fcdcrnl-or S"'"' =crset1CY pes1.ar disea<e. r=umait program.. 

(c) State Program.. A Stale orga4ic certif=.tioo prngr.im awruved Wldo- l.fili chOJJlcr may contaia 9drlitioo"1 gWrlc!.ioe.s g=ing 

. the prod\lciirnl or handling of pmduo;:IS sold w: la!Jclul as crgWoally produood in >urli Stale as =:iuu.d ill tcetio~ 6507 of !bi< litl.:. 

§6507 STA.TE ORGANIC CEJrrIFICATION PROGRAn 

(a) ID Genend. The govcroiug St211: officW may prq>ar<: ruid submi1 a pion for We i;st>.b\ilb.m"'1t of a S~ organic =1ilioatioo 

program io ~ Sccrcmiy far appmvaL A SWC orgmie =tifi.:allon ~ must W:Cl ili~ roqui«:m"""' of !!iii cl!>p1er 111 he al'l""...,,;J 

bylhi:S~. 

(b) Addlt!onal. Rl!quln!me!llS. 

(I) ADtborlly. A Stale a<gaulc =tifiariOll pmgIBDl e>lllbli•hOO UD<l<:r sub=:tian (a] of this •<rtion rrut.y conWn more 

ICSIIiettv" m:iWI=lli ~g Lhe orgollic a:nificatinn of fam11 and b..,dling o~o,,. ood Lhu ptoductlon >Uld handling oI 

a¢cuiwn.l prodl!Cls !hBI an: Ill be •old or labclal !IS Oft:uili::>l.IY produced r.111dcr dlio cbapt<;r than a.e conWnod in Lhc !""&= 

cslllblished by lhe S=n!IMy. 

(2) Cnuuont. Any additionlll icqW!=iO!lts c•labli<hed ulKl<=r p=giop.h (l) shall 

(A) furdll:!" me pwposes of dili chapter: 

(BJ uno: be irl.,.,,.m1a1c with this cbapu:r. 

(C) 11111 be ~!my u:rwru<ls agriculwra.l crnnm!Xliti<S orgillli'"'1ly prcduocd in oth"'" Siw.; in itc<:ordanre wi<h thi• 

chapn:r. and 

(DJ not bec:omn effective until app:rn.-ai by th<! Sorn:""J. 

(cJ Review and Olber Determiuatlom. 

(lJ Subseque.nt Review. The S=cwy slWl ,.,view St.I<: o<gonic ccrrific:arion program< nlll J= Lhau enc.:: dllring ~ 5·year 

period fol!<n>i.ng the date of the approval of such imi;n.m.s. 

(2) Char.p In Prognim. The govaiting Stale offici.ol prior to implcwmting any sul:lswi.tivc cba:ogc ID p:rogromi ~al 

undc:r this Sll!mctioo. shall rubmit such ci>mge IO th.. Sccrttuy for approval. 

(.1) Time for Detenolnitllon. The Sec:rewy •hall make a dotc:tm.Wation cco=nlng any plm. proposed ch.augc tD a prcgr=i. 

or a~ of a pmgnim not lai<:r lhan 6 Wlllllhs 3lttt =!pt of •uc:h plan. sm:b propo:<t:d change, or the iDiliatioll of such nfflew. 

§6508 PROHTBrTED CROP PRODUCTION PRACTIC£S AND MAT£RL4.l.S. 

(•)Seed, Se<d!IP1:5 gn<t Plaul!Bg Pnictlcu. Far • fami DJ bc cenilicd Wider !hi.!i ...,,.ptcr, ~ on sucti farm •hill not apply 

m•fl:!Ws lo, or U80f!<> in practi= DD, seed< or •cedling> 1h"1 = co:u.uuy to, or inoonsil1t.01 wilb. the lpPl.!"3bl.: organi<o =tll>;:l.!ion 

"""""· (b) Soil Amewlmmts. Fw a farm LO be: =tified tllldc:r !!Us chap=, pmduc=: on such farm shall DOI 

(I) u;., ""Y f~ co:u.iaining •ynlh<:lic iD~~ or any =o:rri.oll'J blendod fcnili=> ccru.aWing m:ucrials probibilt>d 

UDd"'" this cliap!er or und=- !he applica.bJe Swe OJJIOWC ccnilicalioo pmgrnm; or 

(2) O&<> OS a ~ of nitrngco: phosph<r.rolH. lime. poWh. or any mareriili ilw. an:: in.:o,..;,.w:nt wilh lh• applicab1" org"1lic 

ccnilication program, 

(cJ Crop MllDllgelDl!DL Fm· a farm 10 be =ii!ii>:I under ihil ...,.pier, prodw:0::... oa •udi f"'11l •h:ill. [U]l 

(f) use oanrntl paiwm •uch" as =enic or J=l oa.!ts ibat !lave: long-tcml l;ffect< ""d pen:ist in lh.e ctlviroPll!ent • ._. d~ 

by t!ie applioahle ~g Swc official or~ So:iUlll), 

(l)· u•~ plam<>·~ W1io:u mcb mllkhr=': arc """''11/'Cd at the end .of ~ gruo.ing. or ~t ..,..,,.,,_or _ 

(3J....,. mllllplants !hat arc trcaLod l>lilb any s~ or pmbibi""1 nwu:ia.l. 

§liffJll ANIMAL l'RoovcnoN PRACTICES AND AUTERlA.LS. 

(a) In Gct""'I. Azsy liv.o;t1JCk. Lhal. i.s Ill bc: llaughicrcd Bild wld or l.abc!i:cl 21 Ol'!lanicall~ pmd""""1 •h311. b<: raix.d in A<:CCt<IOllDO 

wilb tbi< ""'"!""'"· (b) Br<cd.:r Slod<. ll=:dcr •ICW± ""'Y b:J ~from ~'J <0un:e if sucli :neck is ool in Ille last third of gendil:w. 

(~) Pl.'ll\d.L=.. fur~ fmrn 1<> 1,. =iil"ied ruid"1" tbi< cti..ptl'!r o..< an lll")lllllic farm wilh n:si""C\ ttJ Ilic livesW.k produ.=1 l>y >11C:h {;um. 

prod.110<.!'S "" """" fllllll 

(1) •tw..l feed ri><:b lives1n<:k orgaoii:ally p•odoccd !=I. 111.U mei:ts lh~ reqmi=ent<; of 1his cb•pt!:!; 

(2) •ball not use the fellowing feed 

(A) plastic pclkU for roOJgb;;lge; 

(ll) .manw.c n:feed.iug; or 

(CJ f=I f=nuhs CCllC!i!W:ig urea; .00 

(3) ..n..ll not """ l7'J"'l)> promoo:n at1d b=•• "" •Ucb livcsl.Cci;. whclhc:r imphw.00. Uigomd, or inja:l«I. iu<ludlag 

mribio~c; md syulh~!ic rrx~ cl==ts used 111 >lilnLilillE i;ro"'1.h or prix1uctioo of <ncb li~c:s=I:.. 

(d) Hen!lb Care. 

(l) Pr<>hlbiwl. r'n!e1,.,... For a farm !O be cc:ttificd uodor this cb.oprcr as an ~wiic farm wi<h =!""'l IO ire livotocl: produce<! 

by •uC fa=. pI"<l'l== Od such fami •hill iicl · 
194 

F~rol Ory<lnic Food P""""'lfrm Aa _'!f_1990 ___________________ _ 

(A) uso. 11lb!hcn11mnie doses of mtibiocic:o; 

(B) ure syuLhctic inu:n:wl p'11zciticides oo a routiw:: lJi,>ir, or 

(C) odmiIWn::r 10.o:licarill11, oi.bo- Lh"" v8Cl:in•iIDll1. in !he ah<Qi"" of ill=. _ (2) Stnnd.ani<. Th~ Nati<>lllll O.g!l!lic SWldards Boord shall r=immcnd LO lhe Seorewy sl.:llldards in addiliou IO Lho;e in 

par.igraph (1) for the= of liv=.k LO ensure Iha< sl>Cb lives!eck P arg.WC3lly pnx:hu:..J. 

(e)Addltlabal Guld~liul'S_ 

(l) PouJD:y. With the cxa:ptl<l!I of day old ponllry, all pllllilry from whioh meat or eggs will be •old or labelod as organioally 

pn>duc:d •hall be med and band.Jed in a.:=danoe 'lrith du. ch.op= prior"' ODd dwillg the period in wbicb such meal or eggs an: sold. _ 

(2) Dolry Uv~odt A d>iiy wimal from whicb mill: or milk producu: wiU be sold or Jabded as orgonit::l!ly produced sbBll 

be nisod and han<!lr.11 in"""""''''"'~ wilh !hi. cbapia- fOT not Jess lhan !he 12-monW period imwedi1ldy priar io tbs; ,oak of •ucb 

milk !Wd will: produol:I. 

(f) IJ1'eSWck Ideutlficatlon. 

(I) In Genersl Foro f"'111 to be =tified under lhis cb"I'= os :an organic farm wilh resp<tt to W.. live;to:;± produced by such 

fm11, pmdnc= en sucb f>rtn sh.U kiotp ru:loqu""' =nls and mainlllin a dcWJe.d, vcrifi:tble audit !Tail oo thai 03cb,anima.J (or in 

tb~ ==of poult:y, cad! f\<d:)""" be ITT!c<d boc:k 10 sll<:fl fmn. ,. {2) Records. In crda lO carry <iur p...,graph (l). cod> pn:-ducc;- diall keep accur.u.r: record. <ln eacb animal (or in the ca<c of 

poult:y. uch flock) including 

(A) omcuots and •o= of all 111edic:lliLJn• administued; ""d 

(B) all feods ""d feed •upplane.nts bought ODd fed. 

{g) Nolle. a'1d Public ComrneoL The Sccrcw-y shall bo!d public b~g• and shall dcvclcp dcuilcd n:gul.olions. wllh noclcc nod 

public cowme111 .. to guide lhe implcm~.n<ation of the rumdo:ds fur livcstoc.k: products provided Wldcr this •ection. 

§6510 HANDLING. 

(•)In Cener:al. For a haadling <>p<n!ian Ill be cmified Wldo:r !hi< chap""", coch pcrmn on •nch ban.dl.i:llg opor.>tion shall not. with 

""J?=Cl 10 IUIY apiculrural pmducl ~.Qv=d by u.is c.bapler 

(!) add ""Y •}'Ilthctic ingredient during the ~sing or 1111y post baiv...c handling of lb.. prodllCI; 

(2) add any ingrcdioul known to coolain l<:vcls of nilr.!t<s. heavy tttcials. or I0.1..ic n:siducs in execs• of tho"' pamine<! by the 

opplicoblc orgonic ccrtifie<1lion program:: 

(3) add any sulfitc5. nitraW!. or lli!rl=; 

(4) add any ingrcdie.l!ts lhal ore nol orgonie:illy pn:iduoed in =dmoe wilh Ibis chapter Md the applicable organic cenillo:11i01 

progI2m. im1.,., suo.b ingredients ore included oo the National LU! an.d rep=cnt l'Ol more th2lll 5 pe=nl of lhc woigbt of the rota( 

f!Dishcd product (excluding salt mid waler); 

(5) U>C auy pacUJ;ing mau:rial:;, >IOl'agc conlainrn or bins !hat <:ontain synth<:ric fungicides. piocr<atives. or fUilliga11tJ; 

(6) use any hag or co.ntainer thal bad pttvious!y be<:D iD conwoi with any suhstanc.c in ruch • ma.ruier as 10 compromise !he 

organic quafuy cf sucb produce or 

(7) use. in such producl waler lh"1 d= not moet all SU'e Drinking WBll:r Act [42 U.S.CA. § 300f cl '"'l·l rcquircmonlJ. 

(b) M"1ll Fm'• fmn. or ba1uiliug opcrlllioci 1<> be organi<:ally ccitili.a:l ~ this <:bap1.c::l'. prodncen; en •ucb farm or pc:r>ons on su<:h 

handling cpa>o.tion .~==dial organica.lly prorlucr,il imac does not come in <mllai:\ ~lb ncnorganic::illy produa:d m""1. 

§6511 ADDmONAL GUmEUNES. 

(a) fu General. Tue S=ry. the applicable goYeming Sl.lte <>tfieial aD.d lhe o.crtifyi,ig ag<UI .W utilize a sysll:l'JI of residue 

=Ung ro ICJI pn:-duell; sold or labe!m M <>rgani...Uy pmdl>l>i:<l im.d<'r \hii; chapl<:r t.o assist in the <11forccmcn\ cf \hii; !ilil:. 

(h) Pr,..8&.f'l"'5! T eoli.ag. The Sccrctuy, the "!'Plli:.1ble governing SIEl!c official. or !he cmifying agcnl may iapiire p!diuvcot !is>uc 

t~g of any ~""I' grown on •oil •11opc:cl.a:l of harliariDg CODWD.irnui!L 

(c) CompUe.ntt Re>tew. 

(l) fuspectlon. -If !he Secretary, the applio:abJ., governing S1a1e offi..W..-w the ~g agent dl:tmnincs thUI all i~mltlln.l 

product sold or labeled "" orgallically produo:d Wld<r this <:haptl::r c011tai.m wiy dc1eetahle p::sticidc or other ncu-organic .,,,jdue er 

prol!ibitcd u.awra.J subruw<:<o the S=cwy, the npplicaNe gov=Wg Siau: official. or the cmifying ag<11t •hall amducl an. 

investigation ro dCICrmine if the organic c"'1ilicatilln program ms been violated. and may require the producer or b:i.ndltt of •uch 

product w prove !hat any prohibi!ttl •ubnance"""' 001 •!'Plied lO "'1o.b pmdu<Ot. · 

(2) Remonl of Oi-gallic Label H. a< dotmniaed by !he Secrciaty, the •pplioable go.-eitliog Sw.. official. or lhe o:nifying 

:tg""t. the investigation eonduetcd 11nd.,. 1'3"lgnpli (I) ilidica!l;:s that Ille residue is 

·(A} !he 1'" .. ull of intimriocal applir.~tion uf a probibitro substanm; or 

(B) pii=ll at !cvcl. diatarr:: glt'alr:r Ihm unnvoidable midttal cnvironmenW rontamin:ltioo as proscribed by the S=wy 

of !he applioablc gOYcmi.llg Swe officiiil ill coumllatioc with the apprnptiaie .,,viroamoutal «'&ulot.my agcucies; 

>ucb •gric:ulnual prnduel 'lcll Oct be sold crr lobe-Jed !IS org•tlioally produced 1mdei: thi• cliaplt>". 

(d) R"°'rdkffp.ll!g Reql!!r:emenll<. Prodn= wh<> operue a '"'l'<ified orsW~ fall1!. o; biODdling cperatlcn undor- lhi< dU!pter shall 

maintain =d.• for 5 years c.oru:erniug th~ prodiu:lioa or handling of •!l'icu!\W'al products wld or labclecl"' organi.;ally prod""cd under 

\hii; <:hopi.er. 1"cb.iding . 

(l) a dclililed hi>OJI)" of subw.nccs applia:l w field> or agricultwal product<; !ml 

(2) the oames ond addn:.n:c.> of I'C""ORS who ~ppli<:d such subrum<=. the d3"'.<. the rate, all<! ttttthOO of application of su' 

<Ub.!l.'11=. 

§6511 OTHER PRODUCI10N AND HAND UNG PRACTICES. 

ff• pt<Jciuo<ion 01" handling prac!i<;c is cot proh.ibiu:.d or oi.hcrwisc =aicu:<l undi:r th;. r.hop1<::<. sud> pr=ci<:<: shall Ix: pcnnill.ed 1.111lc5S 

il i• de"'nniu«l thal •uob practice wculd be inooosiSlr..nl wilh the applicable organic coi:Ufica!ion proyo.ro. · -
195 

§M13 ORGANIC PLAN. 

(a) In G<!.llcro.L A pmdu=.,. b31l.dlef =king =tification wider this ciiapr..,. will submil"" mi!llllir. plan IO Ille =lifying •g~ot 

a11d lhe S~ organic =rl.li"3!iotl p:ogram (i! opplioabh:). illd rucb pW> sh1lll be ,-cvi<:Wod t>-1 lhe =tifying agC1:1t <llbo <h&l d~ 

if •ucb plan me=: lh<: r=quircwaits of the pmgra=. 

(b) Crop Produd.1<111. F!lrli1 Piao. 

(1) Soll F•rtlllty. An orgooic pl&il !holl contain provisi.o"" d<:>isnod Lo fosli:r soil fcnility. r;nim3ri]y lhrough the =gemcru 

of the organic contt:11.t oi ihc soil tlimli.gh pro~ tillage. cn;p ro<ilcion. ""d ioanllrillg. 

(2)MU!!orlng. . 

{A) llldcaslo11 In 9r!1anlc Piao. An 01'1!ocic plan 5.haU conWo trnM <md coud.iLioru lhat rcgoll-.le I.Ile •Jli'llcatirn1 of 

ID1WlllC IO crop:i. 

(B) Appliatkm or MenW'll'. Such c:rri;.mc plaD may pmoide for the .o.pplil'31iou of •aw =ii= oo.Jy Lo 

(i) any green mmn= crop; 

(ii) any pe:rcnniol <?Op; 

(iii) any crop l>Dt for bWllM consumptioru: l!nd · 

. (iv) illY crop for blllilWl .:onsnmp11on. if •uch ciup is ~ after" rcsson•ble period of time dc"""1ii!ed by the 

cctifyiDg ag..,t to ens= the safety of such <?Op. af!l:r the mosr =en! applioalioa of rn.w manur<; but ill. no event ihall 

such ~od be I= lh2ll 60 day• after such applic;>tian. 

(C) Co11tanlllllo!ion by M.imure. Such c;q:anic pl.au shall prohibi!fil ~w mani= fu>f.11 being >pplicd to eny "1"P ill i 

way that siggifiamtly conlributes to w.>tcr conramitlation by ni= or bxterla. 

(c) Llve<to<:k Phm. An orgonic Ii""""""" pl.m shall oontain pt0visions designi:d "' fosl<l' lhc organlc prrouclion of livesl<lck 

ooosistent with lh., purposes of this chop<er. 

(d) Mixed Crop Llvenock Production. An orgonic phw ""-Y c=pas; both !ho =P prodnciion .,,d live<U>Ck prodllcliOll 

req~ in ~ubs<:cti<>n$ (b) and (c) of lllis •ectiou if botll activities ore condnacd by the •awe pmi:h1<".er. 

(c) Handling I'l8n. An organic blUldliug pl.an •hill contoin provisions dosigDOO IO ""'= that agricultural prodnots th•t = ...,Jd ar libeled"" orgoci"3.ll.y prodno;:xl = pn>dnocd and baodl<d in• ma=<:r tho! is a;msisitnl wilh lhc pmpo:1es of thi> chap=. 

(f) MRnagemeal nt "Wnd Crops. An organic pbm for the harvesting of wild crops sb:ill 

(I) desigru>tc the an:a from which lhc wild crop will be gat.bci..! or harv""1£ll; . 

(2) include a 3 year history of the man.ageDl!:lll of th!: an::> showing lh<lt oo pmhibitcd oub:llances have Dor.n appliod: 

(.3) include a plan for !be hmvcstiog or gatbciing of tile wild crops assurixig th.et such ~ting or galhaill.g will not 1"' 

dc$iru<:live la the CD.virowrn:ol ond will •u.ou.in the SJO"'l'.b. and production of the wild crop: 1Wd 

(4) include provisiom tbal llO pro.t:,;bitcd •Ub<TM.C::< will be appli<d by !be prt><hwcr. 

(g) UmltaUon OD Cou\Cllt or Plar:i. /UJ. mg.WC pl"" •holl uot include any pt00uotio11 or baodliog pnclices lh•t = in<-o,,.istcnt 

'"1th this ch;ipu:r. 

§6514 ;tCCREDITATION PROGRAM. 

(~) 111 Gener111. The S<":C<ttll'y lhall esl.\bil•h and implement a progr:un "' w::ri:dit a ~ovcming Stale official, .,,cl any priv111c person. 

that m=s lhc rcqnin;me11lS of Ibis "'-'tioll. as a ccrtify:ing ogent for !he plllpo"' of ccnifying a famt or hilldllng oporaiioo .., a ceniftcd 

"'!""ic farm or handling opc::r:Uion. 

(b) Reqlllrc!Dl!lllli. To be uccrcdiccd a< a cei:tify:ing agent under this soctioo. a govcml!ig Stall:: official or priv11tc ?'<"""shall 

(1) prcpa!" =1 snbJ:nit, ra !be Secretary, en "PPlicalinn for •ncb o=cdiwioo< 

(2) baoe oufficica! 00<penise ii> crglllic farming and baudling tcclmiqn"'5 a. <ict=lncd by !be So:tcwy; Bnd 

{3) comply with !be r<:qllircm.calS of this sec:tioa tllld .cction 6515 of this title. 

(c) Duradon of Dr::slgnatlOll.. A11 =editatimo made Wld.,, tbU =1io!l lhill be fm a period of DOI IO exi:ccd 5 Y'nn. n dett.rmin«i 

appropriate by Ill" S=cwy. and may be tcncmi:o:I. 

§6515 R£QVIR£MENTS OF CF.R1'IFYTNG AGE~Jn:. 

(a) AbWty to lmple111ei1.t IWquinment:s. To be a.ccrcdi.ted "" a e=tifying agent UIOde:r section 6!i 14 of this lilh:. a governing Slil!C 

official or a person di.all be able. 10 fully implom;nt the appllcab!<: org,.W., =tification ptogmm esl>.bli&hod undc:r this ch>.prcr. 

(t>) Inspectors. Any cmifyiog ugent slutll anpl91 u tufficicm aWJ1botof :iuspco:ton.1<> implement lh_c appJkablc ing;nlc.=tification 

prog:ralD established pll.do' Ibis Cll!lpt<:r. as der=nintd by tllc .5c:cm>ly. 

(r.) Reoordkeeping. . 

(I) M.elnl£Da.!lce Of Rei:ords. Ally califyin.g agent :;hall momam o.11 records woa=in$ its octtvilics tllldct this chaplet' for 

a pcriOO of Dot I= than 10 years. 

(2) Aoce55 for Secreurry. Any =tifyiug sg .. u "hall allDW ~ ...... of th<: ~ -1 !he gov=Ung SI.Ille. official 

=I<> ""Y ...cl oil =tls oou=ing lbc=tifyiug Bgtnl's zctiviries UQdcr this chapr;c:r, 

(3) TroutS{en:"""' or Rocm'tll. JI ~ny priV>.tc pason rhM. "'"'anified under this cMp= is diJ;solv<>tl or loses iis ~1adou, 

..U n:rotds or co¢"" of t=ds i:==irlg sucli P=WI '• acti'liries unck:r this ch.apu:r shill be D'al!Sfetrccl io 1hc. S<>=tary 911d <il.ade 

avlliloblc "' ibc ~pPlic3ble governing Sllltc official 

(d) AgreemeDL Any =tifying agcat <.hall euu:r inlD ao ~t wi!h lhe S=wy DndcT whic:h "'ch agL'llt .Jaa.ll 

(I) !l!fCC ID rarry onl the pnMsioJ>S oi d:t.\s chap=: mK1 

(2) aP"" to sucl1 otbc:r =-s !nd roadltious"" !he Se<Kwy dcl=oi.P.:s Appropriate. 

(c) Pl"IVlll.ll! Cert!fyll!g Agent Agreooieot. fwy =tifyiQg agi:nt tbll!. is a priv~m P=Oll shall, ;11 additional lo lhe ai;r=~.llt requira<l 

in subs~ (d) of ihil: section 

(1) agiw la hold~ S=taty hnlni= fer any fa.iime o~ the !"'It of the cotifying •gCilf la C>.l'l'y out the provisions cf !hi> 

cluipta; amd 

(2) fwui<h lCiSOllobl<: s=i<y. m ilil 31D.Oi111\ d~i:d by the s~iuy. fO'!' lhc PWF"'e Df pmtt:eting !heriJllit< of p;uticipan!S 

in th~ "i'Pli<.,.ble Ol]onic cent!icari<m 1'1"gnwl cslabl.i>hcd "11dc!· this~· 

{f) Co~plionce with P'l"Dgrtlm. Any =tifylng >.gCII\ sb..U fully Cl!lllply w:il.b ihc lrt1n< md ;;ondirioas of lhc applicable organic 
196 

cenifio::llio11 program implcuicnted ll.r.L&r lhi:; ~b;pw:r. 

(s) O:>nfld.oot.lalll;y, ~pl"" provided in s=iOQ 6!106 (a)(9) ol' lhi< liUe, any cenifyUig agCllt ibal.l mairn:ain mic\ con.6.d.,,ti.tlity 

witb =E=t to irs cliour; llD<hlr the applii:able aro;onic catific:aioo program l!Dd may r:wl di>close io 1hi?d parti!=S (wilh We =ccgirian of 

!ho: Scai:lary or ihe applicable go=ning S~ official) any business relao:d inf=tion ecncemi.ng such client ob!aioecl while. 

impJcmci:uing Wis chapt.,... _ 

· (h) Conllid of fni...nsi. Ally '"'!ifyin~ ageot •boll l:lol 

(I) carry out My insJ"""liOo> of "11Y operation IIl which •UCh =tifyiiig ogcnc. or employee of such =rlfyiug agcul bas, or has 

bod. a=~ interest, illcluding >ht: provision of comulwiq scr..-ic"-!; 

(2) ilOCCpl paynu:o~ gif1<~or favol"l of any kind from !he busincu inspected o\ber lhM ~bod fices; OJ 

(3) provide advice aioc.:nllng org<Wic practi= or 1eehniqllC'l fr>r a fee. other Chan foes ts!a.bllibed undc:r 111cb tirosrim. 

(I) Adwlnlstrnl<lr. A =tifyiag 2gont tttac i< n priva"' p=;oo shall nomillate the ind.ividul.I \llho co.o.trol:i I.be day-11>-day opomlion 

of Ille agc:nL · 

(i) Lou of Aa:rcdlt.olloo. 

(1) N11nai111Pllau0<. It lho Socrewy or !he governing s~ official (if applicabl<!) d<ttltlliiw: lhn • =tif)'Uig.sgcnt is not 

proper!ylldheri!lg ID We [IIO"h.ion< of ll!U ctiapi.a. I.be Sea..iary or •Uch gov<:ming S"'te oflicial m•y 1uspo11d •llCb c.enifying ag<:11t'1 

=cdit.o.tion. . (2) Erred: 011 C..erttlled OP"r~llous. lf t!w i==lib\tio11 ol i< c~g agent is ,,..p<:odcd ll!ldcr pur.1graph (I). tho Sc:o:=lary 

w lhe govCi'uill~ Stau: official (if appli<=>l>lc) :;bill prompl.ly d~ whctl= farmiog or handling open.lions ccnificd by CO'tifyiiig 

<ucb &g<:nt m~y n:Cl.in lhcir organic oc:rtlficalioc. 

§6516 PEER REllJEW OF CERTIFYING AGF.NTS. 

(a) P- Revltw. ln dOlC!lllining wbclhi:. to apprcvo an applic.lion for ac<JCdilation •uhminerl lllldcr scctiLl[J 6!il4 of ilii:i Iii.le. lhc 

S~ >h.U rousider a n:pcn """"=Wig >uch ;r.pplicaDt cha! :;ha.II. bo pn:ponxl by a peer review panel e<tabfuhe<.i 1111der 1uluc:Ctillll (h) 

of lhi> 1ection. 

(b) p..,r Rel'kw l'auel. To as<isl Ibe Scot:Wy in evalu:u.ing appl1::uio"" lUlder section ~ 14 of lhi• di.le. Ibo S=i:l!r}' 1n.1y establish 

a panel of 1101 los< Llum ll=e P=on who have expem..: in DJganic fanning W h:a<idli.Dg melhodo. w cvaluare the S talc govorniug official 

or private pe:iwo Wt is sooting -=rW.iwion os a =tifyi.Dg ugcnt under ""ch section. Not lo.s• lhan two mcmbcri of rucb p<111cl shaU 

J>,, J><:rl"OP>" who are 1101 employ= of lhe Deparnn.c:iu of Agric:ulwro or CJ! lhc applic>.b!e Swc govc:mmt11L 

§6517 NAT10NAL LJST. 

(a) lo Ge11on1L The S=«<.uy •boll cnabli•h a Natiooal Ult of :ipproved r.nd pmhibi!!;<J sub•lan= that •boll be included iD lh 

•Landanlo for organic production ruid handliDg cslablish<:d under Lhil ch.apll:r in 11,,Ji;:r for such pmducts 10 be •old or !abclcd as organically 

produced under Lhil ellapta' 

(b) Co11tefl! of Lht. The list ~Lablisbcd unrli:r >ub=aon (•) of thi< <<:<:lion shall eootaiii an ii.mintion. by sp:cific u•e or 

application. of each >Yilth~tic rub•Wlce p::rmiw:d lUldi:r sobs.,.tion (o) (I) of I.his •eotiou or ._.cti 11.wnl s11bslaacc prohibited l).nder 

subseotio11 (c)(2) of this scctiw. 

(e) G111d•ll.n.es for Prchlbltlotl$ ot Exemptlom. 

(I) El:empll<>l! for Prohibited S~bsta11""'5. Th<: Naticwd I.ht may pm'<idc !or tl!e we of suh<WICC< iii an orsllnic fannillg or 

h;wdling opaatio11 ~ are otltc:iwisc prohibited Ullllcr !his cbaprt::r olliy if 

(A) Ibo: Sccn:tary dele!mines, ill cowull:llion wilfl the S=y of Hea!Ib and HUl!llll S~ aod the Ad.mio.i.Jrnm of 

the Envimrum:11tal Protcctioo Agency. that !he use of sucl! 1uh<tm>= · 

(i) would 1101 be hannfu.l to buman health o.r di!> c::nvironm<:Dt; 

(ii) is oo:"'"''l' to the .production m handliug i:>f the agriculnmtl pmduct because of unavoibbility of wholly nanm.l •~bstirui.. pmduets; and 

(iil) i> <C>IlSi>tcn\ with organic f;mning and h311d.fuig; 

(B) I.be subSUI>ce 

•.. {i) is wed ,i? ~uctiQJI_ '!;Id <'9"13i!u ...... activy_~!h<=_tic_ingJ"O>dient.ill. tbc following categories: copper .*'Id sulfur 

compcnm!h; IOlUll< d<lived fmm ~ phc:romo.ncs, soap;. h<>ni<=lllwral oils. fub cmuhions. t=tcd seed, vitamin< and 

millcnls; llYe$!0clc puacltioi.<ko and~ lllld pmiuctioo aids irn:.lucling ocoing. UtiO ..,.,,!" !llld seal.£. io=t mp<. 

sticky b~ row CllVCl'S, and QjUipmen! cic3!1Sai;; 

(ii) is used iu pmdl!Clion 1l!ld contains •YI11hclic Wm Wgredionu th:ll are 1101 clusifu:.d by tOO Admini'lirator of tbe 

Envirorunontal Protecrioii Agency "-' .in.o:ils of toxicoiog!e.l. ooucem; or 

(ili) is wed ill handling ll!ld is DCll-S'/lllh<>lic bllt is D<Jt organically produced; !tn.d 

(C) the .!pCCifie exemption is dcvdopod using lbe proccd= d=rib<:d io s11h>o:tit>n (d) of this &CCt.iou. 

C:l) Ptul!.lbli:lui. on lile use of Spodilc N<lt>J.nll Substanc:e!;. lhr. Nadc>lll>l List m;iy prohibit !he use of &pecifie nan=! 

sub•ian= in 1m orgW1ic f;nming or lwid.liug opernti.cm that""" othCN!ise allowed 11nd<:r tlU5 cbap!<or only If 

(A) th" St:cr<:taty detemtlii..,. in eo!ISUl!alion with !he S=.:ta>y of Health <wd Human So:rvi= aud I.be A.dmini.•mitar of 

the Envi=enW Proto:tioo Agcacy, that Ibe use of Sl!cb •uboWI<>:> 

{i) """"1d be bmuful lO human hcalth or !he C11virollll!L"ttt; ..00 

(ii) i• in~•to:Dt wilb organi~ famring or b>t!ldlicg. aud the purpose;; of Lhil dlapll::r; ruid 

(B) I.be specific j!!Ohihl~on i< d""'loped using the proccclu= spc<:i!ic:d in snb•<:>;;tioo (d) of Lhil soccicu. 

(d) Pracedw'O for E.<mbllsblng Nailon.o.l Urt. 

(l) fu G•oernL The N:uiooal list established by th<.: S~ •I.tall be based upon ~ JD'>posed o:uicaal li•t or P"'P"'"" 

amer:iclment• to tile N~ll<mal Lisi developed by the Natiooal Organi<: Sta.~d:ll'd< Board ..::.. 

(2) NoAddltlODS. The S=taly may 11Ctillclude exemptioos for the U<e of spocific •ynlbctie '"b= in I.be Nmicaltl List 

other lh"" those cxo:mptioos coot.med in the Pro!'JSC<I N~d<lnil Llst or Propose<! A.m.cuW=nls to !he Natioo>.l li>L 

(3) Prohlb!Ud Subrtal'.!""'. ID no in•Wlce •hall tl!c Nnli"'1"1 Lisi include ""Y •ubsta.Dce. the l"'";enc:e of ,.,llioh in food b... bo:n 

prohibited by FOOO!al n:gul•tnry ""'1on. 
----------------------·---------"F~-"="o'c0=~~-~•i~ F°"'f3 Prodw::tWn Act of 1990 

(4) Notice llnd Conune:nL Eden: csiabfuhipg Lhe Notimm! Lirt or b,:f.,.., mat:iDg any amendmOilLO ID !he NaticlllLI Ll.t, Lbc 

5e<:reW;' shall publish 1be Proposed National Lil< Ill" any Ploposed ameudmc.Dtl \0 Ille NO!iooal List in the Fc:lo:ml Rcgisl.C:l" and sc:i::k 

public ooinmcnt on meb propo<als. Tue Socretary •hall include in ~h Notice any <!wig"""' m::h pnpmed fut or "'11CDdmODLS 

=mmo:<1dcd by the s~. 

(5) Puhlloatlon or N~tions.I List. Afta evaluating .U ~ n:ccivcd am=nlng !he Propo=I National U.t or PropO<Cd 

Amendments to the Nru.ional Lisi. the ~ •h•U publish tho final Nai:i<inal llst in the Fed""'1 R;:gis=. "1oug w:ilb a ~ion 

of commcoi< =cived. 

(e) SnMllt Provision. No =::mptiOD< Or prohibition Wilwilod W Ilic Nai>oii.& Li<t shall be vilid unlc1<• die Na1ionol Organic 

StaDdani> Beard 11 .. :eviewed snoh,.,.=plico ar prohibition as provided in !hi. o=ti<>D wiihin 5 'year:s of sllcli nem.ption or prohibition 

being adopl<:d or,..,..;~ and !be S<=cwy b .. ?C>Cwod sur.b cxc:inption .,,. protuhiti<m. · 

§6518 NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS.BOAJW. 

(a) In Gen•ml. The S=iary shall c.<LabliW a Nation.al Organic Stabd.ml< B03Jd (in accaidance with iho Fodcral Advi>Ul)' 

C=mitlee Act (5 U.S.C. app. 2 el seq.)) (hercaftcr n:fom:d U> in lhiJ sc.:iioo = the "BO<IT<I") lo assist in !lJe de=lopmenc of Slalldim:h 

for ... ~ ID be used in OlllEli> ptoduction and oo advise We Sccrcwy on any o\bt::r ""l"'d" of lb: i.rnpl=CJ1mtion of Wi< cbap!t1. 

(b) Composition of Board. The Boan! 1b.U be composed of 15 inernb=., of which 

(l) four sh:ill be illdividllili who own or op<:ra~ an organic fanning o~; 

(2) two sllall be individua!J: who own or Opc::rall' an or11.Wc bandliag opcrnlion; 

(3) <>11<: •boll be an individu>l wha OWi!< or opei•u:.< a mail cstablisbme!l1 with signifieut lrilde ill org.ruc: pitxlucts: 

(4) throe shall be individuals with n:Jl"'ti<c in= <Jf cnviroamculal protection and n:so= """"""'1tioa; 

(5) three sball be individu.J:; who rqirescn1 public interest or consumer in=t grcupo; 

(6) one <boll be :m individual wilh apatisc W the li"1ds of tllticology. ccol<Jgy, or biochcmlsiry; ..,d 

(7) one oball be an indiridrull who i.< a cc:rlifyiug aggi\ as identilicd 1111der sccoim 6515 of tbU title. 

(c) Appoi.a.imeot No Jar.or th:m 181} days afu:r November 28, 1990. ~ Sccrewy •hall •ppoinl the mcm.bcrs of the Boutl uock.-r 

p3l:llgrapb (I) through (6) of •ub.c:ctioo (b) of lhi': <cctiOll (and imda subsection (b) (7) of ibis >i;<:lion at on appropriate date afcr.r the 

=tific:uion of indiyjduais as ccnifying agents 1111dcr sct:tlou 6515 of this ti~) from nomlliatWD> ro:civW fnmi organic o~g 

organi>:ations, 5131<-<. :md other intc:tt:Su:d P=<""' :md oq;ani.>.ations. 

(d) Term_ A m=ber of the Board sball =vc for a taDt of 5 yea:is, ttcept that the S=wy <hall appoint th<: origllial IIl<:m"""' 

cf the Bcatd for mggercd 11:!'.mS. A member camuit scrvc oonsGQlr;ive t= unless suchmemix:r saved an original tam !bat was less 

than5 yi=;. 

(e) Moetings. The S=Wy •ball OODl'CDC a mee!ing of the Board l>l'.ll later di:m 60 daY' BfM:r ilte appoio.W>cnl of iu. memTM"" and 

'tu.II <XlnVCDe SUbs"'!UCllt mer.ling• Oil" pcriodi• basis. 

· (f) C..ompensal!n11 and E:rpenses. A memOcr of the Board shall se:rve wilhout compensation. While away fium their homes or 

"'gular pla= af bmiDess on I.be business of \be Haan!, mcmbon of !he Boaxd Dl!lY be allawcd tr>.Vcl cxpen=. inc:ludi!lg pc:r diem in 

licu of •ub>i':ten= as is :wtbClri.wd under •cotion 5703 of Title .5 far persons employed inwmilleD!ly in lhc Govermneut scrvi=. 

(g) Chalrpe!'Mln. The Bom! •hill .<e!cct a Ch:rirpa3<ln for tbc Bo:anl. 

(h) Quorum A Dl!ljori1y of the m=ber! of the Board sball coostiUitc a qucmm. for the purpose of collducting bu<iness. 

(i) Decllive Votes. Two-thirds of the votes cast Al a mooring of !he Bo.ml al wbi<:h a q1.1CtUm. is pr=l •lmll be docisivo of any 

motion. · 

(j) Other TetIDS and Coodilions. Tu<> S«:relllry •hall authorize the Boa:rd II> bite a slilff dirccwt il!d s~all dctlli.I sra!f of !he 

Dq>anmen<of Agienlllli" or allow for the hiriDg cf sW'f ood. may, snbj= 10 ~appropriations. pay n=ury e:tpe""" incurred 

by >ucb lloaid in canyirtg out the provision< of this c~. os d=ined ~by Lbc ~-

(k) RospoDSibUlties or the Board. 

(I) In General. The Board shall provide =eodatiolls \0 !he Sccr<:wy n:g;mling th<: impll;lllC.llt>.lion of this chapter. 

(2) Nntio11el L1<t. The Board •ball develop !he piopo<a:l Nalianal Li<! or P"'f""""I •mcndmen'-' \0 tbc Nationo.11.iit for 

subPlission w !ho: Sern:tary in :o=mtlan= with =tion 6517 of lllil titk. 

(3) _1'efilni1:11.L .Advtsary Panels. The BOllld sb.U coovaic =lmica.l odvisary J>"U"lo ID proYide scieatifu: evab>atio<i uf Ibo 

DWCials <:OU$ldeta:l for inch15icn in the N•tional l..i;L Sucb ~ls may iucludi: CJtp;;\o' in agronomy. cnto11101ogy, bMlth <cien= 

and {~)~=k.;~~;'Bot.,nii:O.I-P~e;. Tlie liC:ml -.ii&IL prior w'Uie iiWilimri=fQf th<: Notional u..,-~ all 

bolanical patici<!r;s D>cd in agricultural. produ<:tion and ~ wbetbc:r any-Slli:b boomlcal peo;ticiru:!; Ehould be io.clltdod in the list 

of pt<ihibita:l natural &ub<taila:s. 

(S)Piudud ReW:ine Testi!lg. The Board <ball advise the~ cuuccnW:ig ibc tesliug of organii:ally pm;Jua.rl agriculo=J 

produca far res\d= ..,,i=c1 by un>.voi<lable rcsidwi.I cn~nmom.al coummination. 

(6) F.lll"rgoncy Spniy Pt"l:f8IDS. The Boonl !hall advise the S=wy =ing nilc:s for o.o:mptions fiom specific 

n:quir<:!=lts of this r.bapicr (ei«:CPl the prnviiioos of =tim> 6'.ill of !his title) with re;pect rn agricul.mral products prodttecd on 

<:e:rlilied ~ouio .farms if •Ucb. f>lms ""',ub_jor.1 oo a F<Ode:al or S!ale emergency pe;t or di= m:atm<ml prograo:i. 

{I) Re-quirements. In establishing the pmposed Narioruil lis< or p:mposal =""t!m= lo t.h~ Nallooal List, lhc B<W<I shall 

(I) n:view availob!e Wfomation from !he EnvinHWJOl!Ctl Protection Agency, th<> NatimIBI histiti.1tc cf Environmcnu.! Hco.IW 

Swdies. am! snob o!ha- so~ as "Pf'l"Priauo. conocming tho: poteatial for adv= bllllUll and aivimrun"""'1 dla:t.s of •ubo~ 

cousiderd for in<:Jruinn in 1tic proposal Noti"°"' List; 

(2) work witb mim:if""'1ttCtS of sui>sl3l>CCS ron•idaed for inr.lusiou in !he proJX'.l""i National Li<! to obtain a C0111pil:te !iSl of 

irlg<odietl!S M.d de<e:rmlne whelho:r such subslllD=< <X>ntain ioon m.w::rials lhal.111" •)'lllh<.tically produced; ""d 

(3) •ubmit w Ill~ Secretary, along with the propo:s<:rl Natiooal List or •ny proJX'.l""i awgdments to such li.<L lhc r=i!ts of the 

Board·, eyaluadoo OlJd th• cvalnation of the technio:.J advisory p;mel of all subslllDl:ei con>idcn:d for ino;l"5ion in <l.o N•ti"'1.:l Lis-L 

(m) Elfllluatlnn. In cvalwiiiug subs1au=:< <XHISidel'«I for Uicl115ioo in the proposed Natiou.a.l U..t or proposed amcndmeu! !o lhe 

Naticwi.I Li<L lhc Board •ball con>i<kr · 

(1) !h~ poienti.:l of suco subslllIIU:S for dcnimcmal chemical interactions with Olh<:!' mat=i:tls use<! in D'l'g3llic fanning sysl.WI,; 
198 

f~~rolOrganicFoodProdJ<r::rio11Apofl99!J ___________________________ _ 

(2) the IClticity Wld wodo of B<:lioo of Ibo •ub>lllU"° ond ,,f ii. brealodaWD prodw."11 .,,- oqy e<>nW!liiia111.>, 1Wd lh=ir p;nil~a: 

and = of =tt1.li°" in lhc l'llvimnm<:nt; 

(3) the prnbahil.icy of cnvironmcuial <:oauunW1tioo dwiDg 1WW\lf~ ~ misuse or dUpa:ul of sucb ruhsla!lcc; .. (4) the effect of lhc slll><r:aoce 011 h= hoallh; 

(5) !he clkcts of !he rnb.5btloo Oil biological llDd ohemi<:al intcmcti!IBS in Lhe ugroeecsystc:D. includillg Lhe physio!ngical ~fferu 

of lh• mti.Wiee on <Oil organism< (mcludii!.g the u.Jt indc:< md s<))ubility of thc soil), c:rops alld livostoc:k: 

(5) the a.l!C'llatiVCf tc> w;illg lhe subsloilee in lcnw; of pn~ o:i: olhor available llWC:ci;ib; 04ld 

{7) its CCl!l!Patibility wilh a sy•= of 5US!ainablc agriculmrc. 

(o) P~lltlons. The Boan! .sh3ll c.ru.bli<h pro=:!= uudcr whic.h per= =Y p:cllioo lhc B<J>Ud fbr lhc purpose of ev.a.Watin8 

<ubsWICC> for iilclusion on the Nation>l. List. . 

(o) ConIJdentlAl/ty. Any wnfid!:nOOI tru.incss inform:uian ob<a.Wcd by tho Boan! in =•ying out 1tw; <ection shill not be rel""""'1 

"' the public. 

§6519 VIOLATIONS OF C1iAPTfR. (~) Mlsllie o!Laboit Ally pc:rson who Jrnowingly •elli 11r ll!bcls a prcdlll!I "" orgiu:rlc. i:xi:ept in =dance with !IW ehapicr, !ha1J 

ha •ubject IJ) a civil penalty ef not more lhau SI0.000. 

(b) Ful&o Stll.temo11l. AJJ.y pawn who makes a fobc Stato;ncnt Wider this cbapia ta the ScacUlf)', a go>'Craiog Sia'"- ofticiaJ. or 

a =tifying agcut shall b<: •ubjc;;;t to lhc: provisiom; of se<:tion 1001 of Title IB. 

(c) I11eliglhUl!y. 

(1) Ill Cen•ral Exe<pt a. provided in paragraph (2), ""Y pimon <»ho 

(A) makes a false StatcmCD!; . 

(B) a!lempts to have a label indi"3ting that an agriculn.tnl product is orgoni.cally pro::lucal off11ed to •uch product 

th.at such ptno11 bows. ·or sbould have =ii to know, lO h•vc recn produced or h:mdL:d in a tnamlcr that is nat in 

a<:ami:>ncc with lbi'I ehaptor, or 

(C) olh"1'Wi<c violates tbc P"'POSCS of lhe appJ.ic:ablc organic cmifioalion prcgram ai: determined by the Se.=rew.y; 

after notioc lllld "" oppammii;y to be ho:ani shill not be eligible,, far a period of 5 y=s from the date of such owmmoo;. w receive 

conilioatlo11 nudc:o tbi.> chapter with r=:ipo;t to a;iy film or hwdli.Dg op:ntioil W whi<:h •uob pc:non hos an inl<:l"CSL 

(2) Walnr. Notwitl!sunding pi1111gn.ph (!), the Soaetmy may reduce or eliminate the period of ineligibility tcfom::d to in such 

paragraph if the Sccrc:ruy doiam.i:les Iha\ such modification DI' waiver is in !he best inla'ests of the applicable org:mic certification 

program established ll!ldor !W chapl<:r. 

{d) R..portillg or Violations. A o;ertifying agcnt 1ball im.modialely ~ uiy vio!Ol.iom of Ibis cbap'"r io the Scc:n:wy or- th 

gov=ting Swc official (if applicbtc). 

(c) V!olatlow. by Cer1ifylng Ag•nt. A c<:nifying agcu\ that is n privs\e !>"'Oil that vio~ !he provi•ions of lhis chap!<:r O• Wt 

falsely or ilcgligcn~y ccnifL<S any forming or Jw,.lling opc:iaiio11 r.M< docs IWl meet the l<nlll Uld conditioa.s of !he applicblc org:mic 

ccrtificzion program :!.< an Dtf,=ic "P""'tion. BS determined by the S=ry rrr We gov=ing St:itc official {if applicab!c) •b.U, Mt,,,. 

oo<i= and o.o opponunicy ta be beard 

(I) low its =ediwio:n ..,_a =tifyi:ag agent !Ind..,. ii.;.. o:hapl!;r, wd 

(2) be ineligible ID be llOC;O:dit.;<J"' a -utyi.o.g agc:m ll<!dcr <his eh.op1er for a p=riod ol not !e>s <ban 3 y= •uh•<QllCll\ to the 

date of~ delcrminaiiQ<i. · 

(f) Effect of Other Llo'll'll. Nothing i<l this chap!lri shall Blier the authority of the Scci-ctary under the Fcdo:ral Meat Insptt:tion Ac< 

(21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Poultry Products Inspo:tion A.i:t (21 U.S.C. 451 cl =i..). md the Egg Prodn.CIS Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031 

et seq.) concerning meat. pouJny and egg products, nor :my of the •t1!hcrirics of the ~ of Health and Human ServicO'I ande:r the 

Fed=! Food. Drug and Cosmetic A<:t (21 U.S.C 301 ct •<Q.), DOf the authority of !he; Ad.minisaaLOr of the EnvironmcnW l'roLCctioo 

Agcucy mid"' the Feden.l Insecticide, f11agi<:idc >11d Rorlonlicidc Act (7 U.S.C. 136 el seq.). 

§6520 ADMINISTRATWE APPEA.L. . 

(a) ~t,,.i Ap~ Proced.Ul."I!. The S=ewy shill mabljsb an (Olpedil<:d administmive appeal! pl'O<#u:c.un.ller.wbich persons. 

may app.ca.11111 action of the Secretary, the appli~c gove:ruillg State official. or a ccttifyi!lg agent ucde:r thi.i; chliptcr tlw. 

(1) adversely affcctl; 11Kh P= or 

{2) ii; inconililCll.t with the organic ccttifi"'ltion propaw. t:S'lablished uodc:l thii: chaprcr. 

(bl App<:al of Flnal Dedsllia. A fmil decision of the Sccn:tary lllldersub=tion (a) of this "'"'1illo IU3.Y be appeal:d ta the Unl'"d 

Stale! Disaict c;aun frrr the Oi.i;lric! ill which •llCh l"""on i< ~ 

§6521 ADM1NISTRA.110N. 

(a) Regulllllcus. Not hw::r tllm ~days afte:r I.be dacc of enac1men1 of lbiJ; ritle. the Se<:re1ary" •b.31.l i>sue propo•od regulwions to 

carry om Lhis d:iapu::r. 

(b) As5l>la11ce W Su.re. 

(I) To>tbnlcal and Otlter A<sl<to.ncc. The Sec:ri;lary •IWI provide> !cdwieaJ. odmini<tr.liv\,. and Exlt:il.lion Sorvicc assi<r.arioc 

le ossi.i;t Slllt<:s ill the itcpl""'u:ntllrion o/ ;m organic =tifiC21ion program under lhis chaptt:r. 

(2) F'mancial As:lista11"". The Sccn:wy may ptovidc financW M•iltano;x; to &1Y Sl.>UO !bEl implr:mc:nt< :m org:mic ccnific;;tion 

pro!:J"'m undcr lhis cbapi.:.. 

§6Sn AUTHOlUZ.A.TION OF APPROl'RLl.TIONS. 

1hc:re arc autho.i::.W. lo~ approprioted fore3cb fuc;al y= "uch .<\IlJU"" may be> noccs..uy ta CJ:?J' out tlili chap=. · 

SA. 919) 
199 ADDilIDA2 

NATroNAL ORGANrc STANDARDS BOARD 

DEFINITION OF ''ORGANIC" 

The rollowi.ag de£.inition o.f ~organic 0 was drafted !Ulci pa~s~d by 

t:be NOSE at t;.beir April 19~5 meetjng iD Orlando, Florida. It nas 

developed by a job:it NOSE/NatioDa1 O~ganic Progriiii!. task £o~ce, 

a.!ld incorporates ll.l..Ilguage·- £row the Cndex D:ea£t GuideliDes £or 

oio"gw::lica11y produced £ood/i. This de£iDit.:io:J is being disb.-ibuted 

£or your iD.furmat.ion. · 

Organic agriculture is an ecolDgical prDduction management syst:em 

that p:c:"omote!:l and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and 

soil biological activity. It is based on minima1 u.se of off··fa:r.m 

inputs and on management pr·act.ices that resto:re, mair1tain and 

enhance eco1.ogical harmony. "Organic# is a labeling term that. 

denotes products produced under t.he authority of the Organic 

Foods Production Act. The principal. guidelines for orgar•ic 

production are t:o use materials an''! practices tki.at. enhance the 

ecological balance of natura.l syst.ems a11d that integrate t:he 

parts of t.he farming .syste111 into an Rcolcgical whole. Organic 

agriculture practices cannot ensure tha~ products arF. completely 

free of residues; however, methods are used t:o mi.ni1nize pollur.ion 

from·air, soil and water. organic food handler~. processors and 

retailers· adhere· to· standards --that .maintain. the .integrity. o.f 

organic agi'ic11ltural products. The primary goal of orga11ic: 

agriculture is to optimize tt1e. health and productivity of 

int:e1:dependent: communities of soil lif:e, plants, animals and 

people. 

llll'F!ln:t:i:Clll. ORG 
Date ada:;:ited: 

Locatio_n: 

200 

Mi.T!ONAL ORGANIC .STANDARDS BOARD 

l:'!..m;L_ R""CQWffiIDAT!ON ADDFNDUM NUMEFR ...2.5 

DEFINITIONS AND l:NTER!':!lETAT:CCNS 

~ovember l, 1995 

Au.'li:iri., Texas 

ADD8'IDA3 

Statut::Ory ·Review, Section 21l.4. (a) (2). Org-w1ic Plari (Manuring): 

•Inclusion in Organic Plan. An organic plan shall contain te::1!'ls 

and conditions t:hat regulat:e the Qpplication o:'. manu:r·e to crops. 

Applicat:iou of Manure. - such organ~~ plan may provide for i:he 

application of raw manure only to ·· (il any green manure crnp; 

(ii) aiiy pererm.ial c=p; (iii) .any crop not far human 

consumption; anC (iv) any crop for human consumption, if such 

crop is harvested after a reasonabl<i perj.od of i:irne dete:!'l!lined by 

the certifying ageni: to ensure i:.he safety of such crop, aft:er t:l:1e 

most: receni: application of r·a1q manure, but iri 110 event shall such 

period be less tl1an 60 day:; aft:e:?:" such applicai.;.ion. 

· Cnnt2mination by Manu.=e. - Such organic plan shall pruh:i.bit raw 

manure from being applied to any c";:;-op iil a way that signifj.cantly 

contribi1r.es to wate!:" cor1taminat.io11 by nitrat:es or hact:e:!'."ia. H 

These. defirii.tions. .. and .. inte!:pretations appl.y to every ent:-ry on -t:.he---

National List: of mat~rials. 

b:CZ!l.l:lwit.i.o11 .. R'f'taction of a substanct! with heat and oxygen. 

Composts. Compost: refers to the carefully managad proces~ in 

wllicll cai;-l.:lorr ba.secl u101,t.erials are diyestecl aerobically or 

anaerobically by micrcbial action. Farni co1upost made from crop 

re!;;i.dues, cru!J waste from foCld processing or,ie:::at;ions, a:r.1imal 

n1anures, az1d or.he.c vec;etat:i.ve by-products a:!'."e allowed. Greer\ or 

yard waste compost from n1unicipa.litiF.s or private sou;o:·ces a::;-e 

al.lowed. Mu:iici9a.l solid waste ~:::impost: and sewage sl1Jdge compost 

a:c-e pi"o!1ibit:et!. No prohihit:ed materials may be adCed in 
201 

composting (including r10 synthet.:~cally n::=ortif·if'!d" co1npost 

starters) and all ingredients must be documei1ted. 

[P.1.ant/soil input.] Cenif:i.ers may evaluate the risk of 

prohibited materials resid11es remaining after compostin::;. 

Di.atilJatiap. 

condensat:ion 

~vaporation of a subst.ance, and its cnllecr;:i.on by 

Extract; qn. The -Conce!ltrat:i.on, se:baration or :removal of a 

substance from a plar1t,. animal, microbiological or miner;;.l 

source. Materials used in plant crop and animal production may 

be extracted in any way that does nae: res11lt in a synthetic 

reaction as defined by 2l03(2l). 

The products of any other methods of extract.i.011 shall he 

considered on a case by case basis and reviewed for compatibi.lit'.y 

under OFPA Sec. 21"13 {ml (J.~7). 

FenTientation. Digestion of complex molecules by micro-organisms. 

Genet; raJ ly Eng;neered, (after Food P:?'ocessing' s Biotechnology 

Glossary, January 1993) Made. wit:.h i:::echn.i.ques .that "alte:?' t:he 

molecular or cell biology of an organism by means that are not 

possible under natural conditions or processes. Genetic 

engineering includes recombinant: DNA and RNA techniques, (:ell 

fusion, micro- and mac::::-o-encaDsulat:ion, gene de].etion and 

doubling, ini:::roducing a foreign 9."ene, and changing the posit.ions 

of genes. It Shall not inclurle breeding, conjugation, 

fermer1tation. hybr.i.di%ation, in-vitro fc.:!.'.t::i,li:z:ation and t:l.ssue 

culture. 

Hea.t.. To t:ransfer energy hetwe~n bodies by means of a 

tempe:?"ature difference. 

lly.MJJ.l:y.ai..s. React:ior1 of a suhstance wit:h water. 

1::J,.e;-t Ingr..edien.t. My ingredient t:har.. j_s not an act::l.ve 

ingred.ient:.. See Section 2118 (cl (Bl (j.i) - ~is U.!led in Product:ion 

and CQntains syni.:hetic inert ingr·edie!lt.S t:hat are not: cla!"1sified 

by t.he Administrator of the E.P.A. as inert:s or toxicological 

concern·.".· 

Killed. .M.i.c:i::abiaJ.. Pesticide. A nonviable n1ic:robial :pesticide that 

is incapable of mulciplicr.ition or propa9ation in che environment.. 

If alt~recl by genetic engineering, the resultin<;; DNA shall not: be 

c~ntained within a viable OrfjaniO'lm and must:. cont:ai.ri only d~ad · 

organisms. 

Manures Raw. Raw matJU::'.'e is C.efir1ecl as a11y animal e::<.~e1ne.,t:. which 

is characteri:ted as fresh and has riot 11ndersone ~ubst:antial 

decomposition. (See Ccinposts) As cit:~d in OFPA. Sect:Lon 2114 

{b) (2) {l:ll, raw manure is rest:r.i.cted to a;Jpl:Lcat:.ions ariprt)ved by a 
202 

1JSDA-acc2·edited certi£ying age!lt· and mace at 1.sast 60 days pr.'!.or 

to harvest of C!:"Dps produced for hu~ consumption; raw manure 

may be applied to any green manu=e crop, any perennial crop, or 

any other crop not for human cons.umption wj.c:hout: time 

rest:riction, subjecr. to t:he a~prova.l of a USDA-accredited 

certifying agent. 

Man11.,..ea. Aged. Any animal exc::-ement vhich h.aS undergone 

substantiaJ. decnmposir.ion and humific;;.tio:i- It is cha!:"acterized 

by: 1) reduction in moisture 2) reduc::ior1 of foul odors 

3) change of color, t:owards darke:?: brown and 4) not in heai::ing 

phase. Properly a~ed manure may be used under the compost 

guidelines. 

Microbial Pestic.;de. M.icrohial pest:icides are microorganisms anC. 

include but are not-limit~ed to bact:e:ria, a.lgae, fungi, viruses, 

and proi:::ozoa used as pest conr.rol agerit".s. 

M1 r-a Ercpagaticn. The develclpment of. new plants in ail arti£icial 

medium under aseptic conditions from ve:y small pieces of planes. 

It is the opinion of the Crop s·i:::andards Committ'2e that: plants and 

propagules treat:ed with prohibited materials during micro 

propagation may not be directly plant:ed on an organic farm. Any 

planes o:r propagule:<; of later generacions elf these processes are 

accept:able for U:';e on organic farms. They ha'.•e been reviewed for 

compat:ibiJ.ity under OFPA Section 2119 (m) (1-7). 

M•ned Mine-al. Any r1at:urally-occur?:"in9" noti--;-living subsi:::ance 

derived from t:l:ie eart.11 or water. A mi11ed miz1eral canriot have 

undergo11e molecular change t".hrough heacing-, acidular.ion, 

hasif.icar.ion or fortificat:i.on witl1 syntlietic materials. 

Rerrnnbinaut RNA and DNA ~- Techniques chat art:.l.ficially 

break aoart and rec:ombine DNA and RNA molecules w-i th t:he intent: 

or altering genetic instructions . 

.. Syntheti.c ... 

(OFPA Definit:ion) The term «synthet:ic~ means a suhscance that ~s 

fortnulat:ed ·.oX manufact.:ured by a chemiea1 proeess or hy i:I process 

that:. chemically chan9es a substanee ~;x.;,::-;:-acteci from 11acurally 

occurring pla21t, ar1imals, or mineral sources, except that: such 

t:erin shal.l :1ot af.lply t(> substa11ces created hy i1a1.:u:i:·ally occurring 

biological processes. 

(Crops Standards Committ:ee·s Inte~pretationl The t:erm "synthetic" 

is defined as a ~ub~tance or organism t:hat: is formulated, [orJ 

man11!'.aci:ured '<Jr genet·.ically. manipulai::eC by a chemical process o:-:· 

by a process chat: che1nically changes a s11bsi::a11ce extrac::ed f.rcm 

naturally oc::::urrir.s plant, animals, or mi;ie:::-al sources, exce;::11::: 
203 

that such te~ shall not app.ly t:o substances creat.ed by nat.:urall.Y 

occurring biological processes. 

Heating and combustion of plants, an:i.mals, and mic:.:·oorganisms 

shall x1ot:: be considered synthet:i(: unless expressly prohibited in 

the National lisi:.. 

The combustion of mine~als shall be conside~ed synthetic and 

:ceviewed £or compatibility under ·the .OFPA Sec. 2ll.S (m) {.'.i-7). 

Synthetic Analogue; 

A synthetic analogue {or chemical copy) of a nonsyi1t:hetic material is acceptable wheil the non-synt::het:ir; form is 

commez·cially unavailable or informat:.ion specifying the source of 

t:he material is IIO_t available l:.o the organic producer (i.e., 11ot 

inciicaced on the product label), provided tl1at. the synthetic 

material is on the Nat.ional List. Use must. be limii::ed t:cl 

applications appropriate -for the non-synt:hetic version of t.he 

material, and ari.y restrictiotl6 on these application.s r1ot.ed in t.he 

Standards must be followed. Examples: pheromones, magnesium 

sulfate, potassium sulfate, livestock vitamins. 

Synthetic ana.l.ogues can be further identified as t:o 

whet.he::.- t:l:1e compound is chemically organic or. iI1organic, in the 

sense of containing carbon ai::oms. 

al Inorganic canpow::idR (e.g. magnesium sulfate) ar~ 

univers'ally indistinguishable as to source, and therefore may be 

permitt:ed fo:i:· organic produr.t:ion in any situation which i;;alls for 

the non-synthetic version. Their use wou].d still require 

appearance on the National List., and be governed by protocols set 

in the Standards and Organic Plan requirements. · 

_ bl Organi~ co:i:pouuda (e.g. pheromones) can often be 

diStingui.sl:ied fiom ___ their ·;;on--syrlt:h:ei::iC .. fQrinS 'bY iOokiii.9 -~t 

molecular structure (isomers), which may vary clepending on 

whether the compound was synthesized or extracted from a 

biological .source. Since variai::ions in isomers c~n have subtle 

anct 1.1nant:ic.i.pate~1 b.i.olag.\cal e"ffect~, org-anic ~yi1t.l1etic analogues 

should b~ sc:r:eened againi:::t t.l1e criteria for con1patib.ilit:y "'ith 

systems of. sust·ainable agricult:\1re. 
204 ADDENDA4 

~ AJ!'!l':l'.JJAV:)':.'I' FORMA_L.FOR u.e. CBRTl"FYYli'G AGENTS 

~rcpared By tbG Agricultural Harkoti~g service, u.s. Department 

o! Agriculture on Mareb 10, 1993. 

submitte~ to Eugone Philhower, u.s. Hi~~ion to the Europea.n 

Com.mwrity, ror informntiou lll'l.d discuseion purpose~. 

I, (insert name], being first duly st:rcrn upon my oath according 

to law, depose and hereby stat€: 

l. I am of legal age, and under no disability that preVP.l'lts me 

from attesting to the fD].l.owing statements a11d 

information wl1ich are based on lily personal knowledge 

and observations; 

2. I am the ofricer responsible for the day to day operation of 

the (j.nsert name of. certit"ying agency or State 

program]; 

3. The [i11sert name of agency or State program) is a certifying 

agent and is engaged in the business of certifying 

orgar1ic fanus and handling operations witl1in t~1e 

l!leaning (lf th.e organic Foods Production Act of 1990 

(See 7 U.S.C.A. Section 6501 .et. seg. (hereinafter, 

"the Act") ; 

4. I-have reviewed the requirements of certifying agents 

appearing at Section 6514(b) of the Act and declar.e 

that [insert name of certifying agency or State 

program] tu.lly complies with all currently applicable 

statutory ter:ms and conditions appearing therei11~ 

5. I have reviewed tJJ,~ requirem..ents of certifying agents 

appearing at seOtion 6515 of tJ1e Act and declare tl1at 

[insert name of certifying agency or State program] 

fully compJ.ies with all currei1tly applicable stat11tory 

ter:ms arid conditions appearing therE!in; 

6. I unde.rfltand that t.he u" s" Se.cretacy o:F. Ag:ti~~ul t11re t-riJ.l 

promulgate furthet· regu.lations ·and rules· regarding tl1e 

requirements of certifying agents and tl1at [ ir1sert nawe 

of certifying agent or Sta'l:e progt'<:!m.] must comply as 

the. secretary· determines appropriatJO. 
205 

7. I have reviewed the requirements of the technical doss.i.er 

set; forth in Counci.l Regu.lation (EEC) No. 94/92, 

Article 2 and declare that [inse:t.t nmne of certify~ng 

agency or State program] has submitted ful.l. 

docwnentation required therein; 

a. Agreement to supply information pertaining to the 

inspection system upon request by European 

Community (EC) Collllllission official~. 

h. Agreement to ·furnish the EC commission ·With changes 

made in the production or labeling ru.las or 

in the-inspection system described in the 

doolllllentation provided herein immediately 

upon institution. 

c. Agreement to on-site examination by official~ 

entrusteO. vith EC authori.ty of the rules of 

production and labeling and the application 

of inspection. 

B. I understand that the European Economic Community (EEC) 

Council wil]. promulgate further regulations and rules 

regarding the requirements of certifying agents and 

that [insert name of certj.fyinq ~gent or State program] 

must comply as the EEC Council deter:w.ines appropriate. 

FUrther Affiant sayeth not. 

[Affiant's Name] 

Sullscribed and $worn to before me this 

199:1, by [Affiant' s Name]. --- day of 

Notary Publ.ic My commission expires 
206 Private Seal Usage ADDENDA s 

ill .'tFAlS 

(A) A certifying age.nt may permit the use of its seal. logo, or uadt:mark on product labels to: 

JUI (a) denote affiliation with or membership in the applicable'private certification program 

l22 or organization; 

ill (b) indicate the stal'e or region of 01igin of the product; and/or (c) designate claims on the 

ill pan of the producer, processor, or product not covered undc:r Sections XXX (organic production 

ill standards and National List). 

(8) A seal, logo, or trademark shall not be used: 

314 (1) to restrict trade or prevent procedilres or processors from being certified in 

ill accordance with the Act; 

ill (2) ~o imp!y that products so labeled are superior to other products produced in 

ll1 accordance with Sections XXX (organic production standards and National List); 

ill (3) to imply USDA accrediration of cenifying activities for claims not covered under 

ll2 Sections XXX (organic production standards and National List); and shall not be 

W (4) required to be displayed on an:( produce offered for sale a.o; "organic" or "organically 

3fi produced" as a condition of certification. 

342 Next., a document., developed by the Organic Certifiers Caucus orBaniZ<Jtion, Wi'l.!5 circulated 

ID which suggested a new approach for selectiug future NOSS meeting certifier represeutatives. 

ill The doCwnCnt Will be consid~riCfby ilie ACcfi:-ditalion tOminiriee bef6ri! -re-cOITuilending funire 

ill te1npor.uy certifier positions to the Executive Corrunictee. 

DRAf"f AUSTIN.I !!I'S 
207 

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY 

ADDENDA6 

:be National Organic Standards Board recommends that the class of genetically engineered 

)rganisms and their derivatives be prohibited in organic production and handling systems. 

Jenetically engineered is defined as: Made with techniques that alter the molecular or ce!I 

>iology of an organism by means that are not possible under natural conditions or 

irocesses. Ge11etic engineering includes recombinant DNA, cell fusion, micro- and macro-

:ncapsu!ation, gene deletion and doubling, introducing a foreign gene, and changing the 

}Ositions of genes. It shall not include breeding, conjugation, fennentation, hybridization, 

n-vitro fertilization and tissue culture. 
1270 

1271 

208 Transitional Labeling ADDENDA 

A d.iscussior1 on a transition2.l label Wil.S the next topic for 

debate. Kahn expressed the induscry need for some type of 

transitional labelling program. Sam fahr of the Ari+ona Dept. of 

,13 Agriculture noted that t11eir t.ransitional labeling progr_am uses 

i214 the terminology "certification pending". Ten ruE'.mbers of the 

1275 

1276 

1277 

·12·19 

1279 

1280 

1281 

Boarrt support.ed a transitional label in a straw vot~, although 

they recognized th~ difficulty of tbe use of transitional organic 

. producc:s in multi-ingredient processed foods. The Board 

supported lTSDA Staff's i11tenti"on to IllOVe ahead with exploring a 

tran~itional label that. maintain.s all component!! of organic 

procluction sta11dards except t.!1e three year ri1le for no prohibited 

--.. 

substanc:es haviz1g been applied to the land. 
R~Fl-MJCHAEL SLIGH TEL: l-919-929-1099 11=28 No.002 P.Ol 

, 

, 

I 209 ADDENDJ 

I • 

I c~, - CJN-GQING_ROIEQ,ETI]ENOSD: 

I ' I <; LJ11tix1 complcUon of all recommcndatio11s to USDA nec.essary l<) be.Kin l11~ 

inltial program- the NOSH SlIALL-

{,A. llrovidc adVire tt) the S~cretary as rcquestCd 

~1 ll. Continue to provide additional re.commendations to fully 

i111plcn1en1 t.he OFPA and ilny st1h:;equent lcgislatjve additions. 

<; c. Pro\'ide oversight, & advice 011 the fu11c1Jonin.g of appeals 

process und enforcemen t.JllC'..ilS.w:es for thll.· tillE'-

(> D. Vrovidc overslg!1t & advice. on rhe fw1ctioni.J.1p; of pee.r review; 

1.t1cluctiug uppointlng a NOSH representative in~r role. 

to the Peer Review. 

,_, };. Muke on-goln.g_rccc>mmendati<>nS concerning additlona.L 

,., 

. rnat·edal:; to. be added w or.deleted froa.11h.c Na.1tona,J_LlsL 

_ ha:;ed oo oerftfons .<mci bo;1at detc~rrutn.o1tic1ns. 

' 

,: .. E... Contlut:l every (5) years a comprehensive revic'W ofNatlc1nal 

J\latcrials list based 01111€\v lnfonnallon a11d petitions from the 

public as req.uircd bv . the Taw~ 

(,• G. ConUucl a compre.11ensivc and complete r!!Vlcw of tl1c entire 

Nation;tl Organ!<' Standards Program after the flrst tw() years 

of in1plemcntaUon lo: 

'' _ 1. I'.rov~dc the_ P!lblic. _a fg_nnalized oppo11.unity to 

'·' 

cxpr(!!;s concern.~. p:roblem.$ and needed 'adniiriisti3.tlvC 

<'hang es. 

2. l'1nvlde tl1e NOSTI the 011portunicy to ~~omparc lhc 

fur1clioning of tl1e program ~ to the boartl ;1dopte1~ ci:ltcria, 

anti tμmake reromml.!ndattons fo.i: nc~ded CO}Ter:tit>ns. 

3. Analyze need for changt's in sta111Jar·ds o.r_pha..-e-in or -Jlh,:l~-· 

_ ___nut z·cquLrf!Lrllinls hased on increa.">ed o:rga:ni.c lnput.'i 
RAFI-MICHAEL SLIGH TEL: 1-919-929-7099 Malj 29.97 11,28 No.002 P.02 

210 

availabllity and/or oilier new devclopmenls as determined by 

the \1oard, public petition or con1ment. 

,., 4. ~erclmmend changes U1 USlJA rcgulations_and/oL 

_ amc•udmeots: ar cha11gcs..tD /'be Acl'. based on Jnput from 

tl1e public and the end-users of this program. 

'·' lL. Conduct a r.cview c2fthc .. ooten1lal beoefit'j ro. £he.organic. 

_JlLDgiiJ.JlJ..nf. e.,.r:abUshlng au ucganlc transitional 

_certlflc·a.Uon program and make recomn1cndr1Hc1n:i; bv.~..an .. 

J.:hJ.5 informed rey.lew~ 

,, 

,, L_fyfake .on~gc1fng recon1mt:udatinn~ to the Secr.f!.t.a.(X..as. 

_requested or as.deemed apprunrlate by the board . 

'·' 

,, 

.. conc'eming lcgi.i;Iative matt(!U..15 it pcrrollls_:rn_any ll.S]1.CCL 

.. cif Of.PA.. 

••• 
21°1 

~ rfhe Board ne1J. debated the resolution on the NOSB statutory anthority. Anderson spoke 

l first, referring to a railroad analogy with the need for the i;rew to work togetber and act 

~ responsibly in consideration of i~ many passenge:s. He identified the responsibilities tliat 

l e.:u:h member of the NOSB and USDA Staff bas in acting togeth~ as conductor of the train 

t and hoped that ciiffcrences will be put aside.as \ll'e work side by side to deliver our payload. 

Courtesy, honesty, and fresh st1rtS are the concepts to keep in mind as we continue on dowi1 

the track. 

Merri~an read the resolution :ind the Senate report ao.d affinnl'l<I. that the resolution is 

necessary because gn1ups are concerned about the USDA wrthority over the National I.isl 

Weakley. Chandler and Anderson agreed with ibe ioterpreution of the 01'1'A that only ibe 

NOSB can propose synthetics for the National List Ricker replied th.a.tit is not AMS' 

intention to ru:i.d synthe,tic:s to the. proposed.Natim1al Li!.1, or .to .act contrary i:o the Bo11Id's 

wishes, but the Secretary of Agriculture does have fmal authority over all aspects of the 

National Program anr:I the real issue is.whether the NOSB, an advisoiy Board to the Secietaiy 

:1ppointed by the Secretary. should be Passi.Jig a resolution tb.at insisu thw: hls advisory Board 

has more autlJ01ity than he does fbr certain aspects of the progrdIII. Ricker llxpressed fuci!izy 
212 

966 rather thai1 objections ta the _resolution. All pen;ons corumeitting agreed that the Hoard needs 

.2fil to review the materials for the List after i:hey have be~ reviewed by a ·rAP member(s) and 

2@_ that l7SDA's decision about a synthetic proposad for 'ihe List by the Baud 1nay differ. -

969 Kirschenmann then MD'Ved and Crossley seconded 'ihat 'ihe folloi.v:ing resolution be adopted, 

970 which it was by a vote of 8 ~ 11ye, 4 ° opposed, and I abstention: The NOSB is more than an 

971 advisory board in one very important aspect. The Organic Foods Producti.on Act {OFPA) 

21! requires rhe NOSE to recommend to the Secretary the uni.vene of' :rynthetic materials 

973 acceptable for organic production (USC 6517 (c) and (d}; see also 6518 (Jc). In tum, the 

2Zi Secretary can, both before and after p1J.blic comment, delete S)lrl.thetic materials from the 

915 proposed and final National Lists. The Secretary cannot, at any time, add synthetic materials 

976 to the List that are not.first recommended by the NOSE (USC 6Sl7 (d)(2). This statutory 

211 responribility makes the NOSB unique a111ong USDA adl'isory boards. The u&solution of 

97!1 Focus" doel4ment should be amended to ref111ct this special ro/11 of the NOSE in establishing 

979 the NatiollQ/ list_ Jn doing so, th11 "Resolutio;i of Foe14s" doc1m1ent would reflect the common 

21!!1 understanding of those involved in the conslnlclion of the Act, including the organic, 

981 environmenral, consumer, and humane can: organiwtions who came together in suppon of 

2.g _ ~he OFP_"'1,_'#lf!_ n~_s_uppP.rt.the NOP. The-NOSlJ--undentands·and·respe·crs the- Yoic'l:ind 

2!1 nsponJ'ibi/ities of the secntary in the mlemaking pl'OceSJ'. With the exception of the 

984 placement of synthetic materials .on the Nalional List, the role vf the NOSB is advisory. 

9!15 Nevertheless, this advisory .function is critical to the deW!lopment of" sound notional 

~ program. Prior to publication of proposed rules, the NOSE erpects to engage il'I active l'WOill way com1nunicaiion with the NOP sra.jfto ma:dmiie infonnation erchcinge. Such exchanges 
213 

will enhance the aperrise of the NOP and aid their "11emaking ejfrJTts. Further, such 

e:xclwnges will enhance NOSB understanding of USDA, decisionmaking, aid NOSB fn 

prvviding counsel to rhe NOP, and prepan NOSB members to educate the public about NOPefforls. 

"" ....... ._.. ... _ .. , 
2i4 

Congresalona! Roviaw of Agency Rulema!ti11g 

Title 11- Smail Business Regula~ory Faf1·ness Act Subtitle E 

Public Law 104-11.1 ~Signori lf'I to l.aw 3129/96 

Provides new authority for Congress to revie\11 and disapprove~ FINAL rules -· 

P. 002 

ADDENDA9 

Federal Agencies must submit all final rules to Congress and GAO before they ~an t.ake 

effect. GAO will then aubmi! a report on each rnajQLtlllg_ lo the committees of jurisdiction 

within 15 days after the submission or publication date in !he Federal Register. 

Rules not deemed major shall ta~ effect ai\er submission to Congress unless Cgngress 

passes a joint reso/ytion of d!sapproyal. 

Major rules would take effect eithar 60 days after Congress receivas a rule or the rule is 

published In the Federal Register, (whichever i~ the later date), u,n!ess i' Joint resolution of 

djsaoproval Is enacted. 

President can override 60 day rule if the rule is (1) necessary because of an jmmjnent tbriill 

to health or safety or other amergenc;y; or (2) necessary for the eljforcernent pf crinJjna\ \aws, 

or necessary for narrona! secuITTy. 

Pre~ident can veto a joint rssofution of disapproval. Congress can vote to override the 

veto. 

Provides a look !Jack provision to all major rules published in the Federal Register on or 

after March 1, 1996. 

Major rule Is defined as any rule that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of Q_l\:l.fl. 

tin2' • 

Jias an annual effect on the economy of lliQ_rnil!ion or more; 

-causes a w,ajcr incre~in costs or p•ices for consumers, individual industries, 

Federal, S1ate, or local government agencies, or geographic regions; or 

• causes sigojficgot adverse Jlffec!s_on competiUon. employment, investrnent; .. 

- -·-·- prtidLiCtiVJfy;- irlnoVatlon, or on th!l ability of United States-based entsrprises to competa 

with foreign-based onlerprises In domestic and expo11 markets. 

The daf!nition of "major" is similar, but not identical to the definition of "eeonomieally 

signlfir:ant" found In E.0.1286G, and ilia dl'.!fi11!i.lt1r1 of "mi:ijor" us assrii::!atsd with the 

rink as~esament provislo11s of the Depi!rtment's Reorganizal.ion Act Rules will go 

through !he same develoμrnent end review pmcedure as prescribed in OR 1512-1 and the 

"major determination will be made (when appropriate) by OM8/0!RA when the n;le is 

subniitled to OMB for-classiflcalion in the workplan stage. An agency should therefore have 

ample notice that a proposed n.1lemaking action is a "major" rule! and subject to the 

Gongressioniill rrlview prui;ess for such rttles. 

C"""t~d bY AMS--ADW...RRS M~rch 79. 1997 
215 ADDENDA10 

Codex Alimentarious 

Codex is the guidelines and standards setting body for the following United 

Nations bodies; World Trade Organization, (''111'0), Food and Agriculture 

Organization, (FAD) and the World 1-lealthOrganization, (WHO). The labeling 

committee of Codex which is hosted by the C<IIltldians, has the primary responsibility 

for developing the international guidelines for organics, along with all other food 

related labeling issues. These guidelines will be used as guidance for govenunents and 

for settling trade disputes between countries. As of this writing.. the Code organic 

labeling guidelines are at step 6 in an 8 step process, step 8 being official adoption by 

the lnteinational Codex Commission in Rome. The next official meeting will be in April 

of 1998 in Ottawa. The goal will be to finish the guidelines and have them sent forward 

for formal international adoption. The main areas of unresolved work include; 

livestock,. processing ;:ind a section on overarchjng organic principles. These areas must 

be completed before the doCUIIlent can be adopted. Please find enclosed the draft 

document at step 6 fron:t the April 1997, Ottawa meeting. 

The guidelines are iru:luded to help Bet the international context of US and other 

country attempts at establishing organic standards. 
1 

i 

j 

216 

ADDENDA IO 

codex alimentarius commission 

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 

ORGANIZATION 

OF THE UNITED NATIONS 

WORl.D HEALTII 

ORGANIZATION 

AllNORM 97122 A 

JOINf FAQ/WHO FbOD STANDARDS PROGRAMME 

COOF.X ALIMENTARJUS COMMISSION 

·rwency-second Session 

Geneva, 23-28 June 1997 

REPORT OF THF. TWF..NTY-FIFIH SF5SION OF THE 

CODEX COMM:ITfEE ON FOOD I.ABEllING 

Ouawa, Canada, 15-18 April 1997 

;No;it~.: This document in>.orporntes Codl':X Circul&r Letter 1997/10-FL 
217 Al!NORM 97 /22 A 

APPENDIX Ill 

DRAFf GUIDEUNES FOR THE PRODUCTION. PROCESSING, lABEUING 

AND MARKETING OF ORGANICAll Y PRODUCED FOODS 

Contenn 

Foreword 

Section 1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Annex 1 

Anna2 

(At Sup 6 the Proce.dure) 

Scope 

Descriptions md definitions 

Labellii:ig and da.irns 

Rules of product.ion and pl'q>araUon 

Requirrmenu for inclusion of 

rubstan= in Annex J. 

Impec:t.ion <)'!term 

lmporu 

Ongoing Review of the guideli1.1es. 

Principles of organic produccion 

Plmu and plant produo:n 

Live!lock production (to be de,,..,!oped further) 

Processing (to be developed) 

Pacbj:;ing, hmdling, swrage md rr.uupon 

Pemiined .rub=c..s for the produci:i~n 

of o~anic foods 

Micimum inspection requirements :md 

pl'ccauciou:iry me:irures under the inspection <)'stem 
2.18 

DRAFT GUIDEllNES FOR TIIE PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, lABELUNG 

AND M.ARKETING OF ORGANICAJ.LY PRODUCED FOODS 

FOREWORD 

Background 

I. Sustainable agriculture represenrs a broad spectrum of agrirulmral ma:hodologies which are .mpportivc 

of the environment. The:;e r:uige from conventional, more intensive m.rliods to alternative methods such 

as bio-dynarnic;. Of1;anic ;i.grirulmre is one method within tlill r.mge which olls for specific and precise 

5t:a.lld.:u-ds of production. 

2. Organic agriculture is a hofuric producrion mana.gfililent rynem which promotes and enhances 

biodivenity, biological cydes and soil biolo&ical activity. Ir ls based on the low use of external inpurs :and 

non-use of arcificial fertilizers and pesticides. This uka inro account that regional conditiom require locally 

adapted systeOl.I". Of1;anic a.griculrural praccices can only ~aranree that no chemicals have been m;ed during 

production .. It cannot ~arantre total absence of chcrnical residues d11e ro general environmental po!lucion, 

even on land where no cliemicals have be-on used. However, in such Cllc:i, any residue levels would be well 

below established maximum residue levels for -.gricultunl produi:ts :md foodsruffs. 

3. Requirem"Drs for orgmical.ly produced foods differ from those for other :igriculrural producrs in rhat 

produccion procedur~s ne an intrinsic pan; of the id!,ncific:irion and labelling of, and claims for, such produra. 

4. The term "organic" h;i,s generally b~pme well undernood by those associated with this form of 

agriculrure. Other terms have also been introduced ruch :as "biological" and "ecologic:tl" in an effort to 

describe rhe organic ")'stem mor" clearly. 

5. For die pn.a.ic:al appliarion of organic production method.., mo!" d..u.iled sundard... ne needed to 

assist the operator in achieving optimal syst"ms which are socially, ecologically wd economically rusr:llnable. 

w:ith the inc:rca.scd interest in o•gan.i.c produccion, a rynem of furm evaluacioo. has developed to ensure th.at 

product.<: labelled and sold JS "organic" actually originate from f:trms that follow organic production metliods. 

ln this way, the consumer is :isrured of the authenticity of the produu and die inrevity of 1he open.tor is 

protected. ProCe>sor :and handler ev:tluacions have also been added to help ensure that -the intei;rity of 

org:m.ically produced producrs is not Josi: through the processini; and disi:.-ibucion system. 

6. Adoption of organic practices requires a period of conversion. This period gives the operator time 

to :ul.apt t_o ~d _rciiru: clte prod~aj<>.~.pr~ces n~ary to ~e en~rgilJilenC in.w_l:!ich.~h~ proclu~_is .be.iqg 

produced. The system which ruppom product.ion, ie soil, exisi:ing livestock, etc, may also need time i'or the 

deplecion of pos..:ible residues of agrirultur:tl chcmic:i.ls which may exin in the soil, manure heaps, etc md time 

for li"""-.stock to respond ro the changed environment. 

7. The concept of close contact between the consumer and the producer is common. Greater market 

derrumd, t/1e incre;i.sing e.:onomic jnierests in production, and the increasing di~ bl':t"fet:n producer and 

coDSUmet bu stimulated the introduction of enem.al control and cercific;;icion procedures. 

!l. An integral compenent of cercific:i.tion is the inspection of the organic management ")'S'em wlllch 

provides fonnal product verif1ca1ion. Procedure:; for oper;tor =i:if1C3tion are based prim:iri.ly on a yeuly 

description of rhe agricultural enterprise as prepared by the operator in cooperation wich die inspection body. 

Likewi•e, 2t the proc=ing level, 5tandards are also developed ag,llnsr which ihe processing operations and 

plant condiiions can be inspected and v<erified. Inspection bodies which cen:ify the procedures of the opcrawr 

should be independent of economic interests with regnd to the cen.ification of operaron in order to maintain 

their integrity. 

1 
219 

9: Ap3n from a small portion of agricultuntl r.ommodicies marl<eud directly from the Urm. to 

con.sumeri;, mon products find their way to consumen via esUfi\ish.ed trade channels. To minimise deceptive 

prai:rices in the marker place, specific measures are neress:iry io ensiJre chai: trade :and processing enterprioes 

c:m be audited effectively. The.reforc, the regulation of a process, nt:her rhan :i final produce, demands 

respomib\e action by all involved pani~.s. 

10. These guidelinr.s h:ive been prepared for the piupose of providing an agreed approach to the 

requit""me.nts which u.nderpin produaiou of, aod the labelling and cl:Ums for, orpnically produced foods. 

11. The ...ims of the.le guidelines .rre: 

to procect con=rners ~a.iD.<t decepi;ion and fra.ud in the marker place and unrub$C:tntiared produa 

claims; 

to protect produ~rs of orr;anic produce ~nst misrepresentation of othr.r agricultur:J produce :1..1 

bcii:ig orpn.ic; 

to ensure chat all ua~ of produo:ion, preparation, st~c, transport :rud markering are subject to 

inspeciion and comply with these guidelines; 

to h:tnnonise provisions for the production, cert.ificacion, identi!ic:u:ion and labelling of organically 

grown produCJ"; 

to provide international guidelines for ori:;anic food control sysi:=is iu order to facilitate recognition 

of national sy~tem.1 as equivalent for the purposes of impons; and 

to mainuin and enhance Ol"l)aniC :rgriculrur.tl system< in each country so as to conu-ibute to the local 

wd. global preservation. 

11.. These ~ideliues set out the principles of org:mic produciion at brm, prep;uation, storage, tr.nuport, 

labelling and marlcrung sui;es, and provides an indicu..ion of :n:ccpred permitted inputs for soil fertilising and 

conditioning, plant wd. animal pest and di.swe control and, food addicive!l and pro casing aid>. For labelling 

purposes, the use of certain te!TI15 inferring that ori:;anic produciion methods h:'lve been wed are resuic1ed to 

produCl'S derived from operators under che supervilion of :an in5pection body. 

13. Imp on requircnLc.nts should be ba_,ed on the principles of equiv:Jenc:y and transparency as set out in 

the Principles for Food Import and Dport Inspection and Certification'. ls1 ao::epcing imports of organic 

prodncu, countries would usually= the inspection and certification procl.'dures and the standard< ~pplied 

in ~-e:"!:'orting counuy. 

. ' . -- -, 

14. Recognizing that o~c produciion syrcems continue to evolve :Yid that organic pr;nciples and 

u:mdanls will continue to be devfloped under these guidelin"--', the Coda Committee on Food Labelling 

(CCFL) sh;i.11 revieut these gulllelines 011 a regular basi3. Th~ CCFL 5b.:Jl initiate this review process by 

inviting member ga'lerrunenrs and international organiz.;i.tioru to mU:e proposals to the CCFL regarding 

anlt'ndmelll5 to th<:se gui&line.• prior to eru:h CCFL meeting. 

CAC/GL 20·1995. 
220 

SECTION I. SCOPE 

1.1 These gWdeli= apply to the following produas whicli c:arry, or ;1.re intended to carry, desc.-ipti...., 

labelling nfo:!rriog to organic production methods; 

(a) unprocessed plants and plaot produas, animals and unproee.ssed animal produce., and 

(b) processed producr fur human consumption ~rived mainly from (a) above. 

1.2 A prod nu "•ill be regarded as beo.ring indicatiom referring to organic production methods where, in 

the la.belling 01· claims, advertising material or co=rc.ial docum.enrs, the produce, or its ingredienrs, is 

d.::scribed by: 

the tenm "organic", ~biOOynm:i.ic", "biologiol", "ecologiol", or words of similar intent which, In the 

country where the produce is placed on the market, ruggen. to the purchaser that the produce or its 

ingredients were obt.o.ined acco,.ding to organic prod1Jccion methods; 

l.} Par:.graph J.2 does not apply where the.1e tenm cle:irly have no conneccion wich the method of 

production. 

1.4 These guidelines apply without prejudice to other CodexAlimentarius Commission (CAC) provisions 

governing the producr.ion, pre"paration, marketing, labelling and irupea:lon of the prodn= 'Pecified in 

p~r.1.ph 1.1. 

1.S AJI materials and/or the products produced from genetie:tlly modified organisms (GMO) are not 

compatible with tli.e principles of organic production (either the growing, manufatturing, or processing) and 

therefore a:re not accepted unde; these guidelines. 

SECTION 2. DESCRIPTION AND DEFINTIIONS 

1.1 Description 

Foods described using the tenn organic or words of similar intent, are the producr of an organi'c f"-lming 

syst"10 employing mmagement practi0'..1 th.at seeks to nnrrure ecosystems "'hicli adlleve :ru~uiaable 

produai.vity, and provide weed, pest and disease control through a diverse rn.ix of mutually dependent life 

fonll5, cecycling plant and anim:al. ;es-idues, crop selection and rotation, water mmagemf:llt, tillage and 

culci.vacion;-Soil fenility is maintained ;ind enhanced· bya syrcem·which-optimises soil biologic..:J·~ctiviry·md 

the physic:::J and mineral narure of rhe soil"' the mem!l to provide a b:il:uiced cutrient rupply for plant and 

animal life a5 well "' to coruen'e soil resource>. Pesi: and dll-ea5C management is ;inained by me.am of the 

encourai;ement of a balanced horc/pre<htor rel;nloruhip, augment~cion of beneficial in.sea: popul~tions, 

biological a.ad cultural control and mechmie:tl n:mov:al. of pests and affea:ed pl"llt puts. 

2.2 Definitions 

For the purpose of the$e guidelines: 

(h) 

"=editacion" means the r~eognition by the competent authority or its delegated agent, that an 

in.spea:ion and/or cenificacion body is complying with the ~cquiremeni:s as set down in par:igraphs 

6.5 and 6.6 of these guidelines. 

"agriculrnral producr/producr of agricultural origin"' me=s any product or commodity, raw or 

processed, that is marketed for human coruumjition (excluding water aiid salt) or animal feed. 
221 

(c) "anim:tl" mean; any co.nle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, equine animals r.iised for food or in the 

production of food; fish rn:ed for food; domesticated game, or other non·plant life. 

(d) "audit' is a sys.:em:uic and funccion:tlly independent aamiruirion to determine whether- activities and 

related results comply witli planned objectives'. 

(e) "cenification" is die procedure by which official c:ertification bodieo, or officially rer.ogniscd 

ccn:ificaUon bodir.s, provide written or equivalent assur=ce that foods or food control ~stems 

conform to n:quirements. Cen:ification of food may he, a.s appropri;u:e, based on a rani;e of irupection 

activities which may include cont:inuous on-line inspection, auditing of qualir;y =urn.nee syn'"111.S md 

e=minar.ion of fmished producu. 

(Q "competent authoricy" means tlie official government agency having jurisdiction. 

(£) genei:ic:tlly modified orgm.isiru are all materiili produced through the modem methods of 

biotechnology; specifically gene technology "recombinant DNA {r DNA)" and all other techniques 

nsing molecul..r and/or cell·biology for altering the grnecic make-up of living organisms in wa)'l or 

with results which do not occur in no.lure or throngh tradicional breeding. 

(h) "ingredient" means any sub:>tance, including a food additive, used in the manufacture or preparation 

of a food and present in the Iinal product although possibly in a modified form-'. 

(1) ~inspectlon~ is the =amination of food or sysi:ems for control of food, raw materials, processing, and 

distribution including in-process and finished product testing, in order to verify that they conform 

to requiremeni.s'. 

GJ 0irupecrion body" means a body whkh. is responsible for verifying that a product sold or labelled as 

"organic" is produced, processi:d, prepared handled, and imported acc:ording ro these guidelines. This 

procedure m•y also carried out by a certification body. 

(k) "labelling" means any wrin:en, prinLed or graphic man:er th.at is present on the label, accompanies the 

food, or is dispJ,.yed ne:ir the food, induding th::i.t for the purpose of promocing its sale or disposal'. 

(I) "marketing" means holding for sale or displaying for .>ale, offering for sile, selling, delivering or 

plru:ing on the m:uht in any other form. 

(m) "offic.ially !l'coi;nUed inspection systems"/" officially rec:ogn.ized ccnificacion ~"'ems" are sysi:cms 

which have been formally approved or recognized by :i. government agency having jurisdiccion. 

(n) •opera1:oi" rii~ -:my p~rson whO prOi:l.Uees;·prepares Or impOru; Wii:h"ii.""ViiiW to the Siibsequerii 

muket.ing thereof, produet.s :is referred to in Seaion 1.1, OI" who mar6't.< such producu. 

-·-~------

CAC/GL 20.1995 

Codex Alimcntarius Volume IA- General Requirement.<, Section 4-1.abelling of Prepackaged 

Foods (Stm 1-1985 Rev 1-1991) 

CAC/GL 20-1995 

Codex Stan 1-1985 (rev 1-1991) 
(o) 

222 

"pl:i.nt protect.ion product" means any rub=ce intended for preventing, destroying, :rttraccing, 

repelling, or controlling any pen including unw:rntod species of plants 01· anim:i.ls durini:; rhe 

producrion, stor"{;e, tnmport, diru-ibution and processing of food, agricultural commodities, or animal 

feeds. 

(p) "preparation" means the operations of slaugh(ering, processing, preserving and pack~ing of 

agricultun.1 produc:rs.[, and :i.lso alterations mode to rhe labelling concerning tlte presentation of die 

organic production mei:hod.J 

(q) "production" means the operations undertaken to rupply agric1.1li;ur:i.l products in the state in which 

they occ:ur on the farm, including initial packaging and labelling of cite pmducr. 

{r) "veu:1inary dmg" me;iru any subSt:lilce applied or :u:Lninistercd to my food-producing· animal, such 

as meat or milk-producing mim:W, poultry, fish or bees, whether used for 1herapeuric, prophylacric 

or diagr1onic purposes or for modificacion of physiological funcciorn or behaviour". 

SECTION 3. lABELllNG AND CLAIMS 

J.1 Organic producu should be labelled in accordmce wirh the Codex General Standard for the Libelling 

of Pn:packaged Food.I". 

3.2 The labelling :ind cla.ims of a producr specified in Section l.l{a) may refer to organic producrion 

methods only where: 

(a) ruch indicar..ioru show clearly rhaL rhey relate ro a method of agricultural producrion; 

(b) rhe product was produced in accordance with the n:quir~menu of Secrion 4 or imported under rhe 

requiremenu laid down i11 Secrion 7; 

(c) the product was produced or imporred by an oper:itor who is subjecr to the irnpecrion mearores laid 

down in Ser.r.ion 6, and 

(d) the Jab el ling refers to the n:unc and/or code number of the offici:i.lly approved recognised impeaion 

or certification body to which the operator is mbjeel . 

. l.3 The labelling :ind claims of a producr spttified in parngraph l.1(b) may refer to organic production 

.!:1.~~-~-.°.'?!.Y_ w?_e_re:_ 

(..) such indications show clearly that tliq relare ro a method of agriculrur:al producrion aI!d an: linked 

with the name of the agricultural produa. in question, as obt:llircd on the farm; 

{b) all the ingredients of agricultural origin of tlte produc:t are, or ar~ derived from, products obraincd in 

~crord~.ncc with the requir~mcn\:S of Sccrion 4, or imf)On~d und"r i:he :rrr:mgemcnr.s .laid dowr1 in 

Section 7; 

(c) the produ(."t should not 'on~n any ingredient of non-:ig;ricultur:tl origin not listed in Annex 2, Table 

;A; 

' Codex A]imentarius Commission Pro~edural Manual. Definitions 

., Codex Stan 1·1935 (Rev J-1995) 

·1 
223 

(e) the product or its ingredient.I have not beeri.,robj~ed dll~ preparation to treatment.I involving Lhe 

we of ionizing radiation or wbnances not listed in A=ex: 2, T:ible 4B; 

(Q the product was prepored or imported by an operator subjca: to the regular i11.<peccion ")'stem"" ser 

out in Section 6 of these guidelines; and 

the labelling refers to the name and/or the code number of the official or officially recognised 

inspcccion/cenificacion body w which the operator who h:as c:rrried out the most rer.ent preparation 

opcra.riou is robjecc. 

3.4 By way of derogation from paragraph 3.}(b), cen:Un ingredi=is ofagricultur.i.l origin not s:llisfying 

the requirement in that paragraph may be used, ·within tlie limit of a maxUnum level of 5o/o m/m of the 

ingredients of agricuh:ural origin in the final producr, in the prepar:u;ion of products :as referred to in 

paragraph 1.l(b); 

where ~uch lligredic= of agricultural origin are not aV'3.11able, or in sufficit-.nt quanrity, in 

accordance with the rcquiremenr.s of Section 4 of these guidelines; 

3.5 The labelling and claims of a produa; as referred to in paragraph 1.l(b) 1Uh.ich h:.s been. prepared partly 

from ingredients not satisfying cb.e producrion requirements of pan.graph 3.J(b) may refer to Olt,anic 

production mei:hods provided that: 

(a) at le= 70% of the ingredients of agricu\rural origi11 sarisfy the producrion requiremenr.s of paragr.iph 

3.3(b), 

where such ingredient..,; are less t!un 70% of the coca! iogredients of agricultural origin, 

reference to the organic production method may appear only in the !in of ingrcdienrs; 

(b) the product satisfies the requirements of par:igro.phs 3.3(c), (tl) (e), (~ and (g); 

(c) the indications refeffi.cig co organic production met.hods appe:it in the Jin of ingredients "'!d nnly in 

relation to those iogredients obtained in aa:orrlani:e wir.b the org:mir. produnion mec.hod 

(d) 

IQ 

- the statement shal! be in the following fonn: "x0k of the :igriculcur.tl ingredients were 

produced in accordance with the rul<=> of organic product.ion; 

the ingredients, appe:ir in descending order (mass/mass) in the list of ingredients; 

-irtdic:i.tioru in the fut of ingredieots appear-in-the =ne-colourand--with.an.identical.~le _an,! size _of 

le~ering :.s other indic:iLiow; in the list of ingrediCIJl'.5, a.wi · 

the labelling refers to the name :md/01" the code number of the official or officially approved 

inspca:ion/cenifi.::i.tion body to whlch the operator who h;as u.rried out the most recent pl"eparat.ion 

is subjecr:. 

Labelling of prndu"'!: in Traruition/Conv1..nion t.o Organic 

).6 Products of farms in transition to organic prodU(..'tion methods may only be labelled ai "tnnsition to 

organicw after 12 moni:hs of production using 01~c meU1ods providing that: 

(a) i:he requirements referred to in paragraphs 3.2 and 3 .. 3 are fully s~t.isfied; 
~) 

224 

the indications referring to tr:msicion/conversion do not mislead the p1Jrcha.;er of the produce 

•egard.ing its difference from produca obuined from f.mru :i.nd/or f= un.il'..'i which have fully 

completed. the conversion period; 

(c) such inWcations- rak the form of words, such as "product under conversion to organic fa.rming", or 

similar words or phrase, md must appc:1.r in a colour, size and sqle of lca:cring which is not more 

prominent i:hm tlie sales description of the product"; 

(d) foods composed of a single ingredient may be Jabdled as "transition to organic" on the principal 

display panel; 

(e) produa prepared of more than one ingredient of agri=ltur:tl origin may only refer to tran:sirion to 

organic in the !in of ingredienIS providing it s:irisfies the requirements of paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3; 

(Q the labelling refers to die name and/or the code number of tlie official or officially approved 

inspea:ion/cen:ific:icion body to which the operator who has carried out the most recent prep:uacion 

is subjeci;. 

Labelling of non-retail containerli 

3.7 Informacion on non·reta.il containers of a produci; specified in paragraph 1.1 should be given either 

on the container or in accompanying documents, e:iti;ept that the name of the product, lot identilieat:ion, and 

the n:tn:"le and address of the manuf=rer or packer [:i.nd the name and/ or th<: code number of the official 

or officially r~ognised inspection/certification body] should appear on the container. 

Lot identificacion, and the name and address of the manufacturer or packer may be replaced by an 

identific:ition m;u-k provided that roch a mark i.s clearly idenciliable with the accompanying. 

documents. 

SECTION 4. RUIES OF PRODUCTION AND PREPARATION 

4.1 Organic production metliods require that for the production of productS referred to in paragr:iph 

1.l(a): 

(a) at lean tlie produc:cion requirements of A!Ulex I should be sacisiied; 

(b) in the c:i.se where (a) (above) is no~ effective, :rubsm:aces lisred in Annex 2, Tables 1, 2 and 3 may be 

U!led as- plant: protection product<, fercili:r.ers, soil conditioners, a.o.imal.feednuffs, o~.animal .. protection 

product< in:.ofar :<S the corresponding use is not prohibited in general agriculture in the country 

concerned in accordance wiih tlie relev:mt national provisions 

4.2 Organic processing merhods require that for tlie preparacion of product< referred to in pa.ragn.ph 

1.1(b): 

(a) at I= thi:: proce55ing requi!"l!mcnu of Ann= 1 Yiould be s~tisfied; 

{b) substances listi::d in -Annex 2, Tables 4A and 4B [or rob.nanc.es approved by individu:t!. countries that 

meet the criteri~ esu.blished in Secrion ~.1] may be wed ;1.S ingredients of non-a!;ricultur:tl ori~n or 

processing aids insofar ilS the corresponding we is not prohibi4'd in the relevan1 nation:tl requirements 

concerning the preparation of food product< md "'ccording 10 good manufaciuring pracrice. 

4.3 Organic produc::i;s shollld be si:ored and transported according to tlie requirements of Annex 1. 

-1 , 

··-. 
225 

SECTION 5. REQffiREMENTS FOR. INCLUSION OF SUBSTANCES IN ANNEX 2 AND 

CRITE.R1A FOR 1HE DEVELOPMENT OF I.lSTS OF SlJBSTANCES BY COUNTRIES' 

5.1 A[ least the following criteria should be used for the purposes of amending the perroined rubsrance 

list> ,-eferred to in Section 4. The;e Ii= include productS whose use is =ablish.M in ortanic agriculuire ..s 

well as new products that have to meet this criteria. Each input is necessary/essential :md should be 

considered in the context in which the product wiU be wed. Their use satisfies the principles of organic 

production a.'i outlined in these guidelilll's. Available alten1;uiv~, including input> which :ire already in use 

in organic producllon,_ should be evaluated: 

(a) if they :i.re med for fe1tiliz.o.tion, soil conditioning purposesthey an: esser1tial for obtaiaing or m:Unt:Uning the fen.i!ity of the soil or to fulfil opecific nutrition· 

requirements of crops, or specific soil-conditloning and rotation purposes which =ol be satisfied 

by the pr:t.oices inrluded in Ana ex 1 or other products included in Table 2 of Annex 2; and, 

the ingredients will be of plant, animal, microbial, or mineral origin and may undergo the following 

proce:.ses: 

- physic:tl (eg. mechanical, thenn:il) 

- e=ymauc 

- microbial; and 

their use doo:s not tl'.Slllt in, or contribute to, un:icceptable effect< on, or contamination of, the 

environment, including soil OI!:anisms; md 

their use h..s no unacceptable effect on the quality and safccy of the final produ<:t. 

(b) if these substances are used for the purpose of p\ani dis=e or p.,,.-c and weed controlthey should be esseni:i-.1 for the control of a harmful organism or a partii:ul;ir disease for which other 

biological, physical. or plant breeding altern;!cives :and/oi· effective monagement pracrices are not 

available, and 

mbstances should be plmr, animal, microbial, or mineral origi11 and may undergo the followi11g 

process~: 

-physic<ll (eg. mechanical, thermal) 

--eazymatic 

-rnii;;robial (eg. compo!Ling, dig~on); 

thl".ir ll"lE cl.0es not result._in, or contrih,;.ce 10;-unaccepUble effecrs· ;;n;-ur contlllilinaci0n·· of,. the 

environment. 

however, if rhey ilI"C narore ideniiol product.s :ruch "-'l pheromones, which are chemically .-ynthesizcd 

i;hey will be coruidered for addition to lisL> if the produces are not avail:iblc in sufficient quancities 

in their nai;ur.il form, provided. thal the conditions for their t•.se do nor directly or indirectly result 

in tbe presence of residues of the product in the edible pms. 

(c) if they are used for the purpooc o! animal health - (criteria to be developed). 

--·-~-------

These criteria are re<:ommended to govemments on a trial basis for a period of two 

yea.rs in order to achieve experience in line with organic production principles at the 

nlltional \eve!. 
(d) 

226 

if they are med as addicives or processing aids- in the preparation or preservation of the foodthey are indispensable for ensuring the safety of the food, or 

they are essential to prepare or preserve nich foods, and 

rudi rubnanO'S :are as found in nature and m:iy have underi;one mechanical/physical pro=e9 (cg 

&rraaion, precipitation), biological/em.ymacic processec<; (eg fermeni:acion) and microbi..:I processes; 

however, if they are nature identical products which are chemiolly synthe:siud :ind it is not possible 

to prepare or preserve $UCh food product5 without having recourse to surh ingrediel)ts they will be 

considered for addition to the lists if the ingredienu ;ne not available in sufficient qnantii:ies in their 

natural form. 

5.2 Cou11tries should develop a list of substances wh.id:i satisfy the requiremcnu; of these ~delL:ies. 

Subnanres included in the list developed by a country but not yet included ln Annex 1 of these guidelines 

may be a pan of the equiv:alen~ judgement and dec:Uion re.furred to in sect.ion 7.4 of th"-'e guidelineo;, In 

doing so, counrries m:iy reduce the lin of submmces indicated in the lists included in Annex 2. Countries 

may include in thei,- own liru subttances oilier tlian <hose lined in Arn:1ex 2 only if: 

tlie criteria in 5.1 are used as a basis for these :idditions; 

5.) When a country propose.. inclusion of a Subnance in Annex 2 it shonld submit rhe following 

information: 

(a) o detailed d.,.criprion of the product and die r.onditions of iu envisaged use; 

(b) any infonnarion to demorrn:rate that the requirem.-.nts under Section 5.1 are satisfied. 

Th~.~.'.!.lli!!Ure of the !ins 

5.4 Because of che primary purpose of providing a core !in of subruwu.s, the lists in Ann= 1 :ire open 

and subject to the inclusion of additional rubnances or the removal of ex.in.i..ng ones on an ongojni; basis. The 

procedure for requesting amendments to the lins is set out uruler Section 3 of tliese Guiddines. 

SECTION 6. INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION SYS'fEMs• 

6.1 Inspection aad cenification synems are used to verify the labelling of, and claims for, 

orgao.ically·produca:i foods. De-velopment of these synems should take ioto acconnt the Principles for Food 

--lmpon .md-Expon __ Inspection --md- Certific:i.cion =d the (draft)- -Guideline for tl1e -Dcsiga,··0perarion; 

Assessment <111d Ao:red.itarion of Food lmporc md F,.,;port lmpei;:cion and Cenifio.tion Synems .. 10 

6.2 Compeu:nt autlioricies should enabiish an inspect.ion systt:m operated by one or more designated 

:iurhori1ies and/or offici:i.lly recognized inspecc.ionlccnificacioa" bodies to whicli the operators producin!), 

' 

" 

" 

The synems conducted by cenificatio.o bocljes may ID sowe countries be equivalent to those 

synems condncted by irupea:ion bodies. Therefore, tlie <erm "inspettion and cenification" has 

been used wherevc,. these systems may be synonymoll5. 

CAC/GL 7.0--1995, AUNORM 97/30A, Appendix Il, re:spe<:r.ively 

In organ.ir. approv:tl processes reference ;. frequently made lO cenificatioa performed by either 

a 'cenificacion body' or an 'inspection body'. Where th•se funo:ions are conducted by the 

same body there must be clear separation of the inspection and cercification rol~s. 
227 

preparirig or importing p~odua< as referred to in p-ar.!f12.ph 1.1 should be rubjecr. 

6.3 The offici:il.1 y recognized irupeaion :!.lld cercific::ici.on sy:>teai.s should comprise at le:asi; <lie appliC<J.tion 

of die rn'3Illfel' =d orher precautions set out in Annex 3. 

6.4 For the applir.a.rion of the irupecriou sysi:em oper2tcd by tlie official or officially recognized 

irnpection/c.errific.'lrion body, countries should identify a competent aurhoricy respon.iible for the approval 

and ~pervision of such bodies; 

The ideniif1ed competent authority may de!ei;ate the assessment of private inspeaion :ind cenifi<:ation 

bodies to a private or public tliird pany. If delegated, the private or public th.ird pany should not 

be engaged in inspection :uid/or certification; 

for this purpose m importing country may recngnisc a third parry accrediting body when (he 

exporting country Jadis EIIl idencifir.d competent auclioricy ;ind a 03.tional program. 

6.5 In order to attain approvol. as an offic.iol.ly recognized inspection or certification body, the competcrit 

:i.uthoriry, or iu desiyiare should take inro accowit the following: 

(a) the st:mdatd in.spea.ion!Cl'rtification proc:edures to be fol\o'l"ed, including detailed ~cripcion of the 

impea.ion measures and precaucions which the body underulres to impose on operators subjea to 

inspection; 

(b) the penalcies which the body intends to apply where irregul:ITTties and/or infringements are found; 

(c) the availability of appropriate r,,,;ources in the form of qualified n:iff, ac!mini~rative and technical 

f..cilii:ies, impect.ion experience and reliability; 

(d) the obiecriviry Of the body vis-a-vis the operators subject to inspection. 

6.6 Aft:er :m inspection or cerrifir.ation body hM been approved, the competent authority or its designate 

sh.ould: 

(a) ensure that the irupecrions carried out on behalf of the inspection or certification bOi:l.y are objeci:ive; 

(b) verify the effectiveneos of inspections; 

(c) take cogni:i:mc_e __ of :>,Dy il'Te~~~~-~_d/or- infricgemenu found and pen.Itics :i.pplied; 

(d) withdraw- approv;tl of the irupection or c.r.rtifia.cion body wbcre it fails to saU,fy the requirements 

referred to in (a) :md (b) or, no lon11er fulfils the criteri:i. indicated in paragraph 6.5 or, fails to sacisfy 

the rcq•i.irero.ents l:Ud down in paragl'a.pb.s 6.7 to 6.9. 

6.7 Official and/or offici.Ily recoguiz.ed impec-;:ion a.rid cenific"r.ion bodies referx-ed •o in in•a.gr"-ph 6.1 

should: 

ensure that 2t leasi: the inspru:clon mea.ures ;md precaution~ specified in Annexe 3 arc •pplied lo 

undertaking:i subje~ i:o inspeccion; and 

{b) noi: disclose confidential inform~i:ion and d:>ta obtained in their inspection or ccni!ication activities 

to per.ions other i:han 1he person rcspon.iible for 1he undertaking conCl'rned and th~ competeni: 

aui:horiti~s. 
228 

6.S Official or officially recognized impectlon anlL'or o:rrification bodies- should; 

(a) ~VE the coa1petenr :authority or its designate, for audit purposes, ar.cess to their offices and f'1cilities 

and, for i-mdom audit of its oper:irors, access to the facilities of the oper:aron, togei:her with any 

information and :ID"istance deemed ne=:iry by the compei;ent aut.horiry or ir:;: d"'ignate for the 

fulfilment of iu obligatiom pt•rruant to these guide.lines; 

(b) send to the competeut :authority o,- ics designate e:icll ye:!.I' a list of operators subject to inspect.ion for 

the previous year and present to the said autho1lcy a concise annual repon. 

6.9 The desi~ated aurhoriry and the official or officially recognized irupeci:ion/ccrrification bodies 

referred to in par.i.g:raph 6.2 should: 

(a) ensure th.it, where an irregul:u:icy is found in the imple.mentarlon of Sect.ions .3 and 4, or of the 

measure:; referred to in Annex J, Lk ind.ic.atioru provickd for in p:rragnph 1.2 referring 10 the organic 

production Illethod are =oved from the en1ire Joe or production run affeci:ed by the jrrcgularii:y 

concerned; 

(b) where a manifesi; infringemen1, or an infringement with prolonged effeccs is found, prohibit 1he 

operator concerned from marketing products with. indicacions referring co the organic produc1ion 

method for a period to be acgreed wi1h the compet=t authority or iu designate. 

6.10 •fbe requirementi: of the Guidelines for rhe Ex<:lunge of Information between Countries on Rejecr.ions 

of lmporced Food " should 3.pp]y where che competent 3.uthol'ity finds irregularities and/ or infringcmenll 

in the: application of these guidelines. 

SECTION 7. IMPORTS 

7.1 Pi'oducts 3.S specified in paragraph l.l whicli are imported may be marketed only where che competent 

auchoricy or des.i171ated body in the exporting country has ismed a certificate of inspeciion Slating that 1he 

lot designated ia the certificate was obtained within a systein of producrion, preparation and impea.ion 

applying n least the rule.. provided for in all s=:io= and 'llln"Xes of these guidelines and saiisfy the dec-1sion 

on equivalcncy refened to under 7.4. 

7.2 The cercifir.ate refeIT<'d to in paragnph 7.1 above should acrompany the goods, in the original copy, 

to the premises of the first consignee; therealrer the importer should keep the t•:msactional certificate for not 

l= .~ t.~o .. }'.~;!-11\ .fqr .. inspectioru!audit purposes. · ·-- · __ .. _ · -· ·' · . 

7.3 TI1e authent.icicy of the product should be m~.int:!.iued after impon through to the consume!'. If 

imports of Oft mi<: produ= are no! in coniormicy with the requirements of these guidelines due to t~atment 

required. by nacion:il regu!aUoru for quarantine purpose.. that is not in conformity with these guidelines they 

loose their organi<: natus. 

7.4 An imporcing country may: 

(a) require detailed information, including repons escablished by exp~ns mutually agre.;d between 

competent authorities of the exponing and impo1U:ng countries, on the measu1·es applied in the 

expoiting country to enable it to make judgements and decisio11s on equivalcncy with ics own rules 

provided tha1 these rules of the importing country are in conformi1y with these guidelines, and/or 

·--·- --·-- " Alinorm 97/3(), Appendix i 
I 

I (b) 

229 

arrange for site visits to examine the rule.1 of production -.nd. prep:rracion, and the 

inspeaion/cr.nific::acion measures including producrion and prq:i:lr.l.cion iL'ielf as applied in the 

e:i<porting country. 

(c) require, in order 0to avoid any confusion to tlie r::onswner, th.at the product is labelled in accordance 

with the labelling requirements applied, in aa:ordari.ce with the provisions of seo:io1i 3, in the 

importiog country for the producu concerned. 

SECTION 8. ONGOING REVIEW OF TIIE GUIDEUNES 

8.1 In line with the p~l"pose of the guidelines to provide advice to goverlutll'nts, member govemmenu 

and i11temation.J. o•ganiutions are invited to make propos:ik to CCFL on ;an ongoing basis. Once a fin;il 

documP.llt is agreed, the CCfl. shill conduct a review each 4 years of ~e guidelines and review each two 

ye::irs (or as i:-equired) the \isrs included in Anne;i:: 2 io order w t'1ke into xcount t:he late.a deve]opmenu in 

this are:i. 

8.2 Proposals should be direci:ed in the first inrui.nc~ to the Chief, Joint FAO/WHO Food Stand:trds 

Programme, FAD, 00100, Rome ITALY. 
230 

ANNEX l 

PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION 

A. Plants and plant product. 

1. The principles set out iu tlt.is Annex should have been applied on the parcels, f:i.rm or farm unii:.; 

during a conversion perio:I of at l= cwo yea.rs before sowiDg, DI" inc.he= of perennial crops oclier than 

g=land, at l= dire!' {J) years before the fim harvest of products as referred to in paragr;iph l.l(a) of there 

guiddinr.l". The official or officially recognize:! insp~on/ce.rti.ficati.on body m:i.y decide in cenain cases (such 

as idle use for two yean; or more) to exi:end or reduce 1hat period in the light of previous p:>rcel use but th.e 

period mmt equ:d or exceed 12 montfu, unless in individual c:ues the inspection body has adequate 

jun.ific.arion to reduce further this period. 

2. Whaiever the lengch of the conversion period it may only begin once a production unit has been 

placi:d under an inspeccion system as requi1'Cd by 6.1. and onc:e the unit ha<: s!arted the implementation of the 

prodL.icrion rules referred to in Section 4 of these Guiddin.:s. 

3. In c:t'.ies wkre a whole farm is not convened at one cime, ii: may be done progr~sively whereby these 

gWddines ,.,-, applied from the nan of conversion on the relevant fields. Conversion fron1 conventional to 

organic producrion should be dfected using permitted teduiiques as defined in these guidelines. 

4. ArnM in conver.;ion as wdl as areao: converted to organic produaion must not be alternated (switched 

back and fortli) between organic and conventional product.ion methods. 

5. ·In ca;es where a whole farm is not convened at the one time, the holding must be split ini:o units as 

referred to in Annex 3, pan: A, paJ"agraphs 3 and 11. 

6. The ferriliry and biologic:U activity of 1he soil should he 1n:llntained or increased, where appropriate, 

by: 

(a) cultivation of legumes, green m:inures or deep-roocint; plann in ;rn appropriate mlllti-annual roi:ation 

progranuu"; 

~) incorpotation in the soil of organic material, composted or not, from holdings producing in 

.:u:cordance with these ~iddincs. By-produas from livesrocl< fanning, Sllch as farmyard manure, may 

be .used_if_they come from livescock holding> producing in:·acmi:dance with these gilii.:leliii.is; 

Substmces, :as specified in Ann"'I 1, Table 1 may be applied only to the =eni thai: adequace 

nutricion of the crop or soil condicioning are nor possible by the methods SC'! out in 6(a) and 

(b) above. 

(c) for compost acr.ivat.ion, appropriate ollcro-organ.isms or pl:anc-based preparations may be used; 

(d) biodynam.ic preparations from stone n1e<ll, fa.rmyw::l m:mure or plants may also be used for the 

purpose covered by p_aragrapb 6. 

7. Pests, diseases and weeds should be controlled by my one, or a combinai:ion, of the following 

measures: 

choice of appropria<c species and variecies, 

1 
,_,31 

mech-m.ic.al culrivatian; 

pror.ectio.n of narnral enemies of pestS through provision of favourable habicat, such"" hedges :uid 

ne=ng si=; 

diversified eco")'.S"CCrru •. T?ese will_ ".o.rt berwec_n geographical locations. For example, ecological 

buffer zones which /Tl3lntain the orlg.tn:i.I vcget:at1on to house pest pred.:i.tors, counteract erosion, ere; 

fl:une w~ding: 

release of predators and par'1.S.itcs; 

biodynamic preparations from stone meal, farmyard m=ure or plants; 

mulching and mowing; 

grazing of live-tock; 

mechanical conuo!s such as r_raps, barriers, lighi; and sound; 

si:e:un nerilization when proper rotat\on of soil renewal c:innot take place. 

3. Only in cases of imminent or serious tlireat 10 the crop and where the measures identified i11 6. 

(above) are, or would not: be effective, recourse may be had i:o products referred to in Annex 2. 

9. Seeds and vegetative reproduaive rnarerial should be from plants grown in accordance with the 

provisions of Section 4.1 of the.e guidelines for at lean one generation or, in i:he c::isc of perennial crops, two 

growing se::isoru. Where an oper.u:or C1Il demonstrate i:o the official or officially recognized 

irupection/ceri:lfic..:i.tion body i;hat material sau"sfying the above requirements is not available, the 

inspeaionlcenilic..:i.cion body may support: 

(a) in the first insi:ancc, me of untreated seeds or vegetative reproductive material, or 

~) {f (a) is not available, u.se of :.eeds and vegeutive reproduaivc material treated with rubsi:ances other than those 

included in Aonex 2. 

10. The collecrion of edible plants :i.nd purs thereof, growing o.aturally in nai;ural are::is, forests and 

a!;f'icu\tllfal.Ue~~- iS-COnSii!eri:C! :i.n o~:ut.ic-prodnaion method provided-that:-- --

the products are from a clearly defined collcaion area th.at is subject to the inspection/cenifiation 

measures Set our in S.aion 6 of these guidelin~; 

those :i.:rc::is h~ve rco::ived no trearments with produas other than those referred ~o in Annex /. for a 

period of three years before the coUoction; 

the colleaion -does not disturb the stabiliry of the naror:U habitat or the maintenance of the species 

in the colleccion area. 

n. Animzl Production in :m Org-;inic Syi;tem 

At Step 6- sec CX/FL 97/4. 

Pror.essing (To be Developed) 
232 

D. Packaging, Stor.ige :ind Tr'ID.sport 

I. Where only pan: of the unit is certified, other produce not covered by these guidelines should be 

stored md handled separately and both types of produ.:u should be elearly identified. 

2. Bulk stores for o.-gan.ic product should be separ.i.te from ·convention:U produce >tores and dearly 

labelled ro that effecc. 

3. Storage areas ..ml transpon conullnen for organic producr should be cleaned usinb methods and 

materials permitted in organic production. Meamre!i should be t:>ken ro prevent possible contamination from 

MY pesticide or ocher tre:mnenc nor listed in Annex 2 before using a storage area or con1.Uner rhat is JIOt 

dedicated solely ro orgmic produm. 

4. Permiued specific srorage condicions may i11clude substances !med in Anne:< 2, 

Table 4. 

5. Pests should be avo;ded by good manufacrui-ing pr.iccice. P= control mea.sLires within storage areas 

or rr:i.rupon container.; may include physical barrjer.; or oilier treaonents lisied in Annex 2, Table 4. 

6. Use of pen.icicles not listed in Annex 2 for post harvest or quarantioe purposes should not be 

permitted on products prepared in accordance with these guidelines and would cause organic:Jly produced 

food< to lose their organic sratus. lr1<1diation is not. perm..itted as a pesi control measure under the org;:w..ic 

.,,_. 

7. All materials used for packaging must conform to food gr:ide padc:aging materials as established by nacional 

rel)Ulat..ions and should minimise the migration of subst:l.IIC~ not p~rmitte:l under these guidelines. 

8. Any contam.inaUon of packaging material from suhnances that could comprire the orvnic product 

should he exduded. 
233 

ANNEX2 

PERMITTED SUTISl'ANCES FOR THE PRODlJCTIC)N OF ORGANIC FOODS 

Precautions 

J. Any sub5'ances used in an ~rg;i.nic synem for 5oil fen:Hisacion and condii:ioning. pest and disei15e 

control, for the health of livestock and quality of the anim:il pmducr.s, or fa.- preparation, preservation uid 

storage of the food prodllct should comply with the relevant n:u;ional regulat:ions. 

2. Conditions for use of certain subsunces cont..ined in the following Ji,ts may be specified by the 

inspeccion/cen:ification body, eg vol1.1me, frequency of applicacion, specific purpose, ecc. 

3. Where substances are required for primary produc.:ion they should be used wich care :md with the 

knowledge that even perrniar.d substruices may be subjea to misuse and may alter the ecosystem of the soil 

or f:trrn. 

4. The following !irts do not atlempt to be all inclusive or exclusive, or a finii:e tCWI!atory tool but rather 

provide advice to governmenu on internationally agreed inputs. A system of revi""1' criteria as detailed in 

Section 5 of these Guidelines for producu to be co115idered by nacional governments should be the primary 

detcrminmt for acceptability or rejection of ~bsunccs. 

5. The lists of ingredienu :md processing aids of non-agricultural origin included in Tables 5 and 6 toke 

into account the expectations of consumers 1hat processed producu from organic production systems should 

be composed essentially of ingredients as tl1ey occur in n"'ture. 
234 

TABLE I: SUDSTANCES FOR USE IN SOIL FERTIIlZlNG AND CONDITIONING 

Subslilnt:e Deacriptio11; compositioaaJ 

requiremeuli; conditions of Ilse 

farmyard and poultry manure 

Slurry or urine 

Composted animal excn:rnenr., including poultry 

manure and romponcd farmyard manure 

Dried f11m1yard mmure and dehydrafted poul1ry manure 

Guano 

S!raw 

Composr. ftom spent mushroom & 

venuiculture subsirares 

Composis from organic household refU!.1' 

Composis from plan! residues 

Processed animal products from slaughterhouses 

&. fish industries 

Dy-product.<; of food 

& reii;cile industries 

Seaweeds and seaweed product< 

Sawdust, bark and wood waste 

Wood ash 

Natural phosphate rock 

Basic slag 

R0<:k potash, Mined potassium salt.< (eg kainit, sylvinice) 

Sulphate of po!a.sh (<:g pato:ntali) 

Calcium carbon<11e ofnau•r:il origin (cg chalk, marl, maerl, 

·limestone, phosphate chalk) 

Magnesium rock 

· caiear.:;ous magnesiiiffi -;:;;.;k 

Epsom salt (magncsium-sulpha.t~J 

Gypsum (r.a!cium sulphate) 

Stillage and <tillage ~xtraci 

Sodium chloride 

Aluminium calcium phosph~te 

(pH >7.5) 

Trac:e clemenls ( eg. boron, copper, iron, 

manganese, molybdenum, zinc) 

Sulphur 

Stone meal 

Clay (eg. bc111oni1e, pcrlitc. :reolite) 

Nruurally occurring biological org;ini«ns (e~ womis) 

Vemuculite 

need rerognised by in~lion body ifnot solirced from 

OrgBllic production symems. 'FO\C'lory' farming sources not P"l"lllittoj_ 

If not finm orgonic sources, need recognised by inspection 

body. Use preferably after con1rolled fenne111ation and/or 

appropriate dilution. 'Factory' farming sour= not 

permitted. 

need recognised by the inspection autliarity. 'Factory' faiming 

sources nor permitted. 

need r-=igr1ised by inspection body. 'Factory' filmling 

sourc"5 nor pennittedneed recognised by inspcelion body 

need recognis"ll by inspection body 

neood rerognised by inspection body 

The initial C-Omposition of the substrate must be limited lo the 

products on this llsi:. 

need recognised by inspccllon body 

need recognised by inspec:tion body 

need reeognised by inspctlion body and no! treated with 

synlhctic addi1ives. 

need recognised by inspocrion body 

need recognised by inspection body 

need recognised by inspection body CadmiLtm should not 

exceed 90mg/kg P,05. 

need rccognis.e<l by inspeclion body 

less than 60% chlorine 

need rccognised by inspe~ion body 

ammonium stillagc excluded 

only mined salt 

1naxln1um 90 •ng/kg P20~. Use limited 10 basic soils 

"""d recognised by inspe<:1ion body 

nCC<l recognised by inspection body 

providing not genetic..lly modified 

Peat excluding synrh~tic additives·, permiued for seed. poning module 

composts. Ocher use as recognised by i1ispccrion body. 

Humus from ~arth"'Otms and insects 

Zcoliies 
l Wood charcoal 

':hloridc of limdsoda 

tiuman excn:ments 

By-products of the sugar indusny (eg Vina:;se) 

By-products of industries processing ingredients from 

organic agriculture 

235 

need n:oigntsed by inspeaion body (calcium chloride only for 

foli31 treatment against biner pit on applos) 

need reoognised by inspo:ction body, if poMible aerated or 

compoot~d 

need recngnised by inspection body 

need recognised by inspection body 
236 

TABLE 2: SUBSTANCES FOR PLANT PEST AND DISEASE CONIROL 

Subst~nce 

Prepllr.ltions on basis of pyrethrins exi:r.icied fmm Chrysanthemum 

cinerariaefolium, conrnining possibly a synergist 

Pn:paraticns li"om De1ris ellipti"'I 

Preparations from Quassia aman 

Pn:pa1ations from Ry1111ia speciosa 

Preparaiions un basis of met•ldellyde conranHng a 

repellent to llighcr 3Jlima! species and "" far 

as applied in traps 

lnarganic compounds (Bordc:;iux mi:tture, 

copper hydroxide copper oxychloride) 

Burgundy mixrure 

Copper salts 

Sulphur 

Pheromone preparations 

Bacillus thuringiensis preparations 

Grnnulose virus prepara.1ions 

Propolis 

Mineral powders (stone meal, s!licates, Be!onit) 

Diatomaceous eMth 

Silicat~, clay (e.g. Bentoniie) 

Sodium silicaie 

Sodium bi=honat<.0 

PotasJium pennanganate 

Carbon dioxide and niirogen gas 

Pol.Msium soap (soft soap) 

Plant and llllima! oils 

Paraffin oil 

Seaweed, seawe.:tl meal, seaweed e>;tracts, 

sea salts and salty water 

Gelilline 

Lecithin 

Co.sein 

Ethyl alcohol 

Natura! acid< (cg vinegal') 

Ncan oil and exU'll<:IS 

HoniOei:ipalliiC' pri:piirntions 

Fermented product !Tom Aspergilla. 

&!Ta.Cl finm mushroam (shiitakt fungus) 

Er.Ir.let from Ch!ore!la 

Naturnl plant extrat;Ls, excluding tobacco 

Tobacco tea (exccpc pure nirotinc) 

Herbal and biodyn=iic prep:1r<11ions 

Rele;1.1e of predaiors of insect P"'ls 

Sterilised insect males (ifnot geneti<:ally modified) 

Description; compositionilll 

requirements; conditions for use 

need recognised by inspection body 

need recognised by inspection bady 

need recognised by inspection body 

need recognised by inspec:1ian body 

need reoognised by inspee1ion bady 

need recognised by inspection bady 

need moognised by inspection body 

need "'cognised by inspectian body 

need rerognise<J by inspec!ion body 

in trap!, nat sprayed on crops 

need recognised by inspection body 

need recagnised by inspection body 

need recognised by inspection bady 

need recagnised by inspection body 

need recognised by inspection body 

need recognised by inspec1ion body 

need recognised by inspection body 

not ch"Jllically treated 

n~-td recogo1sed by inspection body 

need recognised by inspection body 

need n:cogniscd by inspectlon body 

__ . nee<\ .rei;ogniscd bY- inspection -body 

need recognised by inspectlon body 

ooxl recognised by inspettion body 

ncal recognised by inspection body 

need l'ecognised by jnsp~ction body 

TABLE 3: SUBSTANCES FOR ANIMAL .l'EST AND DISEASE CONTROL 

(To be Dovelop~d) 

1 
r 237 

TABLE 4: SUBSTANCES ANI> METHODS PERMrfl'ED FOR PEST CONTROL IN 

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT UNITS. 

Substance/physieal method 

Physir.a! barriers 

Sound 

Ul1ra--sound 

Light 

Ultni-violet light 

Traps (pheromone traps and static bait traps) 

Controlled temperature 

Controlled aunosphere (carbon dioxide, o;cygen, nitrogen) 

Diatomaceous earth 

Condilions of use 

Not in sealed containers 
, 238 

TABLE 5: INGREDIENTS OF NON AGRICULTURAL ORIGIN REFERRED 

TO IN sEcnON 3 OF THESE GUIDELINES 

Al. Food adl!iti .. e.. including c:irrie>~ 

INS N2lme 

!70 Calcium carbonaie.< 

220 Sulphur dioi;ide 

270 Lactic ac.id 

290 Carbon rlioxide 

'" 300 

306 

322 

330 

33 J 

"' 33] 

335 

336 

341; 

400 

401 

402 

W6 

'"' 410 

412 

413 

414 

"' 

"' 4'0 

300 

501 

503 

'"' '°' 

'°' 

"' 516 

524 

''" 941 

'" 

MEilie acid 

Ascorbic acid 

Tocoμherols, mixed natural concen!T':!!f.s 

Lecithin 

Citric acid 

Sodium cilr.!.les 

Potas.sium ci!Tlltes 

Calcium citrati!S 

Sodium ram-,,tc 

Potassium t;inra1e 

Mono calcium phosphate 

Alginic acid 

Sodium alginllle 

Po~sium algina.t~ 

AgM 

C!D"ilgecnan 

Lo<:LlSl bean gum 

Guar gwn 

Tragacaillh gum 

Arabic gum 

Xan!han gum 

Karaya gum 

P~'i:lins (unmodified) 

Sodium carllnnatcs 

Potas..ium cart>onal"-S 

Ammcmium- carbonates 

Magneo:ium cubonates 

Powsium chloride 

Calcium chloride 

Magncsiuin chloride 

Calcium sulphate 

Sodium hydroxide 

Argon 

Nifrog•n 

Oxygen 

Spttific condition• 

wine product! 

concen!ra!ed fruit and vegetable juice and feimruitcd 

vegciable producis 

if not available in natural form 

obLained without the use of blear.hes and organic 

sol\'Cnts 

con~ntrated fhlit and vegetable juice. j•m 1111d 

fermented vegctab!~ produos 

me.at products: 

meat pmduclS 

mr.ar products 

cakes.Icon f ecti onary 

ci:rt:als/ r.ak esl con fee! i onary 

only for raising flour 

Milk, fllt. and confectioDW")' products 

f<>I products. fi-uit and vegetables. Cllkes & biscuits. 

!N!lads 

i:akci; & biscui1'/confectinnmy 

_c_e~aJs/caki:s & _ biscuil':!confcctionary 

lm.i:en fi-uit and vegetables/canned frui1 and 

11egelablcs, vegct3ble sauces/ketchup and mustan.I 

milk pn;iductslfal productS/fruit & vegr.!ables/soy 

bean pmdl!~IS 

soy b""-Jl products' 

i:o.kes &. biscui~soy bean products/bal;t?rs yeas! 

{;;u-rir:r 

e-<=>1! produru 
239 

A2. F1avouri11gs 

Substances and producis labelled as natural flavouring substances or natural flavouring preparations as defined 

in Cod~ Alimenmius IA- 1995. Section 5.7 

A3. Water :and sali!! 

Drinking water 

Salts (with sodium chloride or pot~sium chloride as basic components genera.Uy used in food processing). 

A4. Pn:parations of Microorganism5 and Eni:ym..s 

(a) Any preparations of microorganisms and enzymes nonnally used in food processing, with the exception 

of microorgmisms genetically modified or enzymes derived from genetic engineering; 

------------------------

AS. Miner.ols (including ll<ll'C elements). vitamins, essential fatty i!lld amino acids, and other nitrogen 

compounds. Only approved in so far as their use is \cga\\y required in the food products in which they are 

incorporated. 

-·--·--- ----·--------·-------------~-
240 

TABLE 6: PROCESSING AIDS WHICH MAY BE USED FOR THE PREPARATION OF 

PRODUCTS OF AGRICUL TUR.AL ORIGIN REFERRED TO IN SECTION 3 OF THESE 

GlnDELINES 

N.:ime 

Water 

Calcium chloride 

Calcium carbonate 

Calcium hydroxide 

Calcium sulphate 

Magnesium chloride (or nigari) 

Potassium carbonate 

Carbon dioxide 

Nitrogen 

Ethanol 

Tannie acid 

Egg white albumin 

Casei11 

Gelatin 

Isinglass 

Vegetable oils 

Silicon dioxide 

Activated cartion 

Talc 

Bentonite 

Kaolin 

Diatomaceous earth 

Per lite 

H=lnut she!!s 

'~ :ameuba wax 

lu!phlll'ic acid 

lodium hydroxide 

ianaric ~id and salu 

iodium carbonate 

)_iatomaceous-.earth- ------

'n:pamtions of bark components 

'ol<l.Ssium hydro:otide 

'.illic Acid 

rep11111.tio11s of microorganisms and enzymes: 

SpeciOc conditions 

coagulation agent 

coagulation agent 

coagulation agent 

drying of grape raisins 

solvent 

filC111tio11 aid 

gi-easi~g or rele;uing agent 

as gel or colloidal solution 

releasing agent 

rl'Jcasing agc11t 

pH adjustment of CJLtraction water in sugar production 

pH adjustment in sugar production 

pH adjustment for sugar processing 

pH adju:.tment 

ny TJ"'pararions of miqoorganisms and enzymes norma!ly used as procC!Osing aids in food processing. with the 

(Ception of genetlca!ly modified organisms and enzymr.s derived from genetically n1odificd organisms. 
1 241 

MINIMUM INSPECTION REQUIREMENrS AND PRECAUflONARY 

MEASURES UNDER THE INSPECTION OR CERTIFICATION SYSTEM 

ANNEX 3 

1. lnspcccion measures are necessary :<J:n>Ss the whole of the food chain to verify product labelled 

aa:ordin~ to Seo.ion 3 of these guidelines conforms to internationotlly agreed practices, The officiol or 

officially reco~sed i.rupection/cenification body and the competent autlioriry should establish policies :md 

procedures in a.ccordaru:e with t~se guidelines. 

2. A=s by the i~ec.i:ion body to all Wl'inen and/or document..ry records and to the establislunent 

und~r the inspection scheme is essential. The. operator under m inspeaion program should also give accE>S 

to the competent or desi111ated aut.horiry and provide any nec;e!;~ information for third pany audit 

purposes. 

A. Produa;ion units 

3. Production should ukf, place in a unit where the land parcels, produccion :l!Ca.< and storage facilities 

'1t"e cle'1rly separnte from those of any other unit which does not produce according to these guidelines; 

preparation and/or pacbt;ing workshof'S may form pan of the unit, where iIS acciviry is limited to 

prepar.u:ion and packaging of its own ay,ri=ltural produce. 

4. When the impcaion wnngementli are fim implemented, the operator and the official or officially 

recognised irupeccion/ce.rt.ification body should draw up and sign a document whic:h includes: 

a full description of tk unit :md/or collection area-;, showing the storage and produccion premises 

and land parcels and, where applicable, premis~ where certolln prcparacion :ind/or packaging open:i:ioru 

take place; 

a.c.d, in the c"'e of collea:ion of wild planu, the guarantees given by third parties, if appropriate, 

which the producer can provide to ensure that the p=visioru of Annex 1, para 10 arc sallsfied; 

all the pnaiol me:arur~ to be taken al the level of the unit to erisure compliance .,,;rh r.he>e 

guidelines; 

the date of tlie lost applic.o.tion on the land parcds and/ or colleccion areas conce,ncd of products rhe 

use of which is not compatible with Sect.ion 4 of these guidelines; 

= undertaking by the oper2tor to carry out operation.< in accordance with Sections 3 and 4 ;,;:,_-d to 

accept, in eveot of i11fringemenu, implement:o.cion of rhe me:mires as referred to in Section 6, p:11.-~gr.iph 

9 of these guideline<. 

5. Eacli year, before the d:ite ;ndico.i:ed by the inspection body, the open.tor should notify the official or 

officially recognised inspection/cen:ilica.rion body of irs schedule of production of crop produa:s :uid live.nock, 

gi-vin;; a breakdown b_y land p:!.!C"l/herd. 

<,_ Written and/or do=mentary accounts should be kept which enable the official or officially recognised 

inspeaion/certificarion body to tr.ace rhc origin, nature and quantities of all raw materials bought, a.11d the 

use of such macerials; in addition, wi1tren a.11d/or documenrary accounts should be kept of the n~rure, 

quanti,ics and consignees of all ag.-icultural produces sold. Quwtities sold direuly to the final consumer 

should preferably be accounted for on a daily bosis. 
242 

7. Ston.ge, on ihe unit, of input rubst:utces, oclu:r di.a.a those whos" 11.'ie is compatible with P"-'"graph 

4.l(b) of th~e guide.lines is prohibited. 

B. Apart from wiao.nounced inspection visii:s, the official or officially recognised lru:pec:cio.ci/cerrifir.at.ion 

body should m:ike a full physical inspection, "t lease once a ye;;r, of the unit. S:irnples for reiting of products 

not listed in these gu.ideline.s may be uken where their use is smpectcd. An i=peaion repon: should be 

drawn up afcer each visit. 

9. The ope1:0.torshould give the impecrion/ccrtific:arion body, for inspect.ion purposes,= to the.rtorage 

and produc:iion premises and ro the parcels of land, as well as to the accounts :llld relevani; mpponing 

documenu. The oper:itor should also provide the inspei:tion body with any infonnarion deemed neeczsary 

for the purposes of the inspection. 

IO. Products referred to io Section 1 of these guidelinr.s which arc not io their packaging for the end 

coilS\Jmer should be tr:uuported in a JTI;lfUlCr which would prevent contamination or mb.-i;itution of the 

content with sub=nces or produi:i: not compatible with these guidelines and provide the following 

information. without prejudice to any other indicatioru required by law: 

the name and address of the pen-on responsible for the production or preparation of the product; 

the ruune of the product; md 

that the produc:i is of organic stams 

11. Where an operator runs several production unic in the same area, uniis in the .area producing crop, 

ccop producu or livestock not covered by Section 1 should also be subject ro the inspection arrmgement5 ;lS 

regards the dash points of paragraph 4 :md p;iragraph.. 6 and 7 abo.....,. Plants and anim:tls or rheir produc:is 

of rhe same v;iriery ;lS those prodnced at rhe nnit referred to in paragraph ) above should not be produced 

.n rh""'e uniis. 

[The official or officially recognised inspcccionfcenificacion body may grmi; a derogaUon for a period 

determined by the i=pection/cen:ifica.rion body or the competent authority, subject to mpplementary 

inspection requiremenu imposed by the inspection/cen:ifir..ation body. 

OR 

The official or offici.ally recognised inspoaion/c..n:i!icar.ion body imy gr.mt :>.derogation for a period in 

p.vtieul.ar case.s such :is perennial crop production, mbject to th... rupplemeorary irupection requirements 

imposed by the inspeccion/cen:ificacion body.J 

-B.-Prepantion and packagihg Uniu 

1. When the inspection arrangements are fil"~ implemented, the producer and/or operarormd [irupeerion 

body] should dnw up: 

a full descflption of the unit, showing the facilicies med for the , p.r~paration, packaging md storage of 

agriculrut·..J producis before and .tlter the operations concerning them; 

all the pnictical meamres co be !~en at the level of the unit to en~llre compliance with these guiddin.:s. 

This description and rhe measures concerned should be co:n.i:a.Wc-d in an inspection report, countersigned by 

the respomible pCr50n of the unit. 

In ~ddition, the report should include an unden:aking by rhe operator to perform the operacions in ruch a 

way :is to comply with Section 4 of these guidelines and to :iccept, in the evenr of infringements, the 

imp!ement:ii;ion of m=ur~s as refcr1~d i;o in paragraph 6.9 of rhes€ guidelines. 
1 

' 

243 

2. Wrinen accounts should be kept enabling the inspect.ion/certification body to trace: 

the origin, narun: and quantities of .agricultural produ= as referred to in Section I of these guidelines 

which have been delivered i;o the unit; 

the namre, quantities and comignees of producu as referred to in Secr.ion l of these guidelines which have 

left the unit; 

any other information ~ch as the orig.in, nature and quantirie> of ingredients, additives and nunufacturing 

aids delivered to the unit and the composicion of processed produces, that is required by the 

irupection/cen:ific:Won body for the purposes of proper inspection of the operations. 

3. Whe1·e producu not referred to in Secr.ion 1 of these guidelines are also pro005sed, packaged or stored 

in the unit concerned: 

the unit should have sepru-ate areas within the premises for the .corage of produ<:ts as referred to in 

Section l of thl'..<e gniddines, before and after the operatioru; 

operariom should be carried our continuously until the complete run h:is been dealt wirh, separat~d by 

place or time from similar operations performed on produas not covered by Section I of these guidelines; 

if such oper.arioru are not carried our frequently, they should be annowiced in advance, with a deadline 

agreed on with the irupeuion/certificition body; · 

every mearure should be taken to ensure identification of lots and to avoid mixtures wi1h products noi: 

obtained in accordance with the requiremenu: of these guidelines. 

4. Apart from unannounced irupection visits, rhe official or officially recognised inspeaion/ccnification 

body should m:ike a full physical impection, ar least once a year, of the unit. Samples for resting of products 

not listed in these guidelines may be taken where their use is :>rapcaed. An inspection rcpon must·be 

drawn up after eadi visit countersigned by the person resi:ronsible for the unit inspected. 

5. -nie oper;itor sliould give the official or officially recognised inspection /certification body, for 

impeccion purposes, access to the unit and to wrirren accounis and relevant supporring documenu;. The 

operator should also provide the inspeccion body with my information necessary for the purposes of 

inspenion. 

6. The requirtemenl5 

·applicable. 

in respen to the transport as l~d down in par3graph A.llof tb.i, Annex «re