Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/08/02/2012-18819/national-organic-program-amendments-to-the-national-list-of-allowed-and-prohibited-substances-crops
Timestamp: 2017-08-21 22:34:14
Document Index: 98949279

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', 'art 582', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205', '§\u2009205']

Federal Register :: National Organic Program; Amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (Crops, Livestock and Processing)
A Rule by the Agricultural Marketing Service on 08/02/2012
45903-45907 (5 pages)
NOP-11-09FR
F. Comments Received on Proposed Rule NOP-11-09
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2012-18819 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2012-18819
Effective Date: This final rule is effective August 3, 2012.
On December 21, 2000, the Secretary established within the National Organic Program (NOP) (7 CFR part 205), the National List regulations §§ 205.600 through 205.607. This National List identifies synthetic substances that may be used and nonsynthetic (natural) substances that may not be used in organic production. The National List also identifies nonagricultural synthetic, nonsynthetic nonagricultural and nonorganic agricultural substances that may be used in organic handling. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended, (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), and the NOP regulations, in § 205.105, specifically prohibit the use of any synthetic substance in organic production and handling unless the synthetic substance is on the National List. Section 205.105 also requires that any nonorganic agricultural and any nonsynthetic nonagricultural substance used in organic handling must also be on the National List.
Under the authority of the OFPA, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-6522), the National List can be amended by the Secretary based on recommendations developed by the NOSB. Since established, the NOP has published multiple amendments to the National List: October 31, 2003 (68 FR 61987); November 3, 2003 (68 FR 62215); October 21, 2005 (70 FR 61217); June 7, 2006 (71 FR 32803); September 11, 2006 (71 FR 53299); June 27, 2007 (72 FR 35137); October 16, 2007 (72 FR 58469); December 10, 2007 (72 FR 69569); December 12, 2007 (72 FR 70479); September 18, 2008 (73 FR 54057); October 9, 2008 (73 FR 59479); July 6, 2010 (75 FR 38693); August 24, 2010 (75 FR 51919); December 13, 2010 (75 FR 77521); March 14, 2011 (76 FR 13504); August 3, 2011 (76 FR 46595); February 14, 2012 (77 FR 8089); May 15, 2012 (77 FR 28472); and June 6, 2012 (77 FR 33290). Additionally, proposed amendments to the National List were published on January 12, 2012 (77 FR 1980), and on February 6, 2012 (77 FR 5717).
This final rule amends the National List to enact three recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the NOSB on October 28, 2010, and April 29, 2011. One recommendation addressed the annotation for tetracycline in organic crop production. The other recommendations pertained to the addition of two substances, formic acid for use in organic livestock production and attapulgite for use in organic handling.
Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic for control of bacteria, fungi and mycoplasma-like organisms which functions by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria and altering bacterial membranes so that vital genetic material is leaked. For regulatory purposes, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the term oxytetracycline to refer to pesticides containing either calcium oxytetracycline or hydroxytetracycline monohydrochloride (oxytetracycline hydrochloride). Oxytetracycline is registered with the EPA for the following agronomic uses: fire blight of apples, pears, peaches and nectarines; pear decline; bacterial spot on peaches and nectarines; lethal yellowing of coconut palm; and lethal decline of pritchardia palm.
The current listing for tetracycline on the National List at § 205.601(i)(12) is as follows:
Tetracycline (oxytetracycline calcium complex) was added to the National List by a final rule published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2000 (65 FR 80548). Since 2000, four notices have been published announcing the meetings of the NOSB and its planned deliberations involving the use of tetracycline in organic crop production. The four notices were published in the Federal Register as follows: (1) 71 FR 14493, March 22, 2006 (to consider the sunset recommendation for the continued listing of oxytetracycline calcium complex for fire blight control); (2) 73 FR 18491, April 4, 2008 (to consider a recommendation to add a second form of tetracycline, oxytetracycline hydrochloride, as plant disease control for all diseases on the crops registered by EPA); (3) 73 FR 54781, September 23, 2008 (to consider a recommendation to add a second form of tetracycline, oxytetracycline hydrochloride, for fire blight control and to place an expiration date on the use of all forms); and (4) 76 FR 12013, March 4, 2011 (to consider removal of the expiration date of tetracycline for fire blight control). The most recent final rule pertaining to tetracycline added an allowance for the use of oxytetracycline hydrochloride, and added an expiration date of October 21, 2012. This rule was published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2010 (75 FR 38693).
In October 2010, a petition was submitted to the NOSB to remove the expiration date for tetracycline. In effect, the petitioner requested an allowance for the use of tetracycline to control fire blight in organic apples and pears beyond the substance's current expiration date of October 21, 2012. On April 29, 2011, the NOSB issued a recommendation to extend the use of tetracycline to control fire blight in apples and pears only until October 21, 2014, by a vote of 13 in favor and 1 against. Consistent with this NOSB recommendation, AMS published a proposal on November 8, 2011 to amend the annotation for tetracycline by extending its use for fire blight control in apples and pears only until October 21, 2014 (76 FR 61941).
Formic acid was petitioned for use in May 2010, as a pesticide for suppression of Varroa mites.[1] The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exempted synthetic formic acid from the requirement of a tolerance in or on honey and honeycomb when used to control tracheal mites and suppress Varroa mites in bee colonies, and applied in accordance with label use directions (40 CFR 180.1178).[2]
At its October 25-28, 2010, meeting, the NOSB recommended adding formic acid to the National List for use in organic livestock production solely as a pesticide within honeybee hives. Consistent with this NOSB recommendation, AMS published a proposal on November 8, 2011 to amend § 205.603(b) of the National List by adding formic acid, with a restrictive annotation (76 FR 61941).
Attapulgite was petitioned in May 2009 for two uses: (1) as a nonsynthetic processing aid in organic handling for purifying vegetable and animal oils; and (2) as a livestock feed additive.[3] The FDA has listed this substance in the database, “Everything Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS) (Doc. No. 1943)” and references this substance among those generally regarded as safe in 21 CFR Part 582.99 when used as an adjuvant for pesticide chemicals. The EPA permits attapulgite as an inert ingredient eligible in minimum risk pesticides applied for food and non-food uses which are exempt from federal registration under Section 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The EPA has determined that attapulgite is exempt from the requirement of a tolerance when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations applied pre- and post-harvest per 40 CFR 180.910.[4]
At its April 26-29, 2011, meeting, the NOSB recommended adding attapulgite to the National List for use as a processing aid in organic handling of plant and animal oils. Consistent with this NOSB recommendation, AMS published a proposal on November 8, 2011, to amend § 205.605(b) the National List by adding attapulgite, with a restrictive annotation (76 FR 61941).
This final rule amends § 205.601(i)(12) of the National List regulations by: (1) Inserting the qualifying words “in apples and pears”; between the words “control” and “only,” in the current annotation and (2) replacing the current expiration date of “October 21, 2012” with the new expiration date, “October 21, 2014”, after which tetracycline may not be used in organic crop production.
This final rule amends § 205.603 of the National List regulations by redesignating current paragraphs (b)(2) through (b)(7) as paragraphs (b)(3) through (b)(8) for the purpose of adding the following substance as an external parasiticide at (b)(2):
This final rule amends § 205.605(a) of the National List by adding attapulgite as follows:
The OFPA, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501-6522), authorizes the Secretary to make amendments to the National List based on proposed amendments developed by the NOSB. Sections 6518(k)(2) and 6518(n) of the OFPA authorize the NOSB to develop proposed amendments to the National List for submission to the Secretary and establish a petition process by which persons may petition the NOSB for the purpose of having substances evaluated for inclusion on or deletion from the National List. The National List petition process is implemented under § 205.607 of the NOP regulations. The current petition process (72 FR 2167, January 18, 2007) can be accessed through the NOP Web site at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop.
Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the RFA, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) performed an economic impact analysis on small entities in the final rule published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2000 (65 FR 80548). AMS has also considered the economic impact of this action on small entities. The impact on entities affected by this final rule would not be significant. The effect of this final rule would be to allow the use of additional substances in agricultural production and handling. This action would modify the regulations published in the final rule and would provide small entities with more tools to use in day-to-day operations. AMS concludes that the economic impact of this addition of allowed substances, if any, would be minimal and beneficial to small agricultural service firms. Accordingly, AMS certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
According to NOP's Accreditation and International Activities Division, the number of certified U.S. organic crop and livestock operations totaled over 17,000 in 2010. According to USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS) data based on information from USDA-accredited certifying agents, certified organic acreage exceeded 4.8 million acres in 2008.[5] In 2009, U.S. certified organic apple acreage exceeded 21,000 acres, primarily concentrated in Washington and California.[6] ERS, based upon the list of certified operations maintained by the NOP, estimated the number of certified handling operations was 3,225 in 2007.[7] AMS believes that most of these entities would be considered small entities under the criteria established by the SBA.
U.S. sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to $26.7 billion in 2010. Sales in 2010 represented 7.7 percent growth over 2009 sales.[8] The USDA has 93 accredited certifying agents who provide certification services to producers and handlers under the NOP. A complete list of names and addresses of accredited certifying agents may be found on the AMS NOP Web site, at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop. AMS believes that most of these accredited certifying agents would be considered small entities under the criteria established by the SBA.
AMS received 25 comments on proposed rule AMS-11-0058; NOP-11-09PR. Comments were received from organic crop producers, crop distributors, consumers, accredited certifying agents, trade associations, non-profit organizations, growers associations, advocacy groups and an industry working group.
Twenty one of the comments submitted addressed tetracycline. Seventeen comments supported a continued allowance for tetracycline in organic crop production after its current expiration date of October 21, 2012. Two commenters opposed any use of tetracycline in organic crop production, and asserted that antibiotic use is contrary to organic principles. These two comments concurred with the NOSB's concerns over engendering antibiotic resistance and supported the eventual prohibition of all antibiotic use, including that for tetracycline, in organic crop production. One commenter specifically supported the 2014 expiration date on the grounds that current research efforts are too heavily focused on antibiotic product replacement instead of on the NOSB's principle of achieving agro-ecosystems that are ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable.[9] The same commenter stated that, in the absence of alternative materials that could meet organic standards, organic consumers would support the planting of existing varieties that are more resistant to fire blight than those varieties favored by the conventional market.
One commenter expressed support for the use of formic acid as a pesticide in bee hives, stating that the substance is a safe and effective treatment that is easy to apply. The commenter also conveyed that an allowance for this use of formic acid under the NOP regulations would be consistent with other international organic standards. In the proposed rule on November 8, 2011 (76 FR 61941), AMS specifically sought comments on the appropriate placement of formic acid on § 205.603 of the National List. No comments were received addressing this topic, therefore the proposal to list formic acid at § 205.603(b) of the National List is retained in this final rule. No comments were received regarding attapulgite.
Two comments stated their general opposition to the allowance of synthetics in organic production and handling, and two comments submitted statements unrelated to the proposed rulemaking action.
Many comments supportive of continuing the allowance for tetracycline recommended that the substance be listed without an expiration date. Such an action would, in effect, extend the allowance for the substance until October 2017 under the five year sunset review process for the National List. These commenters believe that more alternatives to tetracycline could be available to organic producers by 2017. These comments further stated that an October 21, 2014 expiration date for tetracycline will not provide a sufficient timeframe for development and implementation of suitable alternatives. These commenters described the following as specific concerns with the expiration of tetracycline from the National List: (1) An increase in streptomycin resistance by the pathogen, which will further limit the ability of producers to control fire blight;[10] (2) consumer preference for apple and pear varieties which are more susceptible to fire blight; and (3) the lack of fire blight resistant root stocks and effective biological controls. Many of these comments stated that the expiration of tetracycline in 2014 could result in a reduced volume of U.S. organic apples and pears. Some commenters cited the potential costs to organic apple and pear growers (e.g. cost to replant trees, reduced productivity in existing trees) and organic handlers (e.g. constrained domestic supply of organic apples and pears) following the expiration of tetracycline from the National List in 2014. The commenters suggested that the slow development and limited availability of alternatives to control fire blight control in organic orchards could also trigger conversion to conventional production.
Several commenters expressed their preference that tetracycline be allowed beyond 2014 (e.g. until 2015, 2016, or 2017) to allow the industry time to develop more alternatives to this substance. Listing tetracycline with a later date or without an expiration date would not meet the intent of the NOSB to phase out the use of this substance in organic apple and pear production over time. Therefore, consistent with the NOSB recommendation, AMS is codifying the October 21, 2014 expiration date to the listing for tetracycline through this final rule. AMS notes that extending the allowance for the use of tetracycline after the October 21, 2014, expiration date would require a petition to the NOSB. This process can be initiated in accordance with the Notice of Guidelines on Procedures for Submitting National List Petitions (72 FR 2167).
Some commenters also stated that allowing the substance to expire on October 21, 2014 would have a negative economic impact on small businesses and that this rulemaking action should therefore be classified as “significant”. AMS disagrees. This action does not further restrict the use of this substance. This action extends the allowance for the substance in organic crop production for an additional two years after its current expiration date of October 21, 2012. Parties interested in requesting an extension for the authorized use of tetracycline in organic crop production after October 21, 2014 may submit a petition to the NOSB. The petition process is outlined in 72 FR 2167 (January 18, 2007).
Based on the public comments received, commenters remain concerned regarding the availability and efficacy of alternatives to tetracycline for fire blight control. Several commenters specifically requested that the NOSB reconsider the October 21, 2014 expiration date for tetracycline. Further, commenters asked that the NOP and the NOSB develop a phase-out plan for the use of antibiotics in fruit trees that has benchmarks and timelines based on consultations with appropriate stakeholders to ensure that the methods proposed to reach them are feasible. The NOSB recommended that tetracycline is allowed for fire blight control in apples and pears through October 21, 2014. Parties interested in requesting an extension for the authorized use of tetracycline in organic crop production after October 21, 2014 may submit a petition to the NOSB. Parties interested in having the NOSB develop a phase-out plan for the use of antibiotics in tree fruit production may submit public comments to the NOSB at any of their public meetings. The public comment process is outlined on the NOP Web site.
Commenters also requested that the NOP establish a Fire Blight Task Force to assist in development of alternatives. After the NOSB issued their recommendation on tetracycline in April 2011, stakeholders from the research community and organic tree fruit industry established a working group to consolidate efforts and develop alternatives to tetracycline for fire blight control. This working group is expected to provide updates to the public on their progress at future NOSB meetings. Furthermore, in response to the requests by the NOSB and to comments from the public for additional resources to support research on alternatives to tetracycline in organic production, AMS submitted requests to the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in May 2011 for assistance in prioritizing research in the following areas: (1) The efficacy of combinations of substances for fire blight management; (2) breeding, production, and propagation of resistant cultivars and rootstocks that are commercially viable; and (3) cultural practices, crop management, disease forecasting and other production practices that can optimize control of this disease.[11] In fiscal year 2011, NIFA funded a project through the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) for research on the development of non-antibiotic treatments for the control of fire blight in organic apple and pear crops. In January 2012, NIFA included a targeted request for additional research proposals on alternatives to the use of tetracycline for fire blight control in organic production as part of their solicitation for proposals under OREI.[12] AMS will continue to seek assistance across USDA as appropriate on this issue.
A few commenters requested that the NOP address concerns with the current use of antibiotics in organic tree fruit production through ensuring compliance with § 205.206(a)(3). Section 205.206(a) requires producers to use management practices to prevent disease through crop rotation, sanitation measures and cultural practices. Section 205.206(a)(3) lists specific cultural practices that enhance crop health, including selection of plant species and varieties with regard to suitability to site-specific conditions and resistance to prevalent pests, weeds, and diseases. Certifying agents are responsible for ensuring that all organic producers use management practices to prevent disease. Certifying agents verify that organic producers are meeting all USDA organic requirements including utilizing preventative management practices to prevent disease.
These same commenters also stated that, as part of a strategy for addressing fire blight in organic apple and pear production, the NOP should consider variances under § 205.290 to allow antibiotic use in instances when fire blight disease puts orchards at risk. Temporary variances for the use of a synthetic substance that is not on the National List (i.e. use of tetracycline after October 21, 2014) cannot be granted per the current requirements at § 205.290(e).
This final rule reflects recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the NOSB. The amendment to the listing of one exempted substance and the addition of two substances to the National List were based on petitions from the industry and evaluated by the NOSB using criteria in OFPA and the NOP regulations. Because the amendments have been subject to extensive discussion and public comment and are considered vital to organic crops, processing and livestock production, AMS believes that producers and handlers should be able to use them on their operations as soon as possible. Furthermore, tetracycline is due to expire from the National List on October 21, 2012; this action must be finalized by October 21, 2012, to ensure that organic apple and pear producers have access to this substance for two additional years beyond its current expiration date. Accordingly, AMS finds that good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) for not postponing the effective date of this rule until 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
B. Adding paragraph (b)(2) to read as follows:
1. The petition was submitted by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and is retrievable from the NOP Web site in the Petitioned Substances Database: http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOPPetitionedSubstancesDatabase.
2. Tracheal mites lay eggs inside bees' tracheal tubes, and their larvae feed on the bee after the eggs hatch.
3. Due to the nonsynthetic classification of this substance, a petition for use as an additive for organic livestock feed is not required.
4. Technical Report on Attapulgite. February 1, 2010. A copy of this report is available in the petitioned substances database, http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOPPetitionedSubstancesDatabase.
6. Kirby, Elizabeth, and David Granatstein. Status of Organic Tree Fruit in Washington State—2009, Washington State University, March 2010.
7. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, 2009. Data Sets: Procurement and Contracting by Organic Handlers: Documentation. http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/OrganicHandlers/Documentation.htm.
8. Organic Trade Association. 2011. Organic Industry Survey. www.ota.com.
9. NOSB's Principles of Organic Production and Handling, Adopted October 17, 2001. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3013893.
10. Streptomycin is currently listed at § 205.601 of the National List for fire blight control in organic apple and pear production. This allowance on the National List expires on October 21, 2014.
12. January 2012 OREI Request for Proposals. National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Available online at: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/pdfs/12_orei.pdf.
[FR Doc. 2012-18819 Filed 8-1-12; 8:45 am]