Spreadsheet: 0ce36d0b-7cd3-4562-973f-2c0db094533b
Sheet: Crops

 | General Standards | Summary of Provision | Minor Issues – Conditions for Continued Certification | Noncompliances – Notice of Noncompliance - Denial of Initial Certification | Major Noncompliances – Denial or Proposed  Suspension of Certification | Major Noncompliances – Denial or Proposed Revocation of Certification
 | 205.202 Land requirements: Any field or farm parcel from which harvested crops are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as "organic," must:
 | 205.202(a) | Have been managed in accordance with the provisions of §§205.203 through 205.206. | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | OSP is not complete; some elements not addressed. | Entire sections of OSP are missing or not complete.   Failure to implement written OSP. Failure to correct a previously identified deficiency. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of noncompliance in any area.
 | 205.202(b) | Have had no prohibited substances, as listed in §205.105, applied to it for a period of 3 years immediately preceding harvest of the crop. | OSP procedures for preventing contact with prohibited substances need improvement. Records are incomplete or poorly maintained. | Prohibited substances applied within the past 3 years. | Willful application of a prohibited substance within the past 3 years. Failure to correct a previously identified deficiency. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of application of a prohibited substance within the past 3 years.
 | 205.202(c) | Have distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zones such as runoff diversions to prevent the unintended application of a prohibited substance to the crop or contact with a prohibited substance applied to adjoining land that is not under organic management. | Buffer zones exist but are not clearly described in OSP. | Buffer zones are not present or are not properly maintained. | Harvesting crops from buffer zone and feeding to organic cattle or using for seed.  One year suspension. | Harvesting crops from buffer zone and selling as organic.
 | 205.203 Soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard.
 | 205.203 (a) | The producer must select and implement tillage and cultivation practices that maintain or improve the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil and minimize soil erosion. | Selected practices do not demonstrate maintenance or improvement over time. | OSP is not complete; some elements not addressed.   Expert review indicates plan is not capable of accomplishing requirement of standard. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (b) | The producer must manage crop nutrients and soil fertility through rotations, cover crops, and the application of plant and animal materials. | Records are incomplete in some areas. | OSP does not demonstrate compliance with one or more elements of this requirement. Cultivated areas are left bare and unprotected. [NAME] does not use crop rotations, cover crops, and the application of plant and animal materials as primary method for maintaining soil fertility. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c) | The producer must manage plant and animal materials to maintain or improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances. Animal and plant materials include: | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | OSP does not demonstrate compliance with one or more requirements of this element. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c)(1): Raw animal manure, which must be composted unless it is:
 | 205.203 (c)(1)(i) | Applied to land used for a crop not intended for human consumption; | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | OSP does not demonstrate compliance or the ability to comply with one or more requirements of this element. | Willful application of manure in violation of this section. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c)(1)(ii) | Incorporated into the soil not less than 120 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion has direct contact with the soil surface or soil particles; or | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | OSP does not demonstrate compliance or the ability to comply with one or more requirements of this element. | Harvesting crops that come in contact with the ground less than 120 days from the date of incorporation of raw manure.  Three year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c)(1)(iii) | Incorporated into the soil not less than 90 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion does not have direct contact with the soil surface or soil particles; | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | OSP does not demonstrate compliance or the ability to comply with one or more requirements of this element. | Harvesting crops less than 90 days from the date of incorporation of raw manure. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c)(2) | Composted plant and animal materials produced through a process as per 205.203 (c)(2)(i),( ii), (iii) or as per  NOP Guidance 5021. | Process description in OSP incomplete or records not properly maintained. | OSP does accurately describe practices used in compliance with this section.  Processes used are not consistent with NOP guidance. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies.  One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c)(2)(i) | Established an initial C:N ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1; and | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | OSP does not demonstrate compliance or the ability to comply with one or more requirements of this element. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c)(2)(ii) | Maintained a temperature of between 131 °F and 170 °F for 3 days using an in-vessel or static aerated pile system; or | Process description in OSP incomplete or records not properly maintained. | OSP does not demonstrate compliance or the ability to comply with one or more requirements of this element. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c)(2)(iii) | Maintained a temperature of between 131 °F and 170 °F for 15 days using a windrow composting system, during which period, the materials must be turned a minimum of five times. | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Failure to turn compost or maintain temperatures as required.  Records do not demonstrate compliance with requirement. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies. Willfully ignoring  requirement. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (c)(3) | Uncomposted plant materials. | Records demonstrating accomplishment of method  are incomplete or not properly maintained. | OSP does not fully and accurately describe methods used for maintaining fertility. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (d) | A producer may manage crop nutrients and soil fertility to maintain or improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances by applying: | Records demonstrating soil fertility maintenance or improvement are incomplete or poorly organized. | Testing indicates that practices contribute to the contamination of soil or water. | Failure to correct previously identified deficiencies. Willfully ignoring standard requirement.  One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (d)(1) | A crop nutrient or soil amendment included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production; | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Use of a synthetic in a manner that contributes to soil or water contamination.   Failure to obtain approval from certifier to use a material on the National List. | Use of a synthetic not on the National List.  Failure to correct a previously identified noncompliance. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (d)(2) | A mined substance of low solubility; | Records of use are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Substance not described in producer's OSP.   Use of material without first using cultural methods. Failure to obtain approval from certifier prior to use. | Failure to correct a previously identified  deficiency. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (d)(3) | A mined substance of high solubility: Provided, That, the substance is used in compliance with the conditions established on the National List of nonsynthetic materials prohibited for crop production; | Records of use are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Substance not described in producer's OSP.   Use of material without demonstrating need through testing. Failure to obtain approval from certifier prior to use. | Failure to correct a previously identified  deficiency. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (d)(4) | Ash obtained from the burning of a plant or animal material, except as prohibited in paragraph (e) of this section: Provided, That, the material burned has not been treated or combined with a prohibited substance or the ash is not included on the National List of nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production; and | Records of use are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Substance not described in producer's OSP.   Use of material without first using cultural methods. Failure to obtain approval from certifier prior to use. | Failure to correct a previously identified  deficiency. One year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (d)(5) | A plant or animal material that has been chemically altered by a manufacturing process: Provided, That, the material is included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production established in §205.601. | Records of use are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Failure to obtain certifiers approval prior to use. Substance not listed in approved OSP. | Failure to correct a previously identified  deficiency. Use of a substance not on the National List. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (e) The producer must not use:
 | 205.203 (e)(1) | Any fertilizer or composted plant and animal material that contains a synthetic substance not included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production; | Records of use are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Application of compost without first verifying that it does not contain any synthetic substances. | Use of a substance not on the National List.  Three year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of failure to correct deficiencies.
 | 205.203 (e)(2) | Sewage sludge (biosolids) as defined in 40 CFR part 503; and | Not applicable.  All use prohibited. | Application of biosolids.  Notice of noncompliance to accompany proposed suspension. | Application of biosolids. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records or other fraudulent concealment of application of biosolids to organic land.
 | 205.203 (e)(3) | Burning as a means of disposal for crop residues produced on the operation: Except, That, burning may be used to suppress the spread of disease or to stimulate seed germination. | Burning approved by certifier, but records of burnings  are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Burnings are conducted for disease control without including in OSP and prior approval by certifier. | Conducting burning for the purpose of disposal of crop residues.   One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.204 Seeds and planting stock practice standard.
 | 205.204(a) | The producer must use organically grown seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock: Except, That, | Seed or planting stock sources not correctly entered in OSP or other records. | Use of nonorganic seeds or planting stock without prior approval by certifying agent. | Use of nonorganic seeds or planting stock when organic versions are available.  One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.204(a)(1) | Nonorganically produced, untreated seeds and planting stock may be used to produce an organic crop when an equivalent organically produced variety is not commercially available: Except, That, organically produced seed must be used for the production of edible sprouts; | Seed or planting stock sources not correctly entered in OSP or other records. | Use of nonorganic seeds or planting stock without prior approval by certifying agent. | Use of nonorganic seeds or planting stock when organic versions are available.   One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.204(a)(2) | Nonorganically produced seeds and planting stock that have been treated with a substance included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production may be used to produce an organic crop when an equivalent organically produced or untreated variety is not commercially available; | Seed or planting stock sources not correctly entered in OSP or other records. | Use of treated seeds without adequate search for untreated seeds.   Use of untreated seeds without prior approval of certifier. | Continued use of non-organic seed after receiving noncompliance. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.204(a)(3) | Nonorganically produced annual seedlings may be used to produce an organic crop when a temporary variance has been granted in accordance with §205.290(a)(2); | Seed or planting stock sources not correctly entered in OSP or other records. | Failure to obtain certifiers approval prior to use. Nonorganic seed use without approval by certifier. | Use of nonorganic annual seedlings without a temporary variance when required. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.204(a)(4) | Nonorganically produced planting stock to be used to produce a perennial crop may be sold, labeled, or represented as organically produced only after the planting stock has been maintained under a system of organic management for a period of no less than 1 year; and | Records of organic management not complete or poorly maintained. | Organic management practices not included in OSP or approved in advance by certifying agent. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.204(a)(5) | Seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock treated with prohibited substances may be used to produce an organic crop when the application of the materials is a requirement of Federal or State phytosanitary regulations. | Records of organic management not complete or poorly maintained. | Organic management practices not included in OSP or approved in advance by certifying agent. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. Use of treated seeds, annual seedlings, or planting stock when not required by U.S. Federal or a State phytosanitary requirement.  Three year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.205 Crop rotation practice standard.
 | 205.205 | The producer must implement a crop rotation including but not limited to sod, cover crops, green manure crops, and catch crops that provide the following functions that are applicable to the operation: | Records of crop rotation are incomplete or poorly maintained. | Crop rotation does not address one or more factors in (a) through (d). Use of synthetic substances without trying to control pests or nutrient problems with crop rotation first. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.205(a) | Maintain or improve soil organic matter content; | Operation does not have sufficient records showing that soil organic matter content is maintained or improved. | Crop rotation plan does not show how soil organic matter will be maintained or improved through the crop rotation plan. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.205(b) | Provide for pest management in annual and perennial crops; | Operation does not have sufficient records showing how crop rotation is practiced in a manner that provides for pest management. | Crop rotation plan does not show how pest management will be accomplished by rotating annual and perennial crops. [NAME] uses synthetic pest controls without trying to control pests through crop rotation first. [NAME] does not change crop rotation in order to accomplish (a) through (d). | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.205(c) | Manage deficient or excess plant nutrients; and | Operation does not maintain records showing how plant nutrients are monitored and managed. | Crop rotation plan does not show how plant nutrients are managed through crop rotations. Operation uses off-farm inputs or synthetic fertilizers to manage deficient nutrients without making changes to OSP and crop rotation that would accomplish same goal. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances.  One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.205(d) | Provide erosion control. | Crop rotation addresses erosion control, but some areas of erosion remain.  Improvements are required to improve effectiveness. | Erosion control is not addressed in crop rotation plan.   Areas of erosion are present where they may be easily controlled by crop rotation. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 Crop pest, weed, and disease
 | 205.206 (a) | The producer must use management practices to prevent crop pests, weeds, and diseases including but not limited to: | Weed control practices are in place, but are not very effective.  [NAME] problems persist. | OSP does not address mechanical and cultural pest control methods before resorting to use of chemical pest management products. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances.  One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (a)(1) | Crop rotation and soil and crop nutrient management practices, as provided for in §§205.203 and 205.205; | Crop rotation and nutrient management practices are used, but improvements are possible through changes in management practices. | OSP does not address these aspects as possible means of controlling crop pests, weeds, and diseases. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (a)(2) | Sanitation measures to remove disease vectors, weed seeds, and habitat for pest organisms; and | Failure to develop proactive sanitation program to prevent the introduction of disease vectors and habitat for pests. | OSP does not sufficiently provide for the removal of disease vectors, weed seeds, and habitat for pest organisms. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (a)(3) | 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. | Selection of species that are ill-suited for site specific conditions. | Use of synthetics to counteract problems arising from the selection of varieties and species that are ill-suited for site-specific conditions. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (b) | Pest problems may be controlled through mechanical or physical methods including but not limited to: | Pest control methods are included in OSP, but pests problems remain.  Improvements are needed to enhance effectiveness. | Failure to address pest control in OSP. Failure to implement pest control methods stated in OSP.   Use of synthetic materials for pest control without exhausting cultural or sanitation methods first. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.   Willful or fraudulent use of synthetic materials not on the National List to control pests.
 | 205.206 (b)(1) | Augmentation or introduction of predators or parasites of the pest species; | Augmentation or introduction of predators or parasites of pest species not considered in the development of OSP. | Use of synthetic materials for pest control without trying the effectiveness of predators or parasites first. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (b)(2) | Development of habitat for natural enemies of pests; | Development of habitat for natural enemies of pests not considered in the development of OSP. | Use of synthetic materials for pest control without developing habitat for natural enemies of pests first. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (b)(3) | Nonsynthetic controls such as lures, traps, and repellents. | Nonsynthetic controls not considered in the development of OSP. | Use of synthetic materials for pest control without trying nonsynthetic controls first.   Use of synthetic controls without approval of certifier. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (c) | Weed problems may be controlled through: | Weed control practices are in place, but are not very effective.  [NAME] problems persist. Records demonstrating use of approved methods are not maintained. | Failure to include weed control in OSP. Failure to follow approved OSP. | Use of prohibited substances in weed control.  Three year suspension. | Willful application of prohibited weed control substances.  Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (c)(1) | Mulching with fully biodegradable materials; | Use of synthetic materials for weed control without first considering mulching as an cultural control practice. | Use of noncompliant materials for mulching. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (c)(2) | Mowing; | Use of synthetic materials for weed control without first considering mowing as a cultural practice.   Failure to maintain records demonstrating compliance with approved OSP. | Failure to clean mowing equipment when moving from conventional field to organic field. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (c)(3) | Livestock grazing; | Use of synthetic materials for weed control without first considering livestock grazing as a cultural control practice (when suitable livestock are kept on the operation). | Grazing livestock on a crop resulting in significant amounts of manure being applied to the crop within 90 or 120 days of harvest, as applicable. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (c)(4) | Hand weeding and mechanical cultivation; | Use of synthetic materials for weed control without first considering hand weeding and mechanical cultivation as a cultural practice for weed control. | Failure to clean cultivating equipment when moving from conventional field to organic field.   Failure to follow approved OSP. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (c)(5) | Flame, heat, or electrical means; or | Use of synthetic materials for weed control without first considering flame, heat, or electrical means first. | Failure to follow approved OSP. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (c)(6) | Plastic or other synthetic mulches: Provided, That, they are removed from the field at the end of the growing or harvest season. | Use of synthetic materials for weed control without first considering use of plastic mulches. | Failure to remove synthetic mulches at the end of the growing or harvest season. Failure to follow approved OSP. | Failure to address previously identified noncompliances. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (d) | Disease problems may be controlled through: | Disease control practices are in place, but are not very effective.  Disease problems persists.  Records demonstrating use of approved methods are not maintained. | Failure to include disease control in OSP. Failure to follow approved OSP. | Use of prohibited substances for disease control. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (d)(1) | Management practices which suppress the spread of disease organisms; or | Management practices for suppressing spread of disease organisms are not effective. Records demonstrating use of approved methods are not maintained. | Failure to include disease control in OSP. Failure to follow approved OSP. | Use of a synthetic substance not on the National List for disease control. Three year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (d)(2) | Application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral inputs. | OSP includes application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral inputs, but they are not very effective.  Disease problems persist. Records demonstrating application of inputs are incomplete or poorly maintained. | Failure to include disease control in OSP. Failure to follow approved OSP. | Use of a synthetic substance not on the National List for disease control. Failure to correct previously identified noncompliance.  Three year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (e) | When the practices provided for in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section are insufficient to prevent or control crop pests, weeds, and diseases, a biological or botanical substance or a substance included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production may be applied to prevent, suppress, or control pests, weeds, or diseases: Provided, That, the conditions for using the substance are documented in the organic system plan. | Failure to consider practices in paragraphs (a) through (d) before using a synthetic input. Records demonstrating application of inputs are incomplete or poorly maintained. | Use of a synthetic substance before determining the effectiveness of cultural controls to manage pests. | Use of a synthetic substance not on the National List for disease control. Failure to correct previously identified noncompliance.   Three year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | 205.206 (f) | The producer must not use lumber treated with arsenate or other prohibited materials for new installations or replacement purposes in contact with soil or livestock. | Operations with treated lumber (that comes in contact with soil or livestock) installed after December 21, 2000 not eligible for certification. | Operations presented for certification have treated lumber installed after December 21, 2000 Notice of denial of certification. | Installation of (new or used) treated lumber in contact with soil or livestock.  Three year suspension. | Installation of treated lumber in contact with soil or livestock (may be partial revocation applied only to affected area). Falsification of records to conceal violation.
 | [NAME] harvesting practice standard
 | 205.207 (a) | A wild crop that is intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be harvested from a designated area that has had no prohibited substance, as set forth in §205.105, applied to it for a period of 3 years immediately preceding the harvest of the wild crop. | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | OSP does not provide clear description of area to be harvested. Applicant for certification does not have clear control over area to be harvested. | Harvest records indicate lack of control over harvested area. Failure to correct previously identified noncompliance. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation. Fraudulent inclusion of products from outside controlled area as organic.
 | 205.207 (b) | A wild crop must be harvested in a manner that ensures that such harvesting or gathering will not be destructive to the environment and will sustain the growth and production of the wild crop. | Records demonstrating compliance are incomplete or not properly maintained. | Operation uses harvesters who are not trained in requirements for wild crop harvest.  Harvesting methods to be used are not clearly described. Records indicate harvest in excess of sustainable amounts. Wild crop area is managed as a cropped system. | Harvesting methods cause noticeable damage to harvested areas. Failure to correct previously identified noncompliance. One year suspension. | Falsification of records to conceal violation.