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Based on previous public input
and recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), on January 17, 2018, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service
published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List.
More information on
how and why substances are added or removed from the National List is available
on The National List page
of the AMS website.
In general, synthetic
substances are prohibited for crop and livestock production unless specifically
allowed and non-synthetic substances are allowed for crop and livestock
production unless specifically prohibited. The National List identifies those
synthetic substances that may be used and the natural substances that may not
be used in organic crop and livestock production.
The proposed rule would:
- Add
16 substances to the list of those
allowed in organic production and handling, providing new tools for
producers and handlers in the organic industry;
- Prohibit
1 substance (ivermectin) currently allowed in organic livestock production, because of the
availability of less toxic alternatives;
- List
a natural pesticide (rotenone) as prohibited to align with U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) regulations; and
- Change
17 substances already on the National List to reflect current farming or
processing practices and needs. For example, expanding the allowance for synthetic
vitamins to include injectable vitamins for livestock.
The 60-day public comment
period closes on March 19,
2018. Access the proposed rule for more information on how to submit
comments.
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