 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Summary
Materials and inputs for use in certified organic systems are governed by the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The National List is an "open" list, itemizing allowed synthetic and prohibited nonsynthetic inputs; it is not a comprehensive list of all materials permitted for use in organic systems. Allowed use of materials is specific to organic crop, livestock and food processing applications.
While a variety of generic and brand-name materials are in common use by organic producers, brand-name products can be difficult to classify, since they may contain proprietary, inactive ingredients that may or may not be allowed. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and your certifier are your best sources for information about permissibility of a particular product. Always check with your certifier—don't risk three years of transition time!
The National Organic Program's "big three" of prohibited materials and methods are genetically modified organisms, sewage sludge and irradiation. Bagged fertilizers derived from sewage sludge are available for purchase in many farm and garden centers and may not always be clearly labeled as such.
For more information about specific fertility inputs, pest management materials and other products, consult the Resources section at the end of this module. In the next lesson, we'll discuss recordkeeping systems and strategies for organic producers.
|
|
