Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 720-8998Samuel.Jones@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) today announced amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) for crop production. The final rule adds sulfurous acid to the National List of allowed materials for organic crop production based upon an evaluation and recommendation by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). It also adds an expiration date of October 21, 2012 for the use of tetracycline in organic crop production.
Sulfurous acid improves irrigation water quality by reducing the excessive alkalinity (bicarbonates and carbonates) in soil or water. The NOSB indicated that the controlled application of sulfurous acid via irrigation is preferable to broadcast applications of elemental sulfur, which acts slower and can negatively impact the microbial soil life at the application rates used.
Tetracycline is derived from soil bacteria and has been allowed in organic crop production for the control of fire blight in apples and pears for many years. The NOSB recommended allowing the use of tetracycline for fireblight control only until October 21, 2012. Interested parties may petition the NOSB if they wish to continue to use tetracycline after October 21, 2012.
Under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act, the Secretary of Agriculture can amend the National List based on proposed amendments developed by the NOSB. The National List identifies the synthetic substances that may be used and the nonsynthetic (natural) substances that may not be used in organic production.
Since being established in 2001, the National List has been amended 12 times, including this final rule. The final rule will be published in the July 7, 2010, Federal Register. The proposed rule and public comments may be viewed on www.regulations.gov. For further information about this rule, contact Melissa Bailey, Director, Standards Division, at (202) 720-3252.
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