7 U.S.C. § 6508

Current through P.L. 118-47 (published on www.congress.gov on 03/23/2024)

Section 6508 - Prohibited crop production practices and materials

(a) Seed, seedlings and planting practices

For a farm to be certified under this chapter, producers on such farm shall not apply materials to, or engage in practices on, seeds or seedlings that are contrary to, or inconsistent with, the applicable organic certification program.

(b) Soil amendments

For a farm to be certified under this chapter, producers on such farm shall not-

(1) use any fertilizers containing synthetic ingredients or any commercially blended fertilizers containing materials prohibited under this chapter or under the applicable State organic certification program; or

(2) use as a source of nitrogen: phosphorous, lime, potash, or any materials that are inconsistent with the applicable organic certification program.

(c) Crop management

For a farm to be certified under this chapter, producers on such farm shall not-

(1) use natural poisons such as arsenic or lead salts that have long-term effects and persist in the environment, as determined by the applicable governing State official or the Secretary;

(2) use plastic mulches, unless such mulches are removed at the end of each growing or harvest season; or

(3) use transplants that are treated with any synthetic or prohibited material.

7 U.S.C. § 6508

Pub. L. 101-624, title XXI, §21092109,, 104 Stat. 3940.

Secretary: The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture.
State organic certification program: The term "State organic certification program" means a program that meets the requirements of section 6506 of this title, is approved by the Secretary, and that is designed to ensure that a product that is sold or labeled as "organically produced" under this chapter is produced and handled using organic methods.
governing State official: The term "governing State official" means the chief executive official of a State or, in the case of a State that provides for the Statewide election of an official to be responsible solely for the administration of the agricultural operations of the State, such official, who administers an organic certification program under this chapter.