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Organic Trade Association
Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based business association that focuses on the organic business community in North America.

    PO Box 547
    Greenfield, MA 01302
    413-774-7511
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Allowed and Prohibited Substances

With input from the NOSB, the Secretary of Agriculture drafts the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. This is the list of exceptions to the general requirement that natural materials are allowed and synthetic materials are prohibited. In other words, the national list is a list of prohibited natural materials (such as arsenic), and allowed synthetics (such as pectin, baking powder, and Vitamin C). Even though a synthetic may be allowed for one purpose does not mean that it is allowed for every possible use, so farmers and manufacturers need to pay careful attention to the usage restrictions mentioned in the regulations. Another central source for information on and listings of materials and processes allowed in organic production is the Organic Materials Review Institute, and you'll find a link to their web site below.

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Resource Listing
keyAllowed/Prohibited Substances
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Tips for Identifying Organic Fertilizers
In this article, producers will find guidance on how to identify fertilizers and soil amendments allowed for use in organic production.
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NOP List of Allowed & Prohibited Substances
NOP answers questions about allowed and prohibited substances for organic production and processing on their Question and Answer page.
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The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)
The NOSB is charged with assisting the Secretary of Agriculture in developing standards for substances to be used in organic production. The NOSB...
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Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO)
Each state in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada has its own fertilizer regulatory program. AAPFCO is an organization of fertilizer control...
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Brand Name Material List from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. (2006).
Organic farming is based on using natural methods for building soil fertility and managing insects, weeds, and disease. Most synthetic materials...
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Brand Name Materials Approved for Use for Growers
Washington State's Department of Agriculture provides a list of approved brand name materials for use in organic production. The list is...
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Corn: Organic Sweet Corn Production
A fact sheet from North Carolina State University on growing organic corn in the South, covering everything from certification to soil fertility to...
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