USDA Information

Note:This is an email response from the USDA concerning the use of Cryolite & water used to irrigate:


"Thank you for your email, below. No synthetics are allowed in organic production and all non-synthetics are allowed, except as noted in the National Organic Program (NOP) regulation's National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. You may access the NOP regulation on the NOP website at www.ams.usda.gov/nop. Please see the following sections:

§ 205.206 Crop pest, weed, and disease management practice standard.
§ 205.601 Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production.
§ 205.602 Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production.

Regarding irrigation water: Irrigation water is regulated by states. Generally, the NOP places no further restrictions on reclaimed water used for irrigation beyond those imposed by State Departments of Natural Resources. However, to fully answer this question, we would need to know how and from what source the water is being reclaimed.

Sincerely,

Demaris Wilson
Associate Deputy Administrator
Transportation and Marketing Programs
Agricultural Marketing Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture"
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Note: From original email to USDA:

"...can you direct me to a list of
approved pesticides for use with organic farming? or the ones not
approved. I looked on your site but couldn't find it.

I am concerned about cryolite (sodium aluminum fluoride), Sulfuryl
fluoride, or any other "fluoride" containing pesticide; plus I would
like to know what is allowed to be used.

Do you have any regulations pertaining to the water used to irrigate with?"
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