What does the National Organic Program (NOP) Rule mandate regarding manure use in organic farm practices?
No other agricultural regulation in the United States imposes such strict control on the use of manure. The U.S. regulations for organic production require that raw animal manure must be composted unless it is applied to land used for a crop not intended for human consumption; or is incorporated into the soil not less than 120 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion has direct contact with soil; or is incorporated into the soil not less than 90 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion does not have direct contact with the soil surface or soil particles. See 7 CFR 205.203 (c)(1) and (2). The requirements for making compost are regulated as well, and are designed to encourage soil health while minimizing risks to human health or the environment. • What is the definition of compost? The use of manure in organic farm practices is covered in the National Organic Program Rule’s definition of compost (7 CFR 205.2): Compost. The product of a managed proce
