Whats in the NOP regulations?
The regulations prohibit the use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation, and sewage sludge in organic production and handling. As a general rule, all natural (non-synthetic) substances are allowed in organic production and all synthetic substances are prohibited. The National List of Allowed Synthetic and Prohibited Non-Synthetic Substances, a section in the regulations, contains the specific exceptions to the rule. Animals raised on an organic operation must be fed organic feed and given access to the outdoors. They are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Labeling standards are based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product. Certification standards establish the requirements that organic production and handling operations must meet to become accredited by USDA-accredited certifying agents. Farms and handling operations that sell less than $5,000 a year in organic agricultural products are exempt from certification. They may label their products organic if they ab
