The strengthened testing program also increases confidence in the integrity of USDA organic products among international trade partners. The United States currently has trade partnerships with Canada, the European Union, and Japan, stream-lining trade between three of the largest organic markets in the world. The USDA is also in discussions to consider similar arrangements with other foreign governments, creating new markets and jobs for organic farmers and businesses within the United States.
Help Protect Organic Integrity
Consumers choose to purchase organic products expecting that they are grown, processed, and handled according to USDA organic regulations. A high-quality regulatory program benefits organic farmers and processors by taking action against those who violate the law and jeopardize consumer confidence in organic products.Punishments may include financial penalties up to $11,000 per violation and/or suspension or revocation of an operation’s organic certificate. The USDA may conduct unannounced inspections of organic operations at any time to investigate suspected violations.
We encourage you to help us protect organic integrity by reporting any suspected violations. For example, if you suspect (1) an operation is making organic claims without being certified; (2) a conventional product is being mislabeled as organic; (3) an operation is using a prohibited substance or method; (4) an operation is labeling a product incorrectly; (5) a specific commodity or country of origin needs to be investigated to prevent fraud; or (6) an operation is using a fraudulent organic certificate—let us know by visiting www.ams.usda.gov/NOPFileaComplaint.
In partnership with accredited certifying agents, we will investigate all complaints and take appropriate enforcement action(s). We appreciate the produce industry’s eyes and ears throughout the global supply chain.
The new periodic residue testing program discourages mislabeling and facilitates oversight of USDA organic products around the world. This will allow us to prevent residues of a wide variety of prohibited substances, thus meeting consumer expectations. Periodic residue testing is an important tool to protect the integrity of USDA organic products both here in the United States and around the world.
Organic-Approved Pest Controls
The majority of pest control materials permitted in organic agriculture are naturally derived from plants, microorganisms, or other natural sources and are used in conjunction with crop rotation and other pest management strategies. Pyrethrum—made from certain species of white daisies (Tanacetum cinerariifolium)—is one of the oldest known natural insecticides.
This botanical insecticide can effectively control aphids, multiple species of beetles, and weevils.
Additionally, Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive, soil-dwelling bacterium. It is commonly used to control a wide variety of pests including moths, flies, mosquitoes, and beetles. Finally, extracts from tropical neem tree seeds interrupt pests’ metamorphosis by preventing molting and suppressing feeding. This botanical insecticide is effective against many pests, including aphids, weevils, sawflies, leafminers, and thrips.
Organic standards prohibit the use of most synthetic substances for at least three years prior to the harvest of an organic crop. Synthetic pest control materials allowed in organic crop production include elemental sulfur, insecticidal soap, horticultural oils, and copper hydroxide.
