It is the purpose of this chapter—
(1) to establish national standards governing the marketing of certain agricultural products as organically produced products;
(2) to assure consumers that organically produced products meet a consistent standard; and
(3) to facilitate interstate commerce in fresh and processed food that is organically produced.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2102, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3935.)
Section 2101 of title XXI of Pub. L. 101–624 provided that: “This title [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the ‘Organic Foods Production Act of 1990’.”
As used in this chapter:
The term “agricultural product” means any agricultural commodity or product, whether raw or processed, including any commodity or product derived from livestock that is marketed in the United States for human or livestock consumption.
The term “botanical pesticides” means natural pesticides derived from plants.
The term “certifying agent” means the chief executive officer of a State or, in the case of a State that provides for the Statewide election of an official to be responsible solely for the administration of the agricultural operations of the State, such official, and any person (including private entities) who is accredited by the Secretary as a certifying agent for the purpose of certifying a farm or handling operation as a certified organic farm or handling operation in accordance with this chapter.
The term “certified organic farm” means a farm, or portion of a farm, or site where agricultural products or livestock are produced, that is certified by the certifying agent under this chapter as utilizing a system of organic farming as described by this chapter.
The term “certified organic handling operation” means any operation, or portion of any handling operation, that is certified by the certifying agent under this chapter as utilizing a system of organic handling as described under this chapter.
The term “crop year” means the normal growing season for a crop as determined by the Secretary.
The term “governing State official” means the chief executive official of a State or, in the case of a State that provides for the Statewide election of an official to be responsible solely for the administration of the agricultural operations of the State, such official, who administers an organic certification program under this chapter.
The term “handle” means to sell, process or package agricultural products.
The term “handler” means any person engaged in the business of handling agricultural products, except such term shall not include final retailers of agricultural products that do not process agricultural products.
The term “handling operation” means any operation or portion of an operation (except final retailers of agricultural products that do not process agricultural products) that—
(A) receives or otherwise acquires agricultural products; and
(B) processes, packages, or stores such products.
The term “livestock” means any cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, equine animals used for food or in the production of food, fish used for food, wild or domesticated game, or other nonplant life.
The term “National List” means a list of approved and prohibited substances as provided for in section 6517 of this title.
The term “organic plan” means a plan of management of an organic farming or handling operation that has been agreed to by the producer or handler and the certifying agent and that includes written plans concerning all aspects of agricultural production or handling described in this chapter including crop rotation and other practices as required under this chapter.
The term “organically produced” means an agricultural product that is produced and handled in accordance with this chapter.
The term “person” means an individual, group of individuals, corporation, association, organization, cooperative, or other entity.
The term “pesticide” means any substance which alone, in chemical combination, or in any formulation with one or more substances, is defined as a pesticide in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.).
The term “processing” means cooking, baking, heating, drying, mixing, grinding, churning, separating, extracting, cutting, fermenting, eviscerating, preserving, dehydrating, freezing, or otherwise manufacturing, and includes the packaging, canning, jarring, or otherwise enclosing food in a container.
The term “producer” means a person who engages in the business of growing or producing food or feed.
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.
The term “State organic certification program” means a program that meets the requirements of section 6506 of this title, is approved by the Secretary, and that is designed to ensure that a product that is sold or labeled as “organically produced” under this chapter is produced and handled using organic methods.
The term “synthetic” means a substance that is formulated or manufactured by a chemical process or by a process that chemically changes a substance extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral sources, except that such term shall not apply to substances created by naturally occurring biological processes.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2103, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3935.)
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, referred to in par. (16), is act June 25, 1947, ch. 125, as amended generally by Pub. L. 92–516, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 973, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§136 et seq.) of chapter 6 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 136 of this title and Tables.
The Secretary shall establish an organic certification program for producers and handlers of agricultural products that have been produced using organic methods as provided for in this chapter.
In establishing the program under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall permit each State to implement a State organic certification program for producers and handlers of agricultural products that have been produced using organic methods as provided for in this chapter.
In developing the program under subsection (a) of this section, and the National List under section 6517 of this title, the Secretary shall consult with the National Organic Standards Board established under section 6518 of this title.
The Secretary shall implement the program established under subsection (a) of this section through certifying agents. Such certifying agents may certify a farm or handling operation that meets the requirements of this chapter and the requirements of the organic certification program of the State (if applicable) as an organically certified farm or handling operation.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2104, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3937.)
To be sold or labeled as an organically produced agricultural product under this chapter, an agricultural product shall—
(1) have been produced and handled without the use of synthetic chemicals, except as otherwise provided in this chapter;
(2) except as otherwise provided in this chapter and excluding livestock, not be produced on land to which any prohibited substances, including synthetic chemicals, have been applied during the 3 years immediately preceding the harvest of the agricultural products; and
(3) be produced and handled in compliance with an organic plan agreed to by the producer and handler of such product and the certifying agent.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2105, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3937; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(1), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893.)
1991—Par. (2). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted “; and” for period at end.
On or after October 1, 1993—
(A) a person may sell or label an agricultural product as organically produced only if such product is produced and handled in accordance with this chapter; and
(B) no person may affix a label to, or provide other market information concerning, an agricultural product if such label or information implies, directly or indirectly, that such product is produced and handled using organic methods, except in accordance with this chapter.
A label affixed, or other market information provided, in accordance with paragraph (1) may indicate that the agricultural product meets Department of Agriculture standards for organic production and may incorporate the Department of Agriculture seal.
Imported agricultural products may be sold or labeled as organically produced if the Secretary determines that such products have been produced and handled under an organic certification program that provides safeguards and guidelines governing the production and handling of such products that are at least equivalent to the requirements of this chapter.
Subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to agricultural products that—
(1) contain at least 50 percent organically produced ingredients by weight, excluding water and salt, to the extent that the Secretary, in consultation with the National Organic Standards Board and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, has determined to permit the word “organic” to be used on the principal display panel of such products only for the purpose of describing the organically produced ingredients; or
(2) contain less than 50 percent organically produced ingredients by weight, excluding water and salt, to the extent that the Secretary, in consultation with the National Organic Standards Board and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, has determined to permit the word “organic” to appear on the ingredient listing panel to describe those ingredients that are organically produced in accordance with this chapter.
Subsection (a)(1) of this section shall not apply to persons who sell no more than $5,000 annually in value of agricultural products.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2106, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3937.)
A program established under this chapter shall—
(1) provide that an agricultural product to be sold or labeled as organically produced must—
(A) be produced only on certified organic farms and handled only through certified organic handling operations in accordance with this chapter; and
(B) be produced and handled in accordance with such program;
(2) require that producers and handlers desiring to participate under such program establish an organic plan under section 6513 of this tit organic farm or each certified organic handling operation to certify to the Secretary, the governing State official (if applicable), and the certifying agent on an annual basis, that such farm or handler has not produced or handled any agricultural product sold or labeled as organically produced except in accordance with this chapter;
(5) provide for annual on-site inspection by the certifying agent of each farm and handling operation that has been certified under this chapter;
(6) require periodic residue testing by certifying agents of agricultural products that have been produced on certified organic farms and handled through certified organic handling operations to determine whether such products contain any pesticide or other nonorganic residue or natural toxicants and to require certifying agents, to the extent that such agents are aware of a violation of applicable laws relating to food safety, to report such violation to the appropriate health agencies;
(7) provide for appropriate and adequate enforcement procedures, as determined by the Secretary to be necessary and consistent with this chapter;
(8) protect against conflict-of-interest as specified under section 6515(h) of this title;
(9) provide for public access to certification documents and laboratory analyses that pertain to certification;
(10) provide for the collection of reasonable fees from producers, certifying agents and handlers who participate in such program; and
(11) require such other terms and conditions as may be determined by the Secretary to be necessary.
An organic certification program established under this chapter may—
(1) provide for the certification of an entire farm or handling operation or specific fields of a farm or parts of a handling operation if—
(A) in the case of a farm or field, the area to be certified has distinct, defined boundaries and buffer zones separating the land being operated through the use of organic methods from land that is not being operated through the use of such methods;
(B) the operators of such farm or handling operation maintain records of all organic operations separate from records relating to other operations and make such records available at all times for inspection by the Secretary, the certifying agent, and the governing State official; and
(C) appropriate physical facilities, machinery, and management practices are established to prevent the possibility of a mixing of organic and nonorganic products or a penetration of prohibited chemicals or other substances on the certified area; and
(2) provide for reasonable exemptions from specific requirements of this chapter (except the provisions of section 6511 of this title) with respect to agricultural products produced on certified organic farms if such farms are subject to a Federal or State emergency pest or disease treatment program.
Notwithstanding the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section requiring products be produced only on certified organic farms, the Secretary shall allow, through regulations promulgated after public notice and opportunity for comment, wild seafood to be certified or labeled as organic.
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
(A) consult with—
(i) the Secretary of Commerce;
(ii) the National Organic Standards Board established under section 6518 of this title;
(iii) producers, processors, and sellers; and
(iv) other interested members of the public; and
(B) to the maximum extent practicable, accommodate the unique characteristics of the industries in the United States that harvest and process wild seafood.
A State organic certification program approved under this chapter may contain additional guidelines governing the production or handling of products sold or labeled as organically produced in such State as required in section 6507 of this title.
Fees collected under subsection (a)(10) of this section (including late payment penalties and interest earned from investment of the fees) shall be credited to the account that incurs the cost of the services provided under this chapter.
The collected fees shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation or fiscal-year limitation, to pay the expenses of the Secretary incurred in providing accreditation services under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2107, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3938; Pub. L. 105–185, title VI, §601(a), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 585; Pub. L. 108–11, title II, §2105, Apr. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 589.)
2003—Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 108–11 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsecs. (c) and (d) as (d) and (e), respectively.
1998—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–185 added subsec. (d).
The governing State official may prepare and submit a plan for the establishment of a State organic certification program to the Secretary for approval. A State organic certification program must meet the requirements of this chapter to be approved by the Secretary.
A State organic certification program established under subsection (a) of this section may contain more restrictive requirements governing the organic certification of farms and handling operations and the production and handling of agricultural products that are to be sold or labeled as organically produced under this chapter than are contained in the program established by the Secretary.
Any additional requirements established under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) further the purposes of this chapter;
(B) not be inconsistent with this chapter;
(C) not be discriminatory towards agricultural commodities organically produced in other States in accordance with this chapter; and
(D) not become effective until approved by the Secretary.
The Secretary shall review State organic certification programs not less than once during each 5-year period following the date of the approval of such programs.
The governing State official, prior to implementing any substantive change to programs approved under this subsection, shall submit such change to the Secretary for approval.
The Secretary shall make a determination concerning any plan, proposed change to a program, or a review of a program not later than 6 months after receipt of such plan, such proposed change, or the initiation of such review.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2108, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3939.)
For a farm to be certified under this chapter, producers on such farm shall not apply materials to, or engage in practices on, seeds or seedlings that are contrary to, or inconsistent with, the applicable organic certification program.
For a farm to be certified under this chapter, producers on such farm shall not—
(1) use any fertilizers containing synthetic ingredients or any commercially blended fertilizers containing materials prohibited under this chapter or under the applicable State organic certification program; or
(2) use as a source of nitrogen: phosphorous, lime, potash, or any materials that are inconsistent with the applicable organic certification program.
For a farm to be certified under this chapter, producers on such farm shall not—
(1) use natural poisons such as arsenic or lead salts that have long-term effects and persist in the environment, as determined by the applicable governing State official or the Secretary;
(2) use plastic mulches, unless such mulches are removed at the end of each growing or harvest season; or
(3) use transplants that are treated with any synthetic or prohibited material.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2109, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3940.)
Any livestock that is to be slaughtered and sold or labeled as organically produced shall be raised in accordance with this chapter.
Breeder stock may be purchased from any source if such stock is not in the last third of gestation.
For a farm to be certified under this chapter as an organic farm with respect to the livestock produced by such farm, producers on such farm—
(1) shall feed such livestock organically produced feed that meets the requirements of this chapter;
(2) shall not use the following feed—
(A) plastic pellets for roughage;
(B) manure refeeding; or
(C) feed formulas containing urea; and
(3) shall not use growth promoters and hormones on such livestock, whether implanted, ingested, or injected, including antibiotics and synthetic trace elements used to stimulate growth or production of such livestock.
For a farm to be certified under this chapter as an organic farm with respect to the livestock produced by such farm, producers on such farm shall not—
(A) use subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics;
(B) use synthetic internal parasiticides on a routine basis; or
(C) administer medication, other than vaccinations, in the absence of illness.
The National Organic Standards Board shall recommend to the Secretary standards in addition to those in paragraph (1) for the care of livestock to ensure that such livestock is organically produced.
With the exception of day old poultry, all poultry from which meat or eggs will be sold or labeled as organically produced shall be raised and handled in accordance with this chapter prior to and during the period in which such meat or eggs are sold.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a dairy animal from which milk or milk products will be sold or labeled as organically produced shall be raised and handled in accordance with this chapter for not less than the 12-month period immediately prior to the sale of such milk and milk products.
Crops and forage from land included in the organic system plan of a dairy farm that is in the third year of organic management may be consumed by the dairy animals of the farm during the 12-month period immediately prior to the sale of organic milk and milk products.
For a farm to be certified under this chapter as an organic farm with respect to the livestock produced by such farm, producers on such farm shall keep adequate records and maintain a detailed, verifiable audit trail so that each animal (or in the case of poultry, each flock) can be traced back to such farm.
In order to carry out paragraph (1), each producer shall keep accurate records on each animal (or in the case of poultry, each flock) including—
(A) amounts and sources of all medications administered; and
(B) all feeds and feed supplements bought and fed.
The Secretary shall hold public hearings and shall develop detailed regulations, with notice and public comment, to guide the implementation of the standards for livestock products provided under this section.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2110, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3940; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(2), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893; Pub. L. 109–97, title VII, §797(c), Nov. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 2165.)
2005—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 109–97 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, substituted “Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a dairy” for “A dairy”, and added subpar. (B).
1991—Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 102–237, §1001(2)(A), substituted “parasiticides” for “paraciticides”.
Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 102–237, §1001(2)(B), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g).
For a handling operation to be certified under this chapter, each person on such handling operation shall not, with respect to any agricultural product covered by this chapter—
(1) add any synthetic ingredient not appearing on the National List during the processing or any postharvest handling of the product;
(2) add any ingredient known to contain levels of nitrates, heavy metals, or toxic residues in excess of those permitted by the applicable organic certification program;
(3) add any sulfites, except in the production of wine, nitrates, or nitrites;
(4) add any ingredients that are not organically produced in accordance with this chapter and the applicable organic certification program, unless such ingredients are included on the National List and represent not more than 5 percent of the weight of the total finished product (excluding salt and water);
(5) use any packaging materials, storage containers or bins that contain synthetic fungicides, preservatives, or fumigants;
(6) use any bag or container that had previously been in contact with any substance in such a manner as to compromise the organic quality of such product; or
(7) use, in such product water that does not meet all Safe Drinking Water Act [42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.] requirements.
For a farm or handling operation to be organically certified under this chapter, producers on such farm or persons on such handling operation shall ensure that organically produced meat does not come in contact with nonorganically produced meat.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2111, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3941; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(3), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893; Pub. L. 106–387, §1(a) [title VII, §748], Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1549, 1549A–41; Pub. L. 109–97, title VII, §797(a), Nov. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 2165.)
The Safe Drinking Water Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(7), is title XIV of act July 1, 1944, as added Dec. 16, 1974, Pub. L. 93–523, §2(a), 88 Stat. 1660, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter XII (§300f et seq.) of chapter 6A of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 201 of Title 42 and Tables.
2005—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–97 inserted “not appearing on the National List” after “ingredient”.
2000—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106–387 inserted “except in the production of wine,” after “sulfites,”.
1991—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted “postharvest” for “post harvest”.
The Secretary, the applicable governing State official, and the certifying agent shall utilize a system of residue testing to test products sold or labeled as organically produced under this chapter to assist in the enforcement of this chapter.
The Secretary, the applicable governing State official, or the certifying agent may require preharvest tissue testing of any crop grown on soil suspected of harboring contaminants.
If the Secretary, the applicable governing State official, or the certifying agent determines that an agricultural product sold or labeled as organically produced under this chapter contains any detectable pesticide or other non-organic residue or prohibited natural substance the Secretary, the applicable governing State official, or the certifying agent shall conduct an investigation to determine if the organic certification program has been violated, and may require the producer or handler of such product to prove that any prohibited substance was not applied to such product.
If, as determined by the Secretary, the applicable governing State official, or the certifying agent, the investigation conducted under paragraph (1) indicates that the residue is—
(A) the result of intentional application of a prohibited substance; or
(B) present at levels that are greater than unavoidable residual environmental contamination as prescribed by the Secretary or the applicable governing State official in consultation with the appropriate environmental regulatory agencies;
such agricultural product shall not be sold or labeled as organically produced under this chapter.
Producers who operate a certified organic farm or handling operation under this chapter shall maintain records for 5 years concerning the production or handling of agricultural products sold or labeled as organically produced under this chapter, including—
(1) a detailed history of substances applied to fields or agricultural products; and
(2) the names and addresses of persons who applied such substances, the dates, the rate, and method of application of such substances.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2112, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3942; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(4), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893.)
1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted “Preharvest” for “Pre-harvest” in heading.
If a production or handling practice is not prohibited or otherwise restricted under this chapter, such practice shall be permitted unless it is determined that such practice would be inconsistent with the applicable organic certification program.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2113, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3943.)
A producer or handler seeking certification under this chapter shall submit an organic plan to the certifying agent and the State organic certification program (if applicable), and such plan shall be reviewed by the certifying agent who shall determine if such plan meets the requirements of the programs.
An organic plan shall contain provisions designed to foster soil fertility, primarily through the management of the organic content of the soil through proper tillage, crop rotation, and manuring.
An organic plan shall contain terms and conditions that regulate the application of manure to crops.
Such organic plan may provide for the application of raw manure only to—
(i) any green manure crop;
(ii) any perennial crop;
(iii) any crop not for human consumption; and
(iv) any crop for human consumption, if such crop is harvested after a reasonable period of time determined by the certifying agent to ensure the safety of such crop, after the most recent application of raw manure, but in no event shall such period be less than 60 days after such application.
Such organic plan shall prohibit raw manure from being applied to any crop in a way that significantly contributes to water contamination by nitrates or bacteria.
An organic livestock plan shall contain provisions designed to foster the organic production of livestock consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
An organic plan may encompass both the crop production and livestock production requirements in subsections (b) and (c) of this section if both activities are conducted by the same producer.
An organic handling plan shall contain provisions designed to ensure that agricultural products that are sold or labeled as organically produced are produced and handled in a manner that is consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
An organic plan for the harvesting of wild crops shall—
(1) designate the area from which the wild crop will be gathered or harvested;
(2) include a 3 year history of the management of the area showing that no prohibited substances have been applied;
(3) include a plan for the harvesting or gathering of the wild crops assuring that such harvesting or gathering will not be destructive to the environment and will sustain the growth and production of the wild crop; and
(4) include provisions that no prohibited substances will be applied by the producer.
An organic plan shall not include any production or handling practices that are inconsistent with this chapter.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2114, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3943.)
The Secretary shall establish and implement a program to accredit a governing State official, and any private person, that meets the requirements of this section as a certifying agent for the purpose of certifying a farm or handling operation as a certified organic farm or handling operation.
To be accredited as a certifying agent under this section, a governing State official or private person shall—
(1) prepare and submit, to the Secretary, an application for such accreditation;
(2) have sufficient expertise in organic farming and handling techniques as determined by the Secretary; and
(3) comply with the requirements of this section and section 6515 of this title.
An accreditation made under this section shall be for a period of not to exceed 5 years, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, and may be renewed.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2115, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3944.)
To be accredited as a certifying agent under section 6514 of this title, a governing State official or a person shall be able to fully implement the applicable organic certification program established under this chapter.
Any certifying agent shall employ a sufficient number of inspectors to implement the applicable organic certification program established under this chapter, as determined by the Secretary.
Any certifying agent shall maintain all records concerning its activities under this chapter for a period of not less than 10 years.
Any certifying agent shall allow representatives of the Secretary and the governing State official access to any and all records concerning the certifying agent's activities under this chapter.
If any private person that was certified under this chapter is dissolved or loses its accreditation, all records or copies of records concerning such person's activities under this chapter shall be transferred to the Secretary and made available to the applicable governing State official.
Any certifying agent shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary under which such agent shall—
(1) agree to carry out the provisions of this chapter; and
(2) agree to such other terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate.
Any certifying agent that is a private person shall, in addition to the agreement required in subsection (d) of this section—
(1) agree to hold the Secretary harmless for any failure on the part of the certifying agent to carry out the provisions of this chapter; and
(2) furnish reasonable security, in an amount determined by the Secretary, for the purpose of protecting the rights of participants in the applicable organic certification program established under this chapter.
Any certifying agent shall fully comply with the terms and conditions of the applicable organic certification program implemented under this chapter.
Except as provided in section 6506(a)(9) of this title, any certifying agent shall maintain strict confidentiality with respect to its clients under the applicable organic certification program and may not disclose to third parties (with the exception of the Secretary or the applicable governing State official) any business related information concerning such client obtained while implementing this chapter.
Any certifying agent shall not—
(1) carry out any inspections of any operation in which such certifying agent, or employee of such certifying agent has, or has had, a commercial interest, including the provision of consultancy services;
(2) accept payment, gifts, or favors of any kind from the business inspected other than prescribed fees; or
(3) provide advice concerning organic practices or techniques for a fee, other than fees established under such program.
A certifying agent that is a private person shall nominate the individual who controls the day-to-day operation of the agent.
If the Secretary or the governing State official (if applicable) determines that a certifying agent is not properly adhering to the provisions of this chapter, the Secretary or such governing State official may suspend such certifying agent's accreditation.
If the accreditation of a certifying agent is suspended under paragraph (1), the Secretary or the governing State official (if applicable) shall promptly determine whether farming or handling operations certified by such certifying agent may retain their organic certification.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2116, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3944; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(5), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893.)
1991—Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted “such certifying” for “certifying such”.
In determining whether to approve an application for accreditation submitted under section 6514 of this title, the Secretary shall consider a report concerning such applicant that shall be prepared by a peer review panel established under subsection (b) of this section.
To assist the Secretary in evaluating applications under section 6514 of this title, the Secretary may establish a panel of not less than three persons who have expertise in organic farming and handling methods, to evaluate the State governing official or private person that is seeking accreditation as a certifying agent under such section. Not less than two members of such panel shall be persons who are not employees of the Department of Agriculture or of the applicable State government.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2117, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3945.)
The Secretary shall establish a National List of approved and prohibited substances that shall be included in the standards for organic production and handling established under this chapter in order for such products to be sold or labeled as organically produced under this chapter.
The list established under subsection (a) of this section shall contain an itemization, by specific use or application, of each synthetic substance permitted under subsection (c)(1) of this section or each natural substance prohibited under subsection (c)(2) of this section.
The National List may provide for the use of substances in an organic farming or handling operation that are otherwise prohibited under this chapter only if—
(A) the Secretary determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, that the use of such substances—
(i) would not be harmful to human health or the environment;
(ii) is necessary to the production or handling of the agricultural product because of the unavailability of wholly natural substitute products; and
(iii) is consistent with organic farming and handling;
(B) the substance—
(i) is used in production and contains an active synthetic ingredient in the following categories: copper and sulfur compounds; toxins derived from bacteria; pheromones, soaps, horticultural oils, fish emulsions, treated seed, vitamins and minerals; livestock parasiticides and medicines and production aids including netting, tree wraps and seals, insect traps, sticky barriers, row covers, and equipment cleansers; or
(ii) is used in production and contains synthetic inert ingredients that are not classified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as inerts of toxicological concern; and
(C) the specific exemption is developed using the procedures described in subsection (d) of this section.
The National List may prohibit the use of specific natural substances in an organic farming or handling operation that are otherwise allowed under this chapter only if—
(A) the Secretary determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, that the use of such substances—
(i) would be harmful to human health or the environment; and
(ii) is inconsistent with organic farming or handling, and the purposes of this chapter; and
(B) the specific prohibition is developed using the procedures specified in subsection (d) of this section.
The National List established by the Secretary shall be based upon a proposed national list or proposed amendments to the National List developed by the National Organic Standards Board.
The Secretary may not include exemptions for the use of specific synthetic substances in the National List other than those exemptions contained in the Proposed National List or Proposed Amendments to the National List.
In no instance shall the National List include any substance, the presence of which in food has been prohibited by Federal regulatory action.
Before establishing the National List or before making any amendments to the National List, the Secretary shall publish the Proposed National List or any Proposed Amendments to the National List in the Federal Register and seek public comment on such proposals. The Secretary shall include in such Notice any changes to such proposed list or amendments recommended by the Secretary.
After evaluating all comments received concerning the Proposed National List or Proposed Amendments to the National List, the Secretary shall publish the final National List in the Federal Register, along with a discussion of comments received.
The Secretary may develop emergency procedures for designating agricultural products that are commercially unavailable in organic form for placement on the National List for a period of time not to exceed 12 months.
No exemption or prohibition contained in the National List shall be valid unless the National Organic Standards Board has reviewed such exemption or prohibition as provided in this section within 5 years of such exemption or prohibition being adopted or reviewed and the Secretary has renewed such exemption or prohibition.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2118, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3946; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(6), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893; Pub. L. 109–97, title VII, §797(b), Nov. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 2165.)
2005—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 109–97, §797(b)(1)(A), inserted “in organic production and handling operations” after “substances” in heading.
Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 109–97, §797(b)(1)(B), (C), struck out cl. (iii) which read as follows: “is used in handling and is non-synthetic but is not organically produced; and”.
Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 109–97, §797(b)(2), added par. (6).
1991—Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted “parasiticides” for “paraciticides”.
The Secretary shall establish a National Organic Standards Board (in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act) (hereafter referred to in this section as the “Board”) to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of this chapter.
The Board shall be composed of 15 members, of which—
(1) four shall be individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation;
(2) two shall be individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation;
(3) one shall be an individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products;
(4) three shall be individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation;
(5) three shall be individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups;
(6) one shall be an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; and
(7) one shall be an individual who is a certifying agent as identified under section 6515 of this title.
Not later than 180 days after November 28, 1990, the Secretary shall appoint the members of the Board under paragraph (1) through (6) of subsection (b) of this section (and under subsection (b)(7) of this section at an appropriate date after the certification of individuals as certifying agents under section 6515 of this title) from nominations received from organic certifying organizations, States, and other interested persons and organizations.
A member of the Board shall serve for a term of 5 years, except that the Secretary shall appoint the original members of the Board for staggered terms. A member cannot serve consecutive terms unless such member served an original term that was less than 5 years.
The Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Board not later than 60 days after the appointment of its members and shall convene subsequent meetings on a periodic basis.
A member of the Board shall serve without compensation. While away from their homes or regular places of business on the business of the Board, members of the Board may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as is authorized under section 5703 of title 5 for persons employed intermittently in the Government service.
The Board shall select a Chairperson for the Board.
A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business.
Two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present shall be decisive of any motion.
The Secretary shall authorize the Board to hire a staff director and shall detail staff of the Department of Agriculture or allow for the hiring of staff and may, subject to necessary appropriations, pay necessary expenses incurred by such Board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
The Board shall provide recommendations to the Secretary regarding the implementation of this chapter.
The Board shall develop the proposed National List or proposed amendments to the National List for submission to the Secretary in accordance with section 6517 of this title.
The Board shall convene technical advisory panels to provide scientific evaluation of the materials considered for inclusion in the National List. Such panels may include experts in agronomy, entomology, health sciences and other relevant disciplines.
The Board shall, prior to the establishment of the National List, review all botanical pesticides used in agricultural production and consider whether any such botanical pesticide should be included in the list of prohibited natural substances.
The Board shall advise the Secretary concerning the testing of organically produced agricultural products for residues caused by unavoidable residual environmental contamination.
The Board shall advise the Secretary concerning rules for exemptions from specific requirements of this chapter (except the provisions of section 6511 of this title) with respect to agricultural products produced on certified organic farms if such farms are subject to a Federal or State emergency pest or disease treatment program.
In establishing the proposed National List or proposed amendments to the National List, the Board shall—
(1) review available information from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of Environmental Health Studies, and such other sources as appropriate, concerning the potential for adverse human and environmental effects of substances considered for inclusion in the proposed National List;
(2) work with manufacturers of substances considered for inclusion in the proposed National List to obtain a complete list of ingredients and determine whether such substances contain inert materials that are synthetically produced; and
(3) submit to the Secretary, along with the proposed National List or any proposed amendments to such list, the results of the Board's evaluation and the evaluation of the technical advisory panel of all substances considered for inclusion in the National List.
In evaluating substances considered for inclusion in the proposed National List or proposed amendment to the National List, the Board shall consider—
(1) the potential of such substances for detrimental chemical interactions with other materials used in organic farming systems;
(2) the toxicity and mode of action of the substance and of its breakdown products or any contaminants, and their persistence and areas of concentration in the environment;
(3) the probability of environmental contamination during manufacture, use, misuse or disposal of such substance;
(4) the effect of the substance on human health;
(5) the effects of the substance on biological and chemical interactions in the agroecosystem, including the physiological effects of the substance on soil organisms (including the salt index and solubility of the soil), crops and livestock;
(6) the alternatives to using the substance in terms of practices or other available materials; and
(7) its compatibility with a system of sustainable agriculture.
The Board shall establish procedures under which persons may petition the Board for the purpose of evaluating substances for inclusion on the National List.
Any confidential business information obtained by the Board in carrying out this section shall not be released to the public.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2119, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3947; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(7), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893.)
The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, as amended, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted “to assist” for “(to assist”.
Any person who knowingly sells or labels a product as organic, except in accordance with this chapter, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000.
Any person who makes a false statement under this chapter to the Secretary, a governing State official, or a certifying agent shall be subject to the provisions of section 1001 of title 18.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who—
(A) makes a false statement;
(B) attempts to have a label indicating that an agricultural product is organically produced affixed to such product that such person knows, or should have reason to know, to have been produced or handled in a manner that is not in accordance with this chapter; or
(C) otherwise violates the purposes of the applicable organic certification program as determined by the Secretary;
after notice and an opportunity to be heard, shall not be eligible, for a period of 5 years from the date of such occurrence, to receive certification under this chapter with respect to any farm or handling operation in which such person has an interest.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may reduce or eliminate the period of ineligibility referred to in such paragraph if the Secretary determines that such modification or waiver is in the best interests of the applicable organic certification program established under this chapter.
A certifying agent shall immediately report any violations of this chapter to the Secretary or the governing State official (if applicable).
A certifying agent that is a private person that violates the provisions of this chapter or that falsely or negligently certifies any farming or handling operation that does not meet the terms and conditions of the applicable organic certification program as an organic operation, as determined by the Secretary or the governing State official (if applicable) shall, after notice and an opportunity to be heard—
(1) lose its accreditation as a certifying agent under this chapter; and
(2) be ineligible to be accredited as a certifying agent under this chapter for a period of not less than 3 years subsequent to the date of such determination.
Nothing in this chapter shall alter the authority of the Secretary under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.), and the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.) concerning meat, poultry and egg products, nor any of the authorities of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Federal Food, Drug 1 and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), nor the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide 1 and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.).
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2120, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3949; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(8), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1893.)
The Federal Meat Inspection Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is titles I to IV of act Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2907, as added Dec. 15, 1967, Pub. L. 90–201, 81 Stat. 584, and amended, which are classified generally to subchapters I to IV (§601 et seq.) of chapter 12 of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 601 of Title 21 and Tables.
The Poultry Products Inspection Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 85–172, Aug. 28, 1957, 71 Stat. 441, which is classified generally to chapter 10 (§451 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 451 of Title 21 and Tables.
The Egg Products Inspection Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 91–597, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1620, which is classified principally to chapter 15 (§1031 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1031 of Title 21 and Tables.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (§301 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 301 of Title 21 and Tables.
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, referred to in subsec. (f), is act June 25, 1947, ch. 125, as amended generally by Pub. L. 92–516, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 973, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§136 et seq.) of chapter 6 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 136 of this title and Tables.
1991—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–237 inserted comma after “601 et seq.)”.
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
The Secretary shall establish an expedited administrative appeals procedure under which persons may appeal an action of the Secretary, the applicable governing State official, or a certifying agent under this chapter that—
(1) adversely affects such person; or
(2) is inconsistent with the organic certification program established under this chapter.
A final decision of the Secretary under subsection (a) of this section may be appealed to the United States district court for the district in which such person is located.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2121, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3950; Pub. L. 102–237, title X, §1001(9), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1894.)
1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–237 substituted “district court for the district” for “District Court for the District”.
Not later than 540 days after November 28, 1990, the Secretary shall issue proposed regulations to carry out this chapter.
The Secretary shall provide technical, administrative, and National Institute of Food and Agriculture assistance to assist States in the implementation of an organic certification program under this chapter.
The Secretary may provide financial assistance to any State that implements an organic certification program under this chapter.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2122, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3951; Pub. L. 110–234, title VII, §7511(c)(24), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1269; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VII, §7511(c)(24), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2031.)
Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.
2008—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–246, §7511(c)(24), substituted “National Institute of Food and Agriculture” for “Extension Service”.
Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.
Amendment by section 7511(c)(24) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2009, see section 7511(c) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1522 of this title.
There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry out this chapter.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in order to carry out activities under the national organic program established under this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated—
(1) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(2) $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(3) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(4) $9,500,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(5) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
(6) in addition to those amounts, such additional sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter.
(Pub. L. 101–624, title XXI, §2123, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3951; Pub. L. 110–234, title X, §10303, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1347; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title X, §10303, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2109.)
Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.
2008—Pub. L. 110–246, §10303, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).
Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.
Of funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Agricultural Marketing Service) shall use $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, to remain available until expended, to establish a national organic certification cost-share program to assist producers and handlers of agricultural products in obtaining certification under the national organic production program established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall pay under this section not more than 75 percent of the costs incurred by a producer or handler in obtaining certification under the national organic production program, as certified to and approved by the Secretary.
The maximum amount of a payment made to a producer or handler under this section shall be $750.
Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the requests by, disbursements to, and expenditures for each State under the program during the current and previous fiscal year, including the number of producers and handlers served by the program in the previous fiscal year.
(Pub. L. 107–171, title X, §10606, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 514; Pub. L. 110–234, title X, §10301, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1346; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title X, §10301, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2108.)
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a), is title XXI of Pub. L. 101–624, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3935, as amended, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6501 of this title and Tables.
Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.
Section was enacted as part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, and not as part of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 which comprises this chapter.
2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–246, §10301(1), substituted “$22,000,000 for fiscal year 2008” for “$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2002”.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–246, §10301(2), substituted “$750” for “$500”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–246, §10301(3), added subsec. (c).
Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.