On December 14, 2022, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) added the following materials to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) and updated language as noted below:
- Low-acyl gellan gum added to §205.605(b) for use by processors and manufacturers as an ingredient in “organic” and “made with organic” products
- Paper-based crop planting aids added to §205.601 as an allowed synthetic production aid
- Materials must be virgin or recycled paper without glossy paper or colored inks and must meet the definition of “paper-based crop planting aid.
- §205.2 has been updated with a definition for “paper-based crop planting aid”
- Language update—“wood rosin” replaces “wood resin” on §205.605(a)
As of December 14, 2022, CCOF can begin reviewing and approving client requests to add these materials to their Organic System Plan (OSP). See the Final Rule in the Federal Register notice for additional details.
This new addition to the National List of paper-based planting aids formalizes a temporary allowance wherein operators could use paper-chain pots or other similar products. If you had previously been approved to use a product like paper-chain pots that qualifies as a paper-based planting aid, you may continue using these products. CCOF may reach out if we require additional information or have questions about the product you are using.
If you would like these substances newly added to the National List added to your OSP, please submit a material addition request to inbox@ccof.org.