Title 7 — AgricultureRelease 119-73
§6508 Prohibited crop production practices and materials
Title 7 › Chapter CHAPTER 94— - ORGANIC CERTIFICATION › § 6508
Summary
To be certified, farmers must not treat seeds or seedlings in ways that go against their organic rules. They may not use synthetic or banned fertilizers or certain inorganic nitrogen sources (phosphorus, lime, potash). Persistent poisons are banned as determined by the State official or the Secretary, plastic mulch must be removed seasonally, and transplants with prohibited treatments are not allowed.
Full Legal Text
Title 7, §6508
Agriculture — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)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.
(b)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.
(c)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.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
7 U.S.C. § 6508
Title 7 — Agriculture
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73