USDA Allowable Organic Pesticides

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the production and certification of organic foods through its National Organic Program. If ecological measures, such as the introduction of natural predators, are ineffective, organic producers may use approved pesticides. With the aid of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Organic Program maintains a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

History

• The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 created the National Organic Standards Board, which establishes standards for the National Organic Program. The Board defines organic agriculture as "an ecological production system which promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity." In October 2002, the USDA adopted the National Organic Program's proposed organic agricultural standards.

Features

• According to the Cornell University Cooperative Extension, organic producers may use pesticides which contain natural active ingredients, or synthetic active ingredients that are approved for the National List. Inert ingredients, which support the effectiveness of the active ingredients, must have an EPA designation of Class IV, or "relatively non-toxic". Certain Class III, or "slightly toxic," inert ingredients may be allowed after review.

Benefits

• National Organic Program regulations prohibit the use of pesticides classified as highly toxic or moderately toxic. According to the USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, organically produced foods contain lower levels of pesticide residues than non-organic foods.