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Certification requirements
The organic plant production standard as defined in § 205.202-207 including the following summerized requirements:
- Conversion period: for all crops 3 years prior to harvest. During the conversion period an onsite inspection is not necessarily required but plots must not have received unallowed inputs according the national list of allowed substances (§205.601-602) and must have been managed sustainably. There is no conversion certification', crops remain conventional until conversion period is fulfilled. The first NOP inspection must take place prior to harvest of the crops which should be NOP certified. Retrospective certification based on previous other audits is not possible.
- Fertilisation: Raw manure must be composted unless (a) on crops not for human consumption or (b) incorporated in the soil 120 days before harvest (if edible plant part in contact with soil) or for 90 days before harvest (otherwise). Composted plant & animal materials must produced be according to the following or equivalently efficient processes: initial C:N ratio between 25:1 and 40:1; maintained at 55-77°C for 3 days (in-vessel/aerated system) or for 15 days (windrow composting system, materials turned at least 5 times). Active ingredients of synthetic fertilizers agents must be listed on the national list of allowed substances (§205.601), all inert ingredients on the EPA list 4A or 4B. Sewage sludge may not be used under any circumstances.
- Plant Protection & Weed Management, Seeds: Weeding by means of heat, flame, etc. is allowed. Seeds treated with prohibited substances may not be used (also if not commercially available otherwise) except if required by Federal or State phytosanitary regulations. Buffer zones to conventional fields are required. Active ingredients of synthetic plant protection agents must be listed on the national list of allowed substances (§205.601), all inert ingredients on the EPA list 4A or 4B.
