This section of the Final Questions and Answers complies with Canadian Organic Standards 2026 #
To consult the QAs complying with the 2020 COS, click here.
The clauses and tables referred to in the Final Questions and Answers are those of CAN/CGSB-32.311, Permitted Substances Lists, unless otherwise specified.
CAN/CGSB-32.310 – General Principles and Management Standards
CB – Certification Body
COR – Canada Organic Regime
COS – Canadian Organic Standards
GE – genetically engineered
PMRA – Pest Management Regulatory Agency
4.2 Column 1: Soil amendments and crop nutrition #
Proteins produced by hydrolysis processes #
Are hydrolyzed proteins produced by hydrolysis processes using sulphuric and phosphoric acid permitted? (422)
No. Hydrolyzed proteins of plant or animal origin are permitted in crop production only when produced by enzymatic hydrolysis per the Hydrolyzed proteins of plant origin and Hydrolyzed proteins of animal origin listings in Table 4.2. Isolated amino acids such as glycine, lysine and methionine or other amino acids produced by hydrolysis using sulfuric acid are prohibited in organic crop production
Testing of ash #
Do all sources of ash have to be tested for heavy metals? (448.1)
No. Ash from plant and animal sources is permitted without testing if the source is known and not containing heavy metals. Testing is required when the ash source is unknown or it is known there is a possibility of the ash containing prohibited substances. Testing is to ensure the heavy metal levels are within the limits established in the Guideline for the Beneficial Use of Fertilising Residuals.
Activated biochar #
Is activated biochar permitted? (377.1)
Yes, if the activation is done with permitted substances. Additional requirements, such as the genetic engineering prohibition (Clause 1.4 a) of CAN/CGSB-32.310) and annotation restrictions in the substance listing, would need to be addressed.
Can biochar be used as soil substitute in organic containerized greenhouse production systems? (377.2)
No. Biochar cannot be used as a soil substitute as it does not meet the requirements of a soil/growth medium (see CAN/CGSB-32.310, 7.5.2.1). It may be used as a soil amendment as listed in Table 4.2 Column 1.
Blood meal #
Blood meal is allowed only if sterilized. What does it mean for blood meal to be sterilized? (262)
The Fertilizers Act and Regulations require that fertilizers and supplements not contain any substances likely to be generally detrimental or seriously injurious to domestic animals or public health. Blood meal is defined as “collected blood of slaughtered animals, dried and ground, containing not less than 12% nitrogen”. Blood meal is considered to be “sterilized” if it does not ‘present a risk of harm to human, animal or plant health or the environment’. Commercial manufacturing of blood meal requires a heating/drying phase to meet the definition of sterilization and the requirements of the Fertilizers Act and Regulations.
Calcium chloride #
Is calcium chloride from a naturally occurring brine permitted under Table 4.2 Calcium listing, if the brine is treated with lime prior to the evaporation stage ? (384-621)
Yes. Calcium chloride derived from a treated natural brine is permitted. Further chemical treatment after evaporation is not permitted.
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Evaluation of extractants #
For substances used in crop production, does the scope of evaluation for extractants require assessment of all materials used or only those that remain in the final product? (443)
For substances used in crop production, only extractants that remain in the final product are subject to evaluation, unless extractants are specifically addressed in the substance annotation.
Multi-ingredient fertilizer- non-organic oilseed meal #
When used in a multi-ingredient fertilizer, is the use of non-organic oilseed meal subject to the commercial availability restriction? (387)
Yes. Even when used as a component of a multi-ingredient fertilizer a commercial availability search is required as per the annotation for Oilseed meals (Table 4.2). Therefore, an operator wishing to use this fertilizer blend would need to perform a commercial availability search for a fertilizer blend that is fully compliant before using this product.
Definition of wastes from crops #
Under Plant material in Table 4.2, does the restriction “Wastes from crops that have been treated or produced with prohibited substances are permitted as compost feedstocks” apply only to wastes from crops or does it apply to all plant materials? What is the definition of “wastes from crops”? (388)
“Wastes from crops” is referring to vegetal matter (plant and plant waste) from any source.
Compost feedstocks #
With regard to materials other than livestock manure, are all the materials used to make compost required to be free from toxins, or can it be determined that some or all prohibited substances present in the compost feedstock will break down and be purified during the composting process? (76)
The notes in Table 4.2 under the headings Compost from off-farm sources, Compost produced on the farm and Compost Feedstocks give extensive instruction as to what is required, permitted or prohibited in the production of compost. The underlying assumption is that the composting process is capable of degrading some contaminants that are present in the original material. When materials are used that may contain persistent prohibited substances, it is the responsibility of the operator to document or “prove” the process of degradation. The notation allows for two possible methods; 1) analysis of the final composted material or 2) reference to scientific literature which establishes the common degradation of contaminants during the composting process. In the case of materials obtained from an urban setting, e.g., leaves or yard waste; it should be assumed that persistent chemicals, including pesticides are present and due diligence as outlined above should be practiced. It is the CB’s responsibility to assess the risk and require documentation specific to each situation.
What documentation is required to substantiate common degradation of prohibited substances the composting process as implied in Table 4.2 Compost feedstocks”? (133)
Acceptable documentation would consist of published academic studies. Claims made by manufacturers must be verified by independent research. Operators also have the option of analysis of the final product to confirm that no contaminants persist.
If GE plants are used in the production of compost, can that compost be used to fertilize organic farms? We are concerned with families who buy conventional food and add the household waste to their compost. (129)
The presence of GE plant material is strongly discouraged, but the possibility of use as compost feedstock is not eliminated. See Table 4.2, Plant material:
“Wastes from crops that have been treated or produced with prohibited substances are permitted as compost feedstocks only”.
However, compost is subject to the following restrictions under Compost feedstocks: “When evidence indicates that compost feedstocks could contain a substance or substances prohibited by Clauses 1.4 or 1.5 of CAN/CGSB-32.310 that is known to be potentially persistent in compost, before using the compost, compost test results shall be provided indicating no presence of the prohibited substance or a reference to scientific literature that establishes that the specific potential contaminant(s) will degrade during the composting process
Composting obligation #
Can the requirement of composting be eliminated if the compost feedstocks are heat treated to a temperature of 55° C for a period of four consecutive days or more? (635)
No. Compost feedstocks shall be carefully managed in an aerobic process by which biological materials are digested by microorganisms as per the definition of “Compost” (Clause 3 – CAN/CGSB-32.310), and comply with all conditions set out in the annotations of Compost feedstocks, Compost from off-farm sources, and Compost produced on the farm, in Table 4.2.
Non-organic agricultural substances as compost feedstocks #
When non-organic agricultural substances, excluding manure, are used on-farm as compost feedstocks, what requirements must be met for them to be considered composted? (650.2)
In this case, the compost produced on-farm must exclude manures or other likely sources of human pathogens and be the product of a carefully managed aerobic process by which biological materials are digested by microorganisms. With the absence of manure, the heating stage of the composting process will not need to be recorded. The requirements for Compost feedstocks in Table 4.2 still apply.
Human waste in compost #
Can urine from unmedicated individuals be added into compost which is used in organic certified production? (401)
No. Human waste is not listed as a permitted compost feedstock. See Compost feedstocks, Table 4.2.
Digester feedstock #
When manure was a feedstock of an anaerobic digestate, can the requirement of manure land application specified in 5.5.2.5 in CAN/CGSB-32.310 be waived if the digestate is dried or heat treated before being applied to land? (526.2)
Yes, if the digestate meets the criteria for acceptable levels of human pathogens as specified in Guidelines for Compost Quality.
Biodegradable bags as compost feedstocks #
Can residential food waste collected in biodegradable bags be used as a compost feedstock? (302)
Yes, as long as the biodegradable bags and the residential food waste decompose effectively during the composting process. If applicable, the absence of petrochemical residues may need to be confirmed by testing. See Table 4.2, column 1, Compost feedstocks.
Coloured ink in compost feedstock #
If tests demonstrate acceptable levels of heavy metals, foreign matter and human pathogens, as specified in Guidelines for Compost Quality, is compost made from Municipal Source Separated Organic (SSO) household waste, which is composed mainly of vegetal and animal origin but could contain some coloured newsprint (added to household containers to absorb moisture and odors), and possibly other prohibited substances, permitted? (470)
No. Regardless of whether testing indicates acceptable levels of heavy metals, finished compost must conform to the compost feed stocks annotation, which, for example, prohibits paper with coloured ink other than yard waste bags. See Table 4.2 Compost feedstocks.
Testing of compost used as ingredient #
When compost is used as an ingredient in a blended fertilizer product, should the analysis for heavy metals, foreign matter, and pathogens occur on the compost ingredient prior to blending or on the final blended fertilizer? (334)
Compost must meet the required specifications whether it is applied directly to the soil or blended with other ingredients. In the case of a blended product, the compost analysis shall be performed prior to blending with other ingredients.
Forestry by-products as compost feedstocks #
Can bark or forestry by-products be used as a compost feedstock? (461.1)
Yes. Forestry by-products can be used as compost feedstocks providing it can be demonstrated they do not contain a substance prohibited by Clause1.4 of CAN/CGSB-32.310 known to be persistent in compost. See Table 4.2 Compost Feedstocks.
Heavy metal analysis of off-farm sourced compost #
Is a heavy metal analysis required for each individual compost ingredient used in the manufacture of off-farm sourced compost? (353)
No. It is not necessary to test each ingredient of a compost before the composting process. Heavy metal analysis is required at the end of the composting process. See Compost from off-farm sources, Table 4.2, column 1.
Expanded perlite #
Is expanded perlite permitted under the listing of Clay on Table 4.2? (335)
Yes. The physical expansion of perlite during its manufacturing is permitted as the process does not change the molecular structure of the substance.
Fish products – Stabilization #
The manufacturer of a fish-based soil and plant fertilizer would like to stabilize the product by reducing the pH below 3.5. Is this allowable? (114)
Yes. As long as the amount used is not in excess of what is needed to stabilize the product. See Fish products listing in Table 4.2.
Fish & kelp products – Preservative #
Can potassium sorbate be used as a preservative in kelp and fish products used as fertilizers? (110.1)
Potassium sorbate can be used as a preservative in kelp-based fertilizers as potassium sorbate is specifically mentioned in the Aquatic plant extracts annotation in Table 4.2 (column 1). But it cannot be used in fish-based fertilizers as it is not listed in the Fish products annotation.
Definition of fish farm waste #
What is the definition of “fish farm wastes” used in the listing of Fish products in Table 4.2 column 1? Does it need to be composted? (333)
Fish farm wastes consist of sludge and mortal remains (fish, bones, scraps, carcasses, etc.) collected at the fish farm. Such wastes cannot be used raw; it must be composted or processed before use. Manufactured fish by-products, such as processed fish meals or liquid fish fertilizers made with farmed fish and/or fish farm wastes, do not have to be composted before use.
Lactic acid produced by fermentation and extraction #
Is lactic acid produced by fermentation and extraction allowed as a formulant in soil amendments and crop production aids under the Canadian Organic Standards? (331.1)
Yes, with a few soil amendment exceptions. In general, lactic acid produced by fermentation and extraction is permitted as a formulant for both soil amendments and crop production aids. It cannot be used as a formulant in soil amendments that have extraction restrictions in their annotation such as Aquatic plant extracts, Fish products, and Humates, humic acid and fulvic acid (see Formulants used in soil amendments in Table 4.2). With regards to crop production aids, as lactic acid is listed in PMRA Formulant List 4A and is derived from biological sources, it may be used with all crop production aids (see Formulants used in crop production aids in Table 4.2). Conditions of 4.1.3 shall be met.
Gibberellic acid produced by fermentation and extraction #
Is gibberellic acid produced by fermentation and extraction allowed under the Canadian Organic Standards? Is that gibberellic acid considered to be synthetic? (332)
Gibberellic acid produced by fermentation and extraction is permitted if it is made from from terrestrial or aquatic plants or produced by microorganisms. See Table 4.2 Growth regulators for plants. Conditions of 4.1.3 shall be addressed.
Minerals – Flotation reagents #
Does the use of flotation reagents in extraction and purification of mined minerals render the product prohibited? Is a producer required to demonstrate the absence of flotation reagents in the final product? (189)
Minerals which have been extracted using flotation reagents that are not intended to form part of the mineral substance are allowed. Given that flotation reagents are removed and reused by the mining industry, the operator is not required to prove the purity of the final product.
Fused minerals #
Are fused mineral fertilizers (created by heating and blending minerals) compliant to COR? (464)
No. Unless specifically listed, minerals that have undergone such a change are not permitted.
Microbial fertilizers and soil amendments #
What are the requirements for substrates (and substances) used to create microbial fertilizers or microbial soil amendments? (167.2)
Microbial fertilizers must be the by-product of food processisng. Microbial extracts, Microbial fertilizers and Microorganisms and microbial products may not be derived from municipal sewage sludge. In addition, if the product contains the substrate, the feedstock materials must be listed on Table 4.2 and comply with any annotations (Clause 4.1.3 a). Or, if they do not contain the substrate, the substrate should be non-GE if commercially available (Clause 4.1.3 b). However, if the substrate includes growth substances not listed in Table 4.2, the growth substances shall not be present in the final product, or be present at levels that have no material functional effect. In other words, the residual growth substances shall not contribute to the nutrient content of the microbial product. See Microbial extracts, Microbial fertilizers and Microorganisms and microbial products in Table 4.2.
Polyoxin D zinc salt #
Is Polyoxin D zinc salt considered a ‘Biological organism’ per Table 4.2, resulting in permissibility of the compound for crop production? (544)
As of the COS 2026, Polyoxin D zinc salt has a listing in Table 4.2 (column 2) and is permitted as a crop production aid. The listing “Biological organism” has been removed as redundant with the Microorganism and microbial products and the Invertebrates listings.
Molasses #
If a blended, multi-ingredient soil amendment contains non-organic molasses, can it be used in organic production? (188)
No. Organic molasses is required (see Molasses, Table 4.2 column 1)
Non-organic spent brewers’ grains as amendment #
Can non-organic spent brewers’ grains be used as a soil amendment? As a compost feedstock? (323)
To be acceptable for use as a soil amendment, non-organic spent brewers’ grains must be non-GE and not contain nitrogen beyond acceptable levels per the annotation for ‘Brewers’ grains and solubles’ in Table 4.2. Nitrogen compounds cannot be added during fermentation beyond what is needed for yeast nutrition, nor added after fermentation. For example, diammonium phosphate (DAP) may be added during fermentation as a yeast food but not more than what is required. Non-organic spent brewers’ grains from GE sources are an acceptable compost feedstock, See Compost feedstocks in Table 4.2.
Corn steep liquor as an amendment #
Is non-organic corn steep liquor allowed as a soil amendment/fertilizer in organic production? (503)
No. However, organic corn steep liquor would be permitted.
Paper mill sludge #
Can paper mill sludge be used on organic farms? (294)
Sludge from standard paper mills contains substances not listed in CAN/CGSB-32.311 and is therefore not permitted for use on organic farms (32.310 1.5 a). If all extractants, solvents or additives (e.g., glues, preservatives, etc.) used when generating the paper are covered by the ‘Extractants’ or the ‘Plant material’ listings in Table 4.2 – column 1, then the sludge would be permitted.
Potassium sulphate #
Can potassium sulphate which has not been mined, but manufactured by combining mined potassium chloride, mined sodium sulphate and water, be used as a soil amendment? (166)
Yes. Potassium sulphate produced from combining mined minerals using ion exchange is permitted as point d) of the Potassuim, in Table 4.2. Potassium sulphates made using sulphuric acid as a reactant are prohibited.
Potassium nitrate not allowed #
Can potassium nitrate be an allowed fertilizer in organic production, if the nitrogen was derived from compliant anaerobic digestate? (502)
No. It no longer is a digestate, and neither is it listed in the Potassium listing in Table 4.2.
Soap in soil amendment #
Can a compliant soil amendment contain soap? (397)
No. Soil amendments, such as compost, manure, etc., may not contain soaps as their use is restricted to Production aids (Table 4.2, column 2). See Soaps, Table 4.2, column 2.
Fish products – Fatty acids #
If fatty acids are allowed in organic production systems as a pesticide (see Soaps, Table 4.2 – column 2), are fatty acids allowable in fish and aquatic plant products used as organic fertilizers? (110.1)
No. Fatty acids, aka soaps, derived from plant and animal sources are not allowed in aquatic plant extracts or fish products used as fertilizers applied to the soil, as the Soap listing restricts the use of soap to production aids (column 2) such as pesticide applications or foliar nutrient sprays. See Soaps, Table 4.2, column 2.
Sugar #
Is sugar allowed as a soil amendment? (60.1)
Organic sugar only can be used as a soil amendment. An organic substance does not have to be listed on Table 4.2, column 1, to be allowed as a soil amendment.
Use of silicon, silica and silicates #
Can a silicon product from a mined source (permitted per Mined minerals, unprocessed listing) be processed and/or combined with other mined minerals? (561.2)
Yes. Providing the resulting compound is listed in Table 4.2.
Silicon, silica and silicates mixed with water #
When used as a soil amendment, can mined sources of silicon, silica and silicates such as diatomaceous earth (DE) or silicon dioxide be mixed with water before being applied to fields and crops? (598)
Yes, providing the addition of water does not create a new substance or derivative that is not listed in Table 4.2 (per Clauses 1.4 & 1.5 of CAN/CGSB-32.310)
Tractor exhaust #
Is tractor exhaust, injected into the soil, acceptable under the standard? (32)
No. Tractor exhaust, regardless of the fuel source, may not be injected into the soil. Components in tractor exhaust do not comply with the standard as required by CAN/CGSB-32.310 32.310 – 1.5 a).
Limestone from sugar processing #
Is “lime from sugar processing” in the annotation to Calcium, in Table 4.2, column 1, allowed without evaluating the manufacturing process? (306)
Yes. Review of the manufacturing process is not required.
Rock phosphate #
The listing for rock phosphate in Table 4.2 restricts cadmium levels to 90 mg/kg P2O5. Is that to be calculated on the total P2O5 or the available P2O5? (305)
The amount of P2O5 used in the calculation is the total amount, not the available amount.
Acidified water #
Can acidified water (acid added) or plasma activated water (PAW) be used as a soil amendment or crop aid in organic production? (605)
Acidified water is allowed only if a permitted acid per Table 4.2 is added to water. Plasma activated water (PAW) is not listed in Table 4.2 therefore is not permitted.
Ammonia water derived/extracted from a digester #
Is ammonia water derived or extracted from an anaerobic digester permitted as a soil amendment? (627)
No. Regardless of the source, ammonia is not listed in Table 4.2; therefore, it is not permitted.
Wood vinegar #
Is wood vinegar (pyroligneous acid) permitted by Table 4.2 under Plant material or under Plant extracts, oils and preparations? (645)
No. Wood vinegar would require its own listing. It is a distillate of the compounds in the smoke created from the combustion of forestry (or plant) by-products during biochar production and cannot be considered a direct by-product or extract from plant material.
4.2 Column 2: Crop Production Aids and Materials #
Use of antibiotics in orchards #
Is streptomycin allowed in apple production to control fire blight? (311)
No. Antibiotics, including streptomycin, are prohibited in crop production. See Microbial extracts and Microorganisms and microbial products listing in Table 4.2, column 2.
Citric acid #
Can citric acid be used as a pH adjuster during the extraction of fulvic acid? (248)
Yes. Citric acid would be acceptable as an extractant. See Humates, humic acid and fulvic acid a), Extractants e) and Citric acid in Table 4.2 Column 2.
Combined formulations #
Can a pesticide and a fertilizer be combined under the COR? (110.3)
Yes. A pesticide listed in the Table 4.2, column 2, can be combined with a fertilizer providing the requirements in Clauses 5.6.1 and 5.6.2 of CAN/CGSB-32.310 are fulfilled; the nutrient load shall not exceed the limits of the nutrient management plan as stated in Clause 5.4.4, and it shall not create a new substance or derivative not listed in Table 4.2 (per CAN/CGSB-32.310, Clauses 1.4) and 1.5)).
Formulants – Soil amendments & crop production aids #
Are the restrictions in the formulant listings in Table 4.2 only applicable when formulants are specifically mentioned in an annotation? Or do the annotations for formulants apply whenever a substance contains a formulant? Case in point, may repellents contain formulants? (483)
The formulant listings apply whenever a substance contains a formulant, unless a specific derogation is identified in an annotation. In the case of repellents, PMRA List 4 formulants are allowed in Repellents, Table 4.2.
Non-compliant formulants in pesticides #
What is the status of a crop on which a pesticide was applied containing an active ingredient listed in Table 4.2 but also a formulant from List 3 of PMRA? (326.1)
In most cases the crop cannot be certified because, with the exception of List 3 formulants in passive pheromone dispensers, only formulants from Lists 4a and 4b of PMRA may be used in pesticides allowed by Table 4.2, column 2. However, if the List 3 formulant is covered by a different substance listing in Table 4.2, column 2 (e.g., fats and oil under Plant extracts, oils and preparations or under Soaps, etc.), the crop could be certified.
Will a 36-month transition period be required for the land where the pesticide described in 326a was applied? (326.2)
A 36-month transition will be required if the List 3 formulant is not a permitted substance. See Formulants used in crop production aids, Table 4.2.
Insecticidal soaps #
Can insecticidal soaps that contain isopropyl alcohol, in addition to the fatty acids derived from animal or vegetable oils, be used in organic production? (75)
Yes, insecticidal soaps containing isopropyl alcohol can be used since isopropyl alcohol (1-Propanol) is a formulant listed in List of formulants 4B of PMRA. See Formulants used in crop production aids, Table 4.2, column 2.
Pheromones #
Is the delivery of pheromones confined to passive dispensers or is spraying application allowed? (93)
If used in crop production, all delivery methods are allowed (see Pheromones and other semiochemicals, Table 4.2) If used as a facility pest management substance, only traps or passive dispensers can be used (Table 8.2).
Hay preservatives with prohibited substances in an organic field #
If a hay preservative containing prohibited substances is applied while baling, and the hay is being sold as non-organic, does the field lose its organic status? (445)
Yes. The field would lose organic status as there is no means to ensure the field will not become contaminated to some degree. Only hay preservatives approved for organic use or those containing active ingredients listed in Table 4.2 are permitted, or hay preservatives listed in Table 5.2 if they are applied while baling.
Acceptable substances in biodegradable mulches #
Can biodegradable mulches contain substances listed in Table 4.2? (371.1)
Yes.
If yes, does the annotations for those substances listed in Table 4.2 have to be addressed? (371.2)
Annotation restrictions apply even if substances are used as components of a biodegradable mulching material. For example, if embedding micronutrients into the material, the annotation for micronutrients must be addressed.
Processes in the manufacturing of mulches #
Could a biobased biodegradable mulch become non-compliant because of the manufacturing process that would disqualify it from being used on organic farms? (284)
Biobased biodegradable mulches must meet the requirements listed in Table 4.2. This means that the formulants or ingredients used to make the mulch must be biobased and be listed in Table 4.2. The manufacturing process must not generate new substances that are not listed in Table 4.2 (as per CAN/CGSB-32.310 3 definition of “synthetic substances”).
Plastic mulch removal #
Are bioplastic mulches, made from corn, accepted as “biodegradable films” that can be left to decompose in the soil? (79, 253)
Yes, as long as the criteria for biodegradable mulches as outlined in the Mulches listing in Table 4.2 are met.
Wool as mulch #
Can wool be used as mulch? (324)
Yes. Wool is mentioned in the mulch listing in Table 4.2. Wool from an organic sheep operation is preferred if commercially available. If not, wool from a non-organic source may be used, provided that the wool has not been treated with prohibited substances 60 days prior to shearing.
Kraft lignin in biodegradable planting containers #
Is Kraft lignin allowed as an ingredient in biodegradable planting containers that are left in the soil to decompose? (352)
Yes. Most papers are produced using the Kraft process. If all other ingredients are listed in Table 4.2, planting containers that contain Kraft lignin can be left to decompose in soil. See Table 4.2, Biodegradable plant containers.
Microbial substrates #
Can a bacteria used as an organic crop production aid be produced using prohibited materials in the substrate? (141)
If using microorganisms, such as bacteria, the growth substrate may include prohibited substances as long as the substrate is not present in the final product, or be present at levels that have no material functional effect. Carriers or substances added to or expected to be present in the final product shall be listed in Table 4.2. (See Microbial extracts, Microbial fertilizers and Microorganisms and microbial products listings in Table 4.2)
Neem oil #
Can neem oil be used to treat powdery mildew in cucumbers? (268)
Registered neem based pesticides can be used as a crop production aid based on the listing in Table 4.2, column 2, of Botanical Pesticides, with restrictions noted in the “Origin and Usage” column. Formulants included in these pesticides must also comply with the requirements for Formulants used in crop production aids listing in Table 4.2.
Sulphonates manufactured with non-listed substances #
Are lignin sulphonates manufactured with non-listed substances (e.g., calcium bisulphate) permitted? (355)
All lignin sulphonates, except ammonium lignosulphonates, are allowed as soil amendments and crop production aids if used as a formulant ingredient, such as a chelating agent, a binding agent or a dust suppressant. See Lignin and lignin sulphonates, Table 4.2 and Clause 4.1.1 b).
Rotenone #
Is rotenone allowed for use in organic production? (308)
Rotenone is a substance that qualifies as botanical pesticides. However, in countries such as Canada, where rotenone products are no longer registered for agricultural use, they cannot be used for organic production.
Seawater #
Water is listed as permissible. Can you please confirm if seawater can be used in crop production? (23)
Yes. Table 4.2 (column 2) allows for Water which would include seawater to be used as a soil amendment or a crop production aid.
Sprout inhibitor – Ethylene #
Is the use of ethylene as a sprout inhibitor for onions and potatoes admissible? (43)
The use of ethylene is permitted for potato sprout control, but not for onions. See Table 8.3.
Structural PVC tubing #
Can PVC tubing be used as structural material to hold insect nets? (136)
Yes. PVC tubing may be used. The prohibition of poly vinyl chloride for mulches and row covers does not apply to the structural material.
Weed barriers #
Could a woven polypropylene weed barrier cloth be left in place for 3-5 years in an orchard or vineyard? (347.1)
Yes, it can be left in place as long as it doesn’t start to degrade. See Mulches, Table 4.2.
Can the same thing be done with 100% coconut fibre mats? (347.2)
If the coconut fibre mats are not washed, processed or buffered (to adjust pH) with prohibited materials, they can be used and left to degrade in place. See Coir (coconut fiber) Table 4.2.
