Authorised bio-preparations: United States

United States

United States: organic production is governed by the USDA National Organic Program (7 CFR Part 205). Its National List allows natural substances except those it prohibits (for example arsenic, nicotine sulfate, tobacco dust, ash from manure burning) and allows synthetic substances only if listed: soaps, sulfur, lime sulfur, copper (with limits to prevent build-up in soil), hydrated lime, horticultural oils, hydrogen peroxide, potassium bicarbonate, among others; raw manure must respect intervals before harvest. Pesticides, including homemade, plant-based or microbial ones, fall under FIFRA: they must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be sold or distributed, except “minimum risk pesticides” whose ingredients are on a closed list (garlic, clove, peppermint, rosemary, thyme and cinnamon oils, vegetable oils, etc.); some states also regulate production for personal use. Fertilisers are regulated by each state. These organic rules apply to anyone selling certified products. A farmer who prepares and uses these recipes on their own farm, without claiming certification, is not subject to them, but must comply with general rules on fertilisers and pesticides.

Official texts

• 7 CFR Part 205, Subpart G — National List (eCFR)
• 40 CFR 152.25 — exenciones, plaguicidas de riesgo mínimo (eCFR)
• NPIC — plaguicidas exentos de registro