Bear Butte Gardens

USDA Organic Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations

This list (other than the 1st item) contains links to specific sections within the Code of Federal Regulations.  The entire Code of Federal Regulations is very large.  This is a list of the common sections that we (staff at Bear Butte Gardens) refer to frequently.

Entire Code

This is the entire Code of Federal Regulations (Title 7, Subtitile B, Chapter I, Subchapter M, Part 205), that defines the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP).  All other links on this list refer to sections within this entire code.

Crop Production Topics

Organic System Plan (OSP)

All organic producers must develop and follow an Organic System Plan (OSP).  This section defines the high-level requirements of an OSP.  Topics include: OSP submission, OSP content requirements (practices & procedures, monitoring, recordkeeping, prevention strategies, etc.), continuous updates & compliance, and review & approval.

Land Requirements

This section defines the high-level requirements pertaining to the "land" in which organic crops are grown upon.  Topics include: three-year transition period, boudaries & buffers, prevention of contamination & commingling, soil health & management, and compliance & documentation.

Allowed & Prohibited Substances

This section defines what substances, methods, and ingredients are allowed and prohibited.

Soil Fertility

This section defines the high-level requirements pertaining to soil fertility and crop nutrient management. Topics include: soil management practices (organic matter, bioligical activity, preventing soil erosion, etc.), approved inputs (animal & plant-based materials, natural minerals, synthetic substances, etc.), manure and compost use, prohibited practices (sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, untreated manure, etc.), and compliance & recordkeeping.

Seeds & Planting Stock

This section defines the high-level requirements pertaining to seeds, annual seedlings, and planting stock.  Topics include: use of organic seeds & planting stock, exceptions for non-organic seeds, annual seedlings, planting stock for perennial crops, prohibited practices, and compliance & documentation.

Crop Rotation

This section defines the high-level requirements pertaining to crop rotation. Topics include: purpose of crop rotation, soil fertility management, diversity in planting (rotating legumes and cover crops), and compliance & recordkeeping.

Pests, Weeds, & Diseases

This section defines the high-level requirements pertaining to crop pest, weed, and disease management.  Topics include: emphasis on preventative practices, biological and mechanical controls, use of approved substances, prohibited practices, and compliance & documentation.

Facility Pests

This section defines the high-level requirements pertaining to facility pest management.  Topics include: priority on preventative methods, use of approved substances, restricted use of prohibited substances, compliance and recordkeeping.

Post-Harvest Organic Handling

This section outlines the general requirements for handling organic products to maintain their organic integrity.  Topics include: approved practices, prohibited substances & methods, allowed ingredients & processing aids, and prventing commingling & contamination.

Administration Topics

General Requirements

This section describes the general requirments for USDA Organic Certification.  Topics include: application for certification, compliance with regulations, recordkeeping & access, and certification continuation.

Term Definitions

Definition of terms used within the Code of Federal Regulations for organic certification.

Recordkeeping

All organic producers must keep specific records.  This section defines the high-level requirements of recordkeeping.  Topics include: what information needs to be documented, retention period, accessiblity for inspection, and format flexibiilty guidelines.

Use of the term "Organic"

If a producer is using the term "Organic", then they must meet the criteria defined in these sections.

Use of the USDA Organic Logo/Seal

This section defines the high-level requirements pertaining to the use of the "USDA Organic" logo.  Topics include: seal design, authorized use, prohibited use, and misuse consequences.

Certification Fees

This section outlines the fees associated with accreditation under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).  Topics include: accreditation fees, fee schedule, travel and per diem costs for inspectors, and payment terms.