PCO Prohibited Substances & Allowed Inputs

Question 1

Under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), which list in the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) specifies substances that are prohibited for use in organic crop production?

Accepted Answer

The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances

Answer

The EPA Restricted Use Pesticide List

Answer

The FIFRA Approved Substances Registry

Answer

The USDA Green Book of Organic Inputs

Question 2

An inspector finds that an operator applied a synthetic pesticide not on the National List to a certified organic field. What is the MOST immediate concern regarding the crop?

Accepted Answer

The crop may no longer qualify for organic certification and may require decertification

Answer

The operator must simply re-apply an approved organic material to counteract the prohibited substance

Answer

The crop remains certifiable as long as the application was accidental

Answer

The inspector must obtain a lab sample before any compliance action can be taken

Question 3

Which of the following synthetic substances is ALLOWED in organic crop production under the NOP National List?

Accepted Answer

Copper-based fungicides (with restrictions)

Answer

Atrazine herbicide

Answer

Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers

Answer

Organophosphate insecticides

Question 4

A certified organic livestock producer wants to use a synthetic medication to treat a sick animal. Under the NOP, what is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Administer the medication if necessary to relieve suffering, then sell the animal as non-organic

Answer

Use only approved nonsynthetic treatments and never sell a treated animal as organic

Answer

Document the treatment and maintain organic status if the withdrawal period has passed

Answer

Obtain prior written approval from the certifier before any treatment

Question 5

When evaluating whether a material is allowed in organic production, inspectors should verify that the material is reviewed by which independent body before it can be added to or removed from the National List?

Accepted Answer

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Answer

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer

Organic Trade Association (OTA)

Question 6

Under 7 CFR 205.602, which of the following nonsynthetic substances is PROHIBITED in organic crop production?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic

Answer

Fish emulsion

Answer

Compost tea

Answer

Kelp meal

Question 7

An organic inspector reviews an operator's purchased input materials. The operator shows a product labeled 'OMRI Listed.' What does this designation mean during an inspection review?

Accepted Answer

The product has been reviewed by the Organic Materials Review Institute as compliant with NOP standards

Answer

The product is automatically approved by the USDA for organic use without further review

Answer

The certifier has pre-approved this specific product for all operations it certifies

Answer

The EPA has confirmed the material is safe for organic crops