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 National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (7 CFR 205.600–205.607) is the regulatory foundation that defines which synthetic and nonsynthetic materials may or may not be used in organic production.

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

Applying a prohibited synthetic pesticide to an organic field is a major non-conformance that can disqualify the crop and trigger a Notice of Non-Compliance or suspension.

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

Copper-based materials such as copper hydroxide are listed under 7 CFR 205.601 as allowed synthetic substances for organic crop production when used with restrictions.

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

NOP regulations require that prohibited synthetic medications be used when necessary for animal welfare, but the animal (and its products) must then be removed from organic sale.

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

The NOSB is the federal advisory board that evaluates petitions for substances and makes recommendations to the USDA Secretary before changes to the National List are finalized.

PCO - PCO Organic Contract Inspector Certified Practice Test

PCO - PCO Organic Contract Inspector Certified Practice Test

PCO Prohibited Substances & Allowed Inputs