Guaranteed Organic Certification Agency (GOCA) recognizes materials and practices acceptable in organic production as those listed by generic name in the National List in the National Organic Program (NOP) which can be accessed on the USDA website www.ams.usda.gov/nop. Even if a material is on the National List, only materials that are identified in the Applicant's Organic System Plan may be used.

Since organic production is an on-going and continuously evolving process, so is organic certification. The Organic System Plan (OSP) is a living document and the Organic System Plan and the annual inspection are considered certification starting points. The practices and materials listed on the Organic System Plan may change and, as that need arises, it is the applicant's responsibility to contact GOCA prior to implementing any changes to the organic operation. GOCA will review and approve compliant practices and materials for certified operations. Based on the review and approval, the Organic System plan will be updated and the change can be implemented.

Labeling
Section 205.105 of the NOP states: To be sold or labeled as "100% organic", "organic", or " made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)," the product must be produced and handled without the use of: (a) synthetic substances and ingredients, except as provided in 205.601 or 205.603; (b) non-synthetic substances prohibited in 205.602 or 205.604; (c) non-agricultural substances used in or on processed products, except as otherwise provided in 205.605; (d) non-organic agricultural substances used in or on processed products, except as otherwise provided in 205.605; (e) excluded methods, except for vaccines, provided that the vaccines are approved in accordance with 205.600; (f) ionizing radiation, as described in FDA regulation 21CFR179.26; and (g) sewage sludge.

Seed
For annual commodity producers, and since equivalent organically grown seeds are often not commercially available, the NOP section 205.204 provides for the use of untreated seeds and seeds treated with a material included on the National List by the seed supplier. However, there are no exceptions to treated seed use in the case of organic sprouting production or any other organic commodity production where a person may consume the treated seed husk or a part of the plant that is in contact with the seed husk.

Compost
Section 205.203 of the NOP states that composted plant and animal materials must be produced through a process that a) establishes an inicial C:N ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1, b) maintains a temperature of between 131° F and 170° F for 3 days if using an in-vessel or static aerated pile system or 15 days if using a windrow system and c) turned a minimum of 5 times during the 15 day period if using a windrow system. The NOP does not regulate the origin of the plant and animal materials used.

Allowed Materials not Included in Sub-Part G
Section 205.203 of the NOP states that a) mined substances of low solubility and, b) as long as they comply with the conditions established in Sub-Part G, mined substances of high solubility are allowed, c) ash from burning of plant or animal material, except as prohibited in Sub-Part G, is allowed and d) plant and animal materials that have been chemically altered by a manufacturing process, except if the material is not allowed under Sub-Part G, are allowed.

Prohibited Materials and Practices not Included in Sub-Part G
Section 205.203 of the NOP states that a) sewage sludge, b) raw manure used within 90 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion does not have direct contact with the soil surface, c) raw manure used within 120 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion does have direct contact with the soil surface and d) burning as a means of disposal of crop residue, unless used as a means to suppress the spread of disease or stimulate seed germination are not allowed

Prohibited Substances, Methods and Ingredients in Organic Production and Handling
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), as described in the NOP are not allowed. Irradiation (Ionizing Radiation), as described in the Food and Drug Administration regulation, 21 CFR 179.26, is not allowed.