NOP Adds Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film to National List

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has issued a final rule amending the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List), which governs the use of synthetic and nonsynthetic substances in organic crop production and processing. Effective October 30, 2014, the final rule adds biodegradable biobased mulch film to the National List and defines third-party standards for compostability, biodegradability and biobased content. The agency also removed nonorganic hops (Humulus lupulus) and unmodified rich starch from the National List, as their use exemptions have expired, and rejected recommendations to include Citrus hystrix and curry leaves on the National List. See Federal Register, September 30, 2014.

Issue 539