Understanding the National List

What is the National List?

The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances defines which non-organic substances are allowed and which agricultural substances are prohibited for use in organic crop, livestock, and processed food production.

For processors, the National List covers non-agricultural materials for use as ingredients and processing aids, including baking soda, yeast, and citric acid. If a non-agricultural material is not approved for use on the National List, it is not permitted in organic production.

Are there use restrictions for these materials?

There are often additional usage restrictions (in the form of “annotations”) for a material on the National List. Restrictions often apply to sourcing, identification, form, use, and composition of the material. You will need to submit documentation of compliance with all listed restrictions to OTCO for review and approval prior to using them in your organic production.