On October 3rd, the Sunset 2013 final rule was published in the Federal Register. This action becomes effective on November 3, 2013.  

The "Sunset 2013" final rule implements recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to address 13 listings on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

This action affects the crops and processing sections of the National List, renewing 12 listings for five years and removing one listing. This rule takes the following actions:

Renews the existing allowance for the following substances for 5 years:

• Copper sulfate (two listings)
• Ozone gas 
• EPA List 3 Inerts
• Calcium chloride
• Agar-agar
• Animal enzymes
• Calcium sulfate
• Carrageenan
• Glucono Delta-Lactone
• Tartaric acid (made from grape wine)
• Cellulose

Removes the allowance for the following substance, prohibiting its use in organic processed food production:

• Tartaric acid (made from malic acid)

View Final Rule

Per the Organic Foods Production Act, the NOSB must review all listings on the National List every 5 years. The NOSB is a citizen advisory board that makes recommendations to the USDA about which substances should be allowed and prohibited in organic agriculture.

In late September, Secretary Vilsack announced that USDA will invest $52 million in grants to support America's specialty crop producers through the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program awards.

The funding includes 54 block grants to U.S. states and territories that will support 694 initiatives nationwide. These grants will assist producers of fresh fruits and vegetables and help strengthen markets for specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.

Many states, especially those that are also certifying agents or a state organic program, plan to use a portion these funds to support organic agriculture.

View Funded Projects by State

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The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. The NOP is part of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, which facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Learn more.

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