USDA Publishes Guidance on Post-Harvest Handling of Organic Products

Date
January 14, 2016

Tomorrow, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will publish a Federal Register notice announcing final guidance on the post-harvest handling of organic products for USDA-accredited certifying agents and certified and exempt organic operations.

This final guidance helps certifiers and organic operations determine which substances can be used in post-harvest handling, regardless of whether it occurs on the farm or in a handling (processing) facility. The guidance also clarifies the provisions of the standards for facility pest management, either on-farm or in a handling facility.

By clarifying which substances can be used in post-harvest handling and ensuring the uniform implementation of the USDA organic standards across certifiers, this final guidance supports strong, enforceable standards and protects the integrity of the organic seal.  On April 25, 2014, AMS published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of draft guidance on this subject and requesting public comment. This final guidance takes into consideration comments provided on the draft guidance document.

Preview the Federal Register Notice

View the Final Guidance: NOP 5023: Substances Used in Post-Harvest Handling of Organic Products