USDA Publishes Treated Lumber Draft Guidance for Organic Operations; Invites Public Comments

Date
August 30, 2016

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced draft guidance for organic producers and certifiers on using treated lumber in organic production.

The draft guidance clarifies that using lumber that has been treated with prohibited substances prior to certification does not affect a producer’s timeline for obtaining certification, as long as the lumber does not contact crops. It also describes and outlines where treated lumber can be located on organic farms, including in new installations or to replace existing lumber. In addition, the draft guidance explains how organic producers can prevent crops and livestock from coming into contact with lumber treated with prohibited substances.

AMS welcomes comments on the draft guidance by Oct. 31, 2016, using the following procedures:

  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
  • Mail: Devon Pattillo, Standards Division, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2642-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.

View the Federal Register Notice.

View the Draft Guidance: NOP 5036: Treated Lumber.