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The National List identifies the synthetic substance allowances and the nonsynthetic substance prohibitions in organic crop and livestock production. It also identifies the nonorganic substances that may be used in or on processed organic products.

The three amendments in this proposed rule were submitted to the USDA by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). If finalized, the rule would:

1)      Reduce the amount of biobased content (i.e., derived from plants rather than petroleum) required in biodegradable mulch film products used in organic production. The current requirement is for 100 percent biobased content, and no products on the market meet this requirement. This rule would reduce the biobased content requirement to 80 percent to increase the likelihood that plastic film manufacturers will develop products that meet all requirements, thus opening new market opportunities;

2)      Reinstate a listing for sodium nitrate on the National List and resolve confusion as to why the listing has remained on the National List since 2012, despite the fact it was not renewed as a prohibited natural during its sunset period in 2012. By reinstating the listing, the current regulatory listing would be validated, and regular reviews (sunset review) of the substance would resume as occurs with all other substances on the National List and as mandated by statute; and

3)      Prohibit natural stripped and concentrated ammonia products as well as limit the use of nitrogen fertilizers with a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio below 3:1. These amendments will prevent negative environmental effects and prevent product use that would be inconsistent with organic farming.