P

All synthetically-derived pesticides not specifically mentioned by name.

A

Alfalfa pellets

As soil amendment.  Typical analysis: 3-1-2; unknown growth factors

R

Alkali carbonates

For disinfecting livestock facilities only.

P

Ammonia products

Includes Ultra Gro.

P

Anti-coagulant rodent baits

Includes diphacinone and clorophancinome.  May not be used directly,  in bait stations on certified land, or in certified processing facilities.

P

Antibiotics

P/R

Arsenic

See Pressure-treated lumber.

A

Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.)

Wettable powders and bait forms preferred.  Liquid forms containing xylene or petroleum distillates are prohibited. Note that products (eg. seed potatoes, corn, etc.) that are genetically engineered to contain B.t. are not allowed (see genetically modified organisms)

A

Basalt

Good slow release trace elements, but only 3% potash.

A

Beneficial organisms

Includes insects, nematodes, decollated snails, microbial fungicides, streptomycin bacteria for fireblight control (not for use on livestock).  No genetically engineered organisms.

A

Biodynamic preparations

A

Biological controls

Such as microbes or insects.

A

Biotite mica

Typical analysis: 0-0-1; very slow release.

P

Bird baits, poisons

Measurol, Avitrol.

A

Bird traps and netting

R

Bleach

In livestock production for disinfecting facilities only.  Okay for disinfecting farm implements. Preferred over other synthetic disinfectants.  See chlorine for further restrictions.

A

Blended fertilizer products

In the end it comes down to specific products and the trustworthiness of the manufacturer.  The operative procedure is most definitely buyer-beware.  If the manufacturer provides you with a detailed list of ingred-ients, and the fertilizer corresponds to that list (it often doesn't), you can make a decision on the on the basis of the ingredients.  If you don't know what it is, don't buy it!

A/R

Blood meal

under review - contact the Certification Committee for more info

A/R

Bone meal

under review - contact the Certification Committee for more info

A

Borax

For soil application or dilution and spraying.

A

Bordeaux mixes

Mined minerals preferred.  Use with caution.  Build-up of copper in soil may prohibit future use. Soil testing may be required.

A

Boric acid

Not for use on edible plant parts.  Cannot be in direct contact with soil or plant tissue.

A

Boron products

Acceptable brand names include Solubor or Borax.  May only be used if soil tests show deficiency.

P

Calcium nitrate

P

Carbamates

A

Carbon dioxide gas

Permitted for both post-harvest and soil use.

A

Carbonates

Okay as trace element source.

P

Carrot oil

R

Caustic potash

For disinfecting livestock facilities only.

R

Chelates

Acceptable if chelating agent is from a natural source. Ligno-sulfates are acceptable. Natural chelating agents include citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and other di-, tri- acids. EDTA is synthetic and prohibited.

P

Chilean nitrate

(see sodium nitrate)

P

Chlorinated hydrocarbons

P

Chlorine

Highly toxic but very volatile. Includes sodium hypochlorite (bleach).

A

Citrus oil

R

Cocoa bean hulls

May contain residues of pesticides banned in Canada.  Use only if documented to be residue-free.

A

Colloidal phosphate

Typical analysis: 0-2-0.  Limited value unless mixed with manure.  18% total P₂P₅.

A

Composts

Composting is the process in which organic materials are digested aerobi-cally or anaerobically by microbial action.  To effectively stabilize the nutrients in compost, neutralize pesticide residues, destroy pathogens and  weed seeds, compost piles must reach a temperature of 120-140F for six weeks. Compost should remain moist but not water-logged for the whole decomposition period.  Written documentation of source of off-farm mat-erials is required.  No NSOGA-prohibited materials may be used in com-posting, including no synthetically fortified compost starters. Growers should obtain a list of the main ingredients in any purchased compost.

R

Copper

May be fed/injected to livestock to treat documented mineral deficiencies.

R

Copper hydroxide

Considered a Bordeaux.  More toxic than copper sulphate, but application rate is lower. Soil testing may be required.

A

Copper sulphate

Considered a Bordeaux.  Use with caution and restraint.  Copper may accumulate in soil.  Soil testing may be required.

R

Copper sulphate for livestock

Footbath only.

R

Cotton gin trash

This material is potentially more contaminated than cotton seed meal because many residues are in the hull of the cotton seed.  Composting is required before use (see cotton seed meal).

R

Cotton seed meal

May contain substantial pesticide residues.  Use only if residue-free, or it must be composted prior to use.(see composting guidelines). 

R/P

Creosote

See pressure-treated wood.

P

Cryolite (sodium fluo-aluminate) synthetic

Very high environmental persistence.  Brand: Cryolite from Pennwalt  (see sodium fluoaluminate).

R

Deer, rabbit repellants

Acceptable if derived from a natural source with no synthetic additives.

R

Diatomaceous earth

Non-heated forms only are allowed.  Use a dust mask when applying to prevent lung irritation.  Make sure that no synthetic pesticides or synergists are added.

P

Dimethyl sulfoxide

A

Dolomite

May cause build-up of magnesium.  Use with caution.

A

Dormant oils

Okay as a dormant spray on woody plants only. (See suffocating oils)

P

Drip irrigation cleaners (synthetic)

Includes Drip-a-tron and Ultra Clean. 

A

Enzymes

Acceptable if derived microbially from natural materials and not fortified with synthetic plant nutrients.  Acceptable brands include Nitron A35, biotron, Medina, Symbex.

R

Ethylene gas

May be used only in cases where use is deemed essential to get the crop to market.  Requires pre-approval by Certification Committee.

R

Ethylene oxide absorbents

These materials, such as Oxysorb are relatively new and are under review.  Growers must obtain consent from the Certification Committee.

A

Fish emulsions

Forms which are fortified with synthetic plant nutrients are prohibited; stabilized products are acceptable.

A

Fishmeal

P

Formaldehyde

P

Fortified humic acid derivatives

Includes humabase.

R

Fruit waxes

Must not contain any synthetic substances.  May not be used on edible plant parts.  Acceptable brands include Econobrite 860 and Carnoba or wood-extracted wax. StayFresh 216 brand is prohibited.

P

Fumigants

 In packing materials.

P

Fumigants, synthetic

Cannot be used for soil treatment, post-harvest handling, or in packing material.

P

Fungicides and bactericides, synthetic

A

Garlic

P

Genetically-modified (transgenic) organisms.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genetically-engineered or transgenic organisms, and products produced with, or containing GMOs cannot be used, as feed, seed, or for any other use.

R

Gibberellic acid

Acceptable if made from a fermentation process and not fortified with synthetic substances.  Prohibited brands include ProGib from Abbot laboratories (this brand is no longer considered to be acceptable in liquid or powder form, because the carrier is synthetic.)  Gibberl powder only from Merck Co. is permitted.

A

Grape, other pumaces

Aerobic composting is required before use if from non-organic source.

A

Growth enhancers

Must not contain synthetic substances. Acceptable brands: sonic bloom.