AMS Extends Use of Tetracycline, Allows Use of Formic Acid and Attapulgite in Organic Production

The Agricultural Marketing Service issued a final rule amending the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for organic products by: (1) extending the expiration date for use of tetracycline in organic crop production to control fire blight in apples and pears until Oct. 21, 2014; and (2) adding two substances, formic acid and attapulgite, along with any restrictive annotations, for use in organic livestock production and organic processing, respectively. AMS said these changes are in response to recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on Oct. 28, 2010, and April 29, 2011.