Certification FAQs

Can I use compost?
Yes, use of compost is encouraged under the NOP. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) maintains a list of approved compost suppliers.

Composts composed entirely of plant based materials are considered mulch and are generally not subject to restrictions on their use or production.

Manure based composts must be produced according to NOP Section 205.203(c)(2) in order to be considered ?compost? and therefore be applied without pre-harvest time restrictions. These compost requirements include specific C:N ratios, temperature and turning regimens. The compost requirements printed in the National Organic Program are as follows:

"205.203:

(c) The producer must manage plant and animal materials to maintain or improve soil organic matter content in a manner that does not contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances. Animal and plant materials include:

(2) Composted plant and animal materials produced through a process that:

(i) established an initial C:N ratio of between 25:1 and 40:1; and

(ii) maintained a temperature of between 131F and 170F for 3 days using an in-vessel or static aerated pile system; or

(iii) maintained a temperature of between 131F and 170F for 15 days using a windrow composting system, during which period, the materials must be turned a minimum of five times."

CCOF anticipates that the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will make recommendations further clarifying compost requirements including vermiculture and broader C:N ratios. CCOF will verify during inspections that manure based materials applied within 90 or 120 (for products whose edible portion does not contact the soil) days of harvest meet current compost requirements or are listed as "compost" by OMRI.

For operations that have been certified for several years, compost that met the pre-NOP CCOF standards are expected to meet NOP regulations.

Back to FAQ