What are the requirements for manure use?

Under the NOP there are specific requirements for the use of raw manure.

Raw animal manure must be composted unless it is:

• Applied to land used for a crop not intended for human consumption.
• Incorporated into the soil no less than 120 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion has direct contact with the soil surface or soil particles (such as lettuce).
• Incorporated into the soil no less than 90 days prior to the harvest of a product whose edible portion does not have direct contact with the soil surface or soil particles.

Grazing animals are not subject to the restrictions of raw manure application. We encourage the use of animals in crop rotations; however, we do not encourage the use of grazing animals in crops that are harvested for fresh consumption.

Heat-treated manures or processed manures may be used without these restrictions as they are treated to prevent the contamination of organic crops. Remember to seek approval of new materials, including manure-based products, prior to using.