Pesticide Ingredients Used in Organic Agriculture

En español

Organic foods are not necessarily pesticide-free. In the United States, only pesticides that meet the criteria of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program may be used in organic crop production.

Sometimes people refer to pesticides based on natural substances as "organic pesticides," or "naturally derived pesticides." Pesticides allowed in organic agriculture are typically not human-made, although there are exceptions. They tend to have natural substances like minerals and plant extracts as ingredients. However, not all natural substances are allowed in organic production. Natural substances like arsenic, strychnine, and tobacco dust (nicotine sulfate) are prohibited.

• Learn about the differences between organic and conventional food production. Terms like "free-range," "hormone-free," and "natural" do not mean organic.
• Both the active ingredients and the other ingredients in a pesticide product must meet the USDA's criteria to be allowed for use in organic agriculture. For example, a pesticide containing an approved active ingredient would not be suitable for organic agriculture if it also contains a synthetic "other ingredient" such as petroleum distillates.
• Pesticide product labels may display a certain logo, indicating they meet USDA criteria for use in organic production. Organic farms may need to follow additional rules specified by their accredited certifying agent.
• If you're thinking about going organic, you can learn about the certification process through the USDA Organic Program.

Additional Resources

• Organic Labeling - USDA National Organic Program
• Organic Regulations - USDA National Organic Program
• USDA Guidance for Approved Inert Ingredients - USDA National Organic Program
• OMRI Certified Product Lists - Organic Materials Review Institute
• Labeling of Pesticide Products under the National Organic Program - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances - Code of Federal Regulations
• Certified Organic Farms (database) - US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Organic Farm Certification and the National Organic Program - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
• Common Organic-Allowed Pesticides - Xerces Society
• Organic Pesticides: Minimizing Risks to Pollinators and Beneficial Insects - Xerces Society

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.