USDA Organic vs. Glyphosate: The Prohibited Substance Rule
The USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) forbids glyphosate and other synthetic herbicides on certified organic crops. Organic certification requires farmers to use biological and cultural practices to manage pests and weeds. The NOP states that organic fields must be free of prohibited substances for three years before the first organic harvest. This rule helps make organic foods a safer choice for avoiding pesticide residues like glyphosate.
The Role of an Organic System Plan
Producers must create and follow an Organic System Plan (OSP) to gain certification. This plan details all farming practices, including weed and pest control methods without synthetic inputs. Alternative methods for weed control in organic farming include:
- Crop rotation: Alternating crops to disrupt pest and weed cycles.
- Cover cropping: Planting crops to cover the soil, suppressing weeds and improving soil health.
- Mechanical cultivation: Using tillage and other machinery to remove weeds.
- Hand weeding: Removing weeds manually.
- Biological controls: Introducing beneficial organisms that prey on pests.
- Natural herbicides: Using approved, natural-source herbicides like horticultural vinegar or neem oil.
Can Organic Food Still Have Glyphosate?
Despite the prohibition, glyphosate residue in organic products is possible due to environmental contamination. This can happen through several ways, including:
- Pesticide drift: Airborne glyphosate from nearby farms can contaminate organic fields. Wind can carry herbicide particles over distances.
- Contaminated water sources: Irrigation water can have trace glyphosate from runoff, which can be absorbed by crops.
- Processing and transportation cross-contamination: Organic and conventional crops may use the same equipment, even if cleaned. Residues can transfer.
The USDA's policy recognizes the possibility of unintentional contamination. If a certifying agent finds that an organic product has been contaminated with a prohibited substance, the product cannot be sold as organic if the residue levels are above 5% of the EPA's tolerance for that pesticide. However, some believe this threshold is not strict enough.
USDA Organic vs. Glyphosate Residue Free Certification
Comparing the USDA organic seal with other certifications is essential for consumers wanting to minimize glyphosate exposure. The Glyphosate Residue Free certification, by The Detox Project, offers a different level of assurance.
| Feature | USDA Organic Certification | Glyphosate Residue Free Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Usage of Glyphosate | Prohibits intentional use during production and processing. | Requires end-product testing to ensure no glyphosate residues are present above a very low detection limit. |
| Contamination Policy | Allows for trace levels of unavoidable environmental contamination up to 5% of the EPA's pesticide tolerance. | Sets a much stricter standard, certifying products with no detectable glyphosate residues. |
| Testing Method | Testing is not mandated for every batch. The focus is on verifying farm practices, with occasional testing as a compliance check. | Requires products to be tested annually by an accredited third-party laboratory. |
| Scope | A comprehensive standard covering synthetic pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, and other prohibited practices. | A specific, focused certification for one herbicide: glyphosate. |
| Verification | Verified by USDA-accredited certifying agents through annual inspections and record reviews. | Verified by The Detox Project through third-party lab testing. |
What This Means for the Conscious Consumer
Understanding the limits of the USDA organic seal is crucial for making informed food choices. The certification significantly reduces the likelihood of exposure to glyphosate and other synthetic pesticides. It does not promise a zero-residue product due to environmental factors.
Consumers seeking the highest assurance of a glyphosate-free product should look for the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' seal. This certification complements the organic standard by addressing environmental contamination. Brands in the grain and oat industry have adopted this certification to provide consumer confidence. By paying attention to these distinctions, consumers can make better choices for their health and values.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "Does USDA organic mean no glyphosate?", the answer is no, not absolutely zero. Although the intentional use of glyphosate is forbidden, contamination from environmental drift and cross-contamination can still lead to trace amounts in the final product. The USDA organic certification is a tool for minimizing exposure. Those seeking the highest assurance should look for labels like the 'Glyphosate Residue Free' certification. By understanding different labels and their focuses, more precise choices for diet and health are possible.
