Labeling of Pesticide Products under the National Organic Program

PR Notice 2003-1 Subject: Labeling of Pesticide Products under the National Organic Program, describes how registrants can obtain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval of label language indicating that all ingredients (active and inert) in a pesticide product and all uses of that pesticide meet the criteria defined in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) Rule.

This PR Notice provides an example of acceptable label language and the procedures for adding such identification to product labels. The information on the pesticide label will assist organic growers and those persons certifying organic production methods in knowing which pesticide products meet the requirements of the NOP Rule for use in organic agriculture. According to USDA’s rules, organic growers are required to rely on their certifier for compliance with the NOP (7 CFR Part 205).

Any label language on a pesticide product as described in this notice is to assist the grower and certifier. Registrants of pesticide products are not required to add such NOP language to their products for the products to be used in organic agriculture. If a producer or certifier determines that a pesticide product meets the requirements of the NOP, that product may be used by an organic producer whether or not the product label states that the product meets the NOP rule criteria. Use of products with NOP language does not modify the requirement that growers rely on their certifier for compliance with the NOP.

This notice provides guidance to pesticide registrants who may consider participation in this voluntary program. A label amendment must be submitted to the appropriate registering division in EPA's Pesticide Program to obtain permission to designate organic status for an existing pesticide product.

EPA Logo Recommended in PR Notice 2003-1

Attached for download is a copy of the logo EPA recommended in PR Notice 2003-1 on Labeling of Pesticide Products under the National Organic Program:

Logo with text:

Logo without text:

For this logo without text right above, you can add the statement/text - "For Organic Gardening", using the same font as "for organic production."

Note: To download right click on the graphic and save the image.