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Herbicidal Soaps (2024 Sunset Crops)

Sunset Survey

This survey is administered by the Organic Trade Association to assess the necessity/essentiality of substances used in organic production that are undergoing NOSB Sunset Review. The information collected will be passed along to NOSB anonymously via the Organic Trade Association’s comments. Please do not include any confidential businesses information. For more information please visit OTA.com/NOSB.

This survey is for the substance SOAP-BASED HERBICIDES
§205.601(b)
Allowed for weed control only in farmstead maintenance (roadways, ditches, right of ways, building perimeters) and ornamental crops.

1.Is your operation certified organic?
2.Is Soap-Based Herbicides included in your organic system plan?
3.Which types of organic products do you produce/raise using Soap-Based Herbicides?
4.Please describe how you use soap-based herbicides on your operation and why it is necessary.
5.With what frequency does your operation use Soap-Based Herbicides? (e.g., seldom, as needed when a certain condition arises, routinely, etc.)
6.Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative to Soap-Based Herbicides? (e.g., other substances that are on the National List and/or other natural substances)
7.Are there any other management practices that would eliminate the need for Soap-Based Herbicides? (e.g., mechanical or physical practices)
8.How would your organic production be impacted if Soap-Based Herbicides was no longer allowed? (describe the agronomic, environmental or human health effects, product quality, economic effects)
9.On a scale from 1 to 5 stars, rate the overall necessity of Soap-Based Herbicides for your organic operation:
1-Unnecessary (don’t need it at all)
2
3-Neutral (nice to have but could live without it)
4
5-Critical (would leave organic without it)
10.You are strongly encouraged to submit your own comments to NOSB. See ota.com/nosb for instructions.

If you would like assistance or guidance in submitting comments to NOSB, please contact Johanna Mirenda at jmirenda@ota.com or provide your contact information below and OTA will contact you directly.