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Magnesium Oxide (2023 Sunset Crops)

Sunset Survey

This survey is administered by the Organic Trade Association to assess the necessity/essentiality of substances used in organic production and processing that are undergoing NOSB Sunset Review. The information collected will be passed along to NOSB 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 MAGNESIUM OXIDE (for humates)
Allowed for use only to control the viscosity of a clay suspension agent for humates in order to prevent crystallization of any fertilizer or micronutrient salts that may be in solution and prevent the plugging of spray nozzles during spray applications. §205.601(j)(5)
1.Is your operation certified organic?
2.Is magnesium oxide included in your organic system plan? (note: this survey is specific for use to control the viscosity of a clay suspension agent for humates)
3.Which types of organic products do you produce using magnesium oxide in this manner? (e.g., lettuces, fruit trees)
4.What function does magnesium oxide provide and why is it necessary? (note: this survey is specific for use to control the viscosity of a clay suspension agent for humates)
5.With what frequency does your operation use magnesium oxide in this manner? (e.g., seldom, as needed when a certain condition arises, routinely, etc.)
6.Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative to magnesium oxide for the purpose of controlling viscosity of a clay suspension for humates? (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 magnesium oxide for the purpose of controlling viscosity of a clay suspension for humates? (e.g., mechanical or physical practices; alternative harvest or storage practices).
8.How would your organic production be impacted if magnesium oxide was no longer allowed for this purpose? (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 magnesium oxide for your organic operation:
Unnecessary (don’t need it at all)
Neutral (nice to have but could live without it)
Critical (would leave organic without it)
10.You are strongly encouraged to submit your own comments by Sept 30th directly to the NOSB via Regulations.gov.

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.