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Copper Sulfate (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 COPPER SULFATE (for rice production)
Allowed for use as an algicide and tadpole shrimp control in aquatic rice systems. One application per field during any 24-month period. Application rates are limited to those which do not increase baseline soil test values for copper over a time frame agreed upon by the producer and accredited certifying agent. §205.601(a)(3) & (e)(4)

Other uses of copper in organic production are not being addressed in this particular review.
1.Is your operation certified organic?
2.Is copper sulfate included in your organic system plan for rice production?
3.Which types of organic products do you produce using copper sulfate? (note: This survey is specific to aquatic rice systems)
4.What function does copper sulfate provide and why is it necessary in aquatic rice systems?
5.With what frequency and application rate do you use copper sulfate in aquatic rice systems?
6.Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative to copper sulfate? (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 copper sulfate? (e.g., mechanical or physical practices; alternative harvest or storage practices).
8.What are the roadblocks to transitioning to a dry-seeding or transplanting of rice seedlings in U.S. rice production?
9.How would your organic production be impacted if copper sulfate was no longer allowed? (describe the agronomic, environmental or human health effects, product quality, economic effects)
10.On a scale from 1 to 5 stars, rate the overall necessity of copper sulfate for your organic aquatic rice system:
Unnecessary (don’t need it at all)
Neutral (nice to have but could live without it)
Critical (would leave organic without it)
11.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.