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Calcium Propionate (2023 Sunset Livestock)

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 CALCIUM PROPIONATE
Allowed only for treatment of milk fever in cattle, sheep, and goats. §205.603(a)
1.Is your operation certified organic?
2.Is calcium propionate included in your organic system plan?
3.Which types of organic products do you produce/raise using calcium propionate? (e.g., dairy cows)
4.What function does calcium propionate provide and why is it necessary? (note: this substance is restricted only for milk fever treatment)
5.With what frequency does your operation use calcium propionate? (e.g., seldom, as needed when a certain condition arises, routinely, etc.)
6.Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative to calcium propionate for milk fever treatment? (e.g., other substances that are on the National List and/or other natural substances)
7.The National List references multiple substances for the treatment of ketosis and milk fever, including propylene glycol, calcium propionate, calcium borogluconate and electrolytes. Are they equally necessary and effective? Do organic producers have the correct tools for treatment of all stages of the development of these related conditions?
8.Are there any other management practices that would eliminate the need for calcium propionate for milk fever treatment? (e.g., mechanical or physical practices; alternative health care or sanitation practices, etc.)
9.How would your organic production be impacted if calcium propionate was no longer allowed for milk fever treatment? (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 calcium propionate 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)
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.