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Zinc Sulfate (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 ZINC SULFATE
Allowed only for use in hoof and foot treatments for the control of foot rot in dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. §205.603(b)
1.Is your operation certified organic?
2.Is zinc sulfate included in your organic system plan?
3.Which types of organic products do you produce/raise using zinc sulfate? (e.g., dairy cows)
4.What function does zinc sulfate provide and why is it necessary? (note: this substance is restricted only to hoof and foot treatment)
5.With what frequency does your operation use zinc sulfate? (e.g., seldom, as needed when a certain condition arises, routinely, etc.)
6.Have you tried using any other substances as an alternative to zinc sulfate for hoof and food treatment? (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 zinc sulfate? (e.g., mechanical or physical practices; alternative health care or sanitation practices, etc.)
8.Has the use of zinc sulfate reduced the use of copper sulfate in treating foot disease in livestock?
9.How would your organic production be impacted if zinc sulfate was no longer allowed for hoof and foot 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 zinc sulfate 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.