The National Organic Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a report proposing organic standards for aquaculture. Seafood from certified aquaculture enterprises could be sold with the “USDA Organic” label, and products not meeting the national standard would be prohibited from sale with an organic label in the United States. The USDA is accepting public comments on the proposed rules until April 10th, 2006.

Currently there are no uniform criteria in the United States for what qualifies as organic seafood. By regulating organic certification and labeling, the USDA standards are intended to improve credibility and consumer trust in organic claims.

According to the National Organic Program, an organic production system is one that integrates “cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” In the standards for agriculture, most synthetic chemicals and conventional pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones, genetic engineering, sewage sludge, and irradiation are prohibited. The proposed rules for aquatic species apply to fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants propagated and reared in an aquaculture facility.

The Interim Final Report of the Aquaculture Working Group is available on the National Organic Program website at www.ams.usda.gov/nop/TaskForces/AATFInterimaFinalReportPubComnt.pdf.

Comments on the standards for organic aquaculture can be sent to the USDA via e-mail at NOSB.Livestock@usda.gov.