The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants organic growers to know that hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic operations can still be certified under USDA organic regulations.
In a Jan. 25 notice, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service acknowledged there has been extensive debate on hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic operations since the fall 2017 meeting of the National Organic Standards Board. The agency said it was posting the notice to clarify the status of the operations.
“For these products to be labeled as organic, the operation must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent, and maintain compliance with the USDA organic regulations,” according to the notice.
The agency said the National Organic Standards Board has recommended prohibiting aeroponic systems in organic production. While it considers the recommendation, aeroponic production methods remain allowed.
The USDA also announced that it has published transcripts and presentations from the fall meeting of the National Organic Standards Board on its website.