Sections 205.601-205.606 of the standards are collectively referred to as the National List. This list spells out what substances may be used by organic growers or processors. Each section of the standards deals with a different category of products. In general, unless listed in Sections 205.602, or 205.604 as prohibited substances, nonsynthetic substances are allowed in organic crop and livestock production. Synthetic substances are generally prohibited in organic crop and livestock production unless they are listed as allowed in sections 205.601 or 205.603 of the standards.

• 205.601 - Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production.
• 205.602 - Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production.
• 205.603 - Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.
• 205.604 - Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic livestock production.
• 205.605 - Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as "organic" or "made with organics (specified ingredients or food group(s)).
• 205.606 - Nonorganically produced agricultural products allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as organic or made with organic ingredients.

The National List is the final arbiter of what substances may be allowed in organic crop, livestock, or processing operations. The National List was recently updated to include new substances. The revisions to the list may be viewed on the website of the National Organic Program. However, there are several resources that growers, livestock producers and processors may use as guidance documents in determining if a product is approved for use in organic production.

NOFA Bulk Order - Baystate Organic Certifiers works with the NOFA chapters in Massachusetts and Connecticut to verify that all substances on the bulk order meet the requirements of the National List. Note: The NOFA Bulk Order form lists the 4-3-3 Cheep Cheep fertilizer as manure. This is no longer true. The Cheep Cheep fertilizer is dehydrated poultry manure and may be used without restriction.

Baystate Organic Certifiers List of Local & Brand Name Approved Products - Baystate Organic Certifiers reviews local compost and potting soil to verify that it meets the requirements of the National List. A list of all of the approved suppliers may be accessed by clicking the link provided HERE.

Organic Materials Review Institute - OMRI maintains lists of Generic Materials and Brand Name Materials that meet the requirements of the National List. These lists are mailed to certified producers to use as guidance documents. They may also be accessed at OMRI's website. OMRI lists products as A - Allowed, R - Regulated, or P - Prohibited. Regulated products have an annotation that describes conditions or restrictions on the use of a product or an ingredient in the product. These conditions or restrictions may be found in the OMRI Generic Materials list.