USDA proposes to clarify standards for organic mushrooms

The USDA is proposing to amend its regulations to clarify standards for organic mushrooms.

In a Federal Register notice published on March 11, the agency said it would take comments on the proposal until May 10.

Topics addressed by the proposed rule for mushrooms include sourcing of substrate and spawn in organic mushroom production and composting requirements for organic mushroom production.

Through the amendments in this proposed rule, the USDA would establish standards for organic mushroom production, the notice said. The proposed rule would:

• Add the term “mushroom” to the definitions of “crop” and “wild crop;”
• Establish definitions for “mushroom,” “mushroom substrate,” “mycelium,” “spawn,” and “spawn media;”
• Create a new section titled Mushroom Production Practice Standard;
• Require that operations use organic mushroom spawn and substrate when commercially available; and
• Add mushroom-specific requirements for organic compost production.

In addition, the USDA is proposing organic standards for pet food. The USDA said specific standards for organic mushrooms and pet food do not currently exist.

“Instead, these products have been certified organic using the general organic standards for crops, livestock, and handling,” the proposal said. “However, this approach is not ideal as the current regulations do not address unique aspects of either product. AMS expects this rule would promote the development of these markets by increasing regulatory certainty that would, in turn, encourage investment in the markets.”

For more information, contact Erin Healy, director of the standards division for the National Organic Program, at Erin.Healy@usda.gov.

Related link: Federal Register notice