The regulations and fruits allowed vary by country.

Europe

According to this document, ethylene is allowed for organic bananas and kiwis.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom’s Soil Association allows for the use of ethylene under rule 6.2.1 and says “Ethylene can be used in storage for sprout suppression or for ripening of fruits.” Visit the UK Soil Association’s web site here.

Australia and New Zealand

The use of ethylene is only allowed for degreening bananas, kiwis and kakis; degreening of citrus fruit only as part of a strategy for the prevention of fruit fly damage in citrus; flower induction of pineapple; sprouting inhibition in potatoes and onions. See this document for details (Page 93).

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM): In Appendix 4 of this document, ethylene is listed as approved as a “processing and postharvest handling aid.”

United States

The United States’ National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) allows for the use of ethylene as noted in this document. Rule 205.605(b) indicates that ethylene is allowed for post harvest ripening of tropical fruit and degreening of citrus.

However, this rule does not say what fruits are defined as “tropical.”  It is our understanding that the determination of what is tropical is made by the fruit handler’s organic certifier. If one wanted to use ethylene on a certain organic fruit they would make a request to the certifier to review the use for compliance. Then the certifier would do the research on whether the fruit in question could be considered tropical and ethylene used in ripening of it.

The USDA has a very good website covering certification and a listing of certification agencies, located here.

At this time we understand that ethylene is allowed for use on organic bananas, mangoes, avocados….perhaps more.  Contact a certifying agent to be sure.

Canada

Ethylene is allowed for post-harvest ripening of tropical fruit and degreening of citrus according to this document.