Join NOC for a virtual meeting on:

Demystifying the National Organic Standards Board

What it is, how it works, and how it impacts your farm

January 30, 2024 | 1 - 2.30 pm ET

Panelists:

• Steve Ela, Former NOSB Chair, NOC NOSB Specialist, Organic Producer at Ela Family Farms

• Harriet Behar, Former NOSB Chair, NOC Advisor, OFA Farmer Services Consultant, and Organic Producer at Sweet Springs Farm

• Amy Bruch, Current NOSB Vice Chair and Organic Producer at Cyclone Farms

Organic producers and processors must follow strict standards as to what is required to become organically certified.  Who decides what is and is not allowed on organic farms and in organic processing facilities? Not your certifier! Rather, it’s the USDA National Organic Program, in consultation with the National Organic Standards Board.

In this interactive networking session for organic and transitioning farmers, a panel of farmers and advocates will demystify the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Panelists will explain the role of the NOSB in shaping organic standards and allowed materials, the process the Board uses to make decisions, and explain how your comments can make a difference in Board decisions. Your input matters! The NOSB makes decisions that determine what you can and can’t do on your farm - we’ll explain how to provide input to the Board in a meaningful way, answer your questions, and share ideas about how to lift up farmer voices in the NOSB process.

Please reach out to Alice (alice@nationalorganiccoalition.org) with any questions.

This meeting is held in partnership with:

This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture(USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). 

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a virtual meeting:

A Deep Dive Into the New Organic Animal Welfare Rules

Friday, December 8, from 12 to 1.30 pm Eastern

(call begins at 11 am central, 10 am mountain, 9 am pacific)

USDA has finalized the long-awaited Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Rule. This new regulation will ensure high animal welfare standards for animals raised on organic farms, including a clear requirement for access to the outdoors for organic poultry production. On Friday, December 8, NOC will convene a webinar at 12 pm Eastern for NOC Members & Network Affiliates to share our analysis of this new regulation. This webinar will be presented by NOC Advisor and Consultant, Harriet Behar.

Registration for this event is now closed.
Please email alice@nationalorganiccoalition.org with questions.

**This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC. 

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a virtual meeting:

Key Outcomes from the Fall 2023 NOSB Meeting & NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting in Providence, RI

Tuesday, November 14, from 2 to 3.30 pm Eastern

(call begins at 1 pm central, 12 pm mountain, 11 am pacific)

NOC’s team will describe highlights from the Fall 2023 National Organic Standards Board Meeting and NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting.

Registration is closed.
Please email alice@nationalorganiccoalition.org with questions.

We will discuss the following topics and answer your questions:

• Key takeaways – Q&A with Jenny Tucker, Deputy Administrator for the National Organic Program

• NOSB Proposals, Sunset Materials & Discussion Documents

• Future NOSB Work

• Pre-NOSB Meeting Farmer Panel on Land Access

**This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC. 

Pre-NOSB Meeting

NOC is hosting the Fall 2023 Pre-NOSB Meeting, in Providence, Rhode Island. This is an in-person event! The Pre-NOSB Meeting takes place in advance of the National Organic Standards Board meeting each spring and fall. This meeting provides a space for information-sharing and dialogue and is open to all organic stakeholders. The meeting will include:

• A farmer panel.

• An update on the 2023 Farm Bill negotiations and other organic policy issues.

• Discussions about topics under consideration by the National Organic Standards Board.

• A Q&A with the National Organic Program.

• And more!

Meeting agenda & resources are available here.

Day: Monday, October 23rd

Time: 8.30 am to 3 pm ET

Location: Providence Marriott Downtown

Register below by COB on Thursday, October 19.

Farmer Scholarships

**NOC is providing a limited number of travel scholarships to farmers who wish to take part in the Pre-NOSB Meeting and/or NOSB Meeting.

[The application period for farmer scholarships is now closed.]

Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Meeting

NOC will also convene a meeting for staff from organizations that are participating in USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). This meeting will provide the opportunity for local, regional, and national TOPP partners to share information and best practices.

• Part 1: Monday, October 23rd, from 3.30 to 5.30 pm ET

• Part 2: Tuesday, October 24th, from 7.30 am to 9.30 am ET (breakfast is included)

Find a detailed agenda here.

Location: Providence Marriott Downtown

For any questions, please email info@nationalorganiccoalition.org.

Information about the Fall 2023 NOSB Meeting can be found here > https://www.ams.usda.gov/event/national-organic-standards-board-nosb-meeting-providence-ri

Meeting participants are invited to the NOSB Happy Hour on Wednesday, October 25, from 7 - 9pm EDT. More information at the bottom of the page and here.

REGISTRATION

*** Registration is closed - please email info@nationalorganiccoalition.org if you have not registered but would like to attend the meeting!***

Thank you to the Pre-NOSB meeting co-sponsors:

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a zoom discussion for NOC Members & Network Affiliates:

2023 Farm Bill Briefing:

Opportunities & Threats for Organic 

Join NOC Policy Director, Steve Etka, and Executive Director, Abby Youngblood, to discuss all things organic in the 2023 Farm Bill.   

We will discuss:

• 2023 Farm Bill context – the political backdrop and funding environment for the 2023 Farm Bill.

• Marker bills – NOC has endorsed multiple marker bills that are focused on organic research, cost share, technical assistance, conservation and more. We will share details and answer questions about these bills and how each will advance organic.

• Equity – we will highlight provisions that advance equitable access to organic agriculture.

• Addressing regulatory bottlenecks at USDA – we will share more information about a bill that will amend OFPA to ensure that organic lives up to the continuous improvement ethos and to compel USDA to implement NOSB recommendations in a timely manner.

• Grasstops & grassroots advocacy – learn how your organization or company can get more engaged and have an impact on the Farm Bill negotiations.

Register below by 5 pm ET on Tuesday, August 15 to participate in this event.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Not yet a NOC Network Affiliate? Please contact NOC to learn more about this opportunity. 

Background Information:

• Information about NOC’s work on the Farm Bill: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/farm-bill

• Top Priorities to Advance Organic in the 2023 Farm Bill: https://app.box.com/s/kx67627po79qd5j827jhh1e1wipiabw7

• Marker Bill Tracker: https://app.box.com/s/cblgm23vpda5be3f3ltswif65ro8dqfu

• NOC’s 2023 Farm Bill Platform: https://app.box.com/s/k17baosd57mbingrgpdpbq2ct3weckgs

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a conference call:

Key Outcomes from the Spring 2023 NOSB Meeting & NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting in Atlanta, GA 

Wednesday, May 17 from 3 to 4:30 pm eastern

(call begins at 2 pm central, 1 pm mountain, 12 pm pacific)

NOC’s team will describe highlights from the Spring 2023 National Organic Standards Board Meeting and NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting.

Register below by Monday, May 15 to participate in this event. 

We will discuss the following topics and answer your questions:

• Key takeaways – Q&A with Jenny Tucker, Deputy Administrator for the National Organic Program

• NOSB Proposals, Sunset Materials & Discussion Documents

• Future NOSB Work

• Pre-NOSB Meeting Farmer Panel – Growing Organic in the Southeast

• TOPP Meeting Report Back

**This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC. 

Join NOC on Monday, April 24 in Atlanta, GA for the Spring 2023 Pre-NOSB Meeting. This is an in-person event! The Pre-NOSB meeting will take place from 9 am to 5 pm ET at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Mid-town (same location as NOSB meeting).

The Pre-NOSB meeting will include:

• A DC Organic Policy Update

• Update on National Organic Standards Board Meeting topics

• Discussion about the new USDA Organic Transition Initiative

• An organic farmer panel

• A Q&A session with Jenny Tucker, Deputy Administrator for the National Organic Program

• Information about the new Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule

  and more.

Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Meeting

NOC will also convene a meeting for staff from organizations that are participating in the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) on the afternoon of April 24. This meeting will provide the opportunity for local, regional, and national TOPP partners to share information and best practices. More information is available here.

Please register using the form below by Thursday, April 20th.

Anyone registering after April 20th is welcome to join the meeting, but may not be included in our count for printed materials.

Meeting agenda & resources are available here.

Information about the Spring 2023 NOSB Meeting can be found here > https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb/meetings

For any questions, please email info@nationalorganiccoalition.org.

Thank you to meeting co-sponsors:

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a conference call on:

The Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule

January 31 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm eastern

(call begins at 1:00 pm central, 12:00 pm mountain, 11:00 am pacific)

Join NOC Policy Director, Steve Etka, and NOC Consultant, Christie Badger, to discuss the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule. NOC will provide our analysis of key provisions in the rule and its impact on organic operations and certification agencies. 

Register below to participate in this event by 5 pm ET on Monday, January 30.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC.

Background Information:

The Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule implements significant changes to tackle fraud in organic supply chains plus new requirements for additional organic handlers and brokers to become certified as organic.

The National Organic Coalition (NOC) submitted extensive comments in 2020 on a proposed Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule. Since then, NOC has advocated forcefully for finalization of the rule to create a fair marketplace for organic producers, who must follow strict requirements to protect the environment and human health, and to conserve biodiversity.

NOC recognizes that the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule is a first step to address fraud and ensure consistency across certification agencies.

The NOC team will describe highlights from the Fall 2022 National Organic Standards Board Meeting and NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting in Sacramento.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. Please email Abby Youngblood (abby@nationalorganiccoalition.org) for any questions.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC. 

We will discuss the following topics:

• Key takeaways – Q&A with National Organic Program at NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting

• NOSB topics:

  • Essentiality

  • Fraud

  • Climate-Smart Ag

  • NOSB Board Support

• A look ahead at the NOSB’s work agenda

• Highlights from the NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting panels:

  • Growing Organic Markets

  • Empowering Immigrant & Low-Resource Farmers

  • Key Findings from Report on DEI in the Organic Movement

• NOC’s 2023 Farm Bill Platform Highlights

Background

• NOC Fall 2022 Comments to the NOSB: https://app.box.com/s/7n1f1czyar9xg89nhhal83yqsmau9qjq

• NOSB Proposals and Discussion Documents: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NOSBMeetingPacketOctober2022.pdf

• NOC 2023 Farm Bill Recommendations - Highlights: https://app.box.com/file/1045418230034

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a 15-member volunteer board with representation from diverse members of the organic community. The NOSB advises the Secretary of Agriculture on a wide variety of topics related to organic standards, including what materials should be allowed in organic farming. The NOSB holds public meetings twice a year and the National Organic Coalition holds a public meeting prior to the start of each NOSB meeting (NOSB meetings usually last three or four days). The purpose of the Pre-NOSB meeting is to provide a forum for productive engagement around critical issues of organic integrity for diverse stakeholders in the organic community.

The work of the NOSB is critical to maintaining the integrity of the National Organic Program. The public meetings held each year are an opportunity for the entire organic community to publicly voice their opinions about how the organic program should function.

For more information about the NOSB, please visit: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/ofpa-nosb/

Join NOC on Monday, October 24 in Sacramento, CA for the Fall 2022 Pre-NOSB Meeting. This is an in-person event! The Pre-NOSB meeting will take place from 9 am to 5 pm PT at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown (same location as NOSB meeting). We have a great agenda planned, including presentations & discussions about the recently announced USDA Organic Transition Initiative, organic priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, a Q&A with Jenny Tucker from the National Organic Program, a conversation about supporting limited-resource aspiring farmers, a preview of the hot topics at the NOSB meeting (including organic acreage reporting to deter fraud), a farmer panel, and more!

The meeting format is a roundtable discussion, which promotes dialogue, open participation, and networking. The event is free and open to all organic stakeholders.

• The meeting agenda is now available here!

• Other meeting resources are available here.

Online pre-registration for this meeting has now closed. Please email info@nationalorganiccoalition.org with any questions or if you plan to attend, but did not register for the meeting in advance.

Thank you to our meeting co-sponsors:

For any questions, please email info@nationalorganiccoalition.org.

For meeting participants: We encourage participants to wear a well-fitting mask during the meeting except while eating or drinking. We will provide masks and hand sanitizer. We ask that anyone who is feeling ill or showing any covid symptoms refrains from taking part. NOC will continue to monitor local, CDC, and the hotel’s covid guidance and update this policy as needed.

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a conference call:

Advancing Organic in the 2023 Farm Bill

Thursday, August 11, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm eastern

(call begins at 1:00 pm central, 12:00 pm mountain, 11:00 am pacific)

Join NOC Policy Director, Steve Etka, and Executive Director, Abby Youngblood, to discuss NOC’s 2023 farm bill platform. NOC will describe our vision to advance organic through the farm bill legislation. 

We will discuss:

• 2023 farm bill context – the political backdrop and funding environment for the 2023 farm bill.

• Organic Stewardship Program – NOC’s proposal to create an $80 million program to streamline & increase organic certification cost share reimbursements and provide technical support & mentorship to existing and transitioning organic farmers.

• Supporting the NOSB – staff assistants for National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) members, stipends for farmers and under-resourced organizations, and our strategy to defend against efforts to weaken the role of the NOSB.

• Equity – using an equity lens to ensure farm bill policies promote equitable access to organic agriculture.

• Addressing regulatory bottlenecks at USDA –proposals to amend OFPA to ensure that organic lives up to the continuous improvement ethos and to compel USDA to implement NOSB recommendations in a timely manner.

• Organic Research - research is key to tackling the many challenges facing organic farmers.  NOC is asking for increased funding for organic research, to keep pace with the growing organic sector. 

• And more! NOC will be making recommendations for the inclusion of organic provisions across farm bill titles, including commodities, crop insurance, conservation, energy, nutrition, and horticulture. 

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Not yet a NOC Network Affiliate? Please contact NOC to learn more about this opportunity. 

 REGISTRATION IS CLOSED>

Key Outcomes from the Spring 2022 Online NOSB Meeting

Wednesday, May 11 from 1 to 2:30 pm eastern

(call begins at 12 pm central, 11 am mountain, 10 am pacific)

NOC staff will describe highlights from the Spring 2022 online National Organic Standards Board Meeting and NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting.

Register below by 5 pm eastern Tuesday, May 10, to participate in this event.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC.

We will discuss the following topics:

• Key takeaways – Q&A with National Organic Program at NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting: 

  o   Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule

  o   NOSB Recommendations Backlog

  o   Ammonia Extracts

  o   Support for NOSB members

• NOSB decisions and votes on highly soluble nitrogen fertilizers, excluded methods, and other key votes + why these issues matter to organic integrity.

• What lies ahead: NOSB technical support, racial equity, essentiality, and other topics flagged by the Board.

• Highlights from the NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting farmer panel – are USDA conservation programs working for organic farmers?

The Organic Farmers Association, the National Organic Coalition, IFOAM North America, the Accredited Certifiers Association, and the International Organic Inspectors Association are collaborating on a project to offer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Organic Professionals. 

As a part of this project, we are hosting a webinar on the History of Racism in US Agriculture & Organic, Wednesday, December 8th, from 2 to 3.30 pm ET. 

Organic organizations have recognized the need for a training providing baseline knowledge and common language for diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organic community. This webinar, presented by Cambium Collective, LLC, will provide an overview of systemic racism in organic agriculture systems, data on current demographics surrounding organic farmers, consumers, and service providers, and existing policies contributing or remediating discrepancies. 

The webinar is open to all, but is specifically designed for organic inspectors, organic certifiers, and organic farm education organizations.  We hope that you encourage your staff to attend.  We know that if we work on this together, we can build a stronger organic movement.  

Visit https://organicfarmersassociation.org/dei/ to register & learn more.

We hope you will join us! Registration is open through Monday, December 6th. 

This project is supported by the USDA - National Organic Program, Human Capital Capacity Building Projects.

Key Outcomes from the Fall 2021 Online NOSB Meeting

Tuesday, November 9 from 2 to 3:30 pm eastern

(call begins at 1 pm central, 12 pm mountain, 11 am pacific)

NOC staff will describe highlights from the Fall 2021 online National Organic Standards Board Meeting and NOC Fall 2021 Pre-NOSB Meeting.

Register below by COB Monday, November 8 to participate in this event.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC.

We will discuss the following topics:

• Key takeaways from the remarks that Under Secretary Moffitt, NOP Deputy Administrator Tucker, and Senior Advisor Karlin made at the meeting.

• NOSB decisions and votes on ammonia extracts, sodium nitrate, biodegradable biobased mulch, chitosan, biochar, kasugamycin, carbon dioxide, carrageenan, and zein, and why these issues matter to organic integrity.

• What lies ahead: future NOSB work on excluded methods, racial equity, and other topics flagged by the Board.

• Highlights from the NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting farmer panel and discussion about structural reforms to increase support for organic at USDA.

Advancing Organic with the Biden Administration

Wednesday, September 1 from 2:30 to 4:00 pm eastern

(call begins at 1:30 pm central, 12:30 pm mountain, 11:30 am pacific)

Join NOC Policy Director, Steve Etka, and Executive Director, Abby Youngblood, to discuss NOC’s six top priorities for immediate action by Secretary Vilsack and progress made to date on those priorities. We will also describe our vision for broader reforms that must be made in USDA’s organic program to achieve the true public-private partnership envisioned by the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA). 

We will provide updates and opportunities to take action on:

• Unfinished Rules - Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule, Origin of Livestock Rule, Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule

• Advancing Organic as a Climate Change solution - organic’s role as a climate change solution and proposals to incentivize the transition to organic.

• Building Back Better - creating a more inclusive, equitable organic program and a more resilient food system.

• Organic Certification Cost Share - restoring program funding and creating a more robust program for the future.

• Broader Structural Reforms - elevating the role of the NOSB, active support from USDA for organic agriculture.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC.

Registration is closed.

Please click “Submit” after filling out the form. You will receive a confirmation email within two business days of registering.

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a conference call: 

Key Outcomes from Spring 2021 Online NOSB Meeting

Tuesday, May 25 from 1 to 2:15 pm eastern

(call begins at 12 pm central, 11 am mountain, 10 am pacific)

NOC staff will describe highlights from the Spring 2021 online National Organic Standards Board Meeting and NOC Spring 2021 Pre-NOSB Meeting. 

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC. 

We will discuss the following topics:

• What we heard Dr. Tucker from the USDA National Organic Program say about Origin of Livestock, Strengthening Organic Enforcement, & Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rules.

• NOSB decisions and votes on paper pots, biodegradable biobased mulch, and ion exchange filtration, and why these issues matter to organic integrity.

• What lies ahead: future NOSB work on excluded methods, ammonia extract, highly soluble fertilizers, kasugamycin, greenhouse and container production, and more.

• Highlights from the NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting.

Register below by noon eastern on Monday, May 24.

Please click “Submit” after filling out the form. You will receive a confirmation email within two business days of registering.

Background

NOC Spring 2021 Comments to the NOSB: 

https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/blog/2021/4/5/noc-asks-nosb-to-ban-ammonia-extract-and-vote-no-on-biodegradable-mulch

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a 15-member volunteer board with representation from diverse members of the organic community. The NOSB advises the Secretary of Agriculture on a wide variety of topics related to organic standards, including what materials should be allowed in organic farming. The NOSB holds public meetings twice a year and the National Organic Coalition holds a public meeting prior to the start of each NOSB meeting (NOSB meetings usually last three or four days). The purpose of the Pre-NOSB meeting is to provide a forum for productive engagement around critical issues of organic integrity for diverse stakeholders in the organic community.

The work of the NOSB is critical to maintaining the integrity of the National Organic Program. The public meetings held each year are an opportunity for the entire organic community to publicly voice their opinions about how the organic program should function.

For the Spring 2021 NOSB Meeting, NOC weighed in on critical organic integrity issues in the in-depth comments and oral testimony we provided to the Board. These comments draw upon the wealth of expertise within our diverse coalition. Learn more: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/blog/2021/4/5/noc-asks-nosb-to-ban-ammonia-extract-and-vote-no-on-biodegradable-mulch

For more information about the NOSB, please visit: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/ofpa-nosb/

The National Organic Coalition Pre-NOSB meeting will be held virtually this spring on Thursday, April 15 from 1 pm to 5 pm ET. This meeting serves as a public forum for diverse stakeholders to discuss some of the most urgent and challenging issues impacting the organic community. The virtual meeting will include updates from organic farmers, a DC organic policy update, information about petitions and materials that are under review by the NOSB, and breakout sessions on hot topics (see below). The Pre-NOSB meeting agenda is now available here.

REGISTRATION FOR THIS MEETING IS CLOSED.

Descriptions for each breakout session and meeting resources are available here.

Thank you to our meeting co-sponsors:

• Organic Farmers Association

• Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF)

• Organic Materials Review Institute

• Wild Farm Alliance

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting will be held live online during subsequent weeks with sessions on April 20, 22, 28, 29, & 30. More details are available here. https://www.ams.usda.gov/event/national-organic-standards-board-nosb-meeting-crystal-city-va-0

Date: Thursday, March 25 from 2 to 3:15 pm eastern

Join NOC Policy Director, Steve Etka, and Executive Director, Abby Youngblood, to discuss the status of key organic rules that we hope to take across the finish line in 2021. We will also spend significant time discussing opportunities to lift up organic agriculture in climate change proposals.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Not a NOC Network Affiliate yet? Please contact NOC to learn more about this opportunity. 

We will provide updates and opportunities to take action on:

• Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule 

• Origin of Livestock Rule

• Reinstating Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule

• 2021 Leadership at USDA & in Congress: Highlights and opportunities - Ag Secretary & Deputies, House and Senate Agriculture Committee chairs, and more.

• Advancing Organic as a Climate Change solution – current legislation, ideas to incentivize transition to organic, carbon markets, and more.

Registration for this call is closed.

Participants will receive call information within 48 hours of registering. If that is not the case, please email Alice Runde at alice@nationalorganiccoalition.org

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a videoconference call for Members and Network Affiliates:

Key Outcomes from Fall 2020 Online NOSB Meeting

Thursday, November 19 from 2 to 3:15 pm eastern

(call begins at 1 pm central, 12 pm mountain, 11 am pacific) 

NOC staff will describe highlights from the Fall 2020 online National Organic Standards Board Meeting and NOC Fall 2020 Pre-NOSB Meeting.

We will discuss the following topics:

• What we heard Dr. Tucker from the USDA National Organic Program say about Origin of Livestock and inconsistencies in certifier requirements for the three-year transition period.

• NOSB decisions and votes on fenbendazole, 606 materials, paper pots, inerts, marine macroalgae, and why these issues matter to organic integrity.

• What lies ahead: future NOSB work on excluded methods, ammonia extract, and more

• Highlights from the NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC.

Registration is closed. Please contact us with any questions.

Background

NOC Fall 2020 Comments to the NOSB: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/blog/2020/10/6/noc-calls-on-nosb-to-tackle-certification-cost-share-cuts-climate-change

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a 15-member volunteer board with representation from diverse members of the organic community. The NOSB advises the Secretary of Agriculture on a wide variety of topics related to organic standards, including what materials should be allowed in organic farming. The NOSB holds public meetings twice a year and the National Organic Coalition holds a public meeting the day prior to the start of each NOSB meeting (NOSB meetings usually last three or four days). The purpose of the Pre-NOSB meeting is to provide a forum for productive engagement around critical issues of organic integrity for diverse stakeholders in the organic community.

The work of the NOSB is critical to maintaining the integrity of the National Organic Program. The public meetings held each year are an opportunity for the entire organic community to publicly voice their opinions about how the organic program should function.

For the Fall 2020 NOSB Meeting, NOC weighed in on critical organic integrity issues in the in-depth comments and oral testimony we provided to the Board. These comments draw upon the wealth of expertise within our diverse coalition. Learn more: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/blog/2020/10/6/noc-calls-on-nosb-to-tackle-certification-cost-share-cuts-climate-change

 For more information about the NOSB, please visit: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/ofpa-nosb/

Background

NOC Fall 2020 Comments to the NOSB: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/blog/2020/10/6/noc-calls-on-nosb-to-tackle-certification-cost-share-cuts-climate-change

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a 15-member volunteer board with representation from diverse members of the organic community. The NOSB advises the Secretary of Agriculture on a wide variety of topics related to organic standards, including what materials should be allowed in organic farming. The NOSB holds public meetings twice a year and the National Organic Coalition holds a public meeting the day prior to the start of each NOSB meeting (NOSB meetings usually last three or four days). The purpose of the Pre-NOSB meeting is to provide a forum for productive engagement around critical issues of organic integrity for diverse stakeholders in the organic community.

The work of the NOSB is critical to maintaining the integrity of the National Organic Program. The public meetings held each year are an opportunity for the entire organic community to publicly voice their opinions about how the organic program should function.

For the Fall 2020 NOSB Meeting, NOC weighed in on critical organic integrity issues in the in-depth comments and oral testimony we provided to the Board. These comments draw upon the wealth of expertise within our diverse coalition. Learn more: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/blog/2020/10/6/noc-calls-on-nosb-to-tackle-certification-cost-share-cuts-climate-change

 For more information about the NOSB, please visit: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/ofpa-nosb/

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will be meeting virtually this fall to eliminate the need for travel and to allow the Board and public stakeholders to convene safely. NOC will convene our Pre-NOSB meeting live, online as well, on Monday, October 26, 2020 from 1 pm to 4:15 pm ET.

The Pre-NOSB meeting serves as a public forum for diverse stakeholders to discuss some of the most urgent and challenging issues impacting the organic community. The virtual meeting will include updates from organic farmers, a DC organic policy update, and information about petitions and materials that are under review by the NOSB.  We will also be breaking up into small groups to discuss the following topics:

• Breakout Session A: DC Organic Policy Update

• Breakout Session B: Ammonia Extract Petition

• Breakout Session C: Biodegradable Biobased Mulch

• Breakout Session D: State of the USDA National Organic Program

• Breakout Session E: A Discussion on Racial Disparities in Organic Certification

• Breakout Session F: Certifier Consistency

• Breakout Session G: Human Capital –Making and Retaining Well-Qualified Organic Inspectors

A draft agenda for the meeting/descriptions for each breakout session and meeting resources are now available here.

Thank you to our meeting co-sponsors:

• Organic Farmers Association

• Accredited Certifiers Association

• International Organic Inspectors Association

Registration Closed.

The National Organic Coalition is hosting a call for NOC Members and Network Affiliates:

Analysis and Discussion: 
Strengthening Organic Enforcement Proposed Rule  

Tuesday, September 1 at 2:30 pm eastern
(1:30 pm central, 12:30 pm mountain, 11:30 am pacific)

Join NOC’s team and organic colleagues to share information and analysis of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Proposed Rule.

We will share our analysis regarding provisions in the proposed rule that we support and areas where we are urging changes or improvements. There will be time for discussion and input from call participants.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Not yet a NOC Network Affiliate? Please contact NOC to learn more about this opportunity.

Registration closed.

Breakout topics - additional information

1.     SOE Proposed Rule 101 – This breakout room is for participants who want to gain an understanding of what the proposed rule seeks to accomplish, the different parts of the proposed rule, and how to submit comments to USDA.

2.     Grower Groups – This breakout room is for participants who want to discuss the part of the SOE proposed rule that introduces new standards for grower groups based on previous NOSB recommendations and a 2011 NOP Policy Memorandum on Certification of Grower Groups. We will discuss whether or not grower groups should be limited to crop production and handling (not livestock) as the rule proposes, and whether there should be size limits for individual grower group members, or a maximum number of members allowed in a grower group operation.

3.     Unannounced Inspections & Inspector/Certification Review Staff Qualifications – This breakout room is for participants who want to discuss the proposed requirement that certifying agents conduct unannounced inspections for at least 5% of the operations they certify annually, as well as new requirements for inspectors and certification reviewers that are intended to ensure that these individuals have adequate knowledge, skills, and experience to verify compliance with USDA organic regulations. Group participants will share analyses and discuss areas that need further clarification.

4.     The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly  – This breakout room is for participants who want to discuss the rule overall and identify major improvements that the proposed rule achieves, as well as gaps, and oversights.

Background Information:

• USDA Website on Strengthening Organic Enforcement Proposed Rule: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/strengthening-organic-enforcement-proposed-rule

• NOC Blog posts on the proposed rule: www.nationalorganiccoalition.org

Updated on March 24, 2020

The National Organic Coalition will be convening a virtual Pre-NOSB meeting on Tuesday, April 28 from 1 to 4 pm eastern time. We look forward to bringing the organic community together to discuss how we can support organic agriculture during the Covid-19 outbreak. We will also discuss how to move forward with critical priorities in 2020 to protect organic integrity: advancing organic as a climate change solution, strengthening enforcement to prevent fraud, and restoring fairness for organic dairy. We plan to include farmer and DC organic policy updates during the virtual Pre-NOSB meeting. The meeting agenda and resources are posted here.

Click here to register for the meeting: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5_ipr9huSTm9aaor9v8afg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

NOC is also considering planning additional virtual gatherings on topics of importance to the organic community subsequent to the Spring NOSB Meeting. Stay tuned for more details.

Please reach out to Alice Runde (alice@nationalorganiccoalition.org) if you have any questions.

Join NOC Policy Director, Steve Etka, and Executive Director, Abby Youngblood, to learn about what is happening on the hill and at USDA with organic, NOC’s policy priorities for 2020, and how your organization or company can get involved.

This call is for National Organic Coalition Members &Network Affiliates. Not yet a NOC Network Affiliate? Please contact NOC to learn more about this opportunity.

We will provide updates and opportunities to take action on:

• Advancing Organic as a Climate Change Solution

• Fraud & Enforcement: What are the next steps to ensure that the USDA has the resources, authority, and interagency collaborations to crack down on fraud in organic supply chains? What can we expect in the forthcoming regulation from USDA, which is aimed at strengthening enforcement and addressing import fraud challenges?

• Organic Dairy: What is the status of the Origin of Livestock regulation? What is the impact of the USDA’s Livestock Compliance Project on pasture rule enforcement and organic dairy compliance?

•  2021 Appropriations Legislation: Help support programs that advance organic in the 2021 appropriations legislation. Do your Senators/Representative serve on the appropriations committee?

• Other topics as time permits.

Please register to participate in this event:

NOC staff will describe highlights from the National Organic Standards Board meeting and NOC Pre-NOSB meeting from October 22 to 25 in Pittsburgh.  

Topics include: 

• Prohibition against gene editing in organic

• Dairy Sector Enforcement, Origin of Livestock

• Organic enforcement and import fraud; Strengthening Organic Enforcement Proposed Rule

• Racial equity in organic

• 3-year transition period and prohibited substances in container operations

• Board votes on key proposals and petitions –fatty alcohols, excluded methods, GMO vaccines

Register below to receive the call information. This call is for National Organic Coalition Members & Network Affiliates. Please contact us if you would like more information about joining NOC.

For more information, please visit: https://www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/ofpa-nosb/