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National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

The NOSB's main mission is to assist the Secretary in developing standards for substances to be used in organic production.

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, part of the 1990 Farm Bill, authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a 15-member National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The board's main mission is to assist the Secretary in developing standards for substances to be used in organic production. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on other aspects of implementing the national organic program.  View meeting agendas and previous meeting minutes as well as proposed regulatory changes.

Visit the NOSB website

Oregon Tilth actively participates in these meetings by providing comments to recommendations the NOSB is making on policy and standards development.  In addition to providing written comments Oregon Tilth staff regularly attend meetings in Washington DC in person to be available to further comment and answer questions while these decisions are being made. This is a crucial part in maintaining integrity and strength in National Organic Standard development.

Read our comments given at recent meetings:

November 2009
(see agenda and proposals by the NOSB)
download
Livestock: Animal Welfare Recommendation and Livestock Materials Recommendations
pdf
Guidelines for Retailer Certification under the NOP
pdf
Classification of Materials
pdf
Nanotechnology, Personal Care Standards and Handling Materials Sunset
pdf
May 2009
(see agenda and proposals by the NOSB)
download
Biodiversity guidance document
pdf
Soil-less growing systems discussion document
pdf
Vitamins and Minerals Injected as supplements
pdf
Animal Welfare discussion document
pdf
OTCO and PCO joint comments on 205.606 Petitioned Materials
pdf
Handling Topics: Petitioned Materials, Clarification of Materials, 100% Organic Label Claim
pdf
November 2008

NOSB Recommendation on 100% Organic Labeling
pdf
Pet Food Standards Proposal - Materials - Soy Lecithin
pdf
Multisite Certification Recommendation
pdf
Commercial Availability of Seed
pdf
 May 2008  
 Materials and Ag vs Non Ag Products, Material Eval pdf
 Clarification of Materials and additions to 205.606 pdf

 

November 2007
 
Commercial Availability Recommendation                  
pdf
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