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.
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 |
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|---|---|
| NOSB Recommendation on 100% Organic Labeling |
pdf |
| Pet Food Standards Proposal - Materials - Soy Lecithin |
pdf |
| Multisite Certification Recommendation |
|
| Commercial Availability of Seed |
|
| May 2008 | |
| Materials and Ag vs Non Ag Products, Material Eval | pdf |
| Clarification of Materials and additions to 205.606 | pdf |
| November 2007 |
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| Commercial Availability Recommendation |
pdf |
