At the recent National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) spring meeting, Oregon Tilth weighed in on key topics that could significantly shape the future of organic certification. The NOSB holds these meetings usually twice a year in various locations around the U.S.. Providing the organic community a chance to come together and share their thoughts and recommendations about potential changes to organic policies and the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. These meetings are more than just discussions, they’re a chance for the public to have a voice in the organic standards that impact our food, farms, and environment. By submitting written or oral comments, individuals can help guide decisions that support a transparent, inclusive, and continually improving organic system. If you would like to learn more about the NOSB meetings or contribute recommendations, you can visit the NOSB Meeting page.  

Here are some of the highlights from the meeting and our thoughts on how we can advance integrity and access in organic agriculture, particularly through smarter oversight, thoughtful rule implementation, and science-based evaluation of new tools for farmers. 

Flexibility with Integrity: A Risk-Based Approach to Organic Certification

Oregon Tilth has always strongly supported the NOSB’s ongoing leadership and thoughtful work on developing a risk-based certification model. As the Risk-Based Certification proposal outlined, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule was a vital and timely step to safeguard organic integrity across the supply chain. However, its implementation has unintentionally placed a heavier burden on all certified operations, regardless of their actual risk level. We’ve observed how these additional requirements have significantly increased both the time and cost of certification, even for farms and businesses that pose minimal risk. Alarmingly, some small and mid-sized producers are now considering surrendering their organic certification, not due to a lack of commitment to organic principles, but because the growing burden is becoming unsustainable.

At the same time, USDA’s investment in organic transition through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) has generated unprecedented momentum, with nearly 200 organizations collaborating nationwide. Yet our national survey of over 600 transitioning farmers, summarized in Breaking New Ground: Farmer Perspectives on Organic Transition, makes it clear that certification costs and recordkeeping burdens remain two of the top obstacles for new entrants. If we fail to ease these pressures, we risk undermining the very impact of USDA’s investments, discouraging future transitioners and eroding commitment from existing certified producers.

The community must boldly pursue meaningful reform through a risk-based certification model to fully realize the promise of a more inclusive and resilient organic sector. Incremental adjustments to Organic System Plans or documentation expectations will not sufficiently address the systemic strain. In our Fall 2024 comments, Oregon Tilth identified practical solutions—such as remote audits for non-handling operations, reducing audit trail exercises, and streamlining recordkeeping for low-risk operators. We are encouraged to see many of these ideas reflected in the Spring 2025 proposal. 

We urge the NOSB and the organic community to continue this courageous path—embracing change, adapting to evolving realities, and building a more innovative, risk-based system that serves producers while upholding the trust of consumers who value the organic label.

“As we navigate the path ahead, we must stay rooted in the principles of fairness and consistency. A unified risk-based framework is essential, but so is the flexibility to honor the diversity, scale, and complexity of every organic operation.” 

— Chris Schreiner, CEO at Oregon Tilth

Implementing SOE Rules: Sound and Sensible is Key

With the final Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule now in effect, Oregon Tilth is working closely with our partners and certified operators to ensure smooth and effective adoption. We support the new rule’s intent to close loopholes, improve traceability, and increase accountability in the organic supply chain but implementation must remain sound and sensible.

This means applying the rule with flexibility, context, and fairness, especially for small-scale and historically underserved producers. We’re advocating for training, technical assistance, and common-sense enforcement to ensure the new requirements don’t create unnecessary barriers for farmers working hard to do the right thing.

Expanding Allowances: Supporting Kairomone (Pear Ester) Petition for the National List

The Spring 2025 meeting also included discussion of a petition to add Kairomone (Pear Ester) to the National List of allowed synthetic substances. This compound, used for pest control through mating disruption, could offer organic growers a new tool in managing insect pressure.

Oregon Tilth supports the proposed addition of kairomones to the National List, expanding the existing allowance for pheromones used in insect management. This update reflects scientific progress and on-the-ground organic practices, offering growers additional tools that align with organic principles. Currently, Oregon Tilth approves six kairomone-based materials, previously recognized under WSDA’s pheromone classification. With more than 40 certified operations actively utilizing one or more of these products. Formal recognition of kairomones will strengthen organic pest management options while maintaining the integrity of the organic label.

Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) 2024 Impact Report 

USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) 2024 Impact Report offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of organic farming, highlighting significant strides in support of farmers transitioning to organic agriculture. TOPP only officially launched in 2022, and yet has established a robust network of over 165 partner organizations across six U.S. regions, providing mentorship, technical assistance, and educational resources tailored to local needs. Oregon Tilth is the Northwest TOPP regional lead organization and has over 30 partner organizations working with us throughout the six-state region, including state agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations.

Over the past two years, TOPP has facilitated the certification of 3,863 new organic operations and the addition of more than 260,000 acres of organic farmland nationwide. The program has connected 327 transitioning producers with 237 experienced organic mentors, fostering knowledge exchange and community building. Through nearly 1,500 events, including workshops and field days, TOPP has reached thousands of producers and agricultural professionals, equipping them with practical tools and insights for successful organic farming.

TOPP’s impact extends beyond numbers; it encompasses real stories of farmers with the guidance of a mentor who have been able to successfully navigate the transition to organic farming. These narratives underscore the program’s role in strengthening domestic organic supply chains and empowering farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Watch and listen to some of the real life stories here: NW TOPP Customer Stories Trailer.  

As the demand for organic products continues to grow, TOPP’s comprehensive support system is instrumental in cultivating a resilient and inclusive organic agriculture sector. By investing in the people and communities at the heart of organic farming, TOPP is laying the groundwork for a sustainable food future.

Looking Ahead: Cultivating the Future of Organic Agriculture 

Oregon Tilth is deeply committed to advancing the integrity of organic certification and the success of the farmers and food businesses who uphold it. We believe that collective, forward-thinking efforts are essential to building a stronger, more consistent, and enduring organic system that continually evolves to meet the needs of farmers, food handlers, and the communities they serve. 

As policies evolve, we’ll continue to advocate for practical, inclusive, scientifically sound approaches to organic certification and expanded investment in research and education that honors the lived experiences of organic and transitioning farmers. 

Supporting these producers effectively requires a holistic approach that integrates market realities, agronomic challenges, and financial considerations. We urge the broader organic community, including partners across public and private sectors, to champion participatory research, education, and extension efforts rooted in real-world farming practices and focused on delivering actionable tools. Together, we can empower the farmers, leading toward a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system.

If you’d like to take a deeper look into our insights from the recent NOSB meeting, you can read more by visiting: Oregon Tilth 2025 NOSB Spring Meeting Comments.