U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE | AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE | NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM

Organic Integrity from Farm to Table, Consumers Trust the Organic Label.

Collaboration and Innovation:

Keys to Organic Success... 

For years, the organic industry has experienced 

enormous growth, defying expectations and 

creating exciting opportunities for producers and 

entrepreneurs around the world. 2014 was another 

record year for the organic community, with 19,474 

certified organic operations in the United States and 

nearly 28,000 certified organic operations from more 

than 120 countries around the globe.

The retail market for organic products is now valued 

at more than $39 billion in the U.S. and over $75 

billion worldwide. With its rapidly growing market and high consumer interest, 

USDA is focused on helping this area of agriculture achieve even greater success. 

In May 2013, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued guidance that identified 

organic priorities for the Department, including training and outreach, growing 

the organic sector, reducing paperwork, improving research, and gathering data.

USDA’s Organic Working Group (OWG) has been working across USDA agencies 

to proactively implement the Secretary’s vision. We’ve made great strides in 

just the last two years. Below are examples of the USDA’s successes and our 

commitment to growing organic agriculture:

• Organic Research

Over the last two years, USDA invested $81.5 million in research to support 

organic production, including efforts to develop sustainable nutrient 

management in organic grain cropping, livestock, and reduced-tillage 

systems, as well as projects to improve the productivity and success of 

organic agriculture.

• Simplifying Certification

In 2014, AMS issued over 9,000 reimbursements totaling over $7 million to 

defray certification costs for organic producers and handlers. 

Table of Contents

1 Keys to Organic Success

3 National List Updates

4 End-of-Fiscal Year 

Accomplishments 

6 Compliance & Enforcement/

Appeals Summary 

7 Supporting Organic 

Agriculture: Specialty Block 

Grants Available

8 Program Handbook + Web 

Updates 

9 Building Technology that 

Supports Organic Integrity

10 Highly Pathogenic Avian 

Influenza Update

11 NOSB Fall 2015 Meeting 

Update

13 NOSB Meeting Update: 

Sunset 2017 Review

16 Fact Sheet: Introduction to 

Organic Practices

Visit the NOP online at www.ams.usda.gov/nop Join us on Twitter: @USDA_AMS | #USDAorganic

November 2015 Newsletter

continued on page 2
• Sound & Sensible Resources

Our Sound & Sensible initiative also awarded project 

contracts to create tools and resources that help make 

organic certification more accessible, attainable, and 

affordable.

• Organic Education and Resources

In 2012, AMS sponsored the launch of the Organic Literacy 

Initiative training and outreach program to help USDA 

employees better understand and serve organic operators. 

Over 30,000 USDA staff members have taken the training. 

In 2013, the OWG established an online “one-stop-shop” 

at www.usda.gov/organic, which features USDA’s full 

range of services for organic producers. 

• Streamlining Services

In the last two years, more than 1,100 farms have 

benefitted from $15 million in assistance through 

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 

Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic 

Initiative.

NRCS also streamlined their conservation activity plans 

for producers who are transitioning to organic farming 

practices. 

• Serving Organic Markets

In the last two years, USDA Rural Development awarded 

$27 million in grants and loans to support organic 

producers and handlers. 

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released 

its third Organic Producer Survey, which will help us 

evaluate and establish organic crop insurance programs, 

in addition to providing timely and reliable information 

to the industry.

With 19,474 certified organic operations in the United States and nearly 28,000 certified organic operations from more than 120 countries around the globe, organic 

agriculture has seen enormous growth and success over the last two years. Note: Foreign operations may also be certified to the USDA organic standards.

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The NOP Organic Insider

USDA National Organic Program

Keys to Organic Success, continued

continued from page 1

continued on page 3

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USDA continues to expand markets for American organic 

products abroad, adding to the list of agreements 

that increase market access for U.S. producers. This 

Administration has secured trade arrangements with 

five countries so far: Canada, the European Union, Japan, 

Korea, and Switzerland.

AMS Market News provided market and pricing 

information for more than 250 organic products and 

developed plans to include even more data.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency released several new 

options to provide effective insurance coverage for 

organic crops and better risk management tools for 

organic producers.

That’s quite a list—and there is still more to come! Moving 

forward, we will continue to develop more comprehensive 

resources for organic stakeholders and incorporate critical 

organic research needs across USDA’s programs. Our 

commitment to organic agriculture has been critical to the 

sector’s growth, and I look forward to seeing what we can 

achieve in the coming years.

Sincerely,

Anne L. Alonzo

AMS Administrator

New Petitions

The following new petitions have been posted on the NOP website and sent to 

the NOSB for review:

• Soy wax, petitioned to § 205.601

• Squid and squid byproducts, petitioned to § 205.601 (new addendum)

• Calcium chloride, petitioned for annotation change on § 205.602

• Sodium bisulfate, petitioned to § 205.603 (new addendum)

• Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), petitioned to § 205.605

• Sodium Bisulfate, petitioned for addition to § 205.603, petition addendum

Withdrawn Petitions

• Anaerobic digestate from food waste 

View petitions and technical reports: www.ams.usda.gov/NOPNationalList 

National List Updates

continued from page 2

Keys to Organic Success, continued

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Calvin Riggleman owns Bigg Riggs farm in Hampshire 

County, WV. Riggleman served in Iraq and serves his community farm fresh 

organic produce, and food products made by the Bigg Riggs Farm team.

3
National Organic Program: End-of-Fiscal Year Accomplishments

In April 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) 

National Organic Program (NOP) published its 2015-2018 Strategic Plan. The plan includes 

information about the AMS vision, mission, and strategic goals; the NOP organization and 

activities; a summary of successes over the past five years; and five strategic goals.

I am proud to recognize the great work that AMS NOP staff has contributed to advance the 

organic community and to make progress toward achieving these five goals. Our combined 

efforts to improve organic standards, oversee certifiers, and enforce the organic regulations 

have resulted in the successes we highlight today.

Goal 1: Protect Organic Integrity

• Reviewed or investigated 390 complaints alleging violations 

of the USDA organic regulations, supporting consumer 

confidence that the USDA is protecting the organic seal. 

This investigation count well exceeded last year’s total of 

286. The program also levied $1,872,815 in civil penalties to 

businesses knowingly violating organic rules.

• Conducted 34 audits of accredited certifiers to verify 

their ability to certify farms and businesses to the USDA 

organic standards. Certifiers are assessed every 2.5 

years; these audits build consistency across certifiers. An 

analysis of audit results indicates that certifiers comply 

with 96% of USDA’s requirements. 

• Providing due process rights for certifiers and operations, 

AMS accepted 35 appeals this year; appeals cases closed 

in FY 2015 were completed in an average of 121 days; 

95% of FY 2015 appeals were closed within 180 days.

• To further support consistency across certifiers, 

conducted in-person certifier training to address key 

issues in sound and sensible certification, enforcement, 

appeals, and mediation.

Goal 2: Facilitate Market Access

• As part of a multi-agency effort, negotiated and finalized 

an organic equivalency arrangement with Switzerland; 

the agreement went into effect on July 9, 2015, opening 

new markets for U.S. businesses and reducing duplicate 

certification requirements. 

• Participated in Inter-American Commission on Organic 

Agriculture meetings and met with leaders of the 

European organic community in Brussels to support 

greater harmonization of organic standards and organic 

market development.

• To explore future market opportunities, successfully 

oversaw international peer reviews in Switzerland and 

in Mexico; and led discussions on potential organic 

equivalency arrangements with Mexico, Taiwan, Costa 

Rica, Peru, and Chile.

• Managed two organic cost share programs to help 

offset the costs of organic certification, particularly for 

small and mid-sized farmers; more than $7-million in 

certification expenses were reimbursed through this 

program this year. 

• Sponsored organic community development of a new 

collection of certification-centered educational materials 

for both candidate and certified organic farmers and 

businesses, highlighting the path to certification 

and sound and sensible certification approach. This 

included technical assistance resources for traditionally 

underserved farmers in the Southeastern U.S. and Plain 

farmers (Amish, Mennonite communities).

continued on page 5

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Goal 3: Create and Implement Clear Standards

• Continued to develop and clarify organic standards, 

by publishing the National List Sunset 2013 Final Rule 

and Origin of Livestock Proposed Rule. Published 

Draft Guidance on Natural Resource and Biodiversity 

Conservation in collaboration with NRCS, a Policy Memo 

on Nanotechnology, a Federal Register notice to renew 

2015 sunset materials, and a Proposed Rule to remove 

substances from National List of Allowed and Prohibited 

Substances.

• Facilitated two public meetings of the National Organic 

Standards Board; accepted hundreds of public comments 

related to the development of the organic standards.

• Worked on new standards to respond to market and 

consumer feedback, including the Draft Aquaculture 

Proposed Rule and an Organic Livestock and Poultry 

Practices Proposed Rule; neared completion of Proposed 

Rules for Pet Food and Apiculture.

• Selected members for a task force on hydroponic and 

aquaponic production practices; the task force will help 

clarify standards in this growing production area. 

• Continued to build NOP’s library of outreach and 

educational materials, including new fact sheets and 

regular Organic 101 blogs. Facilitated NOP representation 

at conferences and meetings, highlighting sound and 

sensible certification.

Goal 4: Build Technology that Advances Organic Integrity

• Developed the first release of the Organic Integrity 

Database, a modernized database of organic operations 

that will replace the annual list of certified operations. 

This included developing a new classification system for 

organic products and categories, which will ultimately 

support certification data quality and consistency across 

the organic industry.

• Conducted an electronic listening session and a 

number of webinars for the organic community to 

enhance transparency and communication with organic 

stakeholders.

Goal 5: Develop the Team and Organization

• Facilitated the onboarding and training of four new 

members to the National Organic Standards Board, and 

invited nominations for seats opening in January 2016.

• Oversaw NOP’s implementation of corrective actions 

in response to a peer review by the American National 

Standards Institute and an Internal Audit. Revised eight 

instruction and policy documents and multiple internal 

procedures in response. 

• Continued to build the NOP organization, hiring ten new 

employees to support mission activities; standing up an 

employee-led internal communications team; hosting 

developmental training sessions; and inviting guest 

speakers from across USDA to visit with NOP staff and 

exchange program information. Coordinated with other 

AMS Programs to provide joint staff training on a variety 

of technical topics.

• Expanded NOP’s onboarding program; and started 

developing a comprehensive training program on the 

Organic Act and regulations. Program to be launched in 

Winter 2015.

I look forward to continued success for the organic community 

in the upcoming year!

Sincerely, 

Miles V. McEvoy

NOP Deputy Administrator

National Organic Program: End-of-Year Accomplishments, cont’d

continued from page 4

MOSES Organic Farming Conference

Visit NOP’s Booth! 

February 25 – 27, 2016

MOSES Exhibit Hall, La Crosse Center

300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI

https://mosesorganic.org/conference

NOSB Spring 2016 Meeting

NOSB meetings, held twice a year, are an important 

forum for public comment, and support transparency 

in the organic standards development process.

Learn more at www.ams.usda.gov/nosb.

April 25 – 28, 2016 | 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily

Omni Shoreham Hotel

2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008

Upcoming Events

5
Compliance & Enforcement/Appeals Summary

Reporting Period: FY 2015

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COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT: OVERALL SUMMARY

Incoming Complaints: 549

Completed Complaints: 390

APPEALS: OVERALL SUMMARY (Refer to NOP 4011: Adverse Action Appeal Process for more information)

Number of Incoming: 36

Appeals by Disposition

Decisions 15

Dismissals 8

Closures 4

Note: Total reflects appeals closed in FY 2015 regardless of when cases were initiated.

SUMMARY OF INITIAL ACTIONS TAKEN

Cease & Desist Orders 36

Notices of Warning 121

Investigation Referrals 64

SUMMARY OF DISPOSITIONS (All NOP)

Total Number of Settlement Agreements * 13

Total Amount Civil Penalties Levied ** $1,872,815

Notes:

 * In FY15, not all settlement agreements include civil penalties and not all civil penalties were levied via settlement 

agreements.

** Total reflects the amount of penalties initially levied. Amounts may change during negotiation of settlements and 

individual penalty payments may be outstanding.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS NOTES

1. The NOP prevailed in a formal administrative complaint proceeding to suspend land owned by operation

Ernest D. Miller, d/b/a Stoney-M Farm, from organic certification for a period of three years due to the 

application of a prohibited substance.

2. Through a consent decision and order, the NOP suspended the accreditation of certifying agent The Organic 

Food Chain for two years for willful violation of the USDA organic regulations.

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In Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), the Transportation and Marketing Program of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service awarded more 

than $63 million in program grants to state departments of agriculture to support farmers growing fruits, vegetables, tree 

nuts, and nursery crops, also known as “specialty crops,” through research, agricultural extension activities, and programs to 

increase demand and address the needs of America’s specialty crop industry.

The fifty States, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. Territories were awarded FY15 funds to perform a total of 755 projects 

that benefit the specialty crop industry. At least 33 of the projects funded in 22 states and Puerto Rico supported organic 

agriculture. A small sample of organic projects supported are outlined below:

• California Department of Food and Agriculture partnered with Organic Seed Alliance to increase the quality, quantity, 

and diversity of organic specialty seed available in California by providing instruction for organic specialty seed 

producers in seed quality and seed business; increasing availability of the specialized tools required for efficient seed 

production, harvest, and processing; increasing market demand for California organically produced seed; and increasing 

information sharing between organic specialty crop seed producers.

• Illinois Department of Agriculture partnered with Southern Illinois University to support the expansion of organic 

strawberry production, which receive a premium on the market and thus have the potential to boost incomes, by 

studying and disseminating more effective crop management strategies, including more effective irrigation and disease 

mitigation techniques.

• Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources partnered with Northeast Organic Farming Association to 

improve approaches for revitalizing compost-based urban soils for more competitive specialty crop production through 

on-site educational sessions that will be open to a wide community of urban farmers in the Boston area, conference 

workshops that attract city farmers across the region, and a best practice informational resource to fill the stated need for 

more technical materials for city farmers.

• Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce partnered with Mississippi State University to increase the 

understanding of soil health and vegetable quality, provide strategies for implementing no-till production into 

conventional and organic systems, and provide valuable information about the benefits of cover crop use in vegetable 

production systems.

• Ohio Department of Agriculture partnered with the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association to increase the 

competitiveness of Ohio organic specialty crops by providing direct technical support and educational programming to 

help beginning and existing organic farmers improve organic production and marketing skills, help others transition to 

certified organic production, and work with farmers of all sizes and levels of experience on-farm to establish food safety 

plans and implement them.

Supporting Organic Agriculture: Specialty Crop Block Grants

continued on page 8

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Program Handbook. The National Organic Program Handbook provides a wide variety of policy materials and other 

resources to help organic farms and businesses comply with the USDA organic regulations. In the past several months, AMS 

has updated several of these resources, available at www.ams.usda.gov/NOPProgramHandbook.

Electrolyzed Water (PM 15-4, issued). On September 11, the NOP issued Policy Memo (PM) 15-4: Electrolyzed Water. 

This new policy memo updates the status of electrolyzed water under the USDA organic regulations. This memorandum 

replaces PM 14-3, which has been archived.

Accreditation Assessment Checklist (NOP 2005, updated). In late October, NOP published an updated Accreditation 

Assessment Checklist which outlines tasks that NOP follows when completing accreditation assessments.

Equivalence Determination Procedures (NOP 2100, updated). NOP released an updated version of NOP 2100: 

Equivalence Determination Procedures describing the steps the United States takes to determine if equivalency 

arrangements will be consistent with the USDA organic regulations.

Processing Requests for Temporary Variances (NOP 2606, updated). On November 20, NOP published an updated 

document describing the policies and procedures used to evaluate requests for temporary variances from the production 

and handling requirements of the USDA organic regulations submitted by certifying agents or State organic programs.

Sound & Sensible Resources. AMS-NOP launched a group of web pages featuring an array of resources to help simplify 

and streamline organic certification and compliance for farmers and businesses. Developed in conjunction with many 

partners across the country and around the globe, these Sound & Sensible resources will help to make organic certification 

more accessible, attainable, and affordable. Read more: http://www.ams.usda.gov/report-presentation/sound-sensible.

National Organic Program Handbook + Web Updates

Specialty Crop Grants (cont’d)

• Oregon Department of Agriculture partnered with Sauvie Island Organics Salem-Keizer Education Foundation to 

increase student knowledge and appreciation for Oregon specialty crops through a mobile Oregon fruit and vegetable 

education program for students without school gardens and to increase parent knowledge and appreciation through 

cooking, gardening and interactive events that reinforce the lessons in the classroom.

• Vermont Agency of Agriculture partnered with Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont to increase the 

viability of schools as a consistent market for Vermont specialty crops by building relationships between school food 

services and farmers to foster an environment for teachers and students to increase their knowledge about the fruits and 

vegetables which they consume.

• Washington State Department of Agriculture partnered with Tilth Producers of Washington to educate small-scale 

specialty crop growers on organic and/or sustainable practices to have direct impact on the success of their operation 

through specialty crop farm walks, workshops and farm tours.

To learn more about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp. 

To view a brief description of all SCBGP funded projects, visit http://bit.ly/SCBGP-Awards. 

If your organization is interested in the SCBGP, contact your state department of agriculture. The SCBGP state points of 

contact are at http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/state-contacts.

continued from page 7

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Building Technology that Supports Organic Integrity

If you have accessed the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) list of certified organic operations recently, you may 

have noticed a new look to the site, and new ways to search for organic operations. These changes reflect an early release 

of the Organic INTEGRITY Database, a system funded by the 2014 Farm Bill and built by the AMS National Organic Program 

and Information Technology Service with support from Intact and Harmonia Holdings Group. 

The changes you see on the site are only a small part of the database development project. For example, underlying the 

new site is a brand new classification system (or taxonomy) for categorizing products that carry USDA organic certification. 

Previously, organic certifiers reporting farm and business information to USDA submitted a single text list of certified products 

for each operation. Certifiers reported data differently and there was no method to catch spelling or spacing problems. For 

example, one listing included the item “grapechickenapples.” An interesting appetizer or, a big data quality problem! 

The new classification system built into the Organic INTEGRITY Database provides standard categories and product lists 

for each of the scopes of organic certification (crops, livestock, wild crops, and handling). This structure is also flexible 

so existing data can be accepted from many different organic certification systems. For example, based on their existing 

systems, certifiers can report “Oranges” within the category of “Fruit – Citrus,” or they can report “Citrus” in the category of 

“Fruit – Tropical.” This flexibility was designed to encourage certifiers to adopt the taxonomy, while also providing much 

needed structure to the data. For certifiers wishing to provide even more detail, there is space allowed for varieties, such as 

“Romaine” within the category of “Leaf Vegetables” and the item “Lettuce.” 

The new organic product taxonomy was developed using both “top down” and “bottom up” approaches. For example, the 

development team reviewed 18 taxonomies from different entities, including the USDA National Agricultural Statistics 

Service (NASS), European Union, Global GAP, Retailer Standards, , and existing organic certifier systems. This top-down 

view was supplemented by analyzing data in the existing 2014 certified organic operations list, to assess the frequency of 

specific items as reported by certifiers last year. 

In the next few weeks, certifiers will begin to upload updated data into the new system, and many are already starting to 

use the new taxonomy in preparing their data. Once in full use by certifiers, the new organic taxonomy will allow farmers, 

consumers, researchers, and businesses to search for organic products with greater precision, and benefit from more 

accurate, complete, and timely results. We are building organic integrity, one data set at a time!

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza...Tips on How to Protect Your Flocks

Earlier this year, the United States experienced one of 

the largest outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza 

(avian flu) in backyard and commercial poultry flocks, 

primarily along the migratory pathways of wild birds. 

More than 219 detections of avian flu in 69 counties in

21 states affected more than 48 million turkeys, layer 

chickens, pullet chickens and other birds. To protect the 

health of our nation’s poultry, the USDA has plans in

place, which include surveillance, reporting, biosecurity,

and depopulation to control the spread and reduce the 

adverse impact of this disease. 

For years, the USDA has been engaged in collaborative 

efforts with other government agencies as well as states 

and industry to prepare for and prevent outbreaks of the 

avian flu. As the influenza virus mutates easily, new strains 

can develop at any time within avian hosts. As a result, 

a mutation has the potential to cause disease in poultry 

flocks.* So, as long as mutations occur, seasons change, and 

wild birds migrate, we must all protect the health and safety 

of our poultry flocks.

A significant way to maximize the health of your poultry 

flock is through good biosecurity measures. Learn 

more about biosecurity measures, visit the Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website, http://

healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov. You may also consult the 

National Poultry Improvement plan and other resources. 

As indicated on APHIS’ website, the following six steps,when 

consistently implemented, can help you keep poultry healthy:

• Keep your distance. Isolate birds from visitors and other 

birds.

• Keep it clean. Prevent germs from spreading by cleaning 

shoes, tools and equipment.

• Don’t borrow disease from your neighbor. Avoid sharing 

tools and equipment with neighbors.

• Don’t haul disease home. Also clean vehicles and cages.

• Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases. Watch 

for early signs to prevent the spread of disease.

• Report sick birds. Report unusual signs of disease or 

unexpected deaths.

As part of efforts to reaffirm biosecurity measures, 

NOP reminds certifiers to consult Policy Memo 11-12: 

Confinement of Poultry Flocks Due to Avian Influenza, or 

Other Infectious Diseases. More recently, in April 2015 NOP 

shared through an Organic Insider message the above 

biosecurity measures and reminded producers of Policy 

Memo 11-12. Further, in June 2015, the NOP instructed 

certification agencies to refrain from conducting onsite 

inspections of poultry operations located in known counties 

of disease detection. 

When APHIS detects influenza in a particular county, the 

county is added to the following list: Update on Avian 

Influenza Findings. Once counties are free from avian flu for 

90 days since the last contaminated facility was cleaned, 

the county is released from temporary suspension of onsite 

inspections. 

As a result of efforts by USDA and producers, the last 

detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza was

reported on June 17, 2015. To help control it, report sick 

birds or unusual bird deaths immediately to state and/or 

federal officials either through your state veterinarian or by 

calling USDA at 1-866-536-7593. The NOP will notify organic 

certifiers as counties are added or released by APHIS to 

balance the needs for biosecurity and onsite inspections. 

For more information on avian flu, visit the USDA 

Departmental page http://www.usda.gov/avianinfluenza or 

the USDA APHIS page Avian Influenza Disease.

* Although poultry is highly susceptible, risk to people from avian flu’s H5 infections in wild birds or backyard and 

commercial flocks is low (no human infections have been detected).

10
On October 26-29, 2015, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) held its biannual public meeting in Stowe, 

Vermont. Over the course of four days, the NOSB, under the leadership of NOSB Chair Dr. Jean Richardson, evaluated 

proposals, discussion documents, and reports, and completed the review of 198 listings of Sunset 2017 materials. The 

Board heard oral testimony from members of the public on a wide range of issues. For the first time, the NOSB provided 

additional opportunities for the public to provide comments before the in-person meeting. On October 13 and 20, 

the NOSB held two public comment webinars. The Board also discussed and considered more than 750 written public 

comments that were submitted prior to the meeting.

After a prerecorded welcome message from Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator and 

NOSB’s Designated Federal Officer, provided an update on the National Organic Program. In his presentation, Mr. McEvoy:

• outlined NOP’s recent accomplishments relative to its strategic plan;

• detailed steps NOP takes to protect organic integrity, highlighting compliance and enforcement successes;

• announced there will be six appointments for new NOSB members in January 2016;

• explained the role of the new hydroponics/aquaponics task force;

• re-introduced the Organic INTEGRITY database; and 

• discussed highlights of the new Sound and Sensible certification projects.

The National List Manager provided updates on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, as well as 

on outstanding petitions. Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, Director of USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), 

provided information on research funding opportunities for the organic industry. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont also 

welcomed the NOSB and attendees with a prerecorded welcome message. A summary of the NOSB’s recommendations 

and actions is provided below. The final recommendations from the Stowe meeting will be posted at www.ams.usda.gov/

NOSBMeetings.

Note: NOSB is an advisory body to the Secretary of Agriculture. NOSB recommendations are not NOP policy 

unless the NOP issues final rules, final guidance, final instructions, or a policy memorandum that adopts the NOSB 

recommendations. They are not part of the USDA organic regulations unless such action is taken.

Update From National Organic Standards Board Meeting

Front Row: Tom Chapman, Ashley Swaffar, Zea Sonnabend, Jean Richardson, Carmela Beck, Francis Thicke, and Nick Maravell

Back Row: Mac Stone, Calvin Walker, Lisa de Lima, Colehour Bondera, Tracy Favre, Miles McEvoy (USDA National Organic Program)

On Screen: Harold Austin

11
Petitioned Substances. The NOSB reviewed several petitions to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 

Substances (National List). This section of the USDA organic regulations identifies the synthetic substances that may be 

used and the nonsynthetic substances that are prohibited in organic crop and livestock production. For organic processed 

products, the allowed non-organic ingredients are also included on the National List. If an NOSB proposal receives a 

decisive vote (2/3 majority) by Board members in favor of the proposed motion, it becomes a recommendation to the 

USDA, and is provided to the Secretary through the AMS National Organic Program.

Sunset 2017 Review. The NOSB must review every substance on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances 

every five years to confirm that it continues to meet all required criteria under the Organic Foods Production Act and USDA 

organic regulations. This review is called “sunset review.” At this meeting, the NOSB considered 198 listings as part of the 

Sunset 2017 review and recommended removal of eleven substances from the National List.

Other Recommendations

Research Priorities 

The NOSB submitted a current list of research priorities that would support the organic sector. New priorities added to 

the 2015 list included prevention of GMO contamination, prevention and management of parasites for organic livestock, 

evaluation of methionine and a systems based approach for organic poultry, chlorine materials for handling, and 

alternatives to copper for disease and algae control.

Prevention Strategy Guidance for Excluded Methods

In response to a memo from the NOP dated April 24, 2015, the NOSB issued a recommendation on prevention strategy 

guidance for excluded methods. The recommendation includes best management practices for prevention of unintended 

GMO presence in organic products.

Other Business

Updates and Reports

The Policy Development Subcommittee provided a verbal report on revisions to the NOSB Policy and Procedures Manual. 

The Compliance, Accreditation and Certification Subcommittee also provided a verbal report on assessment of soil 

conservation practices. 

NOSB Officer Elections

Tracy Favre was elected as the next Chair of the National Organic Standards Board. Tom Chapman was elected Vice-Chair 

and Lisa De Lima was elected Secretary.

For additional information about the meeting, please visit www.ams.usda.gov/NOSBMeetings.

Petitions

Use Area Substance Section NOSB Final Recommendation

Crops Laminarin - Motion to classify as nonsynthetic N/A Classify as nonsynthetic

Crops Lignin Sulfonate - Motion to remove for use as a 

floating agent in postharvest handling

205.601(l) N/A – removal recommended during Sunset 2017 

review

Crops Sulfuric Acid - Motion to list and motion to classify 

as synthetic

205.601 Not recommended for National List

Crops Seaweed Extracts (aquatic plant extracts) - Motion 

to list and motion to classify as synthetic

205.601 Not recommended for National List

Handling Flavors - Motion to revise the annotation 205.605(a) Amend annotation to require use of organic flavors 

when commercially available

Handling Sodium lactate and potassium lactate - Motion to list 

with annotation and motion to classify as synthetic

205.605(b) Referred back to Subcommittee

Update From National Organic Standards Board Meeting, cont’d

12
Sunset 2017 Review

Action Considered: Motion to Remove | Outcome: Passed | Final NOSB Recommendation: See Below

Use Area Substance Section NOSB Final Recommendation

Crops Lignin sulfonate 205.601(l)(1) Remove from National List as a floating agent in postharvest handling

Livestock Furosemide 205.603(a) Remove from National List

Handling Magnesium carbonate 205.605(b) Remove from National List

Handling Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) 205.606 Remove from National List

Handling Dillweed oil 205.606 Remove from National List

Handling Galangal 205.606 Remove from National List

Handling Inulin-oligofructose enriched 205.606 Remove from National List

Handling Lemongrass 205.606 Remove from National List

Handling Peppers (Chipotle chile) 205.606 Remove from National List

Handling Turkish bay leaves 205.606 Remove from National List

Handling Whey protein concentrate 205.606 Remove from National List

Sunset 2017 Review - Crops Subcommittee

Action Considered: Motion to Remove | Outcome: Failed | Status: Sunset Review Completed

Substance Section Substance Section

Alcohols: Ethanol 205.601(a) Hydrated lime 205.601(i)

Alcohols: Isopropanol 205.601(a) Potassium bicarbonate 205.601(i)

Chlorine Materials: Calcium hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite

205.601(a) Aquatic plant extracts 205.601(j)

Soap-based algicide/demossers 205.601(a) Humic acids 205.601(j)

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), (i) Lignin sulfonate (chelating agent) 205.601(j)

Herbicides, soap-based 205.601(b) Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j)

Newspaper or other recycled paper 205.601(b), (c) Micronutrients: Soluble Boron Products, 

Sulfates, carbonates, oxides, or silicates 

of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, 

molybdenum, selenium, and cobalt

205.601(j)

Plastic mulch and covers (petroleum-based 

other than polyvinylchloride (PVC))

205.601(b) Liquid fish products 205.601(j)

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) Vitamin B1, C, E 205.601(j)

Ammonium carbonate 205.601(e) Ethylene 205.601(k)

Boric acid 205.601(e) Sodium silicate 205.601(l)

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e), (i), (j) EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern 205.601(m)

Lime sulfur 205.601(e), (i) Microcrystalline cheesewax 205.601(o)

Oils, horticultural 205.601(e), (i) Ash from manure burning 205.602(a)

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601(e) Arsenic 205.602(b)

Sticky traps/barriers 205.601(e) Lead salts 205.602(d)

Sucrose octanoate esters 205.601(e) Potassium chloride 205.602(e)

Pheromones 205.601(f) Sodium fluoaluminate (mined) 205.602(f)

Vitamin D3 205.601(g) Strychnine 205.602(h)

Coppers, fixed 205.601(i) Tobacco dust (nicotine sulfate) 205.602(i)

Copper sulfate 205.601(i)

NOSB Meeting Update: Sunset 2017 Review

13
Sunset Review - Handling Subcommittee

Action Considered: Motion to Remove | Outcome: Failed | Status: Sunset Review Completed

Substance Section Substance Section

Acid, Alginic 205.605(a) Potassium acid tartrate 205.605(b)

Acid, Citric & lactic 205.605(a) Potassium carbonate 205.605(b)

Attapulgite 205.605(a) Potassium citrate 205.605(b)

Bentonite 205.605(a) Potassium phosphate 205.605(b)

Diatomaceous earth 205.605(a) Sodium citrate 205.605(b)

Kaolin 205.605(a) Sodium hydroxide 205.605(b)

Perlite 205.605(a) Sodium phosphates 205.605(b)

Calcium carbonate 205.605(a) Sulfur dioxide 205.605(b)

Calcium chloride 205.605(a) Tocopherols 205.605(b)

Dairy cultures 205.605(a) Xanthan gum 205.605(b)

Enzymes 205.605(a) Casings 205.606

Flavors 205.605(a) Celery powder 205.606

Magnesium sulfate 205.605(a) Colors: Beet juice extract color 205.606

Nitrogen 205.605(a) Colors: Black currant juice color 205.606

Oxygen 205.605(a) Colors: Pumpkin juice color 205.606

Potassium chloride 205.605(a) Colors: Red cabbage extract color 205.606

Potassium iodide 205.605(a) Colors: Black/Purple carrot juice color 205.606

Sodium bicarbonate 205.605(a) Colors: Blueberry juice color 205.606

Sodium carbonate 205.605(a) Colors: Carrot juice color 205.606

Waxes: Carnauba Wax 205.605(a) Colors: Cherry juice color 205.606

Waxes: Wood rosin 205.605(a) Colors: Chokeberry—Aronia juice color 205.606

Yeast 205.605(a) Colors: Elderberry juice color 205.606

Acidified sodium chlorite 205.605(b) Colors: Grape juice color 205.606

Alginates 205.605(b) Colors: Grape skin extract color 205.606

Ammonium bicarbonate 205.605(b) Colors: Paprika color 205.606

Ammonium carbonate 205.605(b) Colors: Purple potato juice 205.606

Ascorbic acid 205.605(b) Colors: Red radish extract color 205.606

Calcium citrate 205.605(b) Colors: Saffron extract color 205.606

Calcium hydroxide 205.605(b) Colors: Turmeric extract color 205.606

Calcium phosphates: monobasic, dibasic, 

tribasic

205.605(b) Fish oil 205.606

Carbon dioxide 205.605(b) Fructooligosaccharides 205.606

Chlorine Materials: Calcium hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite

205.605(b) Gelatin 205.606

Ethylene 205.605(b) Gums: Arabic, Carob bean, Guar, Locust bean 205.606

Ferrous sulfate 205.605(b) Kelp 205.606

Glycerides, mono and di 205.605(b) Konjac flour 205.606

Glycerin 205.605(b) Lecithin—de-oiled 205.606

Hydrogen peroxide 205.605(b) Orange pulp, dried 205.606

Magnesium chloride 205.605(b) Orange Shellac - unbleached 205.606

Magnesium stearate 205.605(b) Pectin (non-amidated forms only) 205.606

Nutrient vitamins and minerals 205.605(b) Seaweed, Pacific kombu 205.606

Ozone 205.605(b) Starches, Cornstarch (native), Sweet potato 205.606

Phosphoric acid 205.605(b) Wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) 205.606

NOSB Meeting Update: Sunset 2017 Review, cont’d

14
Sunset Review - Livestock Subcommittee

Action Considered: Motion to Remove | Outcome: Failed | Status: Sunset Review Completed

Substance Section Substance Section

Alcohols: Ethanol, Isopropanol 205.603(a) Parasiticides: Moxidectin 205.603(a)

Aspirin 205.603(a) Peroxyacetic/Peracetic acid 205.603(a)

Atropine 205.603(a) Phosphoric acid 205.603(a)

Biologics, Vaccines 205.603(a) Poloxalene 205.603(a)

Butorphanol 205.603(a) Tolazoline 205.603(a)

Chlorhexidine 205.603(a) Xylazine 205.603(a)

Chlorine Materials: Calcium hypochlorite, 

Chlorine dioxide, Sodium hypochlorite

205.603(a) Copper sulfate 205.603(b)

Electrolytes 205.603(a) Formic Acid 205.603(b)

Flunixin 205.603(a) Lidocaine 205.603(b)

Glucose 205.603(a) Lime, hydrated 205.603(b)

Glycerin 205.603(a) Mineral oil 205.603(b)

Hydrogen peroxide 205.603(a) Procaine 205.603(b)

Iodine 205.603(a), 

205.603(b), 

Sucrose octanoate esters 205.603(b)

Magnesium hydroxide 205.603(a) Methionine 205.603(d)

Magnesium sulfate 205.603(a) Trace minerals 205.603(d)

Oxytocin 205.603(a) Vitamins 205.603(d)

Parasiticides: Fenbendazole 205.603(a) Excipients 205.603(f)

Parasiticides: Ivermectin 205.603(a) Strychnine 205.604(a)

Other Recommendations

Use Area Substance Section NOSB Final Recommendation

Crops

Livestock

EPA List 4 Inert Ingredients 205.601(m)

and 

205.603(e)

Update and amend listings

Crops Micronutrients - Motion to change the annotation 205.601(j) Amend annotation

Handling Alginic acid - Motion to reclassify 205.605(a) Reclassify as synthetic and move to section 205.605(b)

Handling Carnauba wax - Motion to reclassify 205.605(a) Reclassify as agricultural and move to section 205.606

Handling Ancillary substances proposals for microorganisms, 

pectin, and yeast - Motion to approve the functional 

classes

205.605 Referred back to Subcommittee

NOSB Meeting Update: Sunset 2017 Review and

Other Recommendations, cont’d

15
USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

USDA National Organic Program Agricultural Marketing Service September 2015

The USDA organic regulations describe organic agriculture as 

the application of a set of cultural, biological, and mechanical 

practices that support the cycling of on-farm resources, 

promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. These 

include maintaining or enhancing soil and water quality; 

conserving wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife; and avoiding 

use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and 

genetic engineering.

Organic producers use natural processes and materials when 

developing farming systems—these contribute to soil, crop 

and livestock nutrition, pest and weed management, 

attainment of production goals, and conservation of 

biological diversity. 

This factsheet provides an overview of some common 

practices that organic producers and handlers use to ensure 

organic integrity and operation sustainability. 

Soil Fertility: Crops more easily resist disease, survive drought, 

and tolerate insects when grown in good soil. Organic crop 

producers build soil quality by adding compost, animal manures, 

or green manures. As soil organisms break down these inputs, 

they convert nutrients into forms plants can absorb and create 

humus that sustains soil quality. Organic producers must not 

apply sewage sludge or biosolids to soil. Additionally, organic 

crop producers use cover crops to protect the soil from wind 

and water erosion. Soil-conserving practices include the use of 

cover crops, mulches, conservation tillage, contour plowing, and 

strip cropping.

Seeds and Planting Stock: Organic crop producers use 

organic seeds and planting stocks to protect the integrity of 

their crops. Organic growers may use conventionally grown 

seeds when an equivalent organic variety is not commercially 

available, but only if the seeds have not been genetically 

modified or treated with prohibited substances, such as 

fungicides. 

Crop Rotation: Organic crop producers practice crop 

rotation (rotating the crops they grow in a field or planting 

bed over time) to interrupt insect life cycles, suppress soil 

borne plant diseases, prevent soil erosion, build organic 

matter, fix nitrogen, and increase farm biodiversity. To 

effectively reduce insect and disease levels, farmers typically 

follow one crop with another from a different crop family, 

then wait a number of years before replanting the initial 

crop. While crop rotation is also practiced by many 

conventional farmers, organic producers are required to 

implement the practice by the USDA organic regulations. 

Managing Pests, Weeds, and Diseases: Pest management on 

organic farms relies on the ‘PAMS’ strategy: prevention, 

avoidance, monitoring and suppression. Prevention and 

avoidance are the first line of defense against pests, weeds, 

and diseases. If pest or weed suppression becomes 

necessary, producers often use mechanical and physical 

practices, such as releasing predatory insects to reduce pest 

populations or laying down a thick layer of mulch to smother 

weeds. As a last resort, producers may work with their 

organic certifier to use an approved pesticide, such as 

naturally occurring microorganisms, insecticides naturally 

derived from plants, or one of a few approved synthetic 

substances.

Maintaining Identity and Integrity of Organic Crops: Organic 

crop producers are responsible for preventing contact 

between organic and conventionally-grown crops, as well as 

contact with prohibited pesticides or fertilizers. Split 

operations (farms that raise both organic and conventional 

crops) must make sure that organic crops don’t contact 

prohibited substances through accidental sprays of 

conventional agrochemicals, spray drift, or residues on 

equipment from non-organic fields. Fields from which organic 

United States Department of Agriculture

Organic Crop Production Practices

Introduction to Organic Practices

16
USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

USDA National Organic Program Agricultural Marketing Service September 2015

crops are harvested must have defined boundaries and buffer 

zones, such as hedgerows or crops, separating them from 

conventional crops and roadways. Prohibited materials 

cannot be applied to land used for organic cultivation for 36 

months prior to harvest of organic crops. 

Livestock Living Conditions and Facilities: Organic livestock 

producers provide living areas that encourage the health and 

natural behavior of their animals. Organic practices reflect 

concerns for animal welfare and a desire to balance 

productivity with both animal well-being and environmental 

quality. Organic livestock must have access to outdoor areas, 

shade, shelter, space for exercise, fresh air, clean drinking 

water, and direct sunlight. Livestock shelters should give 

animals protection from extreme temperatures, adequate air 

circulation and ventilation, and space to exercise. 

Grazing: Organic producers must give ruminant animals 

(e.g., cattle, sheep, and goats) access to pasture during the 

grazing season. Livestock may not be continuously confined. 

However, temporary confinement is allowed under specific 

circumstances, mostly regarding the health and safety of the 

animal. By providing access to the outdoors, organic livestock 

producers convert forage, legumes and grasses into meat, 

milk, wool, and other products. Grazing livestock also provide 

producers with manure, a very important source of fertility in 

organic farming systems and an excellent means of recycling 

nutrients. Rotational grazing may improve forage quantity 

and quality, while preventing over-grazing. 

Animal Health: Organic animal health, like organic crop 

health, relies on preventative practices and systems. Good 

genetics are important, as organic livestock producers should 

select breeds that are well adapted to their particular 

environment. Balanced nutrition, exercise, and a low-stress 

environment also contribute to building strong immune 

systems in animals. Vaccination and other preventative 

measures are common; antibiotics and growth hormones are 

prohibited. Organic livestock producers work to manage 

exposure to disease and parasites through grazing 

management, proper sanitation, and preventing the 

introduction of disease agents. 

Organic Feed: Organic livestock must eat certified organic 

feed. Organic feed must be grown and processed by certified 

organic operations. Similarly, any pastures, forages, and plant

-based bedding (such as hay) accessible to livestock must be 

certified as organically grown and processed. Certain 

additives, such as vitamins and minerals not produced 

organically, can be fed to organic livestock in trace amounts, 

but others, including hormones used to promote growth, are 

strictly prohibited.

Animal Origin: Organic livestock generally must be raised 

organically since the last third of gestation. Birds used for 

poultry or egg production, may come from any source, but 

must be raised organically beginning the second day of life.

Organic Ingredients: Under USDA organic regulations, 

organic processors must use certified organic ingredients (for 

a minimum of 95% of the product) and only approved nonorganic ingredient in products that are labeled 

organic. Products labeled as “made with organic” specified 

ingredients may include up to 30% non-organic agricultural 

ingredients, but all other additives must be approved for 

organic use. No ingredients or products may be produced 

using genetic engineering, sewage sludge, or ionizing 

radiation.

Commingling and Contact: To preserve the integrity of 

organic ingredients and products, organic processors must: 

 Prevent commingling (i.e. mixing) with non-organic 

ingredients and products throughout processing

 Prevent contact between organic ingredients and nonorganic substances, including prohibited sanitizers

 Clean and sanitize processing equipment when 

changing from non-organic to organic products.; many 

processors run organic products first, after their 

cleaning with approved materials

Managing Pests: Similar to pest management on organic 

farms, organic processing facilities must emphasize 

prevention over treatment. Organic processors may use 

approved synthetic substances if all other approaches have 

failed but must ensure that these substances do not come in 

contact with the organic products they handle.

For more information on organic practices, visit USDA’s 

Organic Agriculture page at www.usda.gov/organic or the 

Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic Program’s 

“Is Organic an Option for Me?” page at www.ams.usda.gov/

organicinfo.

Organic Livestock Production Practices

Organic Processing Practices

Additional Information

Want to become an organic insider?

Sign up to receive NOP email updates 

http://bit.ly/NOPOrganicInsider 

17