Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Jean Richardson (JR), Harold Austin (HA), Wendy Fulwider (WF)

Absent: Joe Dickson, (Vice Chair) (JD), Mac Stone (MS), John Foster (JFo)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Shannon Nally Yanessa (SNY) 

Work Plan

Future potential projects

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Sanitizers in 100% organic products JFo On hold, pending draft NOP 

guidance. 

TBD

Exclusion of water in calculating 

percentage of organic ingredients 

JR Proposal. How formulated 

“organic” products should 

be calculated. Waiting for 

guidance from NOP. 

TBD

Agenda

• Approve notes from December 10 call

• Retail certification - discuss questions for posting next disc doc or proposal

• How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - discuss proposal for spring 2014

• Discuss S & S update/summary

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Fall 2009 Guidance doc on Retail 

Certification

HA/JD (not 

lead)

Making minor revisions of 

fall 2013 DD

Proposal

Spr 2014

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) JFo Possible addition of 

questions for spring 2014

Proposal 

Spr 2014

Monitoring Practices and procedures for 

Organic System Plan (OSP) 205.201(a)

JFo The NOP requested a 

briefing paper summarizing

the issue that the CACS is 

proposing to work on. JFo 

sent email 12 10 13

TBD. Fall 2014?

Sound & Sensible (S & S) MS Summary/update from 

Subcommittee during 

meeting (no document for 

public comment)

NA Spring 2014
Discussion

• The notes from the December 10 call were approved with no changes.

• Retail certification - discuss questions for posting next disc doc or proposal. The members discussed 

the status of this document and whether or not to proceed with it as another discussion document 

for the spring 2014 NOSB meeting, or whether to turn it into a proposal. Based on the public 

comment they already received, which was favorable, they feel that the document is ready to be 

written as a proposal and should have a document ready to review on the next call. This will also 

provide another opportunity for public comment. The intent of the proposal is to recommend 

education, training and oversight – but public comment could take this in another direction. A 

member asked if the others felt that there is currently enough clarity in the NOP regulations for 

retailers. A member responded that there are areas where the NOP could provide clarification, such 

as exemptions and exclusions. The NOP will provide feedback once the proposal is drafted. The 

workplan table above was changed to reflect this. 

• How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - discuss proposal for spring 2014 – deferred to next call.

• Discuss S & S update/summary - deferred to next call.

• Exclusion of water in calculating percentage of organic ingredients –The principle reviewer asked for 

an update from the NOP as she is getting many specific questions from the certifier community. She 

noted that the community wants to understand the nuance and complexity involved because of 

them want to be in able to use the Organic seal, as opposed to the “made with organic label. She 

also noted that JFo is well versed in this area and will have useful input. SNY and JR will set up a call 

to discuss this in the next couple of weeks and will update the group on the next call.

• The meeting was adjourned.

Future Scheduled Subcommittee Calls

December 10, 2013 3:00 ET

January 14, 2014 3:00 ET

Retail certification - discuss questions for posting next disc doc or proposal

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - discuss proposal for spring 2014. Deferred to next call

Discuss S & S update/summary. Deferred to next call

January 28, 2014 3:00 ET

 Retail certification - discuss draft proposal

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - discuss proposal for spring 2014

Discuss S & S update/summary

 Exclusion of water in calculating percentage of organic ingredients - update from NOP

 Propose new topics for fall 2014

February 11, 2014 3:00 ET

February 25, 2014 3:00 ET

March 11, 2014 3:00 ET

March 25, 2014 3:00 ET

April 8, 2014 3:00 ET
Spring 2014 Milestones Target date

Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2016 substances Jan 15, 2014

NOSB Training meeting Feb 4 - 5, 2014

NOP – Complete tentative agenda Feb 7, 2014

Spring 2014 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 10, 2014

Subcommittees submit tentative workplans to NOP Mar 12, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Mar 14, 2014

NOP provides written comments on workplans to NOSB Mar 28, 2014

Public comment closes Apr 8, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call Apr 11, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 14, 2014

Spring 2014 NOSB Meeting – San Antonio, TX ~Apr 28- May 1, 2014
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Jean Richardson (JR), Harold Austin (HA), Wendy Fulwider (WF), 

Mac Stone (MS), John Foster (JFo), Jay Feldman (JFe) - sitting in

Absent: Joe Dickson (JD), Vice Chair

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Shannon Nally Yanessa (SNY) 

Work Plan

Future potential projects

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Sanitizers in 100% organic products JFo On hold, pending draft NOP 

guidance. 

TBD

Exclusion of water in calculating 

percentage of organic ingredients 

JR Proposal. How formulated 

“organic” products should 

be calculated. Waiting for 

guidance from NOP. 

TBD

Agenda

• Approve notes from January 14 call

• Retail certification - discuss draft proposal

• How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - discuss proposal for spring 2014

• Discuss S & S update/summary 

• Propose new topics for fall 2014

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Fall 2009 Guidance doc on Retail 

Certification

HA/JD (not 

lead)

Making minor revisions of 

fall 2013 DD

08 13 13 Proposal 

Spr 2014

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) JFo No changes as of 02 11 14 08 20 13 Proposal 

Spr 2014

Monitoring Practices and procedures for 

Organic System Plan (OSP) 205.201(a)

JFo The NOP requested a 

briefing paper summarizing 

the issue that the CACS is 

proposing to work on. JFo 

sent email 12 10 13

TBD. Fall 2014?

Sound & Sensible (S & S) MS Summary/update from 

Subcommittee during 

meeting (no document for 

public comment)

NA Spr 2014
Discussion

• The notes from the January 14 call were approved with no changes.

• Retail certification - The primary reviewer had a work conflict and could not be on the call so 

the CACS Chair will send a request asking that he forward the document to the group for review

prior to the Feb 25 call. 

• How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - The lead reviewer did not receive any suggestions for 

additional questions from other members, so the proposal will go forth to the spring 2014 

meeting with no revisions. 

• S & S update/summary - MS will present a verbal summary of Sound & Sensible at the Spring 

NOSB meeting. The NOP was supportive of a verbal update/summary rather than a formal 

discussion document. The CACS feels that it is important to let the public know that their fall 

2013 comments were reviewed and summarized, and would also like to include feedback from 

ACA’s on the implementation of the Sound & Sensible principles. MS will send the other 

members talking points after the ACA training in San Diego next week so they can review them. 

• New topics for fall 2014 - the group discussed how to develop future topics for the fall 2014 

workplan. MA will verify this process with the NOP.

• The meeting was adjourned.

Future Scheduled Subcommittee Calls

January 28, 2014 3:00 ET - cancelled

 Retail certification - discuss draft proposal

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - discuss proposal for spring 2014

Discuss S & S update/summary

 Exclusion of water in calculating percentage of organic ingredients - update from NOP

 Propose new topics for fall 2014

February 11, 2014 3:00 ET

Retail certification - discuss draft proposal –postponed to next call

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - discuss proposal for spring 2014 -complete

Discuss S & S update/summary - revisit on Feb 25 after ACA training

 Propose new topics for fall 2014

February 25, 2014 3:00 ET

Retail certification - discuss draft proposal/vote

Discuss S & S update/summary – (revisit after ACA training)

Discuss new topics for fall 2014

March 11, 2014 3:00 ET

March 25, 2014 3:00 ET

April 8, 2014 3:00 ET

Spring 2014 Milestones Target date

Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2016 substances Jan 15, 2014
NOSB Training meeting Feb 4 - 5, 2014

NOP – Complete tentative agenda Feb 7, 2014

Spring 2014 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 10, 2014

Subcommittees submit tentative workplans to NOP Mar 12, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Mar 14, 2014

NOP provides written comments on workplans to NOSB Mar 28, 2014

Public comment closes Apr 8, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call Apr 11, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 14, 2014

Spring 2014 NOSB Meeting – San Antonio, TX ~Apr 28- May 1, 2014
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Joe Dickson (JD), Vice Chair, Jean Richardson (JR), Harold Austin (HA), John Foster (JFo), Mac 

Stone (MS), Wendy Fulwider (WF)

Absent: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Shannon Nally Yanessa (SNY) 

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Fall 2009 Guidance 

doc on Retail 

Certification

HA/JD (not lead) Making minor 

revisions of fall 2013 

DD

08 13 13

Revised/revoted 

02 25 14

Proposal 

Spr 2014

How certifiers apply 

205.206(e)

JFo No changes as of 02 

11 14

08 20 13 Proposal 

Spr 2014

Monitoring Practices 

and procedures for 

Organic System Plan 

(OSP) 205.201(a)

JFo The NOP requested a 

briefing paper 

summarizing the 

issue that the CACS is 

proposing to work 

on. JFo sent email 12 

10 13

TBD. Fall 2014?

Sound & Sensible (S 

& S)

MS Summary/update 

from Subcommittee 

during meeting (no 

document for public 

comment)

NA Spr 2014

Future Potential Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Sanitizers in 100% organic products JFo On hold, pending draft NOP 

guidance. 

TBD

Exclusion of water in calculating 

percentage of organic ingredients 

JR Proposal. How formulated 

“organic” products should 

be calculated. Waiting for 

guidance from NOP. 

TBD

Agenda

• Approve notes from February 11, 2014

• Retail certification - discuss draft proposal

• Discuss S & S update/summary 

• Propose new topics for fall 2014
Discussion

• The notes from the February 11, 2014 call were approved with no changes.

• Retail certification – The principle reviewer circulated a document prior to the call for the 

members to review. Many of the fall 2013 public comments were incorporated into this version 

of the document. This proposal recommends that NOP provide outreach to uncertified retailers

in particular and identifies areas of the rule in need of clarification. The NOP asked about the 

differences between the current proposal and the 2009 NOSB recommendation, noting that it 

appears that they might have a slightly different focus. The 2009 recommendation, which was 

not implemented by the NOP, seems to focus more on marketing, where the 2014 proposal 

seems to focus more on certified and non-certified operations and what those operations can 

and cannot participate in. The lead reviewer noted that this is discussed in the background 

section of the proposal. Members were very supportive of the current version and the group 

moved to a vote.

VOTE on Retail Discussion Document: 

Motion to accept the retail certification proposal

Motion by: JR

Seconded by: JFo

Discussion: none

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

The CACS will keep the vote open until COB Wednesday, February 26 so the absent

members have the opportunity to vote.

ABS note: Both absent members voted via email and the above tally was changed to 

reflect their votes. Motion carries.

• S & S update/summary - MS briefed the group about the Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA)

training that he recently attended. He felt the training was very well organized and managed,

and he praised the NOP staff presentations. He noted that S&S was endemic in the NOP 

presentations, reflecting a system-wide approach that includes certifiers and NOP 

auditing/accreditation processes. MS proposed giving an S&S update at each NOSB meeting and 

opening the floor to other NOSB members to add comments. MS encouraged continuing 

communication and indicated that he would reach out to the other Subcommittee members for 

added input.

• New topics for fall 2014 - The group discussed potential topics for future work projects, 

including guidance for inspections in light of the NOP Instruction on Technical Assistance

§205.501(a) which talks about the difference between advice and consulting. The members feel 

that the NOSB could contribute to this topic because of the diverse experience and insight the 

members have. One member noted that there is actually a very narrow set of things that an 

inspector cannot do - the qualifier about giving advice to “overcome barriers to certification” is 

often overlooked. Others observed that inspectors may be wary of treading into consulting and 

are hesitant to explain the rule. CACS could produce a document to add clarity and also include 

example scenarios or case studies employing role play. MS noted that there was a listening 

session at the ACA training, although they heard few suggestions from the community about 
topics that need to be addressed. The NOP didn’t have suggestions for any pressing topics and 

will wait to see what the Subcommittee proposes. A member asked about the accreditation of 

material review organizations (MRO) as a topic and about the status of the NOP work in this 

area. The NOP will confirm whether the idea of accrediting MROs is currently under legal review

and will let the group know on the next call. Each of the members offered to reach out to their 

respective communities and seek input and the members will discuss it on the next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned.

Future Scheduled Subcommittee Calls

February 11, 2014 3:00 ET

Retail certification - discuss draft proposal –postponed to next call

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - discuss proposal for spring 2014 -complete

Discuss S & S update/summary - revisit on Feb 25 after ACA training

 Propose new topics for fall 2014

February 25, 2014 3:00 ET

Retail certification - discuss draft proposal/vote

Discuss S & S update/summary (revisit after ACA training)

Discuss new topics for fall 2014

March 11, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss new topics for fall 2014

Update on accrediting MROs (NOP)

March 25, 2014 3:00 ET

April 8, 2014 3:00 ET

Spring 2014 Milestones Target date

Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2016 substances Jan 15, 2014

NOSB Training meeting Feb 4 - 5, 2014

NOP – Complete tentative agenda Feb 7, 2014

Spring 2014 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 10, 2014

Subcommittees submit tentative workplans to NOP Mar 12, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Mar 14, 2014

NOP provides written comments on workplans to NOSB Mar 28, 2014

Public comment closes Apr 8, 2014
Workplans finalized on ES call Apr 11, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 14, 2014

Spring 2014 NOSB Meeting – San Antonio, TX ~Apr 28- May 1, 2014
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Jean Richardson (JR), Harold Austin (HA), John Foster (JFo), Mac 

Stone (MS)

Absent: Wendy Fulwider (WF), Joe Dickson (JD), Vice Chair

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Shannon Nally Yanessa (SNY) 

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Fall 2009 Guidance 

doc on Retail 

Certification

HA/JD (not lead) Making minor 

revisions of fall 2013 

DD

08 13 13

Revised/revoted 

02 25 14

Proposal 

Spr 2014

How certifiers apply 

205.206(e)

JFo No changes as of 02 

11 14

08 20 13 Proposal 

Spr 2014

Monitoring Practices 

and procedures for 

Organic System Plan 

(OSP) 205.201(a)

JFo The NOP requested a 

briefing paper 

summarizing the 

issue that the CACS is 

proposing to work 

on. JFo sent email 12 

10 13

TBD. Fall 2014?

Sound & Sensible (S 

& S)

MS Summary/update 

from Subcommittee 

during meeting (no 

document for public 

comment)

NA Spr 2014

Future Potential Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Sanitizers in 100% organic products JFo On hold, pending draft NOP 

guidance. 

TBD

Exclusion of water in calculating 

percentage of organic ingredients 

JR Proposal. How formulated 

“organic” products should 

be calculated. Waiting for 

guidance from NOP. 

TBD

Agenda

• Approve notes from February 25, 2014

• Discuss new topics for fall 2014

• Update on accrediting MROs (NOP)
Discussion

• The notes from the February 25, 2014 call were approved with no changes.

• New topics for fall 2014. 

o On the last CACS call the members discussed reaching out to their respective communities 

for feedback about topics they would like the NOSB to work on or address. Overall, there 

were not many suggestions at this time. Based on feedback from a certifier, one member 

noted that Sound and Sensible was working well for producers and handlers, but certifiers 

are still looking for additional things that they can do. In addition, the member heard that 

certifiers would like to be involved w/NOP document creation at an earlier stage at which 

time they could see a draft and offer input. The community was also interested in 

submitting comments to the NOP about the guidance documents. A member added that he 

received feedback regarding the backlog of projects that the NOP has. The community feels 

that it would be beneficial if the NOSB had a lighter workload so the program can finalize 

some projects, and added that this would also help with the impending 2017 Sunset review. 

The NOSB Chair suggested not adding any new workplan items, and to take advantage of 

the lull in workload for the PDS and CACS. The group discussed the idea of restructuring the 

Subcommittees to add people to the three Subcommittees that have a large list of sunset 

reviews. The Board Chair noted for example, that the Handling Subcommittee has a 

relatively small roster and is seeking help with their reviews. 

o Members also discussed reducing the number of CACS meetings to one per month. The 

CACS chose to cancel the meetings that occur on the second Tuesdays of each month and 

only meet on the fourth Tuesday. MA will send updates to the members.

• Update on accrediting MROs (NOP) - The NOP has a cross divisional team working on this which will 

report back to the Deputy Administrator. The NOP may provide an update to the Board at the April 

2014 meeting. A member asked if any of the items will be brought to the Subcommittee for addition 

to the workplan or not, and NOP was unsure at this time. 

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule:

February 25, 2014 3:00 ET

Retail certification - discuss draft proposal/vote

Discuss S & S update/summary (revisit after ACA training)

Discuss new topics for fall 2014

March 11, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss new topics for fall 2014

Update on accrediting MROs (NOP)

March 25, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Public Comments

April 22, 2014 3:00 ET

May 27, 2014 3:00 ET
Spring 2014 Milestones Target date

Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2016 substances Jan 15, 2014

NOSB Training meeting Feb 4 - 5, 2014

NOP – Complete tentative agenda Feb 7, 2014

Spring 2014 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 10, 2014

Subcommittees submit tentative workplans to NOP Mar 12, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Mar 14, 2014

NOP provides written comments on workplans to NOSB Mar 28, 2014

Public comment closes Apr 8, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call Apr 11, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 14, 2014

Spring 2014 NOSB Meeting – San Antonio, TX ~Apr 28- May 1, 2014
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday April 21, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Harold Austin (HA), John Foster (JFo), Jean Richardson (JR), Joe 

Dickson (JD), Vice Chair, Wendy Fulwider (WF)

Absent: Mac Stone (MS)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Shannon Nally Yanessa (SNY) 

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Fall 2009 Guidance doc on Retail 

Certification

HA/JD (not 

lead)

Making minor revisions of 

fall 2013 DD

08 13 13

Revised/

revoted 

02 25 14

Proposal 

Spr 2014

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) JFo No changes as of 02 11 14 08 20 13 Discussion doc

Spr 2014

Monitoring Practices and procedures for 

Organic System Plan (OSP) 205.201(a)

JFo The NOP requested a 

briefing paper summarizing 

the issue that the CACS is 

proposing to work on. JFo 

sent email 12 10 13

TBD. Fall 2014?

Sound & Sensible (S & S) MS Summary/update from 

Subcommittee during 

meeting (no document for 

public comment)

NA Spr 2014

Future Potential Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Sanitizers in 100% organic products JFo On hold, pending draft NOP 

guidance. 

TBD

Exclusion of water in calculating 

percentage of organic ingredients 

JR Proposal. How formulated 

“organic” products should 

be calculated. Waiting for 

guidance from NOP. 

TBD

Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices NOP sent memo requesting 

that NOSB work on this project 

04 25 14

TBD

Agenda

• Approve notes from March 11, 2014

• Discuss Public Comments

• Verify who is presenting what and in what format at the NOSB meeting (MA)

• Verify workplan for fall 2014 
Discussion

• The notes from the March 11, 2014 call were approved with no changes. 

• Discuss Public Comments

o Retail Certification. Members discussed the comments, noting that they were substantive 

and informative. One member noted that some of the comments were out of the scope of 

the NOSB proposal and could/would require a rule change. 

o 205.206(e). The group discussed the comments addressing terminology in the discussion 

document and noted that overall the commenters were supportive. The goal of this 

discussion document, which was mistakenly labeled as a proposal, is to determine to what 

degree certifiers are already implementing 205.206(e) and to offer clarity on that process. 

Based on the outcome at the spring meeting, the CACS will perhaps craft a proposal asking 

the NOP to clarify parts of this section for the fall 2014 meeting (i.e., that input materials be 

reviewed in the context of §205.206(e)). 

o Sound & Sensible (S & S). The CACS will deliver a brief update at the spring NOSB meeting on 

S & S and how it originated and what it resulted in. 

• The members verified who is presenting what and in what format at the NOSB meeting

• The group verified the draft workplan for fall 2014

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule:

March 11, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss new topics for fall 2014

Update on accrediting MROs (NOP)

March 25, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Public Comments-cancelled

April 21, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Public Comments

Verify who is presenting what and in what format at the NOSB meeting (MA)

May 27, 2014 3:00 ET

Spring 2014 Milestones Target date

Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2016 substances Jan 15, 2014

NOSB Training meeting Feb 4 - 5, 2014

NOP – Complete tentative agenda Feb 7, 2014

Spring 2014 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 10, 2014
Subcommittees submit tentative workplans to NOP Mar 12, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Mar 14, 2014

NOP provides written comments on workplans to NOSB Mar 28, 2014

Public comment closes Apr 8, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call Apr 11, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 14, 2014

Spring 2014 NOSB Meeting – San Antonio, TX ~Apr 28- May 1, 2014
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday May 27, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Vice Chair, Harold Austin (HA), John Foster (JFo), Jean Richardson 

(JR), Mac Stone (MS)

Absent: Joe Dickson (JD), Wendy Fulwider (WF)

Staff: Emily Brown Rosen (EBR), Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) JFo Proposal

Fall 2014

Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices CBe/JFo NOP sent memo 04 25 14 

requesting the NOSB work on 

this project

Discussion 

document Fall 

2014

Future Potential Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve notes from April 21, 2014

• How certifiers apply 205.206(e) follow up

• Guidance on Retail Certification follow up 

• Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices workplan item (NOP)

Discussion

• The notes from the April 21, 2014 were approved with no changes.

• How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - follow up. The group discussed how to go forward with this

item which was presented as a discussion document at the spring 2014 meeting. There wasn’t 

much feedback from the community, so the group was unsure whether to proceed or not. EBR 

will seek information from the program and report back to the group June 10. 

• Guidance on Retail Certification follow up - The group discussed the status of this document 

after the spring 2014 meeting. The CACS Chair will seek feedback from the NOP to see if there’s 

a need for any clarification or additional information in order to implement the 

recommendation.

• Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices (EBR) - The CACS and NOP discussed various ideas 

for this workplan item including the format (discussion document versus proposal), the scope 

(national or regional or in between) and the goal. Members discussed the differences between 

soil conservation practices and soil management practices which are different in scope. The NOP 

suggested narrowing the scope to start and broadening out if needed as the project progresses.
Members also discussed incorporating biodiversity into the document. Another member added 

that they may find as they open this discussion for public input that soil erosion is not a problem 

on organic farms. Ideas for the document included clarification of natural resources protection, 

and what that means when it comes to soil management. The goal is to develop a discussion 

document to solicit public input on requirements for conservation practices on organic farms. 

They also envision this product as something that could be used for certifier training. CBe and 

JFo will write a template and circulate it to the members as a starting point, and the group will 

draw on other NOSB members who have backgrounds in soil science (TF, and FT) as well as JFe. 

Additionally, MS will ask Sarah Brown of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), who 

spoke at the April NOSB meeting, to participate in a CACS call on June 10. A member suggested 

that the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) may also be a useful resource. 

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule:

April 21, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Public Comments

Verify who is presenting what and in what format at the NOSB meeting (MA)

May 15, 2014 3:00 ET - rescheduled to May 27 

May 27, 2014 3:00 ET

June 10, 2014 3:00 ET

Guest speaker - Sarah Brown (NRCS)

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - follow up.

Retail certification - Post meeting follow-up from NOP (does NOP need any additional feedback 

or clarification from the CACS

July 8, 2014 3:00 ET

August 12, 2014 3:00 ET

September 9, 2014 3:00 ET

October 14, 2014 3:00 ET

Fall 2014 Milestones Target date

NOSB Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2017 

b

Jul 15, 2014

NOP - Complete tentative agenda Aug 7, 2014

NOSB - Fall 2014 proposals due to NOP Aug 27, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Sep 8, 2014

NOSB Subcommittees - submit tentative workplans to NOP Sept 11, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Sept 12, 2014
Public comment closes Oct 7, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call (last call before fall mtg) Oct 17, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 13, 2014

Fall 2014 NOSB Meeting – Louisville, KY Oct 27 - Oct 31
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday June 10, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Vice Chair, Harold Austin (HA), John Foster (JFo), Jean Richardson 

(JR), Joe Dickson (JD), Wendy Fulwider (WF)

Absent: Mac Stone (MS) 

Guest: Sarah Brown, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Staff: Emily Brown Rosen (EBR), Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) JFo CACS considers this item to 

be complete and will 

remove it from the 

workplan.

NA

Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices CBe/JFo NOP sent memo 04 25 14 

requesting the NOSB work on 

this project

Discussion 

document Fall 

2014

Future Potential Projects Contact Status Vote Meeting

Guidance on Retail Certification Waiting for NOP feedback to 

determine if there is more 

work that needs to be 

completed

TBD

Agenda

• Approve notes from May 27, 2014

• Guest speaker - Sarah Brown (NRCS)

• Biodiversity draft guidance update (EBR) 

• How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - follow up.

• Retail certification - Post meeting follow-up from NOP (does NOP need any additional feedback 

or clarification from the CACS?)

Discussion

• The notes from the May 27, 2014 were approved with some minor clarifications and edits to 

the conversation about soil management vs. soil conservation. A member noted that soil 

management encompasses a broader scope than soil conservation. 

• Guest Speaker - Ms. Brown discussed the NRCS’s interest and involvement in organic practices, 

noting that the topics of tillage and soil erosion are of interest. The group discussed various 

aspects of this, including levels of erosion and compliance with organic principles. The scope of 

the problem (i.e. local, regional or national) is not well known at this time. The concern is that 
the standard is vague and therefore there is variance in the assessment process regarding what 

constitutes a non - compliance and how such things are measured. The crux of the problem 

seems to be the unclear delineation between erosion and non-erosion. A member noted that it 

would be useful to get feedback from certifiers about whether they are issuing non-compliance

notices. Currently the NRCS is working with the NOP to link Organic System Plans (OSP) with a 

conservation plan. Several members feel that the first step should be to determine if there is a 

problem with soil management and conservation, and if so, how widespread. In support of that,

members felt that the best approach would be to conduct a survey. The NOP will seek input 

from the Deputy Administrator about how to request information about erosion problems from 

the NRCS, who has these data. 

• Biodiversity draft guidance update (EBR) - The NOP is currently working on draft guidance on 

Biodiversity and the guidance may overlap with the Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices 

leading to duplication of work by the CACS. The members discussed the possibility of putting

this on hold until the data on soil conservation practices data are collected from the NRCS. The 

group feels the best place to begin is with a discussion document that could include questions 

for the community about the scope of the problem. CBe and JFo will draft a document and 

circulate it to the group for discussion on the next call. The NOP asked that as the CACS goes

forth they should determine the goal of the document and how this information will translate to 

identification of the problem, and/or directives about how to improve it.

• How certifiers apply 205.206(e) follow up. The feedback from the public was helpful and the 

group feels that the project is complete. They will remove any future work from the workplan 

(see table above for update).

• Guidance on Retail Certification follow up - The NOP has a large data set on this topic, but it is 

not structured in one retail user-friendly document. As a first step, the NOP will gather the 

information in one place then seek help from the CACS when, or if, there is more work needed. 

• A member asked about the use of annotations and how the Board should manage this going 

forth. The group discussed best practices and appropriate use of annotations and asked the NOP 

to discuss this internally. The CACS would like to add a workplan item to address this issue 

although this isn’t guidance on which the NOP would seek public comment as it pertains to the 

rulemaking process.

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule:

May 27, 2014 3:00 ET

June 10, 2014 3:00 ET

Guest speaker - Sarah Brown (NRCS)

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - follow up.

Retail certification - Post meeting follow-up from NOP (does NOP need any additional feedback 

or clarification from the CACS?)

July 8, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices draft discussion document

Discuss best practices and use of annotations in proposals 

August 12, 2014 3:00 ET
September 9, 2014 3:00 ET

October 14, 2014 3:00 ET

Fall 2014 Milestones Target date

NOSB Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2017 

b

Jul 15, 2014

NOP - Complete tentative agenda Aug 7, 2014

NOSB - Fall 2014 proposals due to NOP Aug 27, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Sep 8, 2014

NOSB Subcommittees - submit tentative workplans to NOP Sept 11, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Sept 12, 2014

Public comment closes Oct 7, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call (last call before fall mtg) Oct 17, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 13, 2014

Fall 2014 NOSB Meeting – Louisville, KY Oct 27 - Oct 31
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday July 8, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Vice Chair, Harold Austin (HA), John Foster (JFo), Jean Richardson 

(JR), Wendy Fulwider (WF)

Absent: Mac Stone (MS), Joe Dickson (JD)

Staff: Emily Brown Rosen (EBR), Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices CBe/JFo NOP sent memo 04 25 14 

requesting the NOSB work on 

this project

Discussion 

document Fall 

2014

Future Potential Projects Contact Status Vote Meeting

Guidance on Retail Certification Waiting for NOP feedback to 

determine if there is more 

work that needs to be 

completed

TBD

Best practices and use of annotations in 

proposals

HA NOP discussed topic on 

Executive call June 11, 2014. 

CACS will send a formal request 

to NOP to add this to the 

workplan.

Discussion 

document Spring 

2015

Agenda

• Approve notes from June 10, 2014

• Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation practices draft discussion document

• Discuss best practices and use of annotations in proposals

Discussion

• The notes from the June 10, 2014 were approved with no changes.

• Assessment of Soil Conservation practices. The group discussed the draft document that was 

circulated prior to the call. JR will edit some of the questions to make them more targeted; CBe 

and JFo will edit content and the group will resume discussion on the next call.

• Best practices and use of annotations in proposals. A draft document was circulated prior to 

call and the group reviewed and discussed it. A member asked about materials with annotations 

and if such things complicate enforceability by certifiers and the NOP. The goal of this discussion 

document is to provide clarity or instruction on the use of annotations and the CACS will target 

the spring 2015 meeting. A member suggested that perhaps this is a better fit for the PDS and 

not the CACS. The NOP requested that the CACS send a formal request to add this to the 

workplan. 

• The meeting was adjourned.
Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule:

June 10, 2014 3:00 ET

Guest speaker - Sarah Brown (NRCS)

How certifiers apply 205.206(e) - follow up.

Retail certification - Post meeting follow-up from NOP (does NOP need any additional feedback 

or clarification from the CACS?)

July 8, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices draft discussion document

Discuss best practices and use of annotations in proposals 

August 12, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices draft discussion document

Discuss best practices and use of annotations in proposals (status of NOP response?)

September 9, 2014 3:00 ET

October 14, 2014 3:00 ET

Fall 2014 Milestones Target date

NOSB Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2017 

b

Jul 15, 2014

NOP - Complete tentative agenda Aug 7, 2014

NOSB - Fall 2014 proposals due to NOP Aug 27, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Sep 8, 2014

NOSB Subcommittees - submit tentative workplans to NOP Sept 11, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Sept 12, 2014

Public comment closes Oct 7, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call (last call before fall mtg) Oct 17, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 13, 2014

Fall 2014 NOSB Meeting – Louisville, KY Oct 27 - Oct 31
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday August 12, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Jean Richardson (JR), Wendy Fulwider (WF), 

Absent: John Foster (JFo), Mac Stone (MS), Harold Austin, Vice Chair (HA), Joe Dickson (JD)

Staff: Emily Brown Rosen (EBR), Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices CBe/JFo NOP sent memo 04 25 14 

requesting the NOSB work on 

this project

08 28 14 Discussion 

document Fall 

2014

Future Potential Projects Contact Status Vote Meeting

Guidance on Retail Certification Waiting for NOP feedback to 

determine if there is more 

work that needs to be 

completed

TBD

Best practices and use of annotations in 

proposals

HA NOP discussed topic on 

Executive call June 11, 2014. 

Waiting for formal request 

from NOP

Discussion 

document Spring 

2015

Agenda

• Approve notes from July 8, 2014

• Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation practices draft discussion document

• Discuss best practices and use of annotations in proposals

Discussion

• The notes from the July 8, 2014 were approved with minor changes.

• Assessment of Soil Conservation practices. The members briefly discussed the feedback from 

the NRCS, contributions from other Board members and whether or not the group would like to 

include a discussion about no-till practices. The NOP suggested adding the some references to 

the document that were cited in the NOP memo to the Board dated April 25, 2014. The Chair 

will edit the document, and recirculate it for a vote by the Subcommittee members;

Vote completed 08 28 14: 

Motion: To accept the Assessment of Soil Conservation practices draft discussion document

Motion by: CBe

Seconded by: JD
Y: 6 N: 0 Absent: 1 Abstain: 0 Recuse: 0 

Motion carries

• Best practices and use of annotations in proposals. HA sent the Deputy Administrator an email

request August 09, 2014, asking that this project be added to the workplan.

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule:

July 8, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices draft discussion document

Discuss best practices and use of annotations in proposals 

August 12, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices draft discussion document

Discuss best practices and use of annotations in proposals (status of NOP response?)

September 9, 2014 3:00 ET - cancelled

October 14, 2014 3:00 ET

Fall 2014 Milestones Target date

NOSB Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2017 

b

Jul 15, 2014

NOP - Complete tentative agenda Aug 7, 2014

NOSB - Fall 2014 proposals due to NOP Aug 27, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Sep 8, 2014

NOSB Subcommittees - submit tentative workplans to NOP Sept 11, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Sept 12, 2014

Public comment closes Oct 7, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call (last call before fall mtg) Oct 17, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 13, 2014

Fall 2014 NOSB Meeting – Louisville, KY Oct 27 - Oct 31
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday October 14, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Harold Austin, Vice Chair (HA), Jean Richardson (JR), Wendy 

Fulwider (WF), John Foster (JFo), Joe Dickson (JD)

Absent: Mac Stone (MS) 

Staff: Emily Brown Rosen (EBR), Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices CBe/JFo NOP sent memo 04 25 14 

requesting the NOSB work on 

this project

08 28 14 Discussion 

document Fall 

2014

Future Potential Projects Contact Status Vote Meeting

Guidance on Retail Certification Waiting for NOP feedback to 

determine if there is more 

work that needs to be 

completed

TBD

Best practices and use of annotations in 

proposals

HA NOP discussed topic on 

Executive call June 11, 2014. 

Waiting for formal request 

from NOP

Discussion 

document Spring 

2015

Agenda

• Approve notes of August 12, 2014

• Discuss public comments

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes from the August 12, 2014 were approved with no changes

• Public Comments - The group discussed the summary of the public comments the CACS Chair 

circulated prior to the call. Many of the commenters urged the CACS to broaden its scope and 

consider biodiversity in addition to soil conservation. A member noted that they will address 

these comments to let the public know that the NOP provided the scope for the document 

• The CACS rescheduled the November 11 meeting

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule:
August 12, 2014 3:00 ET

Discuss Assessment of Soil Conservation Practices draft discussion document

Discuss best practices and use of annotations in proposals (status of NOP response?)

September 9, 2014 3:00 ET - cancelled

October 14, 2014 3:00 ET

November 25, 2014 3:00 ET

Fall 2014 Milestones Target date

NOSB Subcommittee requests technical reports for Sunset 2017 

b

Jul 15, 2014

NOP - Complete tentative agenda Aug 7, 2014

NOSB - Fall 2014 proposals due to NOP Aug 27, 2014

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Sep 8, 2014

NOSB Subcommittees - submit tentative workplans to NOP Sept 11, 2014

Discuss workplans on ES call Sept 12, 2014

Public comment closes Oct 7, 2014

Workplans finalized on ES call (last call before fall mtg) Oct 17, 2014

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 13, 2014

Fall 2014 NOSB Meeting – Louisville, KY Oct 27 - Oct 31
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday November 25, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Harold Austin, Vice Chair (HA), John Foster (JFo), Lisa de Lima (LD) -

sitting in, Tom Chapman (TC) - sitting in

Absent: Mac Stone (MS), Joe Dickson (JD), Jean Richardson (JR), Wendy Fulwider (WF), Nick Maravell 

(NM), Jennifer Taylor (JT)

Staff: Emily Brown Rosen (EBR), Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Assessment of Soil Conservation 

Practices

CBe/JFo DD fall 2014 08 28 14 Proposal Spr 

2015

Future Potential Projects Contact Status Vote Meeting

Guidance on Retail Certification Waiting for NOP feedback to 

determine if there is more 

work that needs to be 

completed

TBD

Best practices and use of annotations in 

proposals

HA NOP discussed topic on 

Executive call June 11, 2014. 

Waiting for formal request 

from NOP. Moved to Policy 

Development Subcomm

NA

Peer Review JFo/? Added to CACS at Fall 2014 

NOSB meeting

Spr 2015

Agenda

• Approve notes of October 14, 2014

• Discuss the Soil Conservation Practices Assessment Discussion Document, including Public 

Comment, and spring 2015 Proposal. Assign lead for proposal

• Discuss the NOP Accreditation Peer Review Process Memo and Assign Lead for Discussion 

Document

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes from the October 14, 2014 were approved with no changes.

• Soil Conservation Practices Assessment Discussion Document. The members discussed the 

status of the document and how to move forward. The CACS received lots of feedback during 
the public comment period, which contained a theme regarding more training, without 

necessarily providing details. The group discussed various paths forward and whether or not it 

would merit further work to create guidance and deliver this to the certification community. The 

NOP suggested looking at the draft guidance on biodiversity, due to be released soon, to assess 

whether there are any gaps that need to be addressed. The NOP also suggested that the next 

steps could include a review of the document and subsequent comments to determine if the 

questions that the NOP put forth in the memo were answered. A member suggested adding the 

comments that were delivered during the meeting as well. Another member noted that it would 

be useful to create a narrative of the public comments from the matrix that the CACS Chair 

created. This could then be used to aid in putting forth suggestions, taking into account whether 

or not the changes can be implemented by the NOP. The Chair will work with others on this and 

the group will continue the discussion on the next call. 

• NOP Accreditation Peer Review Process. The NOP recently sent a memo to the NOSB tasking 

them with reviewing the draft instructions for the peer review process and putting forth a 

proposal in response to the draft. The members discussed the history of the peer review 

process, including findings from past audits by OIG (2010) and ANSI (2014), language in the 

regulation, and three previous recommendations from past Boards. JFo will do an initial review 

of the materials and spearhead the project, and will transfer it to a continuing member once he 

rotates off the NOSB in January. 

• It was noted that one of the CACS work agenda items, best practices and use of annotations in 

proposals, was transferred to the Policy Development Subcommittee. See table above. 

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule

October 14, 2014 3:00 ET

November 25, 2014 3:00 ET

December 9, 2014 3:00 ET

January 13, 2015 3:00 ET

February 10, 2015 3:00 ET

March 10, 2015 3:00 ET

April 14, 2015 3:00 ET

Spring 2015 Milestones Target date

NOSB Training Feb 4-5, 2015

NOP - Complete Spring 2015 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 7, 2015

NOSB - Spring 2015 proposals due to NOP Feb 25, 2015

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 9, 2015

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 13, 2015
Public comment closes Apr 6, 2015

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before spring mtg) Apr 10, 2015

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 13, 2015

Spring 2015 NOSB meeting - La Jolla, CA Week of April 27 - 31
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for 

addition to or removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program 

(NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of 

substances used in organic production and handling.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Compliance, Accreditation & Certification Subcommittee (CACS) Notes

Tuesday December 9, 2014, 3:00 pm ET

Attending: Carmela Beck, Chair (CB), Harold Austin (HA), John Foster (JFo), Joe Dickson (JD) Vice Chair 

(HA), Jennifer Taylor (JT), Lisa de Lima (LD) - sitting in, Tom Chapman (TC) - sitting in

Absent: Jean Richardson (JR), Wendy Fulwider (WF), Nick Maravell (NM), Mac Stone (MS)

Staff: Emily Brown Rosen (EBR), Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Workplan

Project Contact Status Vote Meeting

Assessment of Soil Conservation 

Practices

CBe/JFo DD fall 2014 08 28 14 Proposal Spr 

2015

Future Potential Projects Contact Status Vote Meeting

Peer Review JFo/? Added to CACS at Fall 2014 

NOSB meeting. Memo from 

NOP sent to HS 11 19 14

Spr 2015

Agenda

• Approve notes of November 25, 2014

• Discuss Peer Review

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes from November 25, 2014 were approved with no changes

• Peer Review - The NOP sent a memo to the NOSB asking that the CACS review the peer review 

procedures and provide guidance and input. The NOP noted that although it has been 

conducting audits as outlined in OFPA, it seeks to formalize the process and make it more 

transparent. The lead reviewed three prior NOSB comments regarding the Peer Review Panel 

(PRP) and noted that the most pertinent of the documents is the 2001 NOSB recommendation 

which provides substantive information and suggestions. The CACS intends on developing a 

proposal for the NOP and the organic community for the spring 2015 NOSB meeting. The group 

discussed various components that will be addressed in their recommendation, such as the size 

and makeup of the panel, qualifications for panel members, duration of service, and the charge 

for the panel. The lead asked that members review section 3a of NOP memo and provide any 

comments or opinions so the group can move forward with the proposal for the next CACS call. 

JT offered to take the lead on this project when JFo rotates off the Board in January. And will 

also collaborate with the new Board members; Tom Chapman and Lisa de Lima. 

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous CACS Notes

Future Call Schedule

November 25, 2014 3:00 ET

December 9, 2014 3:00 ET

January 13, 2015 3:00 ET

February 10, 2015 3:00 ET

March 10, 2015 3:00 ET

April 14, 2015 3:00 ET

Spring 2015 Milestones Target date

NOSB Training Feb 4-5, 2015

NOP - Complete Spring 2015 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 7, 2015

NOSB - Spring 2015 proposals due to NOP Feb 25, 2015

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 9, 2015

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 13, 2015

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2015

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before spring mtg) Apr 10, 2015

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 13, 2015

Spring 2015 NOSB meeting - La Jolla, CA Week of April 27 - 30