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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Rick Greenwood (RG), Chair; Steve Ela (SE), Vice Chair; Asa Bradman (AB); Jesse Buie (JB); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD); Emily Oakley (EO); Wood Turner (WT); Brian Caldwell (BC) - observer; Logan Petrey (LP) -

observer; Amy Bruch (ADB) - observer

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review December 1 notes

• Biochar (WT/EO) - TR sufficiency

• 2023 Sunset: EPA List 3 - Inerts of unknown toxicity (AB/SE) - Discuss review

• 2023 Sunset: Magnesium oxide (JB) - Discuss review

• Hydronium (EO/RG) - TR request due 12.15.20

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• December 1 notes were accepted as written.

• Biochar (WT/EO). The leads discussed the petition and technical report for biochar, noting that the TR 

doesn’t necessarily specify biochar made from manure. The petitioner is seeking an amendment to the 

listing for ash from manure burning which is a prohibited nonsynthetic. The Subcommittee did not 

find the TR sufficient and will send it back to the author for revisions. 

• 2023 Sunset: EPA List 3 - Inerts of unknown toxicity (AB/SE). The leads summarized the 

substances/listing, noting that List 3 inerts are used in pheromones, and although the list is no longer 

maintained by the EPA, it is not as concerning as the List 4 inerts. A member added that the amount of 

pheromones is minute, and isolated to the dispenser, and given the scale of use, the impacts are 

minimal. The lead will seek feedback about the carriers, and modify the draft document for discussion 

on the next call. 

• 2023 Sunset: Magnesium oxide (JB). The lead summarized the substance, and noted the questions 

that a previous Board included in its review for a future Board to address when it added magnesium 

oxide to the National List. The questions address the need for liquid humates, and the possibility of 

using non-synthetic acids in place of sulfuric acid. The Crops Subcommittee added the questions to its

review for public comment. AB asked to add more specific info under uses to clarify. The lead will 

make some modifications to the draft document based on feedback from other members and will 

recirculate the document.

• Hydronium (EO/RG). The CS submitted a request for a TR with some additional, targeted questions.

• Additional Items. None. 

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

December 1, 2020

Hydronium (EO) - Petition sufficiency
2023 Sunset: Calcium chloride (EO) - Discuss review

2023 Sunset: Rotenone (RG) - Discuss review

December 15, 2020

Biochar (EO/WT) - TR suff due 12.21.20

2023 Sunset: EPA List 3 - Inerts of unknown toxicity (AB/SE) - Discuss review

2023 Sunset: Magnesium oxide (JB) - Discuss review

Research Priorities - assign lead

Hydronium (EO/RG) - TR request due 12.15.20

January 5, 2021

2023 Sunset: EPA List 3 - Inerts of unknown toxicity (AB/SE) - Discuss review 

2023 Sunset: Copper sulfate 205.601(a)(3) & 205.601(e)(4) (JD) - Discuss review

2023 Sunset: Peracetic acid 205.601(a)(6) 7 205.601(i)(8) (WT) - Discuss review

Research Priorities - Discuss draft

Kasugamycin (SE) - Discuss next steps

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - Discuss

January 19, 2021

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss next steps

Biochar (EO/WT) - Discuss draft discussion doc

2023 Sunset: Ozone gas (RG) - Discuss review

February 2, 2021

Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - Discuss draft proposal

Chitosan - coagulant for fertilizer (RG) - Discuss draft proposal

Ammonia Extract (SE) - Discuss draft proposal

2023 Sunset: Chlorine materials (WT) - Discuss review 

February 16, 2021

March 2, 2021

March 16, 2021

April 6, 2021

April 20, 2021

May 4, 2021

May 18, 2021

June 1, 2021

June 15, 2021

July 6, 2021

July 20, 2021

August 3, 2021

August 17, 2021

September 7, 2021

September 21, 2021

October 5, 2021

October 19, 2021

November 2, 2021

November 16, 2021

December 7, 2021

December 21, 2021
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

1.19.21 Spr 2021

Chitosan - plant disease 

control

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July. TR

sent to CS 7.13.20. TR sufficiency due 

9.11.20. TR found sufficient 08.18.20.

08.04.20

08.18.20

10.6.20

11.17.20

2.2.21

Spr 2021

Chitosan - coagulant for 

fertilizer

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 07.31.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 09.29.20. CS sent 

additional questions back to petitioner. 

08.18.20

2.2.21

 

Spr 2021

Biochar WT/EO Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back in Sep/Oct. TR sent 

to CS 10.21.20. TR suff due 12.21.20

03.17.20

12.15.21

1.19.21

Spr 2021

Ammonia Extract SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20. TR due mid-December.

2.2.21 Spr 2021

Kasugamycin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. TR due mid-December

07.07.20

1.5.21

Spr 2021

Hydronium EO/RG Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 10.6.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12.15.20. Petition 

found sufficient 12.1.20. CS requested 

TR 12.15.20.

11.17.20

12.1.20

12.15.20

Spr 2021
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Proposal Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

1.5.21 Spr 2021

Research Priorities All N/A Due to MS 01.19.21 1.5.21 Spr 2021

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate 205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5.29.23

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate 205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5.29.23

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

Ozone gas 205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5.29.23

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

1.19.21 “

Peracetic acid 205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5.29.23

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

Peracetic acid 205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5.29.23

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

EPA List 3 - Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5.29.23

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20

01.05.21

“
Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid - generated 

from electrolyzed 

water. (iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) WT N Sunset date: 10.30.24 &

1.28.24 (Hypochlorous 

acid)

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

2.2.21 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) JB Y Sunset date: 1.28.24

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

CS requested TR 6.2.20. TR 

due in Feb. 

12.15.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 EO Y Sunset date: 5.29.23

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

CS requested TR 6.2.20.TR 

due to CS XXXX

12.1.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f) RG N Sunset date: 1.28.24

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

12.1.20 “

Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 15, 2020

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - 30, 2021
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Rick Greenwood (RG), Chair; Steve Ela (SE), Vice Chair; Asa Bradman (AB); Jesse Buie (JB); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD); Emily Oakley (EO); Wood Turner (WT); Brian Caldwell (BC) - observer; Logan Petrey (LP) -

observer; Amy Bruch (ADB) - observer

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Andrea Holm (AH)

Agenda

• New NOSB members

• Review November 17 notes

• Hydronium (EO) - Petition sufficiency

• 2023 Sunset: Calcium chloride (EO) - Discuss review

• 2023 Sunset: Rotenone (RG) - Discuss review

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• November 17 notes were accepted as written.

• Hydronium (EO/RG). The lead summarized the process of petition review for the benefit of the new 

members and then summarized the petitioned use of the hydronium. The group found the petition 

sufficient and will likely request a technical report (TR). The lead will draft TR questions and solicited 

questions from other Subcommittee members for review on the next call. RG will send the NOP an 

email confirming that the CS found the hydronium petition sufficient.

• 2023 Sunset: Calcium chloride (EO). The lead reviewed the previous work on calcium chloride to 

develop the current review. Members discussed the draft review and the lead will complete the 

document for the Spring meeting. 

• 2023 Sunset: Rotenone (RG). The lead summarized rotenone noting that it is a non-synthetic 

prohibited for use in organic agriculture in the US, but may be used in other countries. A member 

noted that while it is prohibited in the US, it is being used in CA to control invasive species. 

• Additional Items. None

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

November 17, 2020

Chitosan - plant disease control. Review refs in proposal

Assign lead for hydronium petition 

December 1, 2020

Hydronium (EO) - Petition sufficiency

2023 Sunset: Calcium chloride (EO) - Discuss review

2023 Sunset: Rotenone (RG) - Discuss review

December 15, 2020

Biochar (EO/WT) - TR suff due 12.21.20

2023 Sunset: EPA List 3 - Inerts of unknown toxicity (AB/SE) - Discuss review
2023 Sunset: Magnesium oxide (JB) - Discuss review

January 5, 2021

Kasugamycin (SE) - Discuss next steps

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - Discuss

Research Priorities - Discuss draft

2023 Sunset: Copper sulfate 205.601(a)(3) & 205.601(e)(4) (JD) - Discuss review

2023 Sunset: Peracetic acid 205.601(a)(6) 7 205.601(i)(8) (WT) - Discuss review

January 19, 2021

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss next steps

2023 Sunset: Ozone gas (RG) - Discuss review

February 2, 2021

Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - Discuss draft proposal

Chitosan - coagulant for fertilizer (RG) - Discuss draft proposal

Ammonia Extract (SE) - Discuss draft proposal

2023 Sunset: Chlorine materials (WT) - Discuss review 

February 16, 2021

March 2, 2021

March 16, 2021

April 6, 2021

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

1.19.21 Spr 2021

Chitosan - plant disease 

control

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July. TR

sent to CS 7.13.20. TR sufficiency due 

9.11.20. TR found sufficient 08.18.20.

08.04.20

08.18.20

10.6.20

11.17.20

2.2.21

Spr 2021

Chitosan - coagulant for 

fertilizer

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 07.31.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 09.29.20. CS sent 

additional questions back to petitioner. 

08.18.20

2.2.21

 

Spr 2021

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back in Sep/Oct. TR sent 

to CS 10.21.20. TR suff due 12.21.20

03.17.20

12.15.21

Spr 2021
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Ammonia Extract SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20. TR due mid-December.

2.2.21 Spr 

2021

Kasugamycin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. TR due mid-December

07.07.20

1.5.21

Spr 2021

Hydronium EO/RG Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 10.6.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12.15.20. Petition 

found sufficient 12.1.20. 

11.17.20

12.1.20

12.15.20

TBD

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Proposal Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

1.5.21 Spr 2021

Research Priorities DM/All N/A Due to MS 01.19.21 1.5.21 Spr 2021

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate 205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5.29.23

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate 205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5.29.23

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

Ozone gas 205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5.29.23

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

1.19.21 “

Peracetic acid 205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5.29.23

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “
Peracetic acid 205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5.29.23

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

EPA List 3 - Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5.29.23

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid - generated 

from electrolyzed 

water. (iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) WT N Sunset date: 10.30.24 &

1.28.24 (Hypochlorous 

acid)

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

2.2.21 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) JB Y Sunset date: 1.28.24

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

12.15.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 EO Y Sunset date: 5.29.23

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

CS requested TR 6.2.20.TR 

due to CS XXXX

12.1.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f) RG N Sunset date: 1.28.24

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

12.1.20 “

Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 15, 2020

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - 30, 2021
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry 

D’Amore (JD); Emily Oakley (EO)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Andrea Holm (AH)

Agenda

• Review October 6 notes

• Chitosan - plant disease control. Review refs in proposal

• Assign lead for hydronium petition

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• October 6 notes were accepted as written.

• Chitosan - plant disease control. The lead summarized the petition and uses, noting that it is listed as 

an inert. It appears chitosan has a broad range of uses, and in addition to this petition, it is also being 

petitioned for use as a coagulant for fertilizer. A member suggested putting forth a discussion 

document for the Spring meeting to solicit additional comments and information. The CS and LS, who 

is also reviewing a petition for chitosan, will coordinate on all three chitosan reviews.

• Hydronium petition. EO volunteered to complete the petition sufficiency. The CS Chair gave a brief 

summary of the petition, noting that hydronium is used as a processing aid for dehydrated manures, 

and is a premium cannabis optimizer. 

• Additional Items. 

o The CS scheduled discussion dates work agenda items (see tables below).

o Rick Greenwood will be Chair of Crops when Jesse Buie rotates off the NOSB. 

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

November 3, 2020 - cancelled

November 17, 2020

Chitosan - plant disease control. Review refs in proposal

Assign lead for hydronium petition

December 1, 2020

Hydronium (EO) - Petition sufficiency

2023 Sunset: Calcium chloride (EO) - Discuss review

2023 Sunset: Rotenone (RG) - Discuss review

December 15, 2020

Biochar (EO/WT) - TR suff due 12.21.20

2023 Sunset: EPA List 3 - Inerts of unknown toxicity (AB/SE) - Discuss review

2023 Sunset: Magnesium oxide (JB) - Discuss review

January 5, 2021

Kasugamycin (SE) - Discuss next steps
Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - Discuss

Research Priorities - Discuss draft

2023 Sunset: Copper sulfate 205.601(a)(3) & 205.601(e)(4) (JD) - Discuss review

2023 Sunset: Peracetic acid 205.601(a)(6) 7 205.601(i)(8) (WT) - Discuss review

January 19, 2021

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss next steps

2023 Sunset: Ozone gas (RG) - Discuss review

February 2, 2021

Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - Discuss draft proposal

Chitosan - coagulant for fertilizer (RG) - Discuss draft proposal

Ammonia Extract (SE) - Discuss draft proposal

2023 Sunset: Chlorine materials (WT) - Discuss review 

February 16, 2021

March 2, 2021

March 16, 2021

April 6, 2021

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

1.19.21 Spr 2021

Chitosan - plant disease 

control

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July. TR

sent to CS 7.13.20. TR sufficiency due 

9.11.20. TR found sufficient 08.18.20.

08.04.20

08.18.20

10.6.20

11.17.20

2.2.21

Spr 2021

Chitosan - coagulant for 

fertilizer

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 07.31.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 09.29.20. CS sent 

additional questions back to petitioner. 

08.18.20

2.2.21

 

Spr 2021

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back in Sep/Oct. TR sent 

to CS 10.21.20. TR suff due 12.21.20

03.17.20

12.15.21

Spr 2021
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Ammonia Extract SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20. TR due mid-December.

2.2.21 Spr 

2021

Kasugamycin SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. TR due mid-December

07.07.20

1.5.21

Spr 2021

Hydronium EO Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 10.6.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12.7.20.

11.17.20

12.1.20

TBD

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Proposal Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

1.5.21 Spr 2021

Research Priorities DM/All N/A Due to MS 01.19.21 1.5.21 Spr 2021

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate 205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate 205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

Ozone gas 205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

1.19.21 “
Peracetic acid 205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

Peracetic acid 205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.5.21 “

EPA List 3 - Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.15.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.601 EO Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

12.1.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid - generated 

from electrolyzed 

water. (iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) WT N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

2.2.21 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) JB Y Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

12.15.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

RG N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

12.1.20 “

Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 15, 2020

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - 30, 2021

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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, October 6, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Rick Greenwood (RG), 

Vice Chair; Dave Mortensen (DM); Emily Oakley (EO)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - discuss proposal

• Discuss public comments/review roles for Fall meeting

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - discuss proposal. The lead summarized the draft proposal and 

the group discussed several aspects of the petitioned uses, including non-synthetic alternatives that 

are already on the National List. A member noted that the manufacturing process is not disclosed. 

Members also discussed developing a discussion document instead of a proposal for the Spring 

meeting. Members will review the reference documents and discuss this further on the next call. The 

SC may also have follow-up questions of the petitioner after reviewing the papers. 

• Discuss public comments/review roles for Fall meeting. Members discussed comments on the sunset 

review of List 4 Inerts, and the path forward. The NOSB, with support from NOP, EPA, and the organic 

community is seeking a solution to the obsolete listing of EPA List 4 Inerts, since the EPA no longer 

maintains the list. If the Board were to vote to delist it, it is likely there would be a very long 

implementation period while seeking a replacement or solution.

• Additional Items. 

o The Crops Subcommittee also briefly discussed the Materials Subcommittee proposal on 

Marine Materials, noting that there was a mixed reaction from the community, despite the 

initial overwhelming support.

o The CS will reassign some of the 2023 sunset reviews to new members 

o NOP CS is awaiting a response from the petitioner on the petition for chitosan as a flocculant. 

o The NOP sent a new petition to the CS for hydronium. 

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

September 1, 2020 - cancelled

September 15, 2020

Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - discuss proposal

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

Chitosan - plant disease control. Review refs in proposal

Assign lead for Hydronium petition

November 17, 2020
December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited 

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to 

CS 04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR 

found sufficient 05.19.20.

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Chitosan - plant disease 

control

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July. TR

sent to CS 7.13.20. TR sufficiency due 

9.11.20. TR found sufficient 08.18.20.

08.04.20

08.18.20

10.6.20

11.3.20

Spr 2021

Chitosan - coagulant for 

fertilizer

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 07.31.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 09.29.20. CS sent 

additional questions back to petitioner. 

08.18.20

 

Spr 2021

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back in Sep/Oct.

03.17.20 Spr 2021

Ammonia Extract DM Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20. TR due mid-December

06.16.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Kasugamycin SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. TR due mid-December

07.07.20 Spr 2021
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Hydronium Petition sent to CS 10.6.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12.7.20.

11.3.20

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Wild, native fish for Liquid 

fish annotation

EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

07.07.20

07.21.20

Fall 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 07.14.20 07.28.20 Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “
Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20

07.07.20

“

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Sep 1, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Virtual Oct 28 - 30, 2020

Sanitizer Panel Nov 12, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper 205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ozone gas 205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

06.02.20 “

Peracetic acid 205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Peracetic 205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 SE Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

06.16.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid - generated 

from electrolyzed 

water. (iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

06.02.20 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DM Y Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

CS requested TR 6.2.20.

06.16.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DM N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, August 18, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Rick Greenwood (RG), 

Vice Chair; Dave Mortensen (DM); Emily Oakley (EO)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• August 4 notes 

• Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - TR sufficiency 

• Chitosan - coagulant for fertilizer (RG) - Petition sufficiency

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• August 4 notes were accepted with minor edits

• Chitosan - plant disease control (RG). The lead summarized the petition and the TR, and the group 

discussed both documents. The source of the chitosan is bycatch or waste, mainly from shrimp. A 

member noted that the petition includes many uses, and although chitosan is considered benign, the 

production methods are not necessarily so. The Subcommittee found the TR sufficient and will 

proceed with its review. A member added that chitosan was petitioned to be listed as a Federal 

Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) exempt active ingredient with the EPA and EPA is 

currently assessing that petition. 

• Chitosan - coagulant for fertilizer (RG). The lead summarized the petition and uses of chitosan as a 

coagulant. A member noted that chitosan is on the Safer Choice Ingredient List (SCIL) as a soil 

amendment. The Subcommittee found the petition well written and comprehensive, although it is 

lacking information about the manufacturing process. The CS will send additional questions to the 

petitioner before accepting the petition. 

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

August 4, 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin (RG) - Discuss draft proposal/vote

Chitosan (RG) - TR sufficiency (RG)

Ammonia Extract (DM) - Discuss petition discussion doc

August 18, 2020

Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - TR sufficiency 

Chitosan - coagulant for fertilizer (RG) - Petition sufficiency

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020
November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited 

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to 

CS 04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR 

found sufficient 05.19.20

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Chitosan - plant disease 

control

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July. TR

sent to CS 7.13.20. TR sufficiency due 

9.11.20. TR found sufficient 08.18.20

08.04.20

08.18.20

Spr 2021

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back in October.

03.17.20 Spr 2021

Ammonia Extract DM Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20.

06.16.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Kasugamycin SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. 

07.07.20 Spr 2021

Chitosan - coagulant for 

fertilizer

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 07.31.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 09.29.20. CS sent 

additional questions back to petitioner. 

08.18.20 Spr 2021
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Wild, native fish for Liquid 

fish annotation

EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

07.07.20

07.21.20

Fall 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 07.14.20 07.28.20 Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20

07.07.20

“
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Virtual Oct 28 - 30, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “
Ozone gas - for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 SE Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid - generated 

from electrolyzed 

water. (iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

06.02.20 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DM Y Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DM N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, August 4, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Rick Greenwood (RG), 

Vice Chair; Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB); Emily Oakley (EO)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• July 28 notes 

• Ammonia Extract (DM) - Discuss petition discussion doc

• Sodium Carbonate Lignin (RG) - Discuss draft proposal/vote

• Chitosan (RG) - Discuss petition discussion document and TR

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• July 28 notes were accepted as written.

• Ammonia Extract (DM). The lead summarized the petition, which is seeking prohibition of ammonia 

extract. CS requested a TR and will put forth a petition discussion document for the Fall meeting to 

solicit feedback to help inform its future work. 

Motion to accept the discussion document on ammonia extract 

Motion by: DM

Seconded by: JD

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• Sodium carbonate lignin (RG). The lead summarized the proposed uses and noted the current listing 

for lignin (sodium sulfonate lignin). Sodium carbonate lignin is being petitioned for use as a dust 

suppressant. The substance is considered benign, has low toxicity, low potential for environmental 

impact, but is not commonly used/permitted internationally. Sodium carbonate lignin does not seem 

to have unique properties from sodium sulfonate lignin, and given that there is an alternative already 

on the list, the CS is reticent to add another synthetic. The lead added that the petition does not 

contain a strong argument for need or efficacy, and there are currently other substances listed as dust 

suppressants.

Motion to classify sodium carbonate lignin as synthetic 

Motion by: RG

Seconded by: DM

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

Motion to add sodium carbonate lignin at § 205.601(j)(4)

Motion by: RG

Seconded by: SE

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• Chitosan (RG). Chitosan is being petitioned in Crops for plant disease control, and the NOSB recently 

received two more petitions for chitosan. One for Crops as a processing aid for fertilizer production, 
and one as a processing aid in the production of livestock feed. It is unclear whether this last petition 

will be sent to Livestock or Handling. The lead summarized the use and manufacture, noting that it is 

also used as a plant growth regulator. Chitosan is a relatively benign, non-toxic compound, used in 

small amounts, and exempted by EPA. The group discussed manufacture and break down products. 

NOP clarified that chitosan is also used as an inert and is already on the National List as part of EPA List 

4. Chitosan has also been stated to have use as a pest control material. A member asked how this 

intersects with marine materials and by-catch, and if chitosan was a byproduct or if it’s being fished 

specifically for use as a plant growth regulator as the main source of chitin and chitosan is from 

crustacean shells. The lead indicated that it is made from shellfish waste, and it’s not likely it is being 

harvested for use. The group also discussed organic manufacturing processes and efficacy of chitosan 

vs other compounds on NL. The lead indicated that the TR was very comprehensive, and the DC will 

decide sufficiency on a later call. The CS will develop a proposal for the Spring 2021 meeting. 

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

July 28, 2020

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

August 4, 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin (RG) - Discuss draft proposal/vote

Chitosan (RG) - TR sufficiency (RG)

Ammonia Extract (DM) - Discuss petition discussion doc

August 18, 2020

Chitosan - plant disease control (RG) - TR sufficiency 

Chitosan – processing aid (flocculant) for fertilizer (RG) - Petition sufficiency

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda
Petitioned Substances

Other Topics

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to 

CS 04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR 

found sufficient 05.19.20

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Chitosan - plant disease 

control

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July. TR

sent to CS 7.13.20. TR sufficiency due 

9.11.20.

08.04.20

08.18.20

Spr 2021

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back in November.

03.17.20 Spr 2021

Ammonia Extract DM Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20.

06.16.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Kasugamycin SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. 

07.07.20 Spr 2021

Chitosan - coagulant for 

fertilizer

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 07.31.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 09.29.20

Spr 2021

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

07.07.20

07.21.20

Fall 2020
*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 07.14.20 07.28.20 Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20

07.07.20

“

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Virtual Oct 28 - 30, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ozone gas - for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “
Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 SE Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid - generated 

from electrolyzed 

water. (iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

06.02.20 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DM Y Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DM N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, July 28, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JD); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• July 21 notes 

• Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - Discuss discussion document/vote

• Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Ammonia Extract (DM) - Discuss petition disc doc.

• Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• July 21 notes were approved as written

Biodegradable Biobased mulch film annotation change (AB). The lead summarized the issue the NOSB 

is trying to solve and the group discussed several options. The current annotation limits the use to 

100% biobased mulch film, and no products on the market qualify. The Subcommittee discussed

concerns about petroleum products, and breakdown products that may result in microplastics in the 

environment. Conversely, the current practice is to use polyethylene film which results in a vast 

volume of plastic that ends up in landfills. The Crops Subcommittee will put forth a discussion 

document for the Fall 2020 meeting. The lead asked for additional feedback from members by close of 

business today, and they moved to a vote. 

Motion to accept the revised biodegradable biobased mulch annotation change discussion document

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: RG

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Paper pots (SE). The lead summarized the work to date and noted several modifications that were 

made since the Spring 2020 version of the document. A member asked about the use of virgin paper 

versus recycled paper. The petitioners argue that recycled paper is more difficult to source, and does 

not provide adequate structure to the product. One major producer noted that they have sustainable 

forest certification, and the amount of virgin paper used is minimal. A member urged the group to 

include a restriction that sources must be sustainable. Another member advocated for the explicit 

restriction on added nutrients and pesticides (based on stakeholder comments).

Motion to classify “paper-based crop planting aid” as a synthetic substance.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: AB

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 
Motion to add to 205.2 Terms Defined:

Paper-based crop planting aid. A material that is comprised of at least 60% cellulose-based fiber by 

weight, including, but not limited to, pots, seed tape, and collars that are placed in or on the soil and 

later incorporated into the soil. Contains no less than 80% biobased content as verified by a qualified 

third party assessment (e.g. laboratory test using ASTM D6866 or composition review by qualified 

personnel).

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: JD

Yes: 6 No: 1 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

Add to 205.601 (o) Production Aids:

Paper-based crop planting aids as defined in 205.2. Virgin or recycled paper without glossy paper or 

colored inks. Added pesticides or nutrients must comply with §205.105, 205.203, and 205.206.

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: RG 

Yes: 6 No: 1 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Ammonia Extract (DM). Deferred to next call

• Research Priorities (DM). The research priorities from the Crops Subcommittee were nearly identical 

to the Spring version and were approved to send on to the Materials Subcommittee.

Motion to accept the Research Priorities

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: EO

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (WT) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG) - discuss review/vote

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal/vote

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - discuss/vote

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

July 28, 2020

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - Discuss proposal/vote

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

August 4, 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin (RG) - Discuss draft proposal/vote

Chitosan (RG) - Discuss petition discussion doc and TR 

Ammonia Extract (DM) - Discuss petition discussion doc
August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances07

Substance Contact Doc

Type

Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited 

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to 

CS 04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR 

found sufficient 05.19.20

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July. TR

sent to CS 7.13.20. TR sufficiency due 

9.11.20.

08.04.20 Fall 2020

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back in November.

03.17.20 Spr 2021

Ammonia Extract DM Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20.

06.16.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Kasugamycin SE Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. 

07.07.20 Spr 2021
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

07.07.20

07.21.20

Fall 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 07.14.20 07.28.20 Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20

07.07.20

“
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Virtual Oct 28 - 30, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “
Ozone gas - for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 SE Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid - generated 

from electrolyzed 

water. (iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

06.02.20 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DM Y Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DM N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, July 21, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Wood Turner (WT); Steve 

Ela (SE); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Dave Mortensen (DM); Asa Bradman (AB); Scott Rice (SR) - observer

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JD)

Agenda

• July 7 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (WT) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG) - discuss review/vote

• Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - discuss/vote

• Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• July 7 notes were accepted as written.

• 2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (WT). The lead summarized the uses of vitamin D3, the 

international standards, and comments from the Spring sunset review posting. 

Motion to remove vitamin D3 at §205.601 

Motion by: WT

Seconded by: JD

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE). The lead summarized the discussion on 

EPA List 4 inerts, including the comments from the April 2020 meeting. A prior Board recommended 

that the NOP establish a process to evaluate inerts, and there was near unanimous support from the 

organic community to move forward with this work. Most commenters supported working with the 

EPA Safer Choice Program and it’s SCIL List, while a few commenters suggested reviewing inerts 

individually. The lead indicated that many of the List 4 materials are already approved by EPA and 

represent ~60 % of the products, and it seems that it could be feasible to work on the remaining ~40% 

of the list. The HS discussed the various scenarios as they move forward. They could either vote to 

remove the listing and recommend that the NOP adopt the 2015 recommendation, or they could vote

to retain the listing, and work on a potential solution to replace the now defunct listing. 

Motion to remove EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern at §205.601 

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: WT

Yes: 7 No: 1 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 
• 2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG). The lead summarized the manufacture and use of lignin 

sulfonate, as well as previous comments, which were supportive of relisting. Lignin sulfonate is used 

extensively, and it was reported that it is listed on a large number of Organic System Plans (OSPs).

Motion to remove lignin sulfonate at §205.601

Motion by: RG

Seconded by: EO

Yes: 0 No: 7 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Liquid fish annotation (EO). The lead collaborated with several NOP staff and Crop Subcommittee 

members to improve some language in the draft document and the group discussed it. Based on OFPA 

the NOP must meet stringent criteria for prohibiting a natural substance and therefore the 

Subcommittee voted to annotate the listing at 205.601 rather than adding it to 205.602, which would 

prohibit it. 

Motion to amend Section 205.601(j)(8) as follows:

(8) Liquid fish products—sourced only from fish waste, bycatch, or invasive species–can be pH adjusted 

with sulfuric, citric or phosphoric acid. The amount of acid used shall not exceed the minimum needed 

to lower the pH to 3.5. 

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: DM 

Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

Motion to add the following definitions to Section 205.2 Terms defined:

Fish waste. Waste or byproduct left over after market fish are processed for human consumption.

Bycatch. Incidental or discarded catch that have no economic value, fish that must be discarded 

because of management regulations, or fish that are killed by fishing gear (mortality).

Motion to add following language to 205.601

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: SE 

Yes: 8 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0

• Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB). Deferred to August 4.

• Paper pots (SE). Deferred to August 4.

• Research Priorities (DM). Deferred to August 4.

• Additional Items. The Crops Subcommittee added an extra call on July 28.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

July 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Arsenic (JB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Strychnine (JB) - discuss review/vote

Kasugamycin(SE) - Petition sufficiency

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal

July 21, 2020
2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (WT) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG) - discuss review/vote

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal/vote

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - discuss/vote

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

July 28, 2020

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - discuss/vote

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

August 4, 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin (RG) - Discuss draft proposal/vote

Chitosan (RG) - Discuss petition discussion doc and TR 

Ammonia Extract (DM) - Discuss petition discussion doc

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances07

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to 

CS 04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR 

found sufficient 05.19.20

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Chitosan RG Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July. TR

sent to CS 7.13.20. TR sufficiency due 

9.11.20.

08.04.20 Fall 2020

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back in November.

03.17.20 Spr 2021

Ammonia Extract DM Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20.

06.16.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Kasugamycin SE Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. 

07.07.20 Spr 2021

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

07.07.20

07.21.20

Fall 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

07.28.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 07.14.20 07.28.20 Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting
Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20

07.07.20

“

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ozone gas - for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 SE Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “
Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid- generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) TBDN Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

06.02.20“

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DMY Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR- None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20“

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DMN Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

06.16.20“
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, July 7, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Wood Turner (WT); Steve 

Ela (SE); Dave Mortensen (DM); Nate Powell-Palm (NPP) - observer

Absent: Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa Bradman (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP); Shannon Nally Yanessa

Agenda

• June 16 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO). Discuss motion language

• 2022 Sunsets: Arsenic (JB) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Strychnine (JB) - discuss review/vote

• Kasugamycin (SE) - Petition sufficiency

• Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal/vote

• Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• June 16 notes were accepted as is

• 2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO). The lead will add some clarifying 

language to explain the Subcommittee vote they completed on the last call, and will resubmit the 

document to the NOP. 

• Liquid fish annotation (EO). The CS and NOP discussed the draft proposal for liquid fish, including the 

difference between listing it on 205.601 vs 205.602, as well as the need to include a well-supported 

argument for why an annotation is needed and how rule making would solve the issue. A member 

noted that the data support the draft proposal to annotate the listing. The lead will modify some text 

based on feedback during the call, and will reach out to a Materials Review Organization to clarify 

some definitions, and the CS will discuss this on the next call. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Arsenic (JB). The lead summarized the history and uses of arsenic, which is prohibited in 

organic agriculture. 

Motion to remove arsenic at §205.602 

Motion by: JB

Seconded by: EO

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: Strychnine (JB). The lead summarized the history and use of strychnine, which is 

considered to be highly toxic and is prohibited in organic agriculture. The lead added that strychnine 

does not meet OFPA criteria and the NOSB does not support removal.

Motion to remove strychnine at §205.602 

Motion by: JB
Seconded by: RG

Yes: 0 No: 6 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• Kasugamycin (SE). The lead summarized the uses of kasugamycin, which is used to prevent fire blight, 

and noted that the petitioner included an annotation to limit its use. With the removal of antibiotics

from the National List, growers are left with few alternatives. Kasugamycin has no human or animal 

uses, unlike natamycin and other antibiotics. The petition was found sufficient and the CS requested a 

technical report (TR). Another member asked about the similarity between Polyoxin D Zinc salt and 

kasugamycin. 

• Research Priorities (DM). The CS will finalize the document on the next call, and forward it to the 

Materials Subcommittee.

• Additional Items. None

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

June 16, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss review/vote

Ammonia Extract (DM) - Petition sufficiency/TR determination

2023 sunset substances (ALL) - TR determinations

July 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Arsenic (JB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Strychnine (JB) - discuss review/vote

Kasugamycin(SE) - Petition sufficiency

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (WT) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG) - discuss review/vote

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal/vote

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - discuss/vote

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/vote

Research Priorities (DM) - Discuss and send to MS

August 4, 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin (RG) - Discuss draft proposal/vote

Chitosan (RG) - Discuss petition discussion doc

Ammonia Extract (DM) - Discuss petition discussion doc

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances07

Other Topics

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

07.21.20 Fall 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to 

CS 04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR 

found sufficient 05.19.20

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July.

08.04.20 Fall 2020

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back to late September.

03.17.20 Spr 2021

Ammonia Extract DM Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20

06.16.20

08.04.20

Kasugamycin SE Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

found sufficient 07.07.20 and the CS 

requested a TR. 

07.07.20

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

07.07.20

07.21.20

Fall 2020
*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19. Memo from NOP to NOSB 

10.16.19 noting - policy memo 15-1 

removed from NOP Handbook.

07.21.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 07.14.20 07.21.20 Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20

07.07.20

“

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ozone gas—for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “
Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 SE Low 

priority 

but Y if 

funding 

available

Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid - generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

06.02.20 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DM Y? Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DM N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa Bradman (AB); Wood 

Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE)

Absent: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• June 2 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss review/vote

• Ammonia Extract - Petition sufficiency/TR determination

• 2023 sunset substances (ALL) - TR determinations

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• June 2 notes were accepted as is. 

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO). The lead summarized the uses, 

review history, and public comment for aquatic plant extracts. Public comment indicates that many 

growers are using aquatic plant extracts and the CS is not seeking to remove them. The NOSB will be 

exploring environmental impacts of the broader category of marine materials in a separate proposal at 

the Fall meeting. The lead received a comment from a manufacturer indicating an inaccurate reference 

in the TR, and will review the original article prior to the final review.

Motion to remove aquatic plant extracts at §205.601

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: WT

Yes: 1 No: 3 Abstain: 2 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• Ammonia Extract (SE for DM). The petition was deemed sufficient, comprehensive, and clear. The CS 

will request a TR and will forward additional questions for the TR contractor to the NOP. 

• 2023 sunset substances (ALL) - TR determinations. The Crops Subcommittee requested two TRs for 

sunset substances. See table below

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

June 2, 2020

Schedule dates for TR determination for 2023 sunset reviews

Schedule discussions for petitioned substances and “other” projects

Assign lead and discussion date for 2022 Sunsets: Chlorine Materials

2022 Sunsets: Soap-based algicide/demossers (RG) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss review/vote
2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE) - discuss review/vote

June 16, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss review/vote

Ammonia Extract (DM) - Petition sufficiency/TR determination

2023 sunset substances (ALL) - TR determinations

July 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Arsenic (JB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Strychnine (JB) - discuss review/vote

Kasugamycin(SE) - Petition sufficiency

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal

Research Priorities (DM) - Vote and send to MS

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (WT) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG) - discuss review/vote

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - discuss

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal/Vote

August 4, 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin (RG) - Discuss draft proposal/vote

Chitosan (RG) - Discuss petition discussion doc

Biochar (EO/WT) - Discuss petition discussion doc

Ammonia Extract (DM) - Discuss petition discussion doc

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

07.21.20 Fall 2020
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to 

CS 04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR 

found sufficient 05.19.20

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS mid-July.

08.04.20 Fall 2020

Biochar EO/WT Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back to late September.

03.17.20 Spr 2021

Ammonia Extract DM Petition 

discussion 

doc

Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20. Petition 

found sufficient 06.16.20. CS requested 

TR 06.19.20

06.16.20

Kasugamycin SE Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.27.20.

07.07.20

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

07.07.20 Fall 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

07.21.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 07.14.20 07.07.20 Fall 2020
2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 1, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ozone gas—for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE N Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602 SE Low 

priority 

but Y if 

funding 

available

Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “
Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid- generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) TBDN Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016 TR Hypochlorous acid

(Crops, Livestock, Handling) 

2017 TR Limited scope 

(Livestock)

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

06.02.20“

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DMN Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR- None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20“

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DMN Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

06.16.20“
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• May 19 notes 

• Schedule dates for TR determination for 2023 sunset reviews

• Schedule discussions for petitioned substances and “other” projects

• Assign lead and discussion date for 2022 Sunsets: Chlorine Materials

• 2022 Sunsets: Soap-based algicide/demossers (RG) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss review/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE) - discuss review/vote

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• May 19 notes were accepted as written.

• TR determinations for 2023 sunset reviews. See table below. Two substances were discussed during 

today’s call, and the remainder were scheduled for June 16.

• Schedule discussions for petitioned substances and “other” projects. See table below for discussion 

dates.

• Assign lead and discussion date for 2022 Sunsets: Chlorine Materials. A lead will be assigned on a 

future call. The CS determined there was no need for a TR.

• 2022 Sunsets: Soap-based algicide/demossers (RG). The lead noted the manufacture and uses of 

soap-based algicide/demossers, and that it has no human health issues. It is currently in wide use, 

indicated by comments submitted at the Spring NOSB meeting. The CS proceeded to a vote. 

Motion to remove soap-based algicide/demossers at 205.601

Motion by: RG

Seconded by: SE 

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 0 No: 8 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: Soaps, insecticidal (RG). The lead summarized the uses, noting the similarities to soap 

based algicides/demossers. Insecticidal soaps are used internationally, found to have low toxicity, 

degrade quickly in soil, and are considered benign and non-toxic to desirable insects. A member noted 

that they could have deleterious effects to aquatic animals but that is minimal. There were no negative 

comments during last review.

Motion to remove soaps, insecticidal at 205.601

Motion by: RG

Seconded by: DM
Additional discussion: None

Yes: 0 No: 8 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM). The lead summarized the uses of ammonium carbonate, 

noting it’s used as an insect trap. Several questions were put forth to commenters at the Spring 

meeting and the responses to those questions were summarized. There was a fair amount of comment 

about use of ammonium carbonate on-farm. There seems to be little information about efficacy on 

non-beneficial insects, or deleterious effects to non-target species, although likely that is minimal, as 

ammonium carbonate does not have contact with soil or water. Members made some minor 

suggestions for edits and the CS voted on the review. 

Motion to remove ammonium carbonate at 205.601

Motion by: DM

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 0 No: 8 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE). The lead summarized the use and background of sodium silicate, 

which is considered GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe), benign, and has wide support.

Motion to remove sodium silicate at 205.601

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: WT

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 0 No: 8 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 

• Additional Items. DM will review the comments submitted at the Spring meeting on the Crops 

Research Priorities to determine if the Subcommittee needs to do anything additional for the Fall 

meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

Schedule dates for TR determination for 2023 sunset reviews

Schedule discussions for petitioned substances and “other” projects

Assign lead and discussion date for 2022 Sunsets: Chlorine Materials

2022 Sunsets: Soap-based algicide/demossers (RG) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE) - discuss review/vote

June 16, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (WT) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss review/vote

Ammonia Extract - Petition sufficiency/TR determination

2023 sunset substances (ALL) - TR determinations

July 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Arsenic (JB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Strychnine (JB) - discuss review/vote
Kasugamycin(SE) - Petition sufficiency

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - Discuss proposal

Research Priorities (DM) - Vote and send to MS

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG) - discuss review/vote

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (AB) - discuss

Paper pots (SE) - Discuss proposal

August 4, 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin (RG). Discuss draft proposal

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

07.21.20 Fall 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to CS

04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR found 

sufficient 05.19.20

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS late June.

TBD -

pending TR

Fall 2020

Biochar EO/WT Disc doc? Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

TBD -

pending TR

TBD
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

3.18.20. TR due back to late September.

Ammonia Extract DM Petition sent to CS 05.26.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.24.20.

06.16.20

Kasugamycin SE Petition sent to CS 05.27.20. Petition 

suff/TR request due 7.27.20.

07.07.20

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

07.07.20 Fall 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

07.21.20 Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 07.14.20 07.07.20 Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 2, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting
Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Ozone gas—for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Y Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602(c) SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) TBD N Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

06.02.20 “

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DM Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DM Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

06.16.20 “
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• April 7 notes 

• Sodium Carbonate lignin TR sufficiency

• Liquid fish annotation 

• Schedule dates for discussion of 2022 sunset reviews

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• April 7 notes were approved as written

• Sodium Carbonate lignin (RG). The lead summarized the petitioned uses for sodium carbonate lignin 

as a dust suppressant, and noted international use and environmental benefits/detriments. The TR 

was deemed sufficient and the CS will proceed to a proposal for the Fall meeting. Discussion of the 

proposal is scheduled for August 4.

• Liquid fish annotation (EO). The lead discussed the liquid fish annotation project including information 

provided in the technical report. The initial question the NOSB was seeking to answer was if fish are 

deliberately being harvesting for use as fertilizer. The general consensus is that they are mainly used as 

fish feed, and not primarily as fertilizer in livestock feed. The group discussed how to move forward.

The CS will develop a proposal for the Fall meeting based on the TR info and public comments. 

Members consider this an important topic, while acknowledging that there may be economic 

considerations the NOP and USDA will weigh that will prevent it from being implemented. Members 

discussed potential economic impacts and enforceability, and the lead will verify with a materials 

review institute about how they verify sources. Members will discuss the draft proposal on a future 

call. 

• Schedule dates for discussion of 2022 sunset reviews. See table below.

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

May 5, 2020 - cancelled

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

Schedule dates for TR determination for 2023 sunset reviews

Schedule discussions for petitioned substances and “other” projects

Assign lead and discussion date for 2022 Sunsets: Chlorine Materials

2022 Sunsets: Soap-based algicide/demossers (RG) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - discuss review/vote
2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE) - discuss review/vote

June 16, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (WT) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss review/vote

July 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Arsenic (JB) - discuss review/vote

2022 Sunsets: Strychnine (JB) - discuss review/vote

July 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG) - discuss review/vote

August 4, 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin (RG). Discuss draft proposal.

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

Fall 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited 

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011). TR sent to CS

04.10.20. Suff due 06.09.20. TR found 

sufficient 05.19.20

05.19.20

08.04.20

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20. TR due back to CS late June.

Fall 2020
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Biochar EO/WT Disc doc? Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20. TR due back to late September.

TBD

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes* Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Proposal Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

Fall 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

Fall 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 1.7.20 Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

06.02.20 “
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

06.16.20 “

Lignin sulfonate 205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.21.20 “

Sodium silicate 205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

06.02.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/ SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

07.07.20 “

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 2, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting
Copper sulfate

-for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate-for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ozone gas—for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR- None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Calcium chloride 205.602(c) SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Chlorine materials

(i) Calcium 

hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Hypochlorous 

acid—generated 

from electrolyzed 

water.

(iv) Sodium 

hypochlorite

205.601(a)(2) Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2006 TR

2011 TR

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

Hypochlorous Acid

“

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DM Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR- None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

“

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

DM Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

“
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, April 7, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE)

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• March 17 notes 

• Assign leads/Determine TR requests for 2023 sunsets

• Review public comments

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• March 17 notes were approved with a minor correction the name of the previous notes. 

• Assign leads/Determine TR requests for 2023 sunsets. See table below for assignments.

• Review public comments. Members discussed the public comment review process.

• Additional items. The NOSB Chair provided logistical information about the Spring 2020 NOSB 

meeting, given that it will be held virtually instead of in person.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

March 17, 2020

2022 Sunset: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - TR sufficiency due 3.3.20

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss proposal and potential TR request

April 7, 2020. 

Assign leads/Determine TR requests for 2023 sunsets

Review public comments

April 21, 2020 - Public comment webinar

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020
December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Other Topics

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper

11.5.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011)

11.5.19

TBD 

pending 

receipt of 

TR

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/CS requested a TR 

2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

TBD

Biochar EO/WT Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20. CS requested TR 

3.18.20

1.7.20

2.4.20

3.3.20

3.17.20

TBD

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion 

document

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

11.5.19

11.19.19

Spr 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

12.3.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020
*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 1.7.20 1.7.20

2.4.20

Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

2.18.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

12.17.19

3.17.20

“

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Lignin sulfonate—

chelating agent, 

dust suppressant

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Sodium silicate (As 

floating agents in 

postharvest 

handling)

205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/ SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “
Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Dec 9, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 2, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.20 Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) JD Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.20 “

Ozone gas—for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) RG Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) WT Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.20 “

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) WT Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.20

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) AB/SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.20 “

Calcium chloride 205.602(c) SE Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

4.7.20 “

Hypochlorous acid 205.601(a)(2)(iii) Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

“

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) DM Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

4.7.20 “

Rotenone (CAS # 

83-79-4).

205.602(f) DM Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

4.7.20 “
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE) 

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• March 3 notes 

• 2022 Sunset: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - TR sufficiency due 3.3.20

• Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss TR request

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• March 3 notes were accepted as written.

• Biochar petition (EO/WT). The leads facilitated a robust discussion about the TR questions and the HS 

will forward the questions to the NOP.

• 2022 Sunset: Soaps, insecticidal (RG). The lead summarized the uses of insecticidal soaps and 

reiterated that the TR was found sufficient in January. The CS Chair will notify the NOP that the TR was 

found sufficient. 

• Additional items. Members discussed the upcoming NOSB meeting in light of the restrictions on travel 

and public gatherings.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

March 3, 2020

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss proposal

March 17, 2020

2022 Sunset: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - TR sufficiency due 3.3.20

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss proposal and potential TR request

April 7, 2020. 

Assign leads/Determine TR requests for 2023 sunsets

Review public comments

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020
September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Other Topics

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper.

11.5.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011)

11.5.19

TBD 

pending 

receipt of 

TR

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/HS requested a TR 

2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

TBD

Biochar EO/WT Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

3.3.20

3.17.20

TBD

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion 

document

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

11.5.19

11.19.19

Spr 2020
*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

2022 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2019), Summary (Spr 2020), Review (Fall 2020)

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

12.3.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 1.7.20 1.7.20

2.4.20

Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

2.18.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20. TR found sufficient 

1.16.20.

12.17.19

3.17.20

“

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Lignin sulfonate—

chelating agent, 

dust suppressant

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Sodium silicate (As 

floating agents in 

postharvest 

handling)

205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/ SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “
Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Dec 9, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020

Fall 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 21, 2020

NOSB Request for TRs for 2023 sunset materials Jul 23, 2020

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 1, 2020

NOSB - Fall 2020 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2020

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 2, 2020

Public comment closes Oct 2, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 9, 2020

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 15, 2020

Public comment webinars Oct 20 & 22, 2020

Fall 2020 NOSB meeting - Cedar Rapids, IA Oct 27-29, 2020
2023 Sunset Review: TR Requests (July 2020), Summary (Spr 2021), Review (Fall 2021)

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Copper sulfate -for 

use as an algicide in 

aquatic rice systems

205.601(a)(3) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

Summary: 

Spr 2021

Review: 

Fall 2021

Copper sulfate -for 

use as tadpole 

shrimp control in 

aquatic rice 

production

205.601(e)(4) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2011 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Ozone gas—for use 

as an irrigation 

system cleaner only.

205.601(a)(5) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2002 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Peracetic acid for 

use in disinfecting 

equipment, seed, 

and asexually 

propagated planting 

material

205.601(a)(6) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Peracetic acid for 

use to control fire 

blight bacteria.

205.601(i)(8) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2016 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

EPA List 3—Inerts of 

unknown toxicity

205.601(m)(2) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

TR - None

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Calcium chloride 205.602(c) Sunset date: 5/29/2023

2001 TR

2016/Fall - Rec to Renew

“

Hypochlorous acid 205.601(a)(2)(iii) Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2015 TR

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

“

Magnesium oxide 

(CAS # 1309-48-4)

205.601(j)(5) Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2014/Spring - Rec to ADD

“

Squid byproducts 205.601(j)(10) Sunset date: 1/28/2024

2016 TR

2016/Spring - Rec to ADD

“

Rotenone (CAS # 83-

79-4).

205.602(f)

205.601(a)(3)

Sunset date: 1/28/2024

TR - None

2012/Fall - Rec to ADD

“
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Wood Turner (WT); Steve Ela (SE) 

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• February 18 notes 

• Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss proposal 

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• February 18 notes were approved with no changes. 

• Biochar petition (EO/WT). The CS discussed the biochar petition and possible environmental concerns. 

The lead noted that this material is listed as a prohibited natural. The CS may request a TR to aid in the 

review and will discuss this further on the March 17 call. The NOP will send the TR template to the 

members so they can determine if they would like to add specific questions, or if the standard 

questions would suffice. 

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

February 18, 2020

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Determine need for TR

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

March 3, 2020

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss proposal

March 17, 2020

2022 Sunset: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - TR sufficiency due 3.3.20

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss proposal and potential TR request

April 7, 2020. 

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss TR request/proposal

Review public comments

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020
August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Other Topics

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper.

11.5.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited 

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011)

11.5.19

TBD 

pending 

receipt of 

TR

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/HS requested a TR 

2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

TBD

Biochar EO/WT Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

3.3.20

3.17.20

TBD

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion 

document

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

11.5.19

11.19.19

Spr 2020
*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

12.3.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 1.7.20 1.7.20

2.4.20

Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

2.18.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20

12.17.19 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Lignin sulfonate—

chelating agent, 

dust suppressant

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Sodium silicate (As 

floating agents in 

postharvest 

handling)

205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/ SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “
Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Dec 9, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020
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/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Proposals 

must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes 

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Asa Bradman (AB)

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM); Wood Turner (WT); Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Steve Ela (SE)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Agenda

• February 4 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

• Biochar petition (EO) - Discuss TR request 

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• February 4 notes were accepted as is.

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM). RG provided a summary of the review. Ammonium 

carbonate is used as a pest control for flies, and is used in very minute amounts in traps, and doesn’t 

have concerning environmental issues. Members discussed non-target species and will add a question 

about beneficial insects. The section on international standards will also be completed before the CS 

sends the document to NOP for posting. 

• Biochar petition (EO). The CS discussed a request for a TR and felt that it would likely not add any new 

information. The CS will discuss the petition on the next call with the intention of developing a proposal 

for the Fall meeting.

• Additional items.

o The CS made some minor modifications to the EPA List 4 Inerts document and will move it 

forward to the NOP for the Spring meeting. 

o The CS will forward the final approved proposal on liquid fish to NOP 

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous CS Notes

Future call schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

February 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

Biochar petition (EO) - petition sufficiency/TR request

Chitosan petition (RG) - petition sufficiency/TR request

February 18, 2020

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Determine need for TR

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

March 3, 2020

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Discuss

March 17, 2020

April 7, 2020
April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance Contact Doc

Type Notes

Scheduled,

Discussed,

Voted

Target

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper.

11.5.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Sodium carbonate lignin RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition 

was found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited 

Scope TR requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. 

Revised request sent to NOP 11.5.19. 

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011)

11.5.19

TBD 

pending 

receipt of 

TR

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition 

found sufficient/HS requested a TR 

2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

TBD

Biochar EO/WT Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

3.3.20

TBD
Other Topics

*Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Project Contact Doc

Type Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion 

document

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

11.5.19

11.19.19

Spr 2020

Biodegradable Biobased 

mulch annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 

8.2 16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR 

Suff due 2.27.17. CS found TR suff 

1.3.17. On hold pending further 

research. NOP sent response to CS 

about adding this to work agenda. 

Waiting for details from NOP based on 

the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 

10.17.19

12.3.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities DM/All N/A RPs due to MS 1.7.20 1.7.20

2.4.20

Fall 2020

Substance National

List Contact TRRequest? Notes*

Scheduled,

Discussed, Voted

Target

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020 

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium 

carbonate

205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

2.18.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20

12.17.19 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Aquatic plant 

extracts (other than 

hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “
Lignin sulfonate—

chelating agent, 

dust suppressant

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Sodium silicate (As 

floating agents in 

postharvest 

handling)

205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/ SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Dec 9, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official 

National Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday February 4, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Asa Bradman (AB); Emily 

Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD); Wood Turner (WT)

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• January 21 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern

• Research Priorities - Final Discussion (EO)

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

• Biochar petition (EO) - petition sufficiency/TR request 

• Chitosan petition (RG) - petition sufficiency/TR request

• Reassign sunsets to new members. 

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• January 21 notes were accepted without changes. 

• 2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 - Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB). The lead made some modifications to 

the previous draft document and the group discussed the changes. He also noted that he has 

reached out to several stakeholders including a Material Review Organization (MRO) and the EPA 

SAFER Choice program. The CS discussed inviting someone from the EPA to address the NOSB at the 

Spring 2020 meeting to provide feedback on possible next steps. The NOSB Chair (SE) will write a 

request to send to the NOP.

• Research Priorities - Final Discussion (EO). There were no additional comments on the document. 

The lead will forward it to the liaison to the Materials Subcommittee. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM). Deferred to next call.

• Chitosan petition (RG). The lead summarized the substance, noting that it has a wide array of uses. 

Additionally it has minimal to no environmental health concerns. The HS found the petition 

sufficient and given that the last TR was from 2004, will request a new one. The CS Chair will send 

an email to the NOP with the request. 

• Biochar petition (EO). The lead summarized the petition and the CS deemed it sufficient. WT will 

assist with the review, and the CS will discuss the need for a TR on the next call. 

• Reassign sunsets to new members. WT will lead the review on vitamin D3 - As rodenticides

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss
2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 -Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change discussion document (HB) - vote.

Paper pots (SE/HB) - Discuss/vote

Research priorities (All) - discuss

February 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

Biochar petition (EO) - petition sufficiency/TR request

Chitosan petition (RG) - petition sufficiency/TR request

February 18, 2020

Biochar petition (EO/WT) - Determine need for TR 

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

March 3, 2020

March 17, 2020

April 7, 2020

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactDoc type Notes Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Paper pots SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper. 

11.5.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020
Sodium carbonate 

lignin

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition was 

found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited Scope TR 

requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. Revised

request sent to NOP 11.5.19.

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011)

11.5.19

TBD 

pending 

receipt of 

TR

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20. Petition found 

sufficient/HS requested a TR 2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

TBD

Biochar EO/

WT

Proposal Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20. Petition 

found sufficient 2.4.20.

1.7.20

2.4.20

TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Target 

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion

doc

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

11.5.19

11.19.19

Spr 2020

Biodegradable 

Biobased mulch

annotation change

AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 8.2 

16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR Suff due 

2.27.17. CS found TR suff 1.3.17. On hold 

pending further research. NOP sent 

response to CS about adding this to work 

agenda. Waiting for details from NOP

based on the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 10.17.19

12.3.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities DM/

All

NA RPs due to MS 1.7.20 1.21.20 Fall 2020

* Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed *Highlight indicates review completion
TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed, 

Voted

Target 

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium carbonate 205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

2.18.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20

12.17.19 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 WT N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Aquatic plant extracts 

(other than hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Lignin sulfonate—

chelating agent, dust 

suppressant

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Sodium silicate (As 

floating agents in 

postharvest handling)

205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/

SE

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “
Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 1, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 29 - May 1, 2020
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official 

National Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday January 21, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Harriet Behar (HB); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Emily Oakley (EO); Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Wood Turner (WT) - observer

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• January 7 notes 

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 -Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss

• Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change discussion document (HB) - vote.

• Paper pots (SE/HB) - Discuss/vote

• Research priorities (All) - discuss

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• January 7 notes were accepted as is. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM). Deferred to next call

• Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change discussion document (HB). The lead briefly 

summarized the document, noting that the CS discussed it previously. The CS is putting forth a 

discussion document in order to gather additional feedback from the public. Members reiterated 

that adding petroleum products to the soil is problematic. The lead will modify one of the questions 

based on feedback from the other members and will submit the final document to the NOP. 

Motion to accept the biodegradable biobased mulch (BBMF) annotation change discussion 

document

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: AB 

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

• Paper based crop-planting aid petition (SE/HB). The lead thanked members for additional 

feedback and summarized the subsequent modifications to the wording of the proposal. One of the 

modifications was to the term “paper based crop planting aid”. The CS is seeking additional 

information from the public regarding the biobased content. 

Motion to classify paper based crop-planting aid as synthetic 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: SE 

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 
Motion to add paper based crop-planting aid to the National List 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: SE 

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Research priorities (All). The NOSB will develop a discussion document on the research priorities 

(RPs) at the Spring meeting before bringing forth a proposal at the fall meeting. At the last NOSB 

meeting, the Board received more substantive comments than ever before and since they couldn’t 

revise the document at that stage, is initiating a two-stage process that will allow for comments to 

be incorporated into the final product. The lead will edit the document and recirculate it to the CS 

for final review before sending it to the Materials Subcommittee for incorporation into the main 

document for the Spring meeting. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO). The lead summarized the 

review which included comprehensive background information and history. The review will be 

forwarded to the NOP for posting at the Spring meeting. 

• 2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 -Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE). The lead introduced the draft sunset 

review which included a summary of previous reviews, human health impacts, environmental 

impacts, and discussion of a previous report from a non-profit organization about inerts. Inerts are 

ingredients that are included in pesticide formulations but are not the active ingredient. The review 

includes etc. At its last review the NOSB voted to renew the listing with the understanding that the 

USDA and EPA were working on the inerts issue based on the EPA’s Safer Choice program. The NOP 

would like the NOSB to move forward with the reviews as the EPA listing is now defunct and is not 

sustainable. The NOSB will develop a work agenda item and will pass it along to NOP. 

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned.

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

January 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE) - discuss

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change discussion document (HB)

Paper pots (SE/HB) - Discuss/vote

Calcium acetate petition suff/TR request due 1.13.20

Chitosan petition - assign lead

Biochar petition - assign lead

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 -Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change discussion document (HB) - vote.

Paper pots (SE/HB) - Discuss/vote

Research priorities (All) - discuss

February 4, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss
Biochar petition (EO) - petition sufficiency/TR request

Chitosan petition (RG) - petition sufficiency/TR request

February 18, 2020

March 3, 2020

March 17, 2020

April 7, 2020

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactDoc type Notes Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Paper pots SE/H

B

Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper. 

11.5.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Sodium carbonate 

lignin

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition was 

found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited Scope TR 

requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. Revised

request sent to NOP 11.5.19.

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011)

11.5.19

TBD 

pending 

receipt of 

TR

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Petition Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20

1.7.20

2.4.20

TBD
Biochar EO Petition Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20

1.7.20

2.4.20

TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Target 

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion

doc

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

11.5.19

11.19.19

Spr 2020

Biodegradable 

Biobased mulch

annotation change

HB/

AB

Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 8.2 

16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR Suff due 

2.27.17. CS found TR suff 1.3.17. On hold 

pending further research. NOP sent 

response to CS about adding this to work 

agenda. Waiting for details from NOP

based on the report from the cooperative 

agreement with Michigan State 

University. Report sent to NOSB 10.17.19

12.3.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities DM/

All

NA RPs due to MS 1.7.20 1.21.20 Fall 2020

* Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed *Highlight indicates review completion
2022 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed, 

Voted

Target 

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium carbonate 205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

2.4.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20

12.17.19 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 HB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Aquatic plant extracts 

(other than hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Lignin sulfonate—

chelating agent, dust 

suppressant

205.601 SE

tran

sferr

ed 

to 

RG

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Sodium silicate (As 

floating agents in 

postharvest handling)

205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/

SE

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “
Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 1, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official 

National Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday January 7, 2020 2:00 pm ET

Present: Jesse Buie (JB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Harriet Behar (HB); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Emily Oakley (EO); Dave Mortensen (DM); Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Wood Turner (WT) 

- observer

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Agenda

• December 17 notes 

• Chitosan petition - assign lead

• Biochar petition - assign lead

• Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change (HB)

• Paper pots (HB) - Discuss/vote

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

• 2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss

• Research priorities status

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• December 17 notes were accepted with no changes.

• Chitosan petition. Chitosan is being petitioned for use for plant disease control. RG volunteered to 

complete the petition sufficiency. 

• Biochar petition. Petitioned for removal from 205.602 (prohibited substances). EO volunteered to 

complete the petition sufficiency and review of biochar.

• Biodegradable Biobased mulch film annotation change discussion document (HB). The lead 

summarized the discussion document for the members and the group discussed various 

components including percentage of biobased content. The lead will make some modifications to 

the draft document based on today’s discussion. The CS intends on posting a document for the 

Spring meeting for community input, and will vote on the document on the next call. 

• Paper pots proposal (HB). The group discussed the draft proposal and a potential annotation.

Members also discussed the biodegradability standard that is already in the organic regulations. 

The Subcommittee will seek some additional information before voting on the proposal. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE). The lead summarized the substance and its uses. The CS 

completed the initial review and will post this for public comment for the Spring meeting.

• 2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM). Deferred to next call due to lack of time. 

• 2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO). Deferred to next call due to 

lack of time. 

• Research priorities. Deferred to next call

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned.
Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)

December 17, 2019

2022 Sunsets: Soap-based algicide/demossers (RG) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Lignin sulfonate (RG) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Soaps, insecticidal (RG) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Vitamin D3. As rodenticides (HB) - discuss

January 7, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Sodium silicate (SE) - discuss

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change discussion document (HB)

Paper pots (SE/HB) - Discuss/vote

Calcium acetate petition suff/TR request due 1.13.20

Chitosan petition - assign lead

Biochar petition - assign lead

January 21, 2020

2022 Sunsets: Ammonium carbonate (DM) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed) (EO) - discuss

2022 Sunsets: EPA List 4 -Inerts of Minimal Concern (AB/SE) - discuss

Biodegradable Biobased mulch annotation change discussion document (HB) - vote.

Paper pots (SE/HB) - Discuss/vote

Research priorities (All) - discuss

Chitosan - petition sufficiency/TR request

Biochar petition - petition sufficiency/TR request

February 4, 2020

February 18, 2020

March 3, 2020

March 17, 2020

April 7, 2020

April 21, 2020

May 5, 2020

May 19, 2020

June 2, 2020

June 16, 2020

July 7, 2020

July 21, 2020

August 4, 2020

August 18, 2020

September 1, 2020

September 15, 2020

October 6, 2020

October 20, 2020

November 3, 2020

November 17, 2020

December 1, 2020

December 15, 2020
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactDoc type Notes Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Paper pots SE/HB Proposal Petition sent to CS 8.14.18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10.13.18. Petition 

found sufficient 9.4.18. CS requested 

Lmt’d scope TR 3.5.19. TR due early 

August. TR sent to CS 7.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR found suff 

8.6.19.

2017 TR Newspaper. 

11.5.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Sodium carbonate 

lignin

RG Proposal Petition sent to CS 7.29.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 9.27.19. Petition was 

found sufficient 9.17.19. Limited Scope TR 

requested 9.17.19/10.1.19. Revised TR 

request sent to NOP 11.5.19.

Lignin sulfonate TR (2011)

11.5.19

TBD 

pending 

receipt of 

TR

Fall 2020

Chitosan RG Petition Petition sent to CS 12.6.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.4.20

1.7.20

1.21.20

TBD

Biochar EO Petition Petition sent to CS 12.19.19. Petition 

suff/TR request due 2.17.20

1.7.20

1.21.20

TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Target 

meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Discussion

doc

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 5.18.18. Approved by NOP 

9.13.18. TR requested 12.14.18. TR due 

late July. TR sent to CS 07.26.19. TR 

sufficiency due 9.24.19. TR was found 

sufficient 8.20.19.

11.5.19

11.19.19

Spr 2020

Biodegradable 

Biobased mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Discussion 

document

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 8.2 

16. TR sent to CS on 12.28.16. TR Suff due 

2.27.17. CS found TR suff 1.3.17. On hold 

pending further research. NOP sent 

response to CS about adding this to work 

agenda. Michigan State University Report 

sent to NOSB 10.17.19

12.3.19

1.7.20

1.21.20

Spr 2020

Research Priorities DM/All NA RPs due to MS 1.7.20 1.21.20 Fall 2020

* Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed *Highlight indicates review/vote completion
22 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2019, Summary: Spr 2020, Review: Fall 2020

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed, 

Voted

Target 

meeting

Soap-based 

algicide/demossers

205.601 RG N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2015 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 Summary: 

Spr 2020

Review: 

Fall 2020

Ammonium carbonate 205.601 DM N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

Soaps, insecticidal 205.601 RG Y Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2004 TAP

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

TR sent to CS 1.3.20. Sufficiency 

due 3.3.20

12.17.19 “

Vitamin D3. As 

rodenticides

205.601 HB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Aquatic plant extracts 

(other than hydrolyzed)

205.601 EO N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2016 TR Marine Plants & Algae

2006 TR Aquatic Plant Extracts

2015/Fall – Rec to Renew

1.21.19 “

Lignin sulfonate—

chelating agent, dust 

suppressant

205.601 SE

tran

sferr

ed 

to 

RG

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Lignin sulfonate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.17.19 “

Sodium silicate (As 

floating agents in 

postharvest handling)

205.601 SE N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

2011 TR Sodium silicate

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.7.20 “

EPA List 4—Inerts of 

Minimal Concern

205.601 AB/

SE

N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

1.21.20 “

Arsenic 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “

Strychnine 205.602 JB N Sunset date: 3/15/2022

TR: None

2015/Fall - Rec to Renew

12.3.19 “
Spring 2020 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 1, 2019

NOSB - Spring 2020 proposals due to NOP Feb 20, 2020

New NOSB member training Feb 25 - 26, 2020

NOP - Draft Spring 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 2, 2020

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2020

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2020

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2020

Public comment webinars Apr 21 & 23, 2020

Spring 2020 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - May 1, 2020