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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities 

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 4:00 pm ET

 Present: Kyla Smith, NOSB Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB Vice Chair & CACS Chair; Nate Lewis (NL), NOSB 

Secretary & PDS Chair; Brian Caldwell (BC), Livestock Chair; Allison Johnson (AJ), Handling Chair; Franklin 

Quarcoo (FQ), Materials Chair; Logan Petrey (LP), Crops Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Dilip Nandwani 

(DN) - observer; Nate Powell-Palm (NPP); Kim Huseman (KH) - observer

 Absent: Jared Clark (JC)

 Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Erin Healy (EH); Heather Kumar (HK); Esu Obu (EO); Jo Mirenda (JM)

Agenda

• Review November 21, 2023 notes 

• Chairs Report (KS) 

o Update on in-person public comment at Spring meeting

o Proposal deadline (February 15, 2024)

o Food technologists process (more later in agenda) 

o TR timelines for 2026 sunset reviews

o Reminder January 2 calls moved to Jan 23

• NOP news and updates (EH)

o Market Development Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food)

o SOE rollout update 

o OLPS public webinar

o Climate Smart Ag - Organic Integrity Learning Center (OILC) module update

o Food Technologist work requests - TR template

• Food Technologist update (EH for JC) 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Upcoming deadlines (see tables below). 

o Work agenda spreadsheet - posted on website

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/NOSBWorkAgenda.pdf

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Handling (HS) (AJ) 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (FQ) 

o Policy Development (PDS) (NL) 

o Livestock (LS) (BC) 

o Crops (CS) (LP) 

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn

Discussion 

• November 21, 2023 notes were accepted as written

• Chairs Report (KS)

o Update on in-person public comment at Spring meeting. The Federal Register Notice is in 

clearance, and includes language about the Board possibly hearing in-person comments at the 

meeting in Milwaukee. 
o Spring meeting agenda: The NOSB is discussing options for agenda items for the Spring meeting 

including a presentation by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a compost 

panel, and a speaker to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in agriculture. 

o The submission deadline to get documents in for the Spring 2024 meeting is February 15, 2024. 

o Food technologists process. The NOP/NOSB added a standing agenda item on the Executive call 

for an update on current projects and workload. The NOSB Chair reminded members that if they 

have ideas for projects, they should filter them up through Subcommittee Chairs, which will get 

sent to the NOSB Chair, and then on to NOP. There is a list of the current projects in the queue 

on the tracking sheet the Subcommittee Chairs maintain. 

o TR timelines for 2026 sunset reviews. The Chair highlighted the timeline for TR sufficiency 

reviews (the Subcommittee has 60 days to review), but asked that if Subcommittee members 

can get them done sooner, it would be helpful for the Spring meeting. She also noted that some 

of the TRs will not be back in time for the Spring meeting, and it would be helpful to note that in 

the sunset review, so stakeholders know it is forthcoming. 

o Reminder: The January 2 Subcommittee calls were moved to January 23. 

o The NOSB Chair meets with the NOP Standards Division Director monthly to keep the program 

abreast of topics the Board is discussing, and to keep the lines of communication open. 

• NOP news and updates (EH)

o SOE Update: NOP’s top priority is Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) implementation.

The NOP has been answering many emails, doing lots of outreach, webinars, phone calls, and 

hosting “coffee with certifiers” calls. The NOP has received many thoughtful, detailed questions. 

The NOP Trade Division launched the technology ahead of time to allow time for testing before 

the implementation date. 

o The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) had its one-year anniversary recently. All 

TOPP events are listed on the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) website. 

https://www.organictransition.org/

o NOSB nominations. In January 2025 there will be 5 positions to be filled: One producer, two 

handlers, one retailer, and one environmental/resource conservation rep. The application 

period will be announced in approximately March or April 2024, and be open for 60 days. The 

NOP asked Board members to reach out to stakeholders to let them know. 

o Residue testing. The CACS is working on a proposal on residue testing, and asked about the 

timeline and best options for a proposal with regard to the SOE rollout. The NOP confirmed that 

a proposal for the April meeting would work. 

o Market Development Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food). The Rule was designated 

“not significant” by Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which means it will have a 

shorter, quicker clearance process. 

o Climate-Smart Ag microlearning is now available in the Organic Integrity Learning Center (OILC) . 

It links the organic regulations to climate smart outcomes and NRCS activities. The goal was to 

integrate these aspects with that of the NOSB Recommendation on organic and climate-smart 

ag. The NOP asked the NOSB to spread the word about the availability of this module, and noted 

that this has been shared on social media. 

o Food Technologist work requests - TR template. The NOP will respond to this work request as 

soon as possible. The group discussed the role and processes for the Food Techs. The NOSB (via 

the Board Chair) will send requests to the NOP, and the National List Manager will manage the 

work queue, so there is consistency. Prior to sending anything back to the board, the Assistant 

Director, who supervises the Food Techs, will review it to ensure accuracy and quality. The 

Board asked about the possibility of having the Food Techs work on smaller projects to test the 

process. Members asked questions about capacity, turnaround time, and cadence. 
• Food Technologist update (EH for JC). 

o Currently working on two projects: The TR template update review and the International 

Standards for the sunset reviews. Upcoming projects may include inerts, Research Priority 

literature review, and perhaps populating the 2027 sunset templates. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Upcoming deadlines (see tables below). MA will draft the Spring 2024 meeting agenda for 

discussion on the January 9 admin call with the NOSB leadership team.

o The NOP is working on the NOSB Charter renewal, as the Charter expires in July 2024.

o The NOP is working on the call for nominations for 2025. The notice will get posted in the Spring 

of 2024. 

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Handling (HS) (AJ). The HS is working through a long list of sunset reviews, and a proposal for a 

for rye pollen extracts petition for the Spring meeting. The Subcommittee is also reviewing 

limited scope TRs related to fermentation products and GMOs. 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (FQ). The MS is working on induced mutagenesis for the 

Spring 2024 meeting, and also discussed the possibility of hosting a panel on inerts at the Fall 

2024 meeting, or if feasible, hosting a virtual panel outside of the NOSB meeting, which the 

Board has done before. Members also discussed the status on the petition for tall oil, which was 

put on hold until the inerts work is complete. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (NL). The PDS is working on PPM updates for a proposal for the Spring 

2024 meeting. The updates are relatively minor and include technical corrections, and 

additional language about board participation. The PDS also talked about informal interviews for 

outgoing Board members, and a potential speaker for the spring meeting on the topic of racism, 

which grew out of conversation about USDA’s equity commission report. 

o Livestock (LS) (BC). The LS has a light agenda for 2024 and is working on sunsets. The 

Subcommittee had a robust discussion about topics such as methionine. 

o Crops (CS) (LP). The CS is working through sunset reviews, compost, and two petitions. The CS is 

going to add an extra call to work on the compost proposal and to talk about a panel on 

compost. 

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS will have 3 proposals for the 

Spring 2024 meeting, and have a two-step process in Subcommittee so they have more 

discussion time for each document. On its last call, the CACS heard from Lindsay Haines of the

NRCS who talked about the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) and Transition to Organic 

Partnership Program (TOPP). Lindsay described the successes and challenges, including finding 

and communicating with organic producers. They are interested in assistance with outreach 

from the NOP and NOSB. March 1 is the deadline for OTI grants and Lindsay asked that the 

Board elevate that information within their communities. The NOP also suggested sharing and 

forwarding posts on social media. 

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

October 16, 2023 - Monday

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

January 16, 2024

February 20, 2024
March 19. 2024

April 16, 2024

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones 

Spring 2024 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to meeting)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 17, 2023 16 -20

NOP - Draft Spring 2023 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 9, 2024 ~ 10

NOSB - Spring 2024 proposals due to NOP Feb 15, 2024 ~ 9 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2024 7.5

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2024 3.5

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 5, 2024 3

Public comment webinars Apr 23 & 25, 2024 1 

Spring 2024 NOSB meeting - Milwaukee, WI Apr 29 - May 1, 2024 0

Final recommendations due May 29, 2024 30 days post 

meeting

Fall 2024 Milestones Target dates 

(tentative)

Weeks PTM 

(prior to meeting)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 24, 2024 21

NOP - Draft Fall 2024 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 2, 2024 ~10

NOSB - Fall 2024 proposals due to NOP Aug 14, 2024 ~9

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2024 ~7.5 

Public comment closes Sep 30, 2024 ~4.5

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 3, 2024 ~2

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2024 1

Fall 2024 NOSB meeting - Portland, OR Oct 22 - 24, 2024 0

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2024 30 days post
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Kyla Smith, NOSB Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB Vice Chair & CACS Chair; Nate Lewis (NL), NOSB 

Secretary & PDS Chair; Brian Caldwell (BC), Livestock Chair; Allison Johnson (AJ), Handling Chair; Franklin 

Quarcoo (FQ), Materials Chair; Wood Turner (WT) - observer; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer

Absent: Logan Petrey (LP), Crops Chair

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH); Heather Kumar (HK); Esu Obu (EO)

Agenda

• Review October 16, 2023 notes

• Chairs Report (KS)

o New Subcommittee chairs

o Fall meeting debrief

o Annotations

o Spring 2024 in person comments

o Housekeeping reminders

 Coversheets for Final 2025 sunsets due November 22

 2026 sunset first draft due dates

 Subcommittee meetings for January 2, 2024

 Support-staff workflow

• NOP news and updates (EH)

o The Market Development Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food)

o SOE rollout update

o OLPS public webinar

o Consumer education

o Research priorities

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Upcoming deadlines

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

o Handling (HS) (AJ)

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (FQ)

o Policy Development (PDS) (NL)

o Livestock (LS) (BC)

o Crops (CS) (ADB for LP)

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• October 16, 2023 notes were accepted as revised, based on feedback from a Board member. 

• Chairs Report (KS)

o New Subcommittee chairs. The NOSB Chair thanked all members for stepping into new roles, 

and offered support and help 

o Fall meeting debrief. KS highlighted the time to interact with other members and guest 

speakers. 
o Annotations. The NOSB discussed the process and structure of this work agenda item, so it 

remains a useful tool for future Boards. For example, the NOSB Vice Chair could lead this project 

across all Subcommittees. A member added that it might be helpful to add to the current list of 

candidates for annotation changes to highlight the substances that were reviewed in the interim 

period before they added the work agenda item. 

o Spring 2024 in-person comments. The NOSB discussed the pros and cons of in-person 

comments on multiple occasions, and has explored various opportunities and configurations. 

Members did not decide about how to proceed for the Spring 2024 meeting. The meeting notice 

is in clearance and the NOP will pull it back and revise the language to include time at the Spring 

meeting for comments. 

o Housekeeping reminders

 Coversheets for Final recommendations (2025 sunsets and proposals) are due November 22. 

 2026 sunset first draft due dates. Set by Subcommittees. Staggered, so people who are in 

multiple Subcomms have time. First drafts: Crops (Nov 28), Handling (Dec 1), and Livestock 

(Dec 5).

 Subcommittee meetings for January 2, 2024. The NOSB proposed shifting all the 

Subcommittee meetings from January 2 to January 23 (Fourth Tuesday). MA will modify the

calendar invitations. 

 Support staff workflow. The NOSB Chair will track requests from the Subcommittees. 

Subcommittee members will draft the request and send to the Subcommittee Chair, then to 

admin team, then to NOP. There is an internal NOP process that will take time, so please 

factor in turnaround time. 

• NOP news and updates (EH)

o The Market Development Proposed Rule (mushrooms, pet food). In clearance. NOP is 

addressing minor comments from the Office of General Council (OGC). 

o Consumer education. There were numerous comments at the Fall meeting about marketing 

Organic. NOP is drafting a toolkit of graphics for retailers to use in stores, and is currently 

seeking stakeholder/retailer feedback. The graphics are in clearance and NOP is hoping to 

introduce them early next year. 

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rollout update. NOP continues to conduct lots of 

outreach events. A member asked about international ports that handle bulk imports. 

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) public webinar. Last week NOP hosted a webinar 

and there were 183 participants. NOP is also creating a class for the Organic Integrity Learning 

Center (OILC), which should be out later this year. 

o Research priorities. The group discussed research priorities and the feedback loop between the 

NOSB and researchers. Currently there is not much overlap between what the Board puts forth 

as priorities, and what academia works on, and they are exploring ways to improve that. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Upcoming deadlines for 2024 (see below)

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS has several projects on its 

work agenda and is looking to invite various guest speakers to Subcommittee calls. Projects 

under development include organic transition initiatives/crop insurance, which they may couple 

with the climate change work. The CACS is also discussing the addition of a work agenda item on

market development, and the Executive team approved the idea. The CACS will forward the 

written request to the program. 

o Handling (HS) (AJ). The Handling Subcommittee is working on many sunset reviews and has a 

couple of petitions and other projects underway. 
o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (FQ). The MS has two major projects in progress: Final edits 

to the TR templates with the new questions on excluded methods; and Inerts. The MS plans on 

asking the Food Technologists for assistance with Inerts.

o Policy Development (PDS) (NL). The PDS discussed several topics during the last call: in-person 

comments, exit interviews, refining agenda item requests, and how ideas are developed into

proposals. The PDS also reassigned roles of Subcommittee members, given the change in 

leadership at the Fall 2023 meeting. The process for requesting work agenda requests is 

documented in the PPM, and the PDS discussed cross referencing it in the Member Guide. The 

NOP highlighted the summary handouts from the NOSB training. 

o Livestock (LS) (BC). The LS has begun its reviews of the 2026 sunsets and scheduled discussions 

for its upcoming calls. The group also discussed organic swine, and lack of such products, and 

possible barriers, which is currently included as a research priority. 

o Crops (CS) (ADB for LP). The CS is interested in hosting a panel at its Spring 2024 meeting. The 

task at hand is to create a list of potential panelists in collaboration with the NOP, and to send 

out invitations around February 2024. Crops is also working on a new petition for pear ester as 

well as many 2026 sunsets. 

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

September 18, 2023

October 16, 2023 - Monday

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

January 16, 2024

February 20, 2024

March 19. 2024

April 16, 2024

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones 

Spring 2024 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to meeting)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 17, 2023 16 -20

NOP - Draft Spring 2023 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 9, 2024 ~ 10

NOSB - Spring 2024 proposals due to NOP Feb 15, 2024 ~ 9 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2024 7.5

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2024 3.5

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 5, 2024 3

Public comment webinars Apr 23 & 25, 2024 1 
Spring 2024 NOSB meeting - Milwaukee, WI Apr 29 - May 1, 2024 0

Final recommendations due May 29, 2024 30 days post 

meeting

Fall 2024 Milestones Target dates 

(tentative)

Weeks PTM 

(prior to meeting)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 24, 2024 21

NOP - Draft Fall 2024 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 2, 2024 ~10

NOSB - Fall 2024 proposals due to NOP Aug 14, 2024 ~9

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2024 ~7.5 

Public comment closes Sep 30, 2024 ~4.5

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 3, 2024 ~2

Public comment webinars Oct 15 & 17, 2024 1

Fall 2024 NOSB meeting - Portland, OR Oct 22 - 24, 2024 0

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2024 30 days post
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Monday, October 16, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB 

Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Wood Turner (WT), Materials Chair; Kim Huseman (KH), Livestock Chair; Kyla 

Smith, HS Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Allison Johnson (AJ) - PDS Chair; 

Dilip Nandwani (DN) - observer; Franklin Quarcoo (FQ) – observer; Nate Lewis (NL) - observer

Absent: None

Staff: Jennifer Tucker (JT); Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH); Heather Kumar (HK); Esu 

Obu (EO)

Agenda

• Review September 18, 2023 notes

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Format for oral comments at Spring & Fall 2024 meetings.

o Spring 2024 meeting options: Panel?

o Additional topics to discuss at Fall 2023 NOSB meeting (Work agenda/additional business)?

o Response to BBMF request

o November 7 Subcommittee calls - on schedule

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) status

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food) 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Open docket process

o Fall 2023 Meeting logistics update

o Michelle’s leave (Nov 7 and 14)

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

o Handling (HS) (KS)

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

o Policy Development (PDS) (AJ)

o Livestock (LS) (KH)

o Crops (CS) (ADB). Compost work agenda request update?

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• September 18, 2023 notes were 

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Format for oral comments at Spring & Fall 2024 meetings. The Board is considering holding a 

panel on compost at the spring meeting, and also discussed whether to host public comments at 

the in-person meeting in addition to virtually. The group discussed the equity and value of 

online comments while acknowledging some stakeholder sentiments about the benefits of inperson comments, which brings with it an emotional or visceral quality for those in the room. 

Members provided opinions and feedback about the options. Hearing testimony the week 

before the in-person meeting allows the Board members more time to digest comments and 
more time at the meeting to deliberate and discuss proposals. Some are concerned about access 

and equality for those who are not able to travel to a meeting. The farmer community seemed 

to support virtual comments as the meetings tend to fall during planting and harvest seasons. 

The time commitment to attend an in-person meeting may be a hinderance. Not hearing 

comments in person opens up time at the meetings for panels and guest speakers. Overall, 

members supported virtual oral comments, but also allowing for flexibility so future Boards can 

decide the best options. 

o Spring 2024 meeting options: Panel? The Vice Chair explained the usefulness of hosting a panel 

on compost, and questioned whether they had time to hear a panel and host public comment at 

the Spring meeting. Both the Compost and Inerts projects have short timelines, and in the 

interest of getting the project on compost started as soon as possible, the Board feels a panel 

would be helpful for education and outreach to the industry and consumers. Since two NOSB 

members have expertise on compost, the timing seems ideal. A member added that compost is 

a foundational material and ubiquitous in organic, and touches so many parts of the rule that it 

seems to lend itself well to a panel discussion. NOP supported the idea of providing the board 

with outside expertise. As to process: the NOSB would suggest 3-5 panelists, NOP would review 

the list to make sure there is a breadth of expertise and diversity, and then extend invitations. 

o Additional topics to discuss at Fall 2023 NOSB meeting (work agenda/additional business)? The 

Crops Subcommittee Chair would like to discuss the upcoming agenda items during the Crops 

session rather than at the end of the meeting. The NOSB Chair will give a brief update on Inerts 

during the NOSB update, and will defer to the Chair of the Materials Subcommittee to discuss it 

(inerts) and compost at the end of the meeting under “other business”. 

o Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film (BBMF) update. Both Crops and CACS discussed the BBMF 

request. CACS looked at expanding this topic to weed management. Crops debated and decided 

that the timing of this project is not ideal. Although they chose to not work on it, they invite 

future Boards to address it if they are interested and the community supports the need for the 

work. 

o November 7 Subcommittee calls - on schedule. Not cancelled. 

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o The availability of the NOP updates (in the form of video recordings) for NOSB meeting were 

announced in an Organic Insider notice today. The NOP encouraged folks to watch the videos 

for an overview of what the NOP has been working on. 

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) status. The rule is a high priority and is making 

good progress through the approval process. 

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule. The NOP is conducting outreach on 

implementation of SOE, which goes into effect in March 2024.

o The Market Development Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food) was submitted into legal 

clearance. OLPS is the priority until published. 

o The NOP expressed appreciation for the Board’s work and is looking forward to seeing everyone

next week in Providence. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Open docket process. The NOP described the process to use the open docket.

o Fall 2023 Meeting logistics update. There were no questions about travel or meeting times. 

o Michelle’s leave (Nov 7 and 14). NOP staff will substitute on the Subcommittee calls to take 

notes in Michelle’s absence. 

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS has several large projects on 

its work agenda. 
o Handling (HS) (KS). The HS has a few petitions and projects, as well as 29 sunset reviews for the 

next semester. 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT). In addition to Research Priorities Inerts. A subgroup of 

Materials members are collaborating on a proposal on inerts. They are working on information

collection to determine options on the best path forward. The members may gather in person in 

Providence to talk more. The MS will also continue work on TR templates updates. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (AJ). The PDS will work on PPM updates for the Spring 2024 meeting. 

o Livestock (LS) (KH). The workload in Livestock is light. There are currently no petitions, only 

sunsets. The LS received some written comments on topics that were not on the agenda, and 

mineral oil and vaccines garnered interest from the community. 

o Crops (CS) (ADB). Crops talked about public comments on last call, and when they return from 

the Fall meeting they will have a full roster of projects including sunsets, compost, and a new 

petition on pear esters. The CS thanked the NOP for combining the two requests on compost

(one from the NOSB and one from the petitioner). The work-load across the entire board is quite 

full. 

• Additional Items. None 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

September 18, 2023

October 16, 2023 - Monday

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB 

Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Wood Turner (WT), Materials Chair; Kim Huseman (KH), Livestock Chair; Kyla 

Smith, HS Chair; Nate Lewis (NL) - observer; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Allison Johnson (AJ) - PDS Chair; 

Carolyn Dimitri (CD) - observer

Absent: None

Staff: Jennifer Tucker (JT); Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH); Fred David (FD); Heather 

Kumar (HK)

Agenda

• Review August 15, 2023 notes

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Discuss format for oral comments - Spring 2024 meeting. 

o Alternate meeting scenarios in case of shutdown

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o NOSB technical support liaison introduction. 

o Government Fiscal Year end - September 30

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) status

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food) 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Fall 2023 Meeting agenda

o Oral and written comment update

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Crops (CS) (ADB)

 Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film (BBMF) work agenda request (sent September 8). 

 Compost work agenda request

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

 RMA Speaker at Fall NOSB meeting

o Handling (HS) (KS)

 NVM 2026 sunset/2012 Interim Rule

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

o Policy Development (PDS) (AJ)

o Livestock (LS) (KH)

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• August 15, 2023 notes were accepted as written

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Format for oral comments at Spring 2024 meeting. The Chair informally polled members about 

the format of the meeting, and will let the NOP know prior to the next Executive Committee call, 

so it can be included in the FR notice for the Spring Meeting. 

o Alternate meeting scenarios in case of “lapse in appropriations”. The Board and NOP have

discussed possible alternate options in case the meeting has to be postponed. 
• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o NOSB technical support liaison introduction. Heather Kumar and Esu Obu are the two new NOP 

technical support staff hired to assist the NOSB with research and writing. The NOP will send 

protocols for subject lines and priority ranking criteria for work requests, and asks that all work 

requests be sent to the NOSB inbox. Based on the NOSB recommendation, some of the tasks will 

include literature reviews, background research, editing, summarizing technical reports, etc. The 

NOSB Chair suggested How will the Board coordinate between Subcommittees. NOP asked that 

members also include Subcomm Chairs when requesting. 

o Government Fiscal Year end - September 30. The Deputy Administrator shared the process for 

communicating to the Board and the public in the event that the USDA does not receive its 

appropriation from Congress on October 1. The NOP will communicate to stakeholders via an 

Organic Insider notice letting them know the possible if-then scenarios. 

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) status. The rule is in clearance, and NOP 

continues to respond to comments from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). A 

member noted that there have been proposed amendments introduced in Congress. 

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food). The NOP received comments from 

the Office of General Counsel (OGC) on this rule, however, is prioritizing OLPS. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o The group viewed the Fall 2023 Meeting agenda, and didn’t have any comments or questions. 

o Oral and written comments update. The comment period closes September 30. 

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Crops (CS) (ADB). The CS has been brainstorming ideas for additional work agenda items, and 

will continue discissions on future calls. 

 Crops is discussing the Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film (BBMF) work agenda request 

(sent by NOP September 8). 

 Compost work agenda request (MJ). Crops has been discussing a work agenda on this 

topic, as the regulations are out-of-date with the industry standards. Crops is seeking to 

do several things with this work agenda item: add a definition for compost feedstocks, 

and make updates at §§ 205.2 205.203 and 205.601, which all intersect and are 

connected to compost. The Subcommittee is aware that the NOP received a petition for 

rulemaking on compost, and will likely ask the Board to work on this. If so, Crops will 

combine the two into one project, and provide a recommendation as soon as possible. 

The current Board is well positioned with expertise and experience, as the co-leads are 

both certified composters. They also have extensive experience at the state-level. The 

Executive Team approved of the work agenda request and will forward to the NOP. 

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB) 

 The CACS is anticipating working on “carry over” items from Fall meeting. Items that 

were discussion documents that they may develop into proposals. The CACS also talked 

about adding projects on weed management and use of plastic in systems 

 The CACS will hear from an invited speaker from the Risk Management Agency (RMA) at 

Fall NOSB meeting, and will compile a list of questions to pass along ahead of time. 

o Handling (HS) (KS)

 The HS has begun work on its 2026 sunsets since they have many. 

 On the September 5 Handling call the HS discussed nutrient vitamins and minerals 

(NVM), which is due to sunset in 2026, and would like to ask the NOP to comment at the 

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting on status of 2012 interim rule re: nutrient vitamins and 

minerals https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/09/27/2012-

23748/national-organic-program-nop-sunset-review-2012-for-nutrient-vitamins-andminerals
 There was enthusiasm in subcommittee on proceeding with work on the reclassification 

of L-Malic Acid. 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT). 

 The Materials Subcommittee is working on incorporating the Inerts work agenda item 

into its workflow. A subgroup of MS members will be working closely to support that 

work. 

 TR templates/excluded methods. The MS incorporated suggestions from the public 

comment into the templates, and they continue to talk about the materials classification 

flowchart and how far back in the process they should they look when assessing 

substances for excluded methods. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (AJ). The PDS has no formal documents for the Fall meeting, but will 

provide a verbal update about future administrative updates, such as member participation. 

o Livestock (LS) (KH). The Livestock Subcommittee’s work agenda has been relatively quiet, so 

they cancelled today’s call. The LS Chair noted that a large grain-seed provider filed bankruptcy

recently, and they anticipate it will create significant price volatility in the Livestock market. 

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

August 15, 2023

September 18, 2023

October 16, 2023 - moved to Monday to accommodate the oral comment webinars

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Tuesday, August 15, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB 

Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Wood Turner (WT), Materials Chair; Kim Huseman (KH), Livestock Chair; Kyla 

Smith, HS Chair; Nate Lewis (NL) - observer; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer; Allison Johnson (AJ) - PDS Chair; 

Franklin Quarcoo (FQ) - observer; Dilip Nandwani (DN) - observer; Carolyn Dimitri (CD) - observer; Brian Caldwell 

(BC) - observer.

Absent: NOP leadership team

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

Agenda

• July 18, 2023 notes

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Highlight Fall meeting docs status 

o Spring 2024 meeting - discuss format (MJ)

o Inerts work agenda request sent June 23, 2023 - Assign Subcommittee

o Officer Elections

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Fall 2023 timeline - update below

o 2026 sunset templates - will send by August

o Spring/Fall 2024 meetings - update

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Livestock (LS) (KH)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

o Crops (CS) (ADB)

o Handling (HS) (KS)

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

o Policy Development (PDS) (AJ)

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• July 18, 2023 notes were accepted as written

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Fall meeting docs status. All proposals were submitted early or on time, with thanks from the 

NOP.

o Spring 2024 meeting - discuss format (MJ). The group discussed oral public comments and 

whether or not they want to continue hearing comments only virtually, or return to a hybrid 

model. Members were invited to provide feedback, and agreed to revisit this prior to the 

publication date of the Spring meeting notice. The NOSB considered community feedback, 

equity, and access and will talk more at the public meeting.

o Inerts work agenda request. The NOP sent a work agenda item to the NOSB in late June 2023 

asking for a recommendation on inerts by Fall 2024, so NOP has time to implement it before the 

next sunset date. Several members drafted language about how best to move forward and the 
group discussed options. They also discussed whether to create an ad-hoc subcommittee or add 

it to the Materials Subcommittee work agenda. The group chose to house it in the Materials 

Subcommittee and will add a second call each month. The Materials Subcommittee will post a 

pre-discussion document with some basic questions for stakeholders in the public docket that is 

currently open (AMS-NOP-23-0026), and will alert stakeholders to its availability. They would 

like to use feedback to help frame the conversation. The NOP will review the proposed 

questions and provide feedback this week so they can move forward with a draft for posting 

next week. A member suggested adding time at the fall meeting to talk about it, perhaps during 

other business or when they discuss the work agenda. 

o Officer elections. Elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary occur at the Fall NOSB meeting. A 

member heard feedback from the community that the Fall 2022 elections were not transparent. 

The NOP highlighted the section in the Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM) where the election 

mechanics are laid out, and the group discussed the internal process and factors that are 

considered amongst Board members. Such things as whether a member wants a leadership role, 

whether they have time, how long they’ve been on the Board, succession planning, etc. These 

conversations happen all year prior to an election, and NOP is not involved in the process. The 

NOSB Chair invited feedback from members about ways to make it more transparent: Perhaps 

candidate statements at the meeting, discussing why they do or do not want the role. 

o NOP/NOSB collaboration and interaction. The NOSB is interested in improving communication 

with the NOP, so as they move forward with projects, they can check in to make sure goals are 

aligned and projects remain within scope. The Chair would like to include time during the 

Executive calls for Subcommittees to discuss specific questions , as needed. Additionally, they 

asked that the technical representative in each Subcommittee be invited to join the 

conversations and intervene when needed. Historically, NOP has only provided guidance when 

asked, so it is not viewed as “undue influence”. Members discussed the need or desire to work 

on projects that might not necessarily result in rulemaking, acknowledging that the goal might 

be to express the Board’s or stakeholders’ position on a specific topic. A member added that 

they could use the discussion section in a proposal to expound, so the goal is clear. 

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH). No update. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Fall 2023 timeline. The ACS provided a brief update highlighting the upcoming deadlines, and 

thanked the Board for submitting their Fall documents early and on time. As the NOP reviews 

the documents, it might return some for edits or comments, so please keep an eye on your 

email. 

o 2026 sunset templates. NOP sent the templates to the Subcommittee Chairs. 

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Livestock (LS) (KH). The LS finished its 2025 sunset reviews for the fall meeting, and has prepped 

for discussions on the 2026 sunsets. On the last call they also discussed a potential annotation 

for iodine. 

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS has three discussion 

documents and one proposal for the Fall 2023 meeting. The Chair is seeking suggestions for 

more work agenda items. 

o Crops (CS) (ADB). Crops will begin work on the 2026 sunset reviews now that they have the 

templates. On the last call the CS discussed potential work agenda items on compost, and also 

discussed the use of plastic in organic agriculture and possible work on annotations. 

o Handling (HS) (KS). The HS met earlier today and reviewed future work schedules. The HS has a 

long list of sunset reviews for 2026 (~29 listings). 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT). The MS completed its research priorities proposal on 

the last call. The HS added a research priority addressing equity and access at Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities. The Subcommittee is also finalizing the updated TR template, and will 

begin discussions about Inerts. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (AJ). The PDS is not presenting anything at the Fall meeting, but will 

give a verbal update about its work plan. 

• Additional Items. A member asked about inviting speakers to the Fall meeting, including someone from 

Rural Management agency (RMA) to talk about Crop Insurance, or perhaps someone from the equity 

commission to discuss the interim report. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

July 18, 2023

August 15, 2023

September 18, 2023

October 17, 2023

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Tuesday, July 18, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB 

Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Wood Turner (WT), Materials Chair; Kyla Smith, HS Chair; Nate Lewis (NL) -

observer; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer

Absent: Kim Huseman (KH), Livestock Chair; Allison Johnson (AJ) - PDS Chair

Staff: Jenny Tucker (JT); Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH); Fred David (FD)

Agenda

• May 16, 2023 notes were approved via email

• Chairs Report (MJ for NPP)

o Work agenda project - annotation changes 

o Fall meeting docket/oral comments

o 2026 TR requests status

o Fall 2025 sunset templates

o Inerts work agenda request sent June 23, 2023 - Assign Subcommittee

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) status

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food)

o Inerts work agenda request sent June 23, 2023 

o Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film (BBMF) work agenda request

o Workflow for the NOSB technical support liaisons

o Update on Spring 2023 NOSB recommendations

o National List Rules

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Fall 2023 timeline - update below

o 2026 sunset templates - will send by August

o Spring 2024 meeting update

o Cloud Vault

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD/NL for AJ)

o Livestock (LS) (NPP for KH)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

o Crops (CS) (ADB). Liquid fish annotation proposal.

o Handling (HS) (KS)

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• May 16, 2023 notes were approved via email

• Chairs Report (MJ for NPP)

o Work agenda project - annotation changes. The work agenda request was approved by NOP 

May 19. The Handling Subcommittee Chair described several options on how to move forward, 
and noted that the NOSB will consider each case to make sure it will provide value and clarity, 

and not make it make it harder for farmers and certifiers. 

o Fall meeting docket/oral comments. The NOP suggested the NOSB consider including a formal 

process in the Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM) for determining whether to hold in-person 

public comments in addition to virtual comment webinars. Additionally, the decision needs to 

be made well in advance in order to be included in the Federal Register Notice announcement. 

o 2026 TR requests status. The NOP confirmed that the list of TR requests is complete and has 

been forwarded to OMRI (the TR contractor). The NOSB Vice Chair asked for feedback about

process improvements, so when a member requests a limited scope TR they come prepared 

with questions. The NOSB asked the National List Manager to facilitate that process. The NOSB 

also asked if there is a way to get an idea of when to expect TRs so they can schedule 

discussions accordingly. 

o Fall 2025 sunset templates. The templates were distributed via several avenues, and 

subsequently updated. Members can find them in the new Cloud Vault account or email. 

o NOP sent the NOSB a work agenda request on Inerts on June 23, 2023, and it needs to be 

assigned to a Subcommittee. 

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) status. The rule is moving through the clearance

process, and once the USDA completes its review, it will go to the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB). Its status in the OMB system will change when it’s under review. 

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed rule on mushrooms, pet food). The rule is currently under review 

at the Office of General Council (OGC). 

o Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film (BBMF) work agenda request. Based on additional research 

and vetting conducted by NOP, and several NOSB members, it was determined that there would 

be no commercially available products that would meet the criteria in the recommendation. 

Previous NOSB work focused on the percentage of biobased content, and based on new 

research, the proposed percentages are likely not attainable. Given this new information, NOP 

would like to return the topic back to the Board as a work agenda item for a revised 

recommendation. The better question might be about biodegradability and compostability. The 

NOP is drafting a work agenda request to the NOSB asking them to revisit the topic. Several 

members asked clarifying questions about the project. 

o Workflow for the NOSB technical support liaisons. Candidate selection for two new technical 

support staff persons will be underway soon. The NOP asked that the NOSB think through 

communication channels and workflow. The NOSB inbox will be used to direct questions and 

requests from the NOSB to the tech support staff, and NOP asked that Board members 

coordinate amongst each other to provide clarity to the support staff on priorities and 

deadlines. Fred David, Assistant Division Director in Standards will be their supervisor. Members 

asked about the roles/positions, when they are expected to start, and if they would be 

attending the Fall 2023 NOSB meeting. 

o Update on Spring 2023 NOSB recommendations. NOP sent the NOSB its response to the Spring 

2023 recommendations on July 7. The NOP highlighted the climate smart recommendation, and 

the climate cross walk, which was shared with several agencies and the Climate Team. The 

objective is to weave this information (that organic agricultural practices are already climate 

smart) into various projects and opportunities, as well as a training module in the Learning 

Center. 

o National List Rules. The NOP is waiting for feedback from the EPA about the nitrogen rule. 

o Other work agenda items in the queue? The NOP mentioned other work agenda projects to 

highlight the need for the NOSB to stay within the scope that was requested and approved. This 

will aid the NOP in implementing recommendations. For example, in the CACS, there are 3 
overarching projects: Human Capital; Climate Change/Equity; and Enforcement/Fraud 

Prevention. Under these headings, the CACS has requested to work on sub-topics, but they must 

be scoped appropriately as something that NOP has the authority to implement. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Fall 2023 timeline - see table below 

o 2026 sunset templates. The templates are drafted and once they are proofread, will be sent to 

the Subcommittees by early August. 

o Spring 2024 meeting update (Milwaukee, WI, Apr 29 - May 1, 2024) 

o Fall 2024 meeting (Portland, OR, October 22 - 24, 2024)

o Cloud Vault. NOP asked that Board members verify they have access, and can start using it 

immediately. 

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

Policy Development (PDS) (JD/NL). The leadership of the PDS changed last week. Allison Johnson 

will Chair the PDS in place of Jerry D’Amore, who stepped down as Chair, as he is on 4 

Subcommittees; and Nate Lewis will replace Mindee Jeffery as Vice Chair. Both Jerry and 

Mindee will remain on the Subcommittee. The PDS is focused on PPM updates that include 

language about Board participation, technical corrections, and administrative updates. The 

Subcommittee will also begin discussions about how the equity commission work impacts Board 

membership, structure of oral public comments, and exit interviews. 

o Livestock (LS) (NPP for KH). Livestock has completed all its Fall 2023 sunset documents and has a 

few to submit. LS will cancel its August 1 call. 

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS has several proposals and 

discussion documents in progress, including two climate-focused documents: Climate Induced 

Farming Risk and Crop Insurance; and What/Why Organic. The What/Why organic is meant to

highlight previous work and accomplishments, and highlight OTI (Organic Transition Initiative). 

NOP asked that the CACS clearly state what they are asking the NOP to do with this document 

and how they think this would be implemented, as fulfillment rate of recommendations is

important. 

o Crops (CS) (ADB). The Crops work agenda is extensive, and the CS has scheduled an extra call in 

August to complete its work for the Fall meeting. On the last call the group talked about 

newspaper, which led to a conversation about compost, and the issue of synthetic feedstocks. 

Crops will talk more about this at a later date. The CS Chair asked about the status of a previous 

NOSB recommendation (Fall 2020) on an annotation for liquid fish. NOP indicated that they 

would not move forward with this recommendation, as it may present an undue burden on 

certifiers or Material Review Organizations, who are currently at capacity prepping for the full 

implementation of Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). The CS Chair asked about followup with regard to status of recommendations – there are two ways the NOP communicates this 

information: Via the response to recommendations and the NOSB Recommendations Library, 

which the NOP strives to update twice a year, and more if needed. 

o Handling (HS) (KS). The HS has one more meeting prior to the proposal deadline, on which they 

will complete the sunset review on 6 gums, and two discussion documents for two petitions 

under review. The HS will defer the review for rye pollen extracts to the Spring 2024 meeting, as 

they are awaiting a technical report. 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT). The TR template update (to include questions about 

excluded methods) will be finalized soon. Subcommittees’ research priorities are almost 

complete, and the MS will collect and collate them, and vote on the proposal next month. The 

Subcommittee talked about a work agenda item or research priority about 1890 institutions and 

access to state-matching funds. 

• Additional Items. None. 
• The meeting was adjourned

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

June 20, 2023 - cancelled

July 18, 2023

August 15, 2023

September 18, 2023

October 17, 2023

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Kim Huseman (KH), Livestock Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB 

Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Kyla Smith, HS Chair; 

Absent: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Wood Turner (WT), Materials Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - PDS 

Chair

Staff: Jenny Tucker (JT); Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH)

Agenda

• Approve April 17, 2023 notes

• Chairs Report (MJ for NPP)

o Chairs acknowledgement of Board members

o Debrief from Spring 2023 NOSB Meeting

o In-person/Virtual meetings/Listening session?

o Organic seed requirements/recommendations/OILC

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS)

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food)

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR)

o National List Rules

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Fall 2023 timeline - update below

o Fall 2023 sunset templates

o 2026 sunset templates - will send by August

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD)

o Livestock (LS) (KH)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

o Crops (CS) (ADB)

o Handling (HS) (KS)

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Approve April 17, 2023 notes were approved as written.

• Chairs Report (MJ for NPP)

o Acknowledgement of Board members. The Vice Chair praised members for an excellent job at 

Spring meeting 

o Debrief from Spring 2023 NOSB Meeting. Members shared reflections and feedback from 

stakeholders about the benefits of having extra time for dialogue about sunsets, and about the

in-person meeting agenda. Although the meeting was less packed than usual, it allowed for 

more and better in-depth discussions. New members participated extensively, given that they 

were appointed not long ago. 

o In-person/Virtual meetings/Listening session?
The notice for the Fall 2023 is in clearance and it included a virtual component for oral 

comments. Since the goal is to open the docket as soon as possible after an NOSB meeting, the 

Board will have to decide well in advance to hold oral comments both virtually and in-person. 

would be easier to make the decision long in advance so it can be included in the notice. 

 Members discussed several options for engagement with the community such as 

smaller, informal listening sessions. Since NOSB members represent their constituents,

attending events to talk to them is encouraged. For fairness and consistency, the group 

discussed the idea of using centralized/shared information with their stakeholder 

groups. 

o Organic seed requirements/recommendations/Organic Integrity Learning Center (OILC). The 

NOSB asked for an update about previous recommendations on seed guidance and the OILC 

training module. The NOP created several training modules on this topic, as it did not lend itself 

well to rulemaking. The NOP also noted that if there is interest, there are options to add 

content, and if there are specific issues, then the Program may be able to address them 

individually. A member noted the difficulties in the global supply chain vs the domestic supply 

chain, given that commercial availability is part of the regulations. She also noted that the 

Organic Seed Alliance doesn’t collect International data. 

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). Currently NOP is focused on outreach, which is 

critical for implementation. The NOP hosted a webinar earlier today for about 200 people from

CIAO (Comisión Interamericana de Agricultura Orgánica) - International stakeholders from South 

America.

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS). The rule is in clearance, and NOP will let the 

NOSB know when it is sent to the Office and Management and Budget (OMB). The Secretary 

announced at the Organic Policy conference last week in DC that he hopes for a late 

summer/early fall publication date. OLPS is a top priority along with SOE and Origin of Livestock 

(OOL) Rule. 

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food). In development, but OOL, OLPS, 

and SOE are top priorities. 

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The NOP presented an executive 

summary during the April NOSB meeting. 

o Human Capital Initiative is in progress. 

o Container Production. NOP heard from public commenters and is considering options if they 

move forward. 

o Solicitation for NOSB Tech support. The announcement will be sent to Human Resources soon. 

NOP is seeking to hire two people in the DC region, who can translate science-speak into plain 

language, and has familiarity with organic and food technology. 

o A member asked about a recent article regarding terminology such as eco and bio. The NOP has 

recently trademarked the organic seal, and in addition to labels regarding organic, those are the 

only two over which NOP has authority. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Updated timeline below - for fall (see below)

o Fall Sunset templates. NOP will send out draft templates for the Fall soon.

o 2026 sunset templates. NOP will send by the templates by August.

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (MJ for WT). The MS reviewed next steps for research 

priorities on its last call, and asked that the other Subcommittees send the research priorities to 

them as soon as they are ready. The lead on the TR template updates welcomed feedback from 

other NOSB members and noted that the document will not be sent to the Fall meeting as a 
proposal. The MS also discussed the TBD list in the excluded methods work, and the status of 

the seed guidance. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (MJ for JD). The PDS discussed several topics on its last call including a 

few pending updates to PPM. The PDS wants to add guidance from the diversity, equity and 

inclusion commission. The Subcommittee also discussed in-person vs virtual attendance for 

NOSB members and is seeking to establish and strengthen policies about board participation. 

o Livestock (LS) (KH). The LS met today for first time since the Spring NOSB meeting, and have the 

agenda and timeline for the remainder of the year completed. All TR requests for 2026 sunsets

are done, although they are still discussing a TR for vitamins. The Subcommittee also explored

possible additional work agenda items, including one on swine, which was suggested by public 

commenters. The LS views this as exploratory, and doesn’t yet have a goal in mind, but may 

produce a discussion document to illuminate the bottle necks in organic swine production. 

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS has four discussion 

documents and one proposal slated for the Fall NOSB meeting: Crop insurance, What/Why

Organic, Residue testing, and Organic Transition support. The proposal is on Standardized 

Location information. The CACS also completed a year-long schedule (as have all the 

Subcommittees) to aid with work-load distribution and personal scheduling. 

o Crops (CS) (ADB). The Crops agenda is mapped out through February 2024. Going forward the CS 

Chair will collect and send sunset reviews to the NOP as they are completed to streamline the 

process and be more efficient. Today, the CS completed votes for three 2025 sunsets, and 

discussed liquid fish products. The Chair asked about the 2020 NOSB recommendation to 

annotate liquid fish, and how the NOSB may proceed. The NOP mentioned at the Spring 2023 

meeting that it has not moved ahead with rulemaking and likely won’t. Crops also discussed 

sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (SCP) which a member noted is listed as a biopesticide by EPA 

although it is a synthetic. Another member pointed out the annotation - for use as an algicide - 

and so this seems like it is not an issue. The CS wondered if NOP could connect them with 

someone at EPA to verify the definition. NOP suggested that it might be beneficial to approach 

an advocacy group that has a relationship with EPA already, who could locate the appropriate 

office/person to ask. 

o Handling (HS) (KS). The first round of 2025 sunsets is due this week and the HS has all 

discussions scheduled. The 2026 TR determinations are complete with the exception of a couple 

until they know if NOP has capacity for a couple more. The HS has outstanding TRs for 3 

petitions, which are in development. The HS Chair proposed a work agenda request to 

standardize the process across Subcommittees for addressing annotation changes. The HS Chair 

will send an email to the Executive Committee for approval on the next Exec call. 

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

April 17, 2023 (Monday)

May 16, 2023

June 20, 2023

July 18, 2023

August 15, 2023

September 18, 2023

October 17, 2023

November 21, 2023
December 19, 2023

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 20, 2023

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Monday, April 17, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Kim Huseman (KH), 

Livestock Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Kyla Smith, HS Chair; Wood Turner 

(WT), Materials Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - PDS Chair; Nate Lewis (NL) - observer

Absent: none

Staff: Jenny Tucker (JT); Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH); David Glasgow (DG)

Agenda

• Approve March 21, 2023 notes were accepted as written

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Spring 2023 NOSB meeting logistics, oral comment webinars

o Questions to NOP for Q & A at meeting. 

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o Address designation change of NOSB seats to SGEs at the NOSB meeting?

o New member training 

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS)

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food)

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR)

o National List Rules

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Spring meeting questions? 

o Room change – will send updated agenda

o Dinner

o Reception?

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Handling (HS) (KS)

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD)

o Livestock (LS) (KH)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

o Crops (CS) (ADB)

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Approve March 21, 2023 notes were accepted as written

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Spring 2023 NOSB meeting logistics, oral comment webinars

o Potential questions/topics for NOP for Q & A at meeting. Import status; Equivalency with 

partners and enforcement issues; Grain; SOE training/course availability; Incorporation of 

guidance from Equity Commission; NOSB technical support update.

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)
o Address designation change of NOSB seats to Special Government Employees (SGEs) at the 

NOSB meeting? NOP mentioned that the NOSB has adopted Conflict of Interest (COI) rules that 

are essentially the same as the Federal Guidelines, so the two new SGE members are not viewed 

differently than the representative members. A member added that commenters may mention 

it and if so they may talk about it. 

o New member training. Several sessions are scheduled during the NOSB meeting week, and for 

May 8 in DC, as several members will already be in DC. 

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). Implementation continues. NOP views the rule 

positively and while there may be gaps, overall NOP feels like it will be tremendously beneficial 

and will improve the industry. A member emphasized how randomness is valuable for 

enforcement. He described it as a panopticon - the potential you are always being observed.

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS). Under legal review. 

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food). Under development and will move 

along once OLPS is farther along.

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The NOP will provide an update at the 

NOSB meeting and will summarize comments. In brief, 70% of the issues can be solved easily, 

while 30% will take additional thought and work. The NOP will likely send a work agenda to the 

NOSB this summer, with a request that it provides a timely, clear recommendation about where 

to go next before the next sunset date. 

o National List Rules. The Nitrogen Rule is with EPA (for consultation). NOP will provide an update 

at the NOSB meeting. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Spring meeting questions? None 

o Room change – NOP will send an updated agenda.

o The NOP noted the NOSB dinner, and a reception hosted by several local organizations. 

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Handling (HS) (KS). Scheduled work agenda items for summer and beyond. Waiting on several 

TRs. 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT). Materials has three documents for the April meeting. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD). PDS met last week and discussed public comments. The 

Subcommittee will be working on updates to the PPM for the Fall meeting, but will not have any 

documents for the Spring meeting. 

o Livestock (LS) (KH). Livestock Subcommittee has completed TR determinations for the 2026 

sunsets. After the Spring meeting, the LS will complete the 2025 sunset reviews in preparation 

for the Fall meeting.

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). Jon Veley, Trade Systems Director, 

joined the last CACS call. The CACS is working on several documents on climate change, and 

enforcement, and have one work agenda request on residue testing. The CACS Chair submitted 

a request to the Executive Committee who approved the request, and the NOP indicated its full 

support. 

o Crops (CS) (ADB). The CS Chair is coordinating with the Chairs of the HS and LS to schedule 

sunset discussions since there is overlap of Subcommittee members. The Chairs are also 

interested in coordinating and scheduling TR due dates, so they can plan their workflow better. 

The NOSB Chair will mention the process changes during the Chair’s update at the NOSB 

meeting so they are being transparent. A member suggested that the NOSB prioritize the TR 

sufficiency step, even though they have 60 days to complete it. 

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

March 21, 2023

April 17, 2023 (Monday)

May 16, 2023

June 20, 2023

July 18, 2023

August 15, 2023

September 18, 2023

October 17, 2023

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones 

Spring 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to 

meeting)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Feb 14, 2023 (actual date) 10 

New NOSB member training Apr 6 + Apr 25-27, 2023 3

NOP - Draft Spring 2023 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 3, 2023 11

NOSB - Spring 2023 proposals due to NOP Feb 14, 2023 10 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2023 7.5

Public comment closes Apr 5, 2023 3.5

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2023 3

Public comment webinars Apr 18 & 20, 2023 1 

Spring 2023 NOSB meeting - Atlanta, GA Apr 25 - 27, 2023 0

Final recommendations due May 25, 2023 4 weeks post 

meeting
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Kim Huseman (KH), 

Livestock Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Kyla Smith, HS Chair; Wood Turner 

(WT), Materials Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - PDS Chair; Nate Lewis (NL) - observer

Absent: Jennifer Tucker (JT)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH); David Glasgow (DG)

Agenda

• Approve February 21, 2023 notes

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Welcome new NOSB members

o Spring 2023 NOSB meeting logistics: oral comments, meeting start times, time blocks

• NOP news and updates (JT/EH)

o New member training 

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS)

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food)

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR)

o National List Rules

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Spring meeting timeline reminder 

o Travel prep

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Crops (CS) (ADB)

o Handling (HS) (KS)

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD)

o Livestock (LS) (KH)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Approve February 21, 2023 notes were accepted as written.

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o The Executive Team welcomed the two new NOSB members

o Spring 2023 NOSB meeting logistics: oral comments, meeting start times, time blocks. The NOSB 

Chair has been receiving comments from stakeholders regarding the oral comments being held 

virtually only and not also at the in-person meeting. The NOSB views it as more equitable, and 

allows the Board members more time to process and analyze comments before voting.

Members discussed the benefits of both structures. The Chair offered to answer questions that 

members may receive. 

• NOP news and update (JT/EH)
o New member training. NOP is rearranging the training a bit given the new members were 

appointed a little later than normal. Training will be delivered in separate sessions including an 

NOP led session Thursday afternoon after the NOSB meeting in Atlanta. 

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). Since the rule was published earlier this year, NOP 

has held one public webinar to collect feedback as it develops an FAQ library. The NOP is also 

working on a side-by-side comparison of the old rule and new rule, which may answer many of 

the initial questions. The NOP encourages stakeholders to read the rule and get certified. 

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS). The final rule is a top priority and NOP is 

working diligently to complete it. 

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food). Deferred until OLPS is finished. 

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). NOP is holding internal discussions 

about next steps. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Spring meeting timeline reminder. See timeline below. Public comment closes April 5, the 

comment webinars are being held via Zoom on April 18 & 20, and the in-person meeting begins 

April 25, 2023

o Travel. Please complete flight arrangements by April 4, 2023.

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Crops (CS) (ADB). The Crops Subcommittee has been working on scheduling for the rest of the 

year, and have all critical deadlines scheduled. The new process of scheduling the work for the 

entire year will be more efficient and will allow people to control their own work schedule as 

needed. On the last call the CS welcomed one new member and determined TR needs for the 

2026 sunsets.

o Handling (HS) (KS). The HS has scheduled work for the upcoming year, including prepping for 

the Spring NOSB meeting, and the reviews of the 2025 sunsets. The HS has twenty-nine sunsets 

for 2026 and three petitions in progress. On the last call the HS welcomed a new member to the 

Subcommittee. 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT). The MS has three documents for the Spring 2023 

meeting: Research priorities; TR templates update; and the TBD list of excluded methods. The 

Subcommittee rescheduled the date of the April meeting. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD). The PDS met last week to discuss its work agenda items for the 

Fall meeting, which may include an update to the PPM, and feedback on the update to the 

Member Guide. The PDS will not present any documents for the Spring meeting. The group also 

discussed exit interviews for outgoing members; A project that has received much positive 

feedback. The PDS continues to discuss where to store the information and how to use the data 

to support the ultimate goals of continuous improvement. Lastly, the PDS briefly discussed the 

new Special Government Employee (SGE) designation for members, but will not initiate any 

work on such. 

o Livestock (LS) (KH). The LS welcomed two new Subcommittee members today, prepped for the 

Spring 2023 meeting, and began discussions about the 2026 TR determinations. The LS will 

complete the conversation about Sunsets on the next meeting. 

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS has three topics for the 

Spring meeting: a proposal on Organic IS Climate Smart; A discussion document on Crop 

Insurance; and a discussion document on Geolocation Standardization. There are two other 

projects on the work agenda: One on Organic Transition, and one focusing on marketing and 

outreach called “What/Why Organic?”. The Chair proposed a potential work agenda item on 

SOE follow-up, but given the timing of the implementation, the CACS may not move ahead with 

this for the Fall meeting. During its last call the CACS discussed testing and soybean imports, and 

has extended an invitation to the NOP Trade Systems Director to join the April 11 CACS call. 
• Additional Items. Sunset process changes. The MS Chair offered positive feedback and support about 

the process changes to the sunset reviews and to the entire NOSB work-flow. Rather than work 

semester to semester, the NOSB is now scheduling work for the entire year, in the interest of efficiency. 

• The meeting was adjourned. 

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

February 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

April 17, 2023 (Monday)

May 16, 2023

June 20, 2023

July 18, 2023

August 15, 2023

September 18, 2023

October 17, 2023

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones 

Spring 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to 

meeting)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Feb 14, 2023 (actual date) 10 

New NOSB member training Mar 28 - 29, 2023 3

NOP - Draft Spring 2023 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 3, 2023 11

NOSB - Spring 2023 proposals due to NOP Feb 14, 2023 10 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2023 7.5

Public comment closes Apr 5, 2023 3.5

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2023 3

Public comment webinars Apr 18 & 20, 2023 1 

Spring 2023 NOSB meeting - Atlanta, GA Apr 25 - 27, 2023 0

Final recommendations due May 25, 2023 4 weeks post 

meeting
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Kim Huseman (KH), 

Livestock Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Wood Turner (WT), Materials Chair; 

Jerry D’Amore (JD) - PDS Chair

Absent: Kyla Smith, HS Chair

Staff: Jennifer Tucker (JT); Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH); David Glasgow (DG)

Agenda

• Approve January 17, 2023 notes

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Accomplishments

o Plans for member support

o Spring 2023 NOSB meeting logistics: oral comments, meeting start times, time blocks

• NOP news and update (JT/EH)

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS)

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food)

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR)

o National List Rules

o Nomination’s update

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Spring meeting timeline reminder (See below). Next steps to prep for meeting

o Travel reservations

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

 Work agenda request on SOE

o Crops (CS) (ADB)

o Handling (HS) (AJ for KS). Annotations 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD)

o Livestock (LS) (KH)

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• January 17, 2023 notes were accepted as written. 

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Accomplishments. The chair applauded the members for launching a new process for sunset 

reviews, and although the transition had some bumps, they were able to complete the 

documents in a timely manner for the Spring meeting. The Vice Chair provided a summary of the 

Handling Subcommittee discussion about a workflow strategy for the post- Spring NOSB 

meeting. The goal is to schedule all discussions and reviews far in advance to provide ample 

time for consideration. 
o Plans for member support. The Chair thanked members for the trust and support they show 

towards each other. The group discussed ideas for a memorial gift for a member, and several 

members offered to lead the various efforts.

o Spring 2023 NOSB meeting logistics: oral comments, meeting start times, time blocks. The NOSB 

has chosen to hold the public comments for the Spring meeting virtually the week before the 

meeting, and not at the NOSB meeting. 

o The meeting start time will either be 9 or 10 ET, which would still be a little early for the West 

Coast attendees given that we are live-casting it. 

o Time blocks. The Spring agenda is fairly light and there should be a lot of time in the schedule for 

good discussion. The NOSB will have 2 items on which to vote.

• NOP news and update (JT/EH)

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). The NOP held a webinar this afternoon to summarize 

the rule, and reached the limit of 1000 people. The slides and recordings will eventually be 

posted in the Organic Integrity Learning Center. The NOP emphasized the importance of reading

the rule, and to urge everyone in the supply chain get certified ASAP. The implementation date 

is March 2024. Members asked several questions about SOE in relation to acreage reporting, 

imports, export prices, and supply chain issues, specifically with regard to organic soybeans.

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS). The final rule is in development and there is a 

lot of interest from the community.

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food). The rule is in early development. 

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The public comments indicate that the 

industry has about 70% consensus around the issue, and there is a clear path forward. NOP will 

provide an update at the Spring 2023 meeting and will likely send the NOSB a work agenda 

request. 

o National List Rules. The Nitrogen Rule is in development, and the community indicated that they 

see this as a higher priority than the Marketing Rule. 

o Nomination’s update. The two new members should be announced soon. The group discussed 

the structure of the NOSB and the challenges for small farmers, as well as others. Members 

discussed potential solutions, and the Chair challenged members to think about recruitment 

practices. 

o The NOP response to the Fall 2022 meeting recommendations is in clearance and will be sent to 

the NOSB soon. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Spring meeting timeline reminder (See below). The NOP mentioned some next steps to prep for 

Spring meeting.

o Travel reservations. The NOSB will be able to make flight arrangements soon. 

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS has three documents for the 

Spring meeting: The Organic IS climate smart proposal, and two discussion documents, one on 

Crop insurance and one on acreage reporting. There are two other documents on the CACS work 

agenda for the Fall 2023 meeting. The CACS is also discussing a potential work agenda request 

regarding SOE. 

o Crops (CS) (ADB). The Crops Subcommittee held a meeting today and talked about planning for 

the upcoming year. They talked about sunset review process and scheduled discussion dates. 

o Handling (HS) (AJ). The HS didn’t hold a call today. The Subcommittee has several items on their 

work agenda, including a potential project on annotations, and for the Spring meeting will 

discuss one proposal on resins, and about 19 sunset reviews. 
o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT). The Materials Chair commended the members for their 

work on the Research Priorities, Excluded Methods TBD list, and the TR template update. All 

three documents will come to the Spring meeting as discussion documents. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD). The PDS did not meet this month as they are not working on any 

documents for the Spring meeting. They intend on convening over the Spring and summer to 

work on updates to the Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM).

o Livestock (LS) (KH). The Livestock Subcommittee completed their sunset documents and have a 

fairly light agenda. A couple of the sunsets may solicit robust feedback. The LS also updated

some of its Research Priorities and hope to solicit community feedback at the Spring meeting. 

• Additional Items. None. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

January 17, 2023

February 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

April 17, 2023 (Monday)

May 16, 2023

June 20, 2023

July 18, 2023

August 15, 2023

September 18, 2023

October 17, 2023

November 21, 2023

December 19, 2023

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones

Spring 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to 

meeting)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Feb 14, 2023 (actual date) 10 

New NOSB member training Mar 28 - 29, 2023 3

NOP - Draft Spring 2023 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 3, 2023 11

NOSB - Spring 2023 proposals due to NOP Feb 14, 2023 10 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2023 7.5

Public comment closes Apr 5, 2023 3.5

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2023 3

Public comment webinars Apr 18 & 20, 2023 1 
Spring 2023 NOSB meeting - Atlanta, GA Apr 25 - 27, 2023 0

Final recommendations due May 25, 2023 4 weeks post 

meeting
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.

 

Executive Committee (EC) Meeting Notes and

Summary of National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Subcommittee Activities

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 4:00 pm ET

Present: Nate Powell-Palm (NPP), NOSB Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), NOSB Vice Chair; Kim Huseman (KH), 

Livestock Chair; Amy Bruch (ADB), NOSB Secretary & Crops & CACS Chair; Kyla Smith, HS Chair; Wood Turner 

(WT), Materials Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - PDS Chair; Brian Caldwell (BC) - Livestock Vice Chair; Rick Greenwood 

(RG) - Crops Chair

Absent: None

Staff: Jennifer Tucker (JT); Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Erin Healy (EH); David Glasgow (DG)

Agenda

• Approve December 20, 2022 notes

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Panels at NOSB meetings

o Oral comment at meeting

o NOSB membership update

• NOP news and update (JT/EH)

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE)

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS)

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food)

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). Comments closed December 31, 2022

o National List Rules

o Nomination’s update

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Spring meeting timeline reminder (See below)

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Livestock (LS) (KH)

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB)

o Crops (CS) (RG/ADB)

o Handling (HS) (KS). Annotations 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT)

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD)

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• December 20, 2022 notes were accepted as written

• Chairs Report (NPP)

o Panels at NOSB meetings. The group discussed hosting panels, which they haven’t done in a few 

years. There are several considerations, such as topics, logistics (virtual or in-person), panelist

invitations, travel expenses, administrative staff support time, and other factors. The Chair will 

follow up with the NOP about ideas as they move forward. 

o Oral comment at meeting. The NOSB Chair asked for feedback about the format of the NOSB 

meeting regarding both the hybrid format and oral comment. Members discussed the merits of 

hearing oral comments both before and during the meeting, versus hearing them the week 

before the meeting. 
o NOSB membership update. The Chair announced that one of the NOSB members resigned her 

seat due to work-load on her farm. She was applauded for making the difficult but gracious 

decision. 

o Members discussed non-participation by members, and the NOSB process for addressing this as 

noted in the Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM). The Executive team members offered 

feedback, and may add some additional guidance to the PPM about expectations and workload. 

• NOP news and update (JT/EH)

o Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). Office of Management and Budget finalized its 

review of SOE, and it will be on public display at the Federal Register one day before it publishes. 

o Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) Final Rule. Rulemaking is in progress.

o The Marketing Rule (Proposed Rule) (mushrooms, pet food). Proposed rule is in development. 

o Inerts Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The NOP received 386 comments during 

the comment period, which closed December 31, 2022. NOP is analyzing comments. 

o National List Rules. The rule addressing ammonia (stripped and concentrated) and nitrogen 

fertilizers is in development, and NOP will consult with the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) as it proceeds. 

o The Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA) training is next week in New Orleans. The NOP will 

attend, and will be delivering multiple training sessions. 

o Updates on court cases. The USDA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and/or Department of Justice

(DOJ) posts information about cases, depending on who initiates the action and what type of 

enforcement action it is. 

o Nomination’s update. The nomination package is in clearance. With the recent resignation of an 

NOSB member, the Secretary will choose two new NOSB members instead of one. 

• Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) update (MA)

o Spring meeting timeline reminder (See below). The Board members discussed using the time 

immediately after an NOSB meeting to complete documents for the next meeting. A member 

added that to balance the workload, it would be helpful to view the work agenda on a year-long

basis, rather than semester to semester. 

• Subcommittee Reports/Updates (5 minutes each)

o Livestock (LS) (KH). The Subcommittee is short members at the moment. The LS spent today’s 

call discussing research priorities and will complete sunset reviews on the next call. 

o Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification (CACS) (ADB). The CACS has several large projects and 

is making good progress. Will have 4 or 5 documents for the Spring 2023 meeting. The Chair 

noted that the CACS doesn’t typically have research priorities given the nature of the list. 

o Crops (CS) (RG/ADB). Rick Greenwood, who is completing his term on the NOSB, thanked the 

new Crops Chair as they transition. Crops completed several sunsets, but will add an additional 

call to complete the remainder of the documents before the deadline. 

o Handling (HS) (KS). Handling has completed most if not all of its sunset reviews, and has a couple 

of other projects and a petition to work on. Currently there are three pending TRs. 

o Materials/GMO ad hoc (MS/GMO) (WT). The MS Chair thanked everyone for their work on the 

Research Priorities, and noted a possible role for “other” Subcommittees like CACS. Currently 

the bulk of research priorities are from Crops, Livestock, and Handling. Subcommittees are 

asked to provide their lists to the MS by January 20, so the MS can finalize the document for the 

spring meeting. The MS is working on two other projects; the TBD list for Excluded Methods, 

and a revision of the TR templates. 

o Policy Development (PDS) (JD). The PDS didn’t meet this month, but has a couple of projects on 

its work agenda to update the PPM and talk about exit interviews. 

• Additional Items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous ES Notes

Future call schedule (3rd Tuesday 4:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

December 20, 2022

January 17, 2023

February 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

April 17, 2023 (Monday)

NOSB Work Agenda

Milestones

Spring 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to 

meeting)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Jan 23, 2023

New NOSB member training Mar 28 - 29, 2023

NOP - Draft Spring 2023 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 3, 2023

NOSB - Spring 2023 proposals due to NOP Feb 14, 2023 10 weeks

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2023 7.5

Public comment closes Apr 5, 2023 3.5

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2023 3

Public comment webinars Apr 18 & 20, 2023 1 week

Spring 2023 NOSB meeting - Atlanta, GA Apr 25 - 27, 2023

Final recommendations due May 25, 2023