Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official 

National Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday December 18, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Eric Schwartz (ES); Jesse

Buie (JB); Asa Bradman (AB); Sue Baird (SB); Dan Seitz (DS) - observer

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

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

Agenda

• Potassium hypochlorite - assign lead, confirm discussion date of Feb 5. Petition sufficiency and TR 

request is due Feb. 25

• Schedule AITC discussion and petition vote

• 2021 Sunsets: Oils, horticultural (Narrow range oils) (SE) - discuss

• 2021 Sunsets: Ash from manure burning (HB)

• Strengthening Organic seed guidance (HB). Discuss comments from Fall 2018 meeting.

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Notes. The CS Chair suggested additional language for the December 4 notes, and the notes were 

modified.

• Potassium hypochlorite. AB volunteered to lead the review of this material and will discuss it in 

February

• AITC. JB will lead the review. Discussion was scheduled for February 5.

• 2021 Sunsets: Oils, horticultural (Narrow range oils) (SE). The lead summarized the substance and 

the group discussed the persistence/breakdown. Horticultural oils are considered benign and are

used during the dormant stage. The TR was not found sufficient and the Crops Subcommittee will 

ask some additional questions of the contractor. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Ash from manure burning (HB). Deferred to next call.

• Strengthening Organic seed guidance (HB). Members discussed comments from the Fall 2018 

meeting regarding sourcing seed, and planting stock. The 2018 proposal was reposted in the open 

docket for additional comment, and the CS will modify the proposal based on comments and bring 

it to the Spring meeting for discussion and vote. The group discussed such things as language in the 

NOP handbook guidance document (5029), which discusses planting stock, but does not address 

bare root versus potted stock. The lead will continue to draft the document and the CS will discuss

it again on next call. 

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

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

December 4, 2018
Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - TR sufficiency

Paper pots (HB) - discuss need for TR

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (JB) - discuss

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - discuss draft disc doc

December 18, 2018

2021 Sunsets: Oils, horticultural (Narrow range oils) (SE) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Ash from manure burning (HB)

Strengthening Organic seed guidance (HB). Discuss comments from Fall 2018 meeting. 

Potassium hypochlorite - assign lead and confirm discussion date of Feb 5 for petition sufficiency 

and TR request

Schedule AITC discussion

January 15, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Ash from manure burning (HB)

2021 Sunsets: Ferric phosphate (DM)

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029)

Calcium Acetate (SE) - discuss draft proposal

January 29, 2019

Paper pots (HB) - discuss proposal

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - discuss proposals

February 5, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Soaps, ammonium (RG)

2021 Sunsets: Sodium fluoaluminate (DS)

AITC (JB) - discussion and vote

February 19, 2019

Potassium hypochlorite (AB) - petition sufficiency and TR request

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen chloride (AB)

March 5, 2019

March 19, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 18, 2019

July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019
Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactDoc type Notes Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition (2016)

205.601

Petition Addendum #1

JB Proposal Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18. Petition 

addendum sent to CS 07 25 18.

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report 

(2014) (PDF)

11 20

02 05 19

Spr 2019

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

Petition Addendum #1 

Petition Addendum #2

Petition Addendum #3

DM/

EO

Proposal Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR 

requested 11 21 17. TR expected in July 

2018. TR sent to CS 07 30 18. Response 

due 09 28 18. Crops sent additional 

questions to TR contractor. Revised TRs 

sent to CS 10 16 18. Response due 12 15 

18. TR found sufficient 12 04 18.

12 04

01 29 19

Spr 2019

Ammonium Glycinate

205.601

Petition Addendum #1

Petition Addendum #2 

Petition Addendum #3

DM/

EO

Proposal Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR 

requested 11 21 17. TR expected in July 

2018. TR sent to CS 07 30 18. Response 

due 09 28 18. Crops sent additional 

questions to TR contractor. Revised TRs 

sent to CS 10 16 18. Response due 12 15 

18. TR found sufficient 12 04 18.

12 04

01 29 19

Spr 2019

Calcium Acetate SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 01 20 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 03 17 17. Petition 

found suff 02 06 18. CS requested TR with 

specific questions 02 06 18. TR expected 

in Sep 2018. TR sent to CS 10 10 18. 

Response due 12 09 18. TR found 

sufficient 12 04 18.

12 04

01 15 19

Spr 2019

Paper pots HB Proposal Petition sent to CS 08 14 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10 13 18. Petition 

found sufficient 09 04 18. 

2017 TR Newspaper

11 20

12 04

01 29 19

Spr 2019
Potassium 

hypochlorite

Proposal Petition sent to CS 12 10 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 02 25 19.

02 19 19

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Target 

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion

doc

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 09 13 

18. TR requested 12 14 18.

12 04 Spr 2019

Biodegradable 

Biobased mulch

annotation change

HB/

AB

Proposal Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 

02 16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff 

due 02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

On hold pending further research. NOP 

sent response to CS about adding this to 

work agenda. Waiting for details from 

NOP.

TBD Spr 2019

Strengthen and clarify 

the requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

01 15 19 TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2019
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) RG Y 1996 TAP

Technical Evaluation Report (2015)

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early January 2019

02 05 19 “

Oils, horticultural 

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due Nov 

30. TR was sent to HS 12 06 18. 

Sufficiency due 02 04 19. CS sent 

additional Q’s to contractor.

12 18 “

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) DM N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

01 15 19 “

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 19 “

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

01 15 19 “

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) DS N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 19 “

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

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018
NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official 

National Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday December 4, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Eric Schwartz (ES); Dave 

Mortensen (DM); Jesse Buie (JB); Asa Bradman (AB);

Absent: Sue Baird (SB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Clarissa Mathews (CM)

Agenda

• Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency

• Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - TR sufficiency

• Paper pots (HB) - discuss need for TR

• 2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (JB) - discuss

• Liquid fish annotation (EO) - discuss draft disc doc

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Calcium Acetate (SB). The Crops Subcommittee found the TR for calcium acetate sufficient.

• Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM). The lead reviewers determined that the TR 

addressed the additional questions and clarified the use of chelates and chelating agents, and the 

Subcommittee will proceed with its review. The Crops Subcommittee scheduled a discussion for the 

end of January. 

• Paper pots (HB). The group discussed the need for a TR for paper pots (or paper products), or if the 

2017 TR for newspaper is adequate. The NOP suggested other options: a TR on generalized paper 

products or adhesives, or a Limited Scope TR. Members noted that the impact of the use of these 

products seems insignificant, and will proceed with review without contracting a TR. 

• 2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (JB). The lead summarized the substance’s uses and previous 

sunset reviews. Hydrogen peroxide was initially approved for use by EPA in 1977. It is deemed 

compatible with a system of organic agriculture and has no human health impacts. 

• Liquid fish annotation (EO). The lead sent the members the work agenda request for liquid fish 

products , which has background about why the NOSB would like to add it to the work agenda. The 

members discussed previous public comments and questions they would like answered. The group 

determined that the best path forward would be to request a TR with questions similar to the ones 

in the work agenda request submitted to the NOP on this topic. There was additional discussion 

about when pH should be tested in liquid fish materials. The Subcommittee will follow up with the 

Exec team on the next call to determine how the NOP would like the CS to respond to this question. 

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET, except where noted)
November 20, 2018

2021 Sunsets - Discuss/vote 

Pheromones (SE)

Potassium bicarbonate (EO)

Magnesium sulfate (EO)

AITC (JB) - Discuss proposal

Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - TR sufficiency

December 4, 2018

Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - TR sufficiency

Paper pots (HB) - discuss need for TR

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (JB) - discuss

Liquid fish annotation (EO) - discuss draft disc doc

December 18, 2018

2021 Sunsets: Oils, horticultural (Narrow range oils) (SE) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Ash from manure burning (HB)

Strengthening Organic seed guidance (HB). Discuss comments from Fall 2018 meeting. 

Potassium hypochlorite - assign lead and confirm discussion date of Feb 5 for petition sufficiency 

and TR request

Schedule AITC discussion

January 15, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Ferric phosphate (DM)

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029)

Calcium Acetate (SE) - discuss draft proposal

January 29, 2019

Paper pots (HB) - discuss proposal

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - discuss proposals

February 5, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Soaps, ammonium (RG)

2021 Sunsets: Sodium fluoaluminate (DS)

Potassium hypochlorite - petition sufficiency and TR request

February 19, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen chloride (AB)

March 5, 2019

March 19, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 18, 2019

July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019
December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactDoc type Notes Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition (2016)

205.601

Petition Addendum #1

JB Proposal Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18. Petition 

addendum sent to CS 07 25 18.

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report 

(2014) (PDF)

11 20 Spr 2019

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

Petition Addendum #1 

Petition Addendum #2

Petition Addendum #3

DM/

EO

Proposal Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR 

requested 11 21 17. TR expected in July 

2018. TR sent to CS 07 30 18. Response 

due 09 28 18. Crops sent additional 

questions to TR contractor. Revised TRs 

sent to CS 10 16 18. Response due 12 15 

18. TR found sufficient 12 04 18.

12 04

01 29

Spr 2019

Ammonium Glycinate

205.601

Petition Addendum #1

Petition Addendum #2 

Petition Addendum #3

DM/

EO

Proposal Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR 

requested 11 21 17. TR expected in July 

2018. TR sent to CS 07 30 18. Response 

due 09 28 18. Crops sent additional 

questions to TR contractor. Revised TRs 

sent to CS 10 16 18. Response due 12 15 

18. TR found sufficient 12 04 18.

12 04

01 29

Spr 2019

Calcium Acetate SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 01 20 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 03 17 17. Petition 

found suff 02 06 18. CS requested TR with 

specific questions 02 06 18. TR expected 

in Sep 2018. TR sent to CS 10 10 18. 

Response due 12 09 18. TR found 

sufficient 12 04 18.

12 04

01 15

Spr 2019
Paper pots HB Proposal Petition sent to CS 08 14 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10 13 18. Petition 

found sufficient 09 04 18. 

2017 TR Newspaper

11 20

12 04

01 29 19

Spr 2019

Potassium 

hypochlorite

Proposal Petition sent to CS 12 10 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 02 25 19.

TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Target 

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion

doc

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 09 13 

18

12 04 Spr 2019

Biodegradable 

Biobased mulch

annotation change

HB/

AB

Proposal Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 

02 16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff 

due 02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

On hold pending further research. NOP 

sent response to CS about adding this to 

work agenda. Waiting for details from 

NOP.

TBD Spr 2019

Strengthen and clarify 

the requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

01 15 TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2019
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) RG Y 1996 TAP

Technical Evaluation Report (2015)

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

02 05 “

Oils, horticultural 

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due Nov 

30

12 18 “

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) DM N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

01 15 “

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 “

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 “

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) DS N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 “

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

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018

NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019
Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official 

National Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday November 20, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Eric Schwartz (ES); Dave 

Mortensen (DM); Sue Baird (SB); Jesse Buie (JB); Asa Bradman (AB); Rick Greenwood - observer; Dan Seitz 

(DS) - observer

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP); Clarissa Mathews (CM)

Agenda

• Assign discussion dates to 2021 sunsets reviews

• 2021 Sunsets - Discuss/vote

o Pheromones (SE)

o Potassium bicarbonate (EO)

o Magnesium sulfate (EO)

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

• Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency

• Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - TR sufficiency

• Paper pot petition

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Assign discussion dates to 2021 sunsets reviews. See table and call schedule below.

• Two new NOSB members will be joining the Crops Subcommittee, and one will be rotating off, so 

the group reassigned the review of several substances.

• 2021 Sunsets - Discuss/vote

o Pheromones (SE). The lead summarized the substance, and the group discussed potential 

questions for the Spring review.

o Potassium bicarbonate (EO). The lead summarized the substance and the last review. 

Potassium bicarbonate is used for pest disease control on many crops. The supplemental 

TR included information about alternatives. The previous NOSB determined that this 

material was essential, and it was renewed. 

o Magnesium sulfate (EO). The lead summarized this substance, which is used as a soil 

amendment. The previous review included questions about availability and alternatives and 

the lead will include the same questions for this posting. 

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB). The proposal for AITC was returned to the Subcommittee for 

additional work at the Fall 2018 NOSB meeting. The petitioner provided feedback about the 

technical report in a petition addendum, and the Crops Subcommittee discussed this at length.

Members also discussed use of AITC in nursery stock. The CS Chair will discuss this further with the 

lead reviewer and determine how to move forward. The Subcommittee also discussed adding this 

topic to the NOSB research priorities. 

• Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency deferred to next call due to lack of time
• Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM). TR sufficiency deferred to next call due to 

lack of time

• Paper pot petition. The CS briefly discussed the need for a TR, and will discuss this further on a 

future call. 

• Other items. A member offered advice to the new members about how to conduct and write a

sunset review. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

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

November 6, 2018

Paper pots (HB) - Discuss questions for TR

Biodegradable Biobased Mulch annotation change

November 20, 2018

2021 Sunsets - Discuss/vote 

Pheromones (SE)

Potassium bicarbonate (EO)

Magnesium sulfate (EO)

AITC (JB) - Discuss proposal

Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - TR sufficiency

December 4, 2018

Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - TR sufficiency

Paper pots - discuss need for TR

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen peroxide (JB) - discuss

Liquid fish annotation (EO) – discuss draft disc doc

December 18, 2018

2021 Sunsets: Oils, horticultural (Narrow range oils) (SE) - discuss

2021 Sunsets: Ash from manure burning (HB)

Strengthening Organic seed guidance. Discuss comments from Fall 2018 meeting. 

January 15, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Ferric phosphate (DM)

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029)Calcium Acetate (SB) -

discuss draft proposal

January 29, 2019

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - discuss proposals

February 5, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Soaps, ammonium (RG)

2021 Sunsets: Sodium fluoaluminate (DS)

February 19, 2019

2021 Sunsets: Hydrogen chloride (AB)

March 5, 2019

March 19, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019
June 18, 2019

July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019

November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactDoc type Notes Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition (2016)

205.601

Petition Addendum #1

JB Proposal Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18. Petition 

addendum sent to CS 07 25 18.

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report 

(2014) (PDF)

11 20 Spr 2019

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

Petition Addendum #1 

Petition Addendum #2

Petition Addendum #3

DM/

EO

Proposal Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR

requested 11 21 17. TR expected in July 

2018. TR sent to CS 07 30 18. Response 

due 09 28 18. Crops sent additional 

questions to TR contractor. Revised TRs 

sent to CS 10 16 18. Response due 12 15 

18.

12 04 

01 29

Spr 2019
Ammonium Glycinate

205.601

Petition Addendum #1

Petition Addendum #2 

Petition Addendum #3

DM/

EO

Proposal Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR 

requested 11 21 17. TR expected in July 

2018. TR sent to CS 07 30 18. Response 

due 09 28 18. Crops sent additional 

questions to TR contractor. Revised TRs 

sent to CS 10 16 18. Response due 12 15 

18.

12 04

01 29

Spr 2019

Calcium Acetate SE Proposal Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 01 17 17. Petition 

found suff 02 06 18. CS requested TR with 

specific questions 02 06 18. TR expected 

in Sep 2018. TR sent to CS 10 10 18. 

Response due 12 09 18

12 04

01 15

Spr 2019

Paper pots HB Proposal Petition sent to CS 08 14 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10 13 18. Petition 

found sufficient 09 04 18. 

11 20

12 04

Spr 2019

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Target 

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion

doc

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 09 13 

18

12 04 Spr 2019

Biodegradable 

Biobased mulch

annotation change

HB/

AB

Proposal Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 

02 16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff 

due 02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

On hold pending further research. NOP 

sent response to CS about adding this to 

work agenda. Waiting for details from 

NOP

Spr 2019

Strengthen and clarify 

the requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

01 15 TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2019
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 04 Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) RG Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

02 05 “

Oils, horticultural 

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due Nov 

30

12 18 “

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) DM N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

01 15 “

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

02 19 “

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

12 18 “

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) DS N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

02 05 “

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

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018

NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019
Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official 

National Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday November 6, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Eric Schwartz (ES); Dave 

Mortensen (DM); Sue Baird (SB); Jesse Buie (JB); Asa Bradman (AB)

Absent:

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

Agenda

• Review final recommendations/cover sheet responsibilities (SE)

• Debrief from St. Paul (all)

• AITC petition

• Assign meeting dates and leads for 2021 sunsets and proposals for spring meeting. We already 

assigned leads but need to adjust them since Dave does not have any and we have since added Eric 

to the committee

• Biodegradable biobased mulch annotation change

• Paper pots (HB) - discuss questions for TR

• Ammonium citrate/ammonium glycinate TR review (most likely will be rolled over to the next call, 

but something we need to be thinking about)

• Reschedule Jan. 1 (New Years Day) call to Jan. 22 or 29.

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Review final recommendations/cover sheet responsibilities (SE). Members will complete their 

coversheets and add any additional justification or comments from the fall meeting.

• Debrief from St. Paul (all). 

o Organic seed guidance. Comments were varied, and the lead would like to review them in 

depth before moving forward.

o AITC petition. Sent back to Subcommittee for additional work

o Members were encouraged and enthusiastic that the NOP decided to extend the use of 

paper pots while the Crops Subcommittee/NOSB undertakes its review on the petition. The 

NOSB was able to make the case that there is a grey area on the National List that warrants 

further review. 

• Assign meeting dates and leads for 2021 sunsets and proposals for spring meeting. The CS made

some assignments and deferred the remainder to the next call. Additionally, the Crops 

Subcommittee has a new member who does not currently have any assignments. 

• Biodegradable biobased mulch annotation change. Members discussed the work agenda request. 

The NOP verbally approved the continued work on this topic, and the CS will wait for the detailed 

written request before moving forward with the review.

• Paper pots (HB). Members discussed how to move forward with the review for paper pots. The 

group discussed other similar listings such as newspaper, the adhesives used on paper pots, as well 

as the need and usefulness of a technical report (TR), noting that they already received a limited 
scope TR. One member championed the idea of reviewing this as a production aid. Another 

member compared the disparity between the depth at which the NOSB is considering paper pots 

with that of hydroponic systems, emphasizing that paper pots are relatively innocuous. The CS will 

broaden the scope and consider the topic of paper for use in organic agriculture, and not just paper 

pots. The lead will resend the background information about adhesives and cardboard and will 

draft some language for a proposal without requesting a TR. 

• Ammonium citrate/ammonium glycinate TR review. Deferred to next call due to time constraints. 

• Other items. Crops will reschedule the January 1 call to January 29

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

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

October 16, 2018 - cancelled for the public comment webinar

November 6, 2018

Paper pots (HB) - Discuss questions for TR

Biodegradable Biobased Mulch annotation change

November 20, 2018

2021 Sunsets - Discuss/vote 

Pheromones (SE)

Potassium bicarbonate (EO)

Magnesium sulfate (EO)

AITC (JB) - Discuss proposal

Calcium Acetate (SB) - TR sufficiency

Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate (EO/DM) - TR sufficiency

December 4, 2018

2021 Sunsets (SE). Discuss/vote. 

Oils, horticultural (Narrow range oils) (SE)

December 18, 2018

Strengthening Organic seed guidance. Discuss comments from fall 2018 meeting. 

January 15, 2019

January 29, 2019

February 5, 2019

February 19, 2019

March 5, 2019

March 19, 2019

April 2, 2019

April 16, 2019 - No call. Public comment webinar

May 7, 2019

May 21, 2019

June 4, 2019

June 18, 2019

July 2, 2019

July 16, 2019

August 6, 2019 

August 20, 2019

September 3, 2019 

September 17, 2019

October 1, 2019 

October 15, 2019
November 5, 2019 

November 19, 2019

December 3, 2019 

December 17, 2019

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactDoc type Notes Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition (2016)

205.601

JB Proposal Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report 

(2014) (PDF)

11 20 Spr 2019

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

Petition Addendum #1 

Petition Addendum #2

Petition Addendum #3

EO/

DM

Proposal Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR

requested 11 21 17. TR sent to CS 07 30 

18. Response due 09 28 18. Crops sent 

additional questions to TR contractor. 

Revised TRs sent to CS 10 16 18. 

Response due 12 15 18.

11 20 Spr 2019

Ammonium Glycinate

205.601

Petition Addendum #1

Petition Addendum #2 

Petition Addendum #3

EO/

DM

Proposal Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR 

requested 11 21 17. TR sent to CS 07 30 

18. Response due 09 28 18. Crops sent 

additional questions to TR contractor. 

Revised TRs sent to CS 10 16 18. 

Response due 12 15 18.

11 20 Spr 2019

Calcium Acetate SB Proposal Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 01 17 17. Petition 

found suff 02 06 18. CS requested TR with 

specific questions 02 06 18. TR expected 

in Sep 2018. TR sent to CS 10 10 18. 

Response due 12 09 18

11 20 Spr 2019

Paper pots HB Proposal Petition sent to CS 08 14 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10 13 18. Petition 

found sufficient 09 04 18. 

Spr 2019
Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Target 

meeting

Liquid fish annotation EO Discussion

doc

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 09 13 

18

Spr 2019

Biodegradable 

Biobased mulch

annotation change

HB/

AB

Proposal Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 

02 16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff 

due 02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

On hold pending further research. NOP 

sent response to CS about adding this to 

work agenda.

Spr 2019

Strengthen and clarify 

the requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

12 18 TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2019
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Oils, horticultural 

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due Nov 

30

12 4 or 

12 18

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

11 20 “

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

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

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 2, 2018

NOSB – Spring 2019 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2019

NOP - Draft Spring 2019 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 4, 2019

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019
Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Apr 13, 2019

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 8, 2019

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or 

removal from the National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB 

recommendations. Proposals must be voted on by the full Board, to become recommendations to the USDA. Please see 

the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, and status of substances used in organic production and handling.

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday October 2, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Eric Schwartz (ES); Dave 

Mortensen (DM); Sue Baird (SB)

Absent: Jesse Buie (JB); Asa Bradman (AB)

Staff: Jenny Tucker (JT); Paul Lewis (PL); Michelle Arsenault (MA); Clarissa Mathews (CM)

Agenda

• Paper pots (HB) - Discuss questions for TR

• Review public comments

• Review Subcommittee lead assignments for fall meeting presentations (All)

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Paper pots (HB). NOP joined the call to discuss the NOP’s position on paper pots, and similar 

listings. The NOP has decided to not extend the allowance for the use of paper pots for another 

growing season while the NOSB completes its review of the pending petition. The question about 

the use of paper pots arose from a disagreement between certifiers: some were approving its use, 

and some were not. The NOP investigated the discrepancy, and determined that the approval for 

use was incorrect and should not be allowed. Members discussed the disparity between the 

allowance of newspaper and paper pots. Fatty alcohols is another example of a substance review 

that would set a precedent for allowance. Members offered perspectives from various segments of 

the organic community. The NOP will discuss this at the Fall 2018 meeting, so the public is aware of 

the NOP’s decision. A member asked about the possibility of providing better communication with 

the public regarding the decision, since it involves small growers who do not necessarily participate 

or even know about the NOSB and the Board’s process. The group discussed the process for review. 

The CS will discuss possible TR questions for paper pots on next call. 

• Review public comments. Members discussed the presentation of substances at the meeting. 

• Review Subcommittee lead assignments for fall meeting presentations (All). The CS Chair will 

send the list to the Subcommittee members so everyone is aware of who is presenting what.

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

September 18, 2018

AITC petition addendum - discussion

MS proposals (HB) - discuss

Paper pots (HB) - Discuss resolution

October 2, 2018

Paper pots (HB) - Discuss questions for TR

Review public comments

Review Subcommittee lead assignments for fall meeting presentations (All)
October 16, 2018 - cancelled for the public comment webinar

November 6, 2018

Paper pots (HB) - Discuss questions for TR

Biodegradable Biobased Mulch annotation change

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactDoc type Notes Discussed,

Voted

Target 

meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Proposal Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report 

(2014) (PDF)

Mar 6

Jul 17

Sep 18

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Proposal Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition 

was found sufficient 10 04 16. CS 

requested a TR 10 04 16. TR in 

development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 

06 17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS 

sent additional questions to TR contractor

12 11 17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found 

sufficient 02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Proposal Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS 

requested TR 11 01 16. TR in 

development. Expected October 2017. TR 

sent to CS 11 3 17. Response due 01 12 

18. TR found sufficient 12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR

requested 11 21 17. TR expected in July 

Nov 21

Aug 7

Sep 4

Fall 2018
Petition Addendum 

#1 

Petition Addendum 

#2

Petition Addendum 

#3

2018. TR sent to CS 07 30 18. Response 

due 09 28 18.

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition Addendum 

#2 

Petition Addendum 

#3

EO/DM Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR 

requested 11 21 17. TR expected in July 

2018. TR sent to CS 07 30 18. Response 

due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Sep 4

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SB Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 01 17 17. Petition 

found suff 02 06 18. CS requested TR with 

specific questions 02 06 18. TR expected 

in Sep 2018.

Feb 6

Aug 21

Fall 2018

Paper pots HB Petition 

discussion

doc

Petition sent to CS 08 14 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10 13 18. Petition 

found sufficient 09 04 18. 

Aug 21

Sep 4

Sep 18

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Target 

meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Discussion

doc

Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 09 13 

18

Jun 6

Sep 21

Spr 2019

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Discussion 

doc

Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 

02 16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff 

due 02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

On hold pending further research.

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 17

Aug 21

Fall 2018

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

* Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed *Highlight indicates review completion
2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Aug 7

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Aug 7

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Aug 21

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Aug 21

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“
Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jul 3

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Aug 7

“

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Target 

meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Oils, horticultural 

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)
NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 9, 2018

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday September 18, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Eric Schwartz (ES); Jesse 

Buie (JB); Asa Bradman (AB); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: Sue Baird (SB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Clarissa Mathews (CM)

Agenda

• AITC petition addendum - discussion

• Paper pots (HB) - petition discussion

• Review MS doc: Genetic Integrity Transparency of Seed Grown on Organic Land (HB). 

• Review MS doc: Excluded Methods Determinations (HB).

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• AITC petition addendum. A petition addendum was submitted to the NOP after the Subcommittee 

voted on the proposal. The CS has considered the content of the addendum in light of their 

proposal and vote, and will acknowledge its receipt at the Fall NOSB meeting. 

• Review MS doc: Excluded Methods Determinations (HB). The MS Chair summarized the proposal 

on excluded methods for the benefit of the Crops Subcommittee and members who may not be on 

the Materials Subcommittee. 

• Review MS doc: Genetic Integrity Transparency of Seed Grown on Organic Land (HB). The MS 

Chair summarized the proposal on the genetic integrity of seed for the benefit of the Crops 

Subcommittee and members who may not be on the Materials Subcommittee. The proposal 

requests the testing of field corn as a pilot program for producers to track the contamination risk 

through sampling, testing, and documentation. In previous iterations of this topic, the Board 

explored the idea of setting tolerance levels, which was not feasible. The proposal doesn’t include 

specific direction to NOP about how to collect data or what form this should take. i.e. instructions 

to certifiers or guidance. It is conducive to instruction because it would be added to an organic 

system plan, and therefore would not necessitate rulemaking. A member cautioned the 

Subcommittee members about two potential issues: It may uncover contamination issues that may 

be larger than anticipated and may result in the perception that the testing and sampling protocol

is being applied unevenly. For example, he noted that split operations are less likely to buy organic 

seed, which may inadvertently be seen as a punishment to organic growers. 

• Paper pots (HB). The Chair relayed some background information and feedback from NOP about 

the use of adhesives in paper pots, and whether they could or should be allowed on the National 

List of allowed and prohibited substances. The NOSB is awaiting some additional information about 

whether the same adhesives used in paper pots are also used in newspaper, which is allowed for 

organic use. Crops will discuss questions to include in the TR request on the October 2 call. 

• Other items. 

o Liquid fish annotation. The request to add the work agenda item on the liquid fish 

annotation was approved by NOP Sept 13. Added below. 

o Sucrose octanoate esters. SOEs no longer have EPA registration which means they would 

no longer be allowed for use in organic. Members will discuss this as part of the sunset 

review at the Fall NOSB meeting.
• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

September 4, 2018

AITC petition addendum - discussion

September 18, 2018

AITC petition addendum - discussion

MS proposals (HB) - discuss

Paper pots (HB) - Discuss resolution

October 2, 2018

Paper pots (HB) - Discuss questions for TR

Review public comments

Review Subcommittee lead assignments for fall meeting presentations (All)

October 16, 2018 - cancelled for the public comment webinar

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jul 17

Sep 18

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018
Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018. TR sent 

to CS 07 30 18. Response due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Sep 4

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018. TR sent 

to CS 07 30 18. Response due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Sep 4

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SE SB? Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18. TR expected in Sep

2018.

Feb 6

Aug 21

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Paper pots HB Petition sent to CS 08 14 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10 13 18. Petition 

found sufficient 09 04 18. 

Aug 21

Sep 4

Sep 18

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Disc doc Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 09 13 

18

Jun 6

Sep 18

TBD

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

TBD

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. On 

hold Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD
Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 17

Aug 21

Fall 2018

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Aug 7

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Aug 7

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Aug 21

“
Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Aug 21

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jul 3

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Aug 7

“
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Oils, horticultural 

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 9, 2018

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018
NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday September 4, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Dave Mortensen (DM); Asa 

Bradman (AB) 

Absent: Eric Schwartz (ES); Jesse Buie (JB); Sue Baird (SB)

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

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jul 17

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018. TR sent 

to CS 07 30 18. Response due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Sep 4

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018
Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018. TR sent 

to CS 07 30 18. Response due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Sep 4

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SE SB? Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18. TR expected in July 

2018

Feb 6

Aug 21

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Paper pots HB Petition sent to CS 08 14 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10 13 18. Petition 

found sufficient 09 04 18. 

Aug 21

Sep 4

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Disc doc Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 

xx/xx/xx

Jun 6 TBD

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

TBD

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. On 

hold Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD
Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 17

Aug 21

Fall 2018

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Aug 7

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Aug 7

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Aug 21

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jul 3

“
Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Aug 21

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jul 3

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Aug 7

“

Agenda

• Paper pots (HB) - petition discussion

• Ammonium glycinate and ammonium citrate (EO, DM) - TR sufficiency review 

• AITC petition addendum - discussion

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Paper pots (HB). The CS deemed the petition sufficient and the group discussed potential questions 

if they choose to request a TR. Paper pots contain synthetic adhesives that are not allowed. The 

NOP and CS discussed the scope of a TR or limited scope TR. The NOP will send the TR template, so 

the CS can develop some questions for a limited scope TR. The members also discussed the timeline 

given that this is a discussion document and will not be voted on this fall. The extension the NOP 

granted for the use of paper pots will expire soon, and since the Board won’t be voting on it, they 

considered writing a resolution indicating that the removal of the material could create a hardship 

for small growers. EO will draft some language and circulate it to the group for the next call. 

• Ammonium glycinate and ammonium citrate (EO, DM). The lead summarized the use of these

materials based on the petition and technical report. Based on the petitioners most recent email 

communication the CS would like to modify the questions to the TR contractor to explore potential 

inaccuracies on the National List about chelates. Members discussed the need for efficacy data. The 

TR was not found sufficient at this time, and the CS will send further questions to the NOP for the 

TR contractor. 

• AITC petition addendum. Deferred to next call.

• Other items. The Materials Subcommittee (MS) Chair asked that the Crops Subcommittee discuss 

and read the MS proposals for the Fall meeting so the members can familiarize themselves with the 

topics.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

August 21, 2018
2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029)

September 4, 2018

AITC petition addendum - discussion

September 18, 2018

AITC petition addendum - discussion

MS proposals (HB) discuss with CS

Paper pots - Discuss resolution

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 9, 2018

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday August 21, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Jesse Buie (JB); Dave 

Mortensen (DM); Asa Bradman (AB); Eric Schwartz (ES)

Absent: Sue Baird (SB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Clarissa Mathews (CM)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jul 17

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018. TR sent 

to CS 07 30 18. Response due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018
Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018. TR sent 

to CS 07 30 18. Response due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SE SB? Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18. TR expected in July 

2018

Feb 6

Aug 21

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Paper pots HB Petition sent to CS 08 14 18. Petition 

suff/TR request due 10 13 18. 

Aug 21 Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Disc doc Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 

xx/xx/xx

Jun 6 TBD

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

TBD

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. On 

hold Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD
Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 17

Aug 21

Fall 2018

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Aug 7

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Aug 7

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Aug 21

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jul 3

“
Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Aug 21

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jul 3

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Aug 7

“

Agenda

• 2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

• Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) 

• Paper pots (HB) - petition discussion

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• 2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM). The lead summarized the uses of the substance, 

noting its two listings. Some concerns and questions were not addressed during previous reviews. 

Members discussed alternatives and the addition of some questions to elicit feedback about 

efficacy and need. DM will reach out to a certifying agency who indicated their clients are using it, 

to glean more feedback.

Motion to remove aqueous potassium silicate at §205.601(e)

Motion by: DM

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: None

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

Motion to remove aqueous potassium silicate at §205.601(i)

Motion by: DM

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 
• 2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM). The lead summarized the uses of hydrated lime for disease 

management, which is used in coordination with copper. He also noted that it is widely used, the 

need is very high, and there is a robust set of efficacy data. A member noted that field worker 

exposure from use of lime is a concern, but in this instance, the lime is not applied in dust form, so 

exposure is reduced. Feedback was universally positive that hydrated lime is essential.

Motion to remove hydrated lime at §205.601(i)(4)

Motion by: DM

Seconded by: JB

Additional discussion: 

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

• 2020 Sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB). The lead summarized the uses of sulfur as well as previous 

comments, noting that it is the most heavily used pesticide in US, both in conventional and organic

ag. There was a recently updated TR that included more in-depth info regarding health effects on 

farm workers. The new TR did not alter the position that this material should be renewed. 

Motion to remove elemental sulfur at §205.601(e)(5), 205.601(i)(10), and 205.601(j)(2)

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2020 Sunset: Liquid fish products (AB). The lead summarized the uses and manufacture of liquid 

fish products noting that the CS will be looking at the use of wild caught fish as fertilizer in a 

separate project. The substance has minimal environmental impact as long as it is used 

appropriately. Historically there has been strong support for liquid fish products.

Motion to remove liquid fish products at §205.601(j)

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: JB

Additional discussion: None

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

• Calcium Acetate - Petition discussion document (SE for SB). The CS Chair wrote and shared a 

document for the group to discuss. 

Motion to accept the discussion document on calcium acetate

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: ES

Additional discussion: None

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

• Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) (HB). The lead 

summarized the discussion document, noting some of the changes since the last discussion.

Members discussed the clarity and structure of the document, noting that this could be a model for 

future documents. A member asked about “improvement” vs ”due diligence”, and how that would 

be documented.

Motion to accept the discussion document to strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of 

organic seed (NOP 5029) 

Motion by: HB
Seconded by: DM

Additional discussion: None

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

• Paper pots (HB). The CS Chair summarized the status of the petition, and explained why the 

discussion document was added to the Fall agenda very recently. The petition for paper pots was 

not received in time for the NOSB to complete its review before its Fall meeting, and to allow the 

community to weigh in on the need for this material, the CS decided to develop a discussion 

document while it completes its review. The extension granted by the NOP on the use of paper pots 

is about to expire, and if no longer allowed could have negative effects on farmers. The CS may

request a TR. The NOP emphasized the need to review the generic material and not a specific 

product. The CS also discussed putting forth a resolution at the meeting, asking that the NOP grant 

an extension for the use of paper pots until the NOSB can complete its review. The CS will discuss 

potential questions for the TR during a later call. AB will send some modifications to the questions 

to HB for inclusion, who will then send them on to the Crops Chair.

Motion to accept the discussion document on paper pots 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: JB

Additional discussion: None

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

Other items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

August 7, 2018

2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Ammonium Citrate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

Ammonium Glycinate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss

August 21, 2018

2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029)

September 4, 2018

AITC petition addendum - discussion

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)
NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 9, 2018

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18. Due 

Early Nov

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday August 7, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Jesse Buie (JB); Dave 

Mortensen (DM); Asa Bradman (AB); Eric Schwartz (ES)

Absent: Sue Baird (SB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Clarissa Mathews (CM)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jul 17

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018. TR sent 

to CS 07 30 18. Response due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018
Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018. TR sent 

to CS 07 30 18. Response due 09 28 18.

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18. TR expected in July 

2018

Feb 6

Aug 21

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Disc doc Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 

xx/xx/xx

Jun 6 TBD

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

TBD

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. On 

hold Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 17

Aug 21

Fall 2018
Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Aug 7

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Aug 7

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Aug 21

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Aug 21

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“
Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jul 3

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Aug 7

“

Agenda

• 2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Ammonium Citrate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

• Ammonium Glycinate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss

• Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• 2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol, Isopropanol (JB). The lead briefly summarized the two alcohols 

and the group proceeded to a vote. 

Motion to remove alcohols: ethanol at §205.601

Motion by: JB

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: none

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

Motion to remove alcohols: Isopropanol at §205.601 

Motion by: JB

Seconded by: EO 

Additional discussion: none

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

• 2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB). The lead summarized the uses of plastic mulch, and 

noted support from stakeholders for its relisting. 

Motion to remove plastic mulch and covers at §205.601(b)

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: DM

Additional discussion: none

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

• 2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB). On 205.602 (prohibited), with an annotation. The lead 

summarized the uses of the material, as well as previous public comment. Commenters suggested 

that the NOSB review all dust suppressants. 
Motion to remove potassium chloride at §205.602(e)

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: none

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

• Ammonium Citrate, Ammonium Glycinate (EO/DM). Petition discussion document. The two 

petitions were discussed together, as they are nearly identical except for the specific materials. The 

lead summarized the history of the review, noting that it was petitioned in 2016. The members 

reviewed the TR, which was received recently, and will send additional questions to the TR 

contractor regarding chelating agents as a whole. The CS will further discuss these materials and 

the TRs on a later call, after the TR contractor responds. The CS plans to post a discussion document 

to elicit comments from the public prior to completing its review. A member added that it would 

be helpful to seek efficacy data. 

Motion to accept the petition discussion documents on ammonium citrate and ammonium 

glycinate

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: DM 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document. Deferred to next call.

• 2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM). Deferred to next call.

• 2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM). Deferred to next call.

• Other items.

o Liquid fish annotation work agenda item. Will discuss on next call. 

o Paper pots petition. NOP received a revised petition for paper pots and is currently 

reviewing it for completeness. In the interest of not disrupting the industry, and because 

many farmers view paper pots as essential, the NOSB would like to express a need for an 

extension until the review can be completed. 

o A member suggested the NOP contract a limited scope TR to provide an update on 

biodegradable plastic mulch testing results. 

o HB asked the Crops members to review the seed document and send any comments to her 

prior to the next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

July 17, 2018 (no Asa)

Research priorities (All) - discuss and finalize list.

2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) (HB) - discuss

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

August 7, 2018

2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote
2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Ammonium Citrate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

Ammonium Glycinate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss

August 21, 2018

2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029)

September 4, 2018

AITC petition addendum - discussion

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment TBD

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday July 17, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Sue Baird (SB); Jesse Buie 

(JB); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB); Eric Schwartz (ES)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Clarissa Mathews (CM); Devon Pattillo (DP)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jul 17

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018
Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18. TR expected in August

2018

Feb 6

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Disc doc Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 

xx/xx/xx

Jun 6 TBD

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

TBD

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. On 

hold Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 17

Aug 7

Fall 2018
Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Aug 7

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Aug 7

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Aug 7

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Aug 7

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“
Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jul 3

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Aug 7

“

Agenda

• Research priorities (All). 

• 2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) (HB) - discuss

• Research priorities (All) - Discuss and finalize list

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Research priorities (All). Members discussed the current list and whether to remove any priorities. The 

lead will refine some of the language for the current items.

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB). The lead summarized the petition and the Subcommittee proceeded to 

a vote. The Subcommittee indicated in its review that this substance fails to satisfy the OFPA criteria

Motion to classify allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) as synthetic

Motion by: JB

Seconded by: HB 

Additional discussion: none

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

Motion to add allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) at §205.601

Motion by: JB

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: none

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

• Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) (HB). The group discussed 

and modified some language in the draft discussion document. The lead will make the changes and the 

CS will vote on the next call. 

• 2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM). The group discussed the review and added some 

questions for public comment. The CS deferred the vote to the next call, so members could re-review 

previous public comment. 
• 2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM). Deferred to next call. 

• 2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB). Deferred to next call.

• 2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB). Deferred to next call.

• 2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB). Deferred to next call.

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

July 3, 2018

2020 Sunset: Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Ethylene (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) - discuss

Research priorities - discuss and finalize list.

July 17, 2018 (no Asa)

Research priorities (All) - discuss and finalize list.

2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) (HB) - discuss and vote

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

August 7, 2018

2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Ammonium Citrate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

Ammonium Glycinate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss

Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document - discuss

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) (HB) - Discuss and vote

August 21, 2018

2020 Sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment TBD

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018
New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Notes

 Tuesday July 3, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Sue Baird (SB); Jesse Buie 

(JB); Eric Schwartz (ES); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jul 17

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018
Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18. TR expected in July 

2018

Feb 6

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Disc doc Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 

xx/xx/xx

Jun 6 TBD

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

TBD

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. On 

hold Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD
Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 17 Fall 2018

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Jul 17

Summary:

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Jul 17

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Jul 17

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jul 3

“
Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Jul 17

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jul 3

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Jul 17

“

Agenda

• 2020 Sunset: Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

• 2020 Sunset: Ethylene (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Research priorities - discuss and finalize list.

• Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) - discuss

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Sucrose octanoate esters (SB). The lead summarized the uses, previous review history, and 

comments, and the Subcommittee moved to a vote.

Motion to remove sucrose octanoate esters at §205.601 

Motion by: SB

Seconded by: JB

Additional discussion: None 

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

• Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB). The lead summarized the uses, review history, and previous 

comments. Microcrystalline cheesewax was originally denied, and subsequently approved for 

addition to the list. A member noted that she has seen this material not biodegrade, and therefore 

she is going to vote to not relist. 

 Motion to remove microcrystalline cheesewax at §205.601 

Motion by: SB

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: None

 Yes: 2 No: 4 Abstain: 1 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0
• 2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM). Deferred to July 17

• 2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM). Deferred to July 17

• 2020 Sunset: Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (EO). The lead summarized the material and its 

uses. She reached out to a certifier to ask about current use, and was told it is not in wide use. A 

member asked about its use as a replacement for copper sulfate, and if its removal would increase 

the use of copper sulfate. 

Motion to remove sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate at §205.601 

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: JB

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 2 No: 5 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0

• 2020 Sunset: Ethylene (EO). The lead summarized the public comment, noting that growers of all 

scales were supportive of relisting. Commenters also noted that this product doesn’t really fit into 

any OFPA criteria. It has been on the list for a long time and is in wide use to make crops more 

viable for export. Member felt that removal would have economic impact. 

 Motion to remove ethylene at §205.601 

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

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

• Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029). Deferred to July 17 

call. 

• Research priorities (All). There are seven previous research priorities and three new suggestions. A 

member noted that there is language in the farm bill directing NIFA to take note of the NOSB 

research priorities. A member suggested two possible additions. One, a follow up from one of the 

import panelists regarding assessment of organic production capacity e.g. corn production, and a 

second on organic production and shipping methods and how those methods affect food quality. A 

member added mildew, especially in spinach crops in CA, as an issue. The lead will make 

modifications to the document as discussed on the call, including collapsing some of the individual 

items under a new category for diseases. 

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

June 19, 2018

2020 Sunset: Newspaper or other recycled paper (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

July 3, 2018

2020 Sunset: Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Ethylene (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote
2020 Sunset: Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) - discuss

Research priorities - discuss and finalize list.

July 17, 2018 (no Asa)

2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) (HB) - discuss

Research priorities (All) - discuss and finalize list.

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

August 7, 2018

Ammonium Citrate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

Ammonium Glycinate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss

Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

August 21, 2018

2020 Sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment TBD

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday June 19, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Asa Bradman (AB); Sue 

Baird (SB); Jesse Buie (JB); Eric Schwartz (ES)

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jul 17

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018
Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18. TR expected in July 

2018

Feb 6

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Disc doc Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 

xx/xx/xx

Jun 6 Fall 2018

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Fall 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. On 

hold Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD
Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029)

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 3 TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Jul 17

Summary:

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Jul 17

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Jul 3

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jul 3

“
Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Jul 3

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jul 3

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Jul 17

“

Agenda

• Research priorities (RPs) - schedule for discussion

• Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Sodium Citrate (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

• 2020 sunsets:

o Newspaper or other recycled paper (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote)

o Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

o Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

o Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

o Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Research priorities (RPs). The lead/liaison summarized the process for the research priorities and

offered to circulate last year’s RPs so the members can determine which ones to keep, and which to 

add. She also asked that the CS schedule a time to discuss them.

• Natamycin (HB). The lead summarized the material’s uses and the group discussed classification. 

EPA encompasses a broader definition and considers natamycin an antibiotic. The petitioner is 

asking for use as a post-harvest handling product, however, members are concerned that if the 

NOSB classifies natamycin as non-synthetic (based on the materials’ classification guidance) it could 

be used for other purposes beyond what it is being petitioned for. The CS is also concerned about 

the crossover between the use of natamycin for human health and its use on crops. Therefore the 

Subcommittee is proposing to list it at 205.602 - prohibited. The lead will add some clarifying 

language to the proposal regarding the previous review and classification. 

Motion to classify natamycin as non-synthetic 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 1 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 
Motion to add natamycin to §205.602 - nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in 

organic crop production

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: Members further discussed post-harvest handling use. The lead 

recommended the group reread the TR before the meeting. 

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

• Sodium Citrate (HB). The lead summarized the uses of the material, noting that review of a subinput is not typical. Sodium Citrate is used as an anticoagulant in blood meal. The lead will make 

some minor edits based on comments by CS members. 

 

Motion to classify sodium citrate as synthetic 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: 

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

Motion to add sodium citrate at §205.601 with the following annotation: for use as 

anticoagulant for use in blood meal

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: None

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

• 2020 sunset: Newspaper or other recycled paper (HB). The lead summarized the review for the 

group and the CS moved to a vote. 

Motion to remove newspaper or other recycled paper at §205.601(b) and (c)

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: AB

Additional discussion: None

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

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

June 5, 2018

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss proposal and vote

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

2020 Sunsets:

Lime sulfur (SE) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sulfurous Acid (SE) - Discuss proposal and vote

June 19, 2018

2020 Sunset: Newspaper or other recycled paper (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote
2020 Sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

July 3, 2018

2020 Sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Ethylene (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) - discuss

Research priorities - discuss and finalize list.

July 17, 2018 (no Asa)

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

August 7, 2018

Ammonium Citrate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

Ammonium Glycinate (EO/DM) - Petition discussion document - discuss

Calcium Acetate (SB) - Petition discussion document - discuss 

August 21, 2018

2020 Sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

2020 Sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment TBD

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday June 5, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Asa Bradman (AB); Sue 

Baird (SB)

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

Guest Speaker: Meg McGrath, Cornell University Plant Pathology

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Paul Lewis

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 19

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Jun 19

Fall 2018
Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17. TR expected in July 2018

Nov 21

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18. TR expected in July 

2018

Feb 6

Aug 7

Petition 

discussion

Fall 2018

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

Liquid fish 

annotation

EO Disc doc Approved by ES for addition to work 

agenda 05 18 18. Approved by NOP 

xx/xx/xx

Jun 6 Fall 2018

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Fall 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. On 

hold Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD Fall 2018

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD
Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029) -

di

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 3 TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Jul 17

Summary:

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Jul 17

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Jun 19

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jun 19

“

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Jun 19

“
Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jun 19

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Jul 17

“

Agenda

• Guest speaker: Meg McGrath, Cornell University Plant Pathology.

• Discuss new full board petition process

• Liquid fish annotation work agenda discussion

• Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss proposal and vote 

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote?

• 2020 Sunsets:

o Lime sulfur (SE) - Discuss proposal and vote

o Sulfurous Acid (SE) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Other items

• Adjourn 

Discussion

• Guest speaker: Meg McGrath, of Cornell University Plant Pathology, joined the call to talk about 

how the NOSB can collaborate with IR-4, which is a program that registers pesticides for specialty 

crops. Dr. McGrath mentioned that she is increasingly working with organic and is interested in 

filling in some gaps in data, and independent data sets. The Crops Chair suggested that the NOSB 

research priorities would be the best vehicle to use to engage with the IR-4. Meg referred the group 

to an online searchable database called Plant Disease Management Reports. MA will check with the 

AgLibrary for access. Meg also offered to be a resource for future inquiries and offered to connect 

the NOSB to colleagues in other states. 

• Preliminary petition discussion document. The NOSB spoke about the new process on the last ES 

call. The goal is to post a petition discussion document prior to posting a proposal, to give the full 

Board an opportunity to engage with the petition earlier, so members can provide feedback. This 

will also allow the Board to glean public comment and feedback to use while crafting a proposal. 

The NOSB will pilot this with petitions that are currently awaiting TRs. A member suggested a 

format in the form of a 1-2 page summary, with a general overview and a couple of questions for 

the public. 

• Liquid fish annotation work agenda discussion. This work agenda item to prohibit the use of wild 

caught fish for fertilizer was approved verbally by NOP. The CS is currently working on questions for 

a TR. However, the group discussed posting a 1-page discussion document with questions for public 

feedback before requesting a TR. A member asked that the Subcommittee define some terms more 

clearly, such as “native” and what constitutes wild caught. The Chair will refine the request and 

send it to NOP for written approval. 
• Natamycin (HB). The group discussed the proposal to add natamycin to 205.602 as part of the 

petition review, and the NOP agreed that they do not need to request a separate work agenda item 

to do so. HB will draft the proposal, and further discuss this with NOP to determine what 

implications it could have for Livestock. 

• Sodium Citrate (HB). The lead summarized the material and the group discussed this category of 

crop inputs/processing aids. The petition does not indicated or suggest a specific section on 

205.601, and the group would like to ask the NOP for advice. Additionally, they questioned whether 

or not it would complicate the review for blood meal. HB will draft the proposal and the group will 

discuss it on the next call. 

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Deferred to next call

• 2020 Sunsets:

o Lime sulfur (SE). The lead summarized the substances use, indicating that it is in wide use.

The CS moved to a vote. 

Motion to remove lime sulfur 

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: EO 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 5 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

o Sulfurous Acid (SE). Public commenters were supportive of relisting. The lead noted that 

sulfurous acid is a critical component for use on slightly alkaline soils. The CS moved to a 

vote. 

Motion to remove sulfurous acid

Motion by: SE

Seconded by: HB 

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 0 No: 5 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0

• Other items.

o Sulfur annotation. The group discussed a previous idea of restricting sulfur dust, but some 

have since changed their mind based on public comment. It was clear from comments that 

there are many growers using it out of necessity because of limited water supply. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

May 15, 2018

2021 sunsets - Determine need for TRs

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss proposal and vote

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

June 5, 2018

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss proposal and vote

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

2020 Sunsets:

Lime sulfur (SE) - Discuss proposal and vote
Sulfurous Acid (SE) - Discuss proposal and vote

June 19, 2018

2020 Sunsets:

Newspaper or other recycled paper (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote)

Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

July 3, 2018

2020 Sunsets:

Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

Ethylene (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) - discuss

July 17, 2018 (no Asa)

2020 Sunsets:

Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

August 7, 2018

Ammonium Citrate (EO/DM) Petition discussion document - discuss 

Ammonium Glycinate (EO/DM) Petition discussion document - discuss

Calcium Acetate (SB) Petition discussion document - discuss 

August 21, 2018

2020 Sunsets:

Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 18, 2018

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday May 15, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Dave Mortensen (DM); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Sue Baird (SB)

Absent: Jesse Buie (JB)

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

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016)

205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6

Jun 5

Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Jun 5 

Fall 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Jun 5

Fall 2018
Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18.

Feb 6 TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Fall 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD Fall 2018

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029) 

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Jul 3 TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018
* Yellow highlight indicates Subcommittee action needed *Highlight indicates review completion

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6

Jul 17

Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5

Jul 3

“

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5

Jun 19

“

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Jul 17

“

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

Jun 19

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018. TR addendum sent to CS 

4 20 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

Aug 21

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19

Jun 19

“

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2,

Jun 19

“

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, 

Aug 21

“

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19

Jun 5

“

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19

Jul 3

“
Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

Jun 19

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16

Jul 17

“

Agenda

• Spring meeting follow up

o Liquid fish pH questions

o Paper pots

o Potassium sulfate?

• Determine list of TR’s for Sunset 2021 materials

• Assign dates to discuss/vote on fall sunset materials

• Determine direction to go with strengthening seed standards

• Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

• Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss proposal and vote 

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Spring meeting follow up

o Liquid fish pH questions. The NOP indicated that it has enough information from the Spring 

NOSB meeting review to move forward. The CS is exploring the need for an annotation to 

limit the use of fish exclusively harvested for fertilizers. In order to do this the CS may need 

to request a TR. 

o Paper pots. The group discussed the desire to clarify the use of paper pots. The NOSB 

anticipates that stakeholders will submit a petition and will follow up later this summer.

• Determine list of TR’s for Sunset 2021 materials. See table below for TR requests.

• Assign dates to discuss/vote on fall sunset materials. See table above.

• Determine direction to go with strengthening seed standards. The CS will begin the discussion on 

strengthening seed standards the July 3 call.

• Natamycin (HB). The CS discussed adding this to the work agenda to classify it as non-synthetic and 

put it on 205.602 (prohibited). The Chair will send a request to the Exec team for discussion on May 

18.

• Sodium Citrate (HB). Rescheduled for June 5

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB). Deferred to next call

• The CS Chair talked with NOP about collaborating with Margaret McGrath, a plant pathologist at 

Cornell University, who works with the IR-4 group. IR-4 is a USDA/NIFA funded resource for 

supplying pest management tools for specialty crop growers. The Crops Subcommittee will invite 

her to the June 5 call. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

May 1, 2018 - cancelled

May 15, 2018

2021 sunsets - Determine need for TRs
Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss proposal and vote

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

June 5, 2018

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss proposal and vote

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

2020 Sunsets:

Lime sulfur (SE) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sulfurous Acid (SE) - Discuss proposal and vote

June 19, 2018

2020 Sunsets:

Newspaper or other recycled paper (HB- Discuss proposal and vote)

Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss proposal and vote

July 3, 2018

2020 Sunsets:

Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

Ethylene (EO) - Discuss proposal and vote

Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) - discuss

July 17, 2018

2020 Sunsets:

Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Potassium chloride (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

2020 Sunsets:

Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss proposal and vote

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 18, 2018

NOSB Request for TRs for 2021 sunset materials Jun 6, 2018

NOP - Draft Fall 2018NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 9, 2018

NOSB - Fall 2018 proposals due to NOP Aug 23, 2018

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019 

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB N 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB Y 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE Y 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

CS Requested TR 05 15 18

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE N 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB N 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO N 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO N 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB N 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB N 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB N None

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

Fall 2018 NOSB meeting - St. Paul, MN Oct 24-26, 2018
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday April 3, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Dave Mortensen (DM);

Jesse Buie (JB)

Absent: Asa Bradman (AB); Sue Baird (SB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Polyoxin D Zinc salt

205.601

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition Addendum 

#2

JB Y Petition sent to CS 06 16 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 08 16 16. Petition 

found sufficient 08 16 16. Discuss need for 

Lmt’d scope TR. CS requested Lmt’d scope 

TR 10 04 16. TR sent to Subcommittee on 

12 19 17. Response due 02 20 18. TR found 

sufficient 02 20 18.

Feb 6, 

Feb 20

Spr 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016) 205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6 Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Apr 3

Fall 2018
Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Fall 2018

Sulfur (as a 

molluscicide) 

205.601

AB N Petition sent to CS 06 08 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 05 17. Petition 

found sufficient 09 19 17. No TR request.

Sep 19

Feb 20

Spr 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18.

Feb 6 TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Fall 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD Fall 2018
Marine materials 

(marine algae and 

extracts) on the 

National List

EO Disc doc NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. Referred back to CS at Spr 

2017 meeting. Moved to MS 03 16 18.

Aug 15, 

Dec 5

TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029) 

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

TBD TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5 “

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5 “

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, Jan 2 “

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

“
Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018.

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19 “

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2 “

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, “

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19 “

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16 “

Agenda

• Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss and vote

• Assign leads to 2021 sunsets

• Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Sodium Citrate (HB). HB forwarded an OMRI newsletter that had an article about sodium citrate 

and “excipients”. The group discussed the possibility of recommending that NOP publish guidance, 

or perhaps convene a task force. The CS requested additional information from the petitioner 

about the history of this material and why it is being petitioned for addition to the list. The lead will 

write a draft proposal and the group will discuss it on a future call. 

• Assign leads to 2021 sunsets. See table below

• Natamycin (HB). Under the new materials’ classification guidance, Natamycin is potentially 

classified as a natural. The CS will move forward with a classification motion, and if found to be a 

“natural” would not need to be added to the list. The CS is interested in submitting a petition to 

add Natamycin to 205.602, as a prohibited natural.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous CS Notes
Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

March 6, 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - TR sufficiency 

Sodium Citrate (HB) - Discuss proposal

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal

March 20, 2018 - cancelled call

April 3, 2018

Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss and vote

Assign leads to 2021 sunsets

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal

Discuss public comment

April 17, 2018 - NOSB public comment webinar

May 1, 2018 - cancelled

May 15, 2018

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal and vote

Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss proposal and vote

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

June 5, 2018

2021 sunsets - Determine need for TRs

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

JB 2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) SB 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) SB 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) EO 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) EO 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) AB 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) HB 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) HB None.

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday March 6, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: ); Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Harriet Behar (HB); Asa Bradman (AB); Dave

Mortensen (DM); Jesse Buie (JB)

Absent: Sue Baird (SB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Polyoxin D Zinc salt

205.601

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition Addendum 

#2

JB Y Petition sent to CS 06 16 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 08 16 16. Petition 

found sufficient 08 16 16. Discuss need for 

Lmt’d scope TR. CS requested Lmt’d scope 

TR 10 04 16. TR sent to Subcommittee on 

12 19 17. Response due 02 20 18. TR found 

sufficient 02 20 18.

Feb 6, 

Feb 20

Spr 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016) 205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18. TR found sufficient 03 06 18

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6 Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Mar 6

Fall 2018
Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5, 

Mar 3

Fall 2018

Sulfur (as a 

molluscicide) 

205.601

AB N Petition sent to CS 06 08 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 05 17. Petition 

found sufficient 09 19 17. No TR request.

Sep 19

Feb 20

Spr 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18.

Feb 6 TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB/J

M

Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Fall 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD Fall 2018
Marine materials 

(marine algae and 

extracts) on the 

National List

EO Disc doc NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. Referred back to CS at Spr 

2017 meeting. Moved to MS 03 16 18.

Aug 15, 

Dec 5

TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. TBD TBD

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029) 

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

TBD TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5 “

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5 “

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, Jan 2 “

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

“
Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor. TR final draft expected 

April 2018.

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19 “

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2 “

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, “

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19 “

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR found sufficient 02 20 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) HB N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16 “

Agenda

• Approve notes from February 20 call.

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - TR sufficiency 

• Sodium Citrate (HB) - Discuss proposal

• Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal

• Other items

o Marine materials update

o Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) update

• Assign leads to 2021 sunsets

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from February 20 were approved with a correction to the entry about marine materials.

• Potassium chloride was reassigned to HB.

• Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB). The Subcommittee had requested a limited scope TR with specific 

questions, and the CS found it sufficient. The lead will begin drafting a proposal and the group will

discuss it on a later call. 

• Sodium Citrate (HB). The lead will make some additional edits to the draft proposal based on 

feedback during the discussion, and bring it forth for a vote on a later call.
• Natamycin (HB). The group discussed classification and how to move forward with the proposal. 

The lead invited feedback. Several members will reach out to other members and stakeholders to 

for additional feedback, and discuss it during the next call. The NOP will provide feedback on the 

next call about the process, if the substance is classified as nonsynthetic. 

• Other items

o Marine materials update. The Crops and Handling proposals on marine materials will be 

combined and sent to the Materials Subcommittee for completion, and will be submitted 

as a proposal for the Fall NOSB meeting. The Crops version has been completed, and the 

lead will work on completing the Handling version and will send it to Materials. The 

Subcommittee asked NOP for options to post this document ahead of that meeting for 

public viewing and feedback. MA will ask if posting to the docket is still an option. 

o Strengthen and clarify the requirements for use of organic seed (NOP 5029) update.

Deferred.

• Assign leads to 2021 sunsets. Deferred to April 3 call.

• Other. The CS cancelled the March 20 call.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

February 20, 2018

2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - TR sufficiency 

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - Review petition addendum/TR sufficiency

Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB)

March 6, 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - TR sufficiency 

Sodium Citrate (HB) - Discuss proposal

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal

March 20, 2018 - cancelled call

April 3, 2018

Sodium Citrate (HB). Discuss and vote

Assign leads to 2021 sunsets

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal

Discuss public comment

April 17, 2018 - NOSB public comment webinar

May 1, 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - Discuss proposal

May 15, 2018

June 5, 2018

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018
2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

SE 1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) SE 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018
Lignin sulfonate 205.601(l) 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

(Removed from 205.601(l) as a 

floating agent: 82 FR 31241)

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) None.

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday February 20, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Sue Baird (SB); Harriet Behar (HB); Asa Bradman (AB); Jesse Buie 

(JB); Tom Chapman (TC) - observer

Absent: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Polyoxin D Zinc salt

205.601

Petition Addendum 

#1

Petition Addendum 

#2

JB Y Petition sent to CS 06 16 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 08 16 16. Petition 

found sufficient 08 16 16. Discuss need for 

Lmt’d scope TR. CS requested Lmt’d scope 

TR 10 04 16. TR sent to Subcommittee on 

12 19 17. Response due 02 20 18. TR found 

sufficient 02 20 18.

Feb 6, 

Feb 20

Spr 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016) 205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

Expected Feb/Mar 2018. Lmtd scope TR 

sent to CS 02 16 18. Response due 04 18 

18.

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6 Fall 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Fall 2018
Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5 Fall 2018

Sulfur (as a 

molluscicide) 

205.601

AB N Petition sent to CS 06 08 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 05 17. Petition 

found sufficient 09 19 17. No TR request.

Sep 19

Feb 20

Spr 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Calcium Acetate SB Y Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR with specific 

questions 02 06 18.

Feb 6 TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB/J

M

Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Fall 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD Fall 2018
Marine materials 

(marine algae and 

extracts) on the 

National List

EO Disc doc NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. Returned to CS at Spr 2017 

NOSB meeting. Referred back to CS at Spr 

2017 meeting

Aug 15, 

Dec 5

TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. Feb 20 TBD

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029) 

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5 “

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5 “

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, Jan 2 “

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

“
Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18. CS sent 

additional questions to the TR 

contractor.

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19 “

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2 “

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, “

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19 “

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR sufficiency due 03 13 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) JM N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16 “

Agenda

• Approve notes from February 6 call.

• 2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - TR sufficiency

• 2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - TR sufficiency 

• Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - Review petition addendum/TR sufficiency

• Discussion of marine materials (EO)

• Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB)

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from February 6 were approved by the Subcommittee.

• Update on work agenda for spring. The NOSB Chair updated the members about the work agenda, 

and which items will be presented at the spring 2018 meeting, and which will be deferred to the fall 

meeting and beyond. 

• 2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB). The CS Chair will communicate to the NOP that the 

Crops Subcommittee found the TR for Microcrystalline cheesewax sufficient. The lead will add an 

additional question about International Standards and resend the document to the NOP. 

• 2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB). The CS will send a couple of questions to the TR contractor for 

additional information.
• Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB). The Crops Chair will relay to the NOP that the Subcommittee reviewed the 

additional information that was provided by the petitioner, and found the TR for Polyoxin D Zinc 

salt sufficient. Several members will continue to work on the format of the proposal, based on the 

discussion. The CS will vote, and leave the vote open for absent members.

Motion to classify Polyoxin D Zinc salt as petitioned as (synthetic 

Motion by: JB

Seconded by: EO 

Additional discussion: none

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

Motion to add Polyoxin D Zinc salt as petitioned at §205.601 

Motion by: JB

Seconded by: SB 

Additional discussion: none

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

ABS note: Two absent members cast votes via email, and votes were recorded above. 

• Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB). Not discussed.

• Discussion of marine materials (EO). The Crops and Handling Subcommittees will combine the 

proposals on Marine materials, and send them to the Materials Subcommittee for further 

development. The Materials Subcommittee will bring the proposal to the Fall 2018 NOSB meeting.

• Sulfur (as a molluscicide) - petitioned. The CS moved to a vote on the proposal, as noted below.

Motion to add sulfur as petitioned at §205.601 

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: HB 

Additional discussion: Sulfur is already allowed for various uses, and the pelletized form, as 

petitioned here, is noted to be less likely to expose human as compared to dust form. 

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

February 6, 2018

2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss review

Calcium Acetate (SB) - petition sufficiency/TR request

2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur TR sufficiency (AB)

Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB)

February 20, 2018

2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - TR sufficiency 

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - Review petition addendum/TR sufficiency

Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB)

March 6, 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) (JB) - TR sufficiency 
Sodium Citrate (HB) - Discuss proposal

Natamycin (HB) - Discuss proposal

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

May 1, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 5, 2018

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

2021 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2018, Summary: Spr 2019, Review: Fall 2019

Substance National 

List §

ContactTR request?Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018
Hydrogen peroxide 205.601(a), 

205.601(i)

2015 Hydrogen Peroxide (Crops) 

2017 NOSB Recommendation

Summary: 

Spr 2019 

Review: 

Fall 2019

Soaps, ammonium 205.601(d) 1996 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Oils, horticultural

(Narrow range oils)

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

1995 TAP

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Pheromones 205.601(f) 2012 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ferric phosphate 205.601(h) 2012 TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Potassium 

bicarbonate

205.601(i) 2015 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Magnesium sulfate 205.601(j) 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Lignin sulfonate 205.601(l) 2011 TR

2017 NOSB Recommendation

(Removed from 205.601(l) as a 

floating agent: 82 FR 31241)

“

Hydrogen chloride 205.601(n) 2014 Lmtd Scope TR

2016 NOSB Recommendation

“

Ash from manure 

burning

205.602(a) 2016 sunset rec

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“

Sodium 

fluoaluminate

205.602(f) None.

2017 NOSB Recommendation

“
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday February 6, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Emily Oakley, Vice Chair (EO); Sue Baird (SB); Harriet Behar (HB); Asa 

Bradman (AB); Jesse Buie (JB); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: Joelle Mosso (JM)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Polyoxin D Zinc salt

205.601

JB Y Petition sent to CS 06 16 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 08 16 16. Petition 

found sufficient 08 16 16. Discuss need for 

Lmt’d scope TR. CS requested Lmt’d scope 

TR 10 04 16. TR sent to Subcommittee on 

12 19 17. Response due 02 20 18.

Feb 6, 

Feb 20

Spr 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016) 205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development. . 

Expected Feb/Mar 2018.

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Mar 6 Spr 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18. TR found sufficient 

02 06 18.

Sep 19, 

2017, 

Feb 6, 2018

Fall 2018
Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5 Spr 2018

Sulfur (as a 

molluscicide) 

205.601

AB N Petition sent to CS 06 08 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 05 17. Petition 

found sufficient 09 19 17. No TR request.

Sep 19

Jan 16

Spr 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Calcium Acetate

(CAS #62544)

SB Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17. Petition found suff 

02 06 18. CS requested TR 02 06 18.

Feb 6 TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB/J

M

Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Spr 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 TBD

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD Fall 2018
Marine materials 

(marine algae and 

extracts) on the 

National List

EO Disc doc NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. Returned to CS at Spr 2017 

NOSB meeting. Referred back to CS at Spr 

2017 meeting

Aug 15, 

Dec 5

TBD

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP Jan 2018. Feb 20 Summary 

of 

comments

Spr 2018

Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029) 

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

TBD TBD

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5 “

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5 “

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, Jan 2 “

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 20

“
Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19 “

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2 “

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16, “

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19 “

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR sufficiency due 03 13 18.

Dec 19, 

Feb 20

“

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) JM N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16 “

Agenda

• Approve notes from January 16 call.

• 2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

• Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency

• 2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss review

• Calcium Acetate (SB) - petition sufficiency/TR request

• 2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - TR sufficiency

• 2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur TR sufficiency (AB)

• Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB)

• Sodium Citrate (HB) 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from January 16, 2018 were approved by the Subcommittee.

• 2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol and Isopropanol (JB). The CS will submit the review to the NOP for 

the April 2018 meeting. 

• Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB). The HS will defer the TR sufficiency and discuss this again on the next call, 

as they are expecting an addendum with additional information. 

• 2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM). The lead will add additional questions, as discussed 

by the group, to the review document, and the CS will submit the review to the NOP for the April 

2018 meeting.

• Calcium Acetate (SB). The CS accepted the petition as sufficient and will send a request to NOP for 

a TR. The CS is also seeking feedback from NOP regarding Confidential Business information (CBI) 

mentioned in the petition, as well as verification that the review is for the stated uses only.

• 2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB). Deferred to the next call

• 2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur TR sufficiency (AB). Deferred to the next call

• Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB). Deferred to the next call
• Sodium Citrate (HB). The group discussed the substance and found the TR sufficient. The Chair will 

send the NOP confirmation of sufficiency. The CS will complete a proposal for the Fall 2018 

meeting.

• Other items. 

o The Crops proposal for marine materials is nearly complete, and the lead will contact NOP 

with an update on its status. The Chair will discuss this on the next Executive call. 

o The Field and Greenhouse Container Production document is being put on hold. The lead 

discussed re-scoping the project, and will discuss it on a future call. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

January 16, 2018

Calcium Acetate (SB) - petition sufficiency/TR request

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency

Sulfur (as a molluscicide) (AB) - Discuss proposal.

2020 sunset: Hydrated Lime (DM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (JM) - Discuss review 

Discussion of future options for container proposals

February 6, 2018

2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss review

Calcium Acetate (SB) - petition sufficiency/TR request

2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur TR sufficiency (AB)

Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB)

February 20, 2018

2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - TR sufficiency 

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - Review petition addendum/TR sufficiency

Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB)

March 6, 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) - TR sufficiency (JB) 

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

May 1, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 5, 2018

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018
November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday January 16, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Asa Bradman (AB); Dave Mortensen (DM); Harriet Behar (HB); Joelle Mosso 

(JM); Emily Oakley (EO); Sue Baird (SB)

Absent: Jesse Buie (JB); Francis Thicke (FT)

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

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Polyoxin D Zinc salt

205.601

JB Y Petition sent to CS 06 16 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 08 16 16. Petition 

found sufficient 08 16 16. Discuss need for 

Lmt’d scope TR. CS requested Lmt’d scope 

TR 10 04 16. TR sent to Subcommittee on 

12 19 17. Response due 02 20 18.

Feb 6 Spr 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016) 205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development. . 

Expected Feb/Mar 2018.

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Feb 6 Spr 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18

Sep 19, 

2017

Spr 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5 Spr 2018
Sulfur (as a 

molluscicide) 

205.601

AB N Petition sent to CS 06 08 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 05 17. Petition 

found sufficient 09 19 17. No TR request.

Sep 19

Jan 16

Spr 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Calcium Acetate SB Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17.

Feb 6 TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB/J

M

Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Spr 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 Spr 2018

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD Fall 2018

Marine materials 

(marine algae and 

extracts) on the 

National List

EO Disc doc NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. Returned to CS at Spr 2017 

NOSB meeting. Referred back to CS at Spr 

2017 meeting

Aug 15, 

Dec 5

Spr 2018

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD On hold as per NOP. Feb 6 Summary 

of 

comments

Spr 2018
Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029) 

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Spr 2018

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 NA Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Feb 6 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5 “

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5 “

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, Jan 2 “

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2, 

Feb 6

“

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

TR sent to CS 01 10 18. TR 

sufficiency due 03 12 18

Dec 19, 

Jan 2

Feb 6

“

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19 “

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2 “

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16 “

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19 “
Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19 “

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting. TR sent to CS 01 11 18. 

TR sufficiency due 03 13 18.

Dec 19 “

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) JM N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16 “

Agenda

• Approve notes from January 2 call.

• Calcium Acetate (SB) - petition sufficiency/TR request

• Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency

• Sulfur (as a molluscicide) (AB) - Discuss proposal.

• 2020 sunset: Hydrated Lime(DM) - Discuss review

• 2020 sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss review

• 2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

• 2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (JM) - Discuss review 

• Discussion of future options for hydroponics/container proposals

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from January 2, 2018 were approved with no changes.

• Calcium Acetate (SB). The discussion was deferred to the next call. A member asked a question 

regarding the petition, clarifying that the petition is not for blended products and is only for calcium 

acetate.

• Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency. Deferred to next call.

• Sulfur (as a molluscicide) (AB). The lead summarized the use of the material, noting that the 

toxicology of how it actually kills molluscs is not identified in the petition. The CS found the petition 

sufficient and the CS did not request a new TR as there are several other TRs available. The lead 

noted that because this petition is for pelletized sulfur, and therefore does not have human health 

issues that other forms of sulfur would. As for alternatives, there are manual and cultural methods. 

On balance the material is compliant with OFPA.

Sulfur is classified as synthetic 

Motion to add sulfur as petitioned at §205.601(h)

Motion by: AB

Seconded by: DM

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 7 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 
• 2020 sunset: Hydrated Lime (DM). The lead indicated that the last TR was comprehensive. 

Hydrated lime is used as a foliar application for plant disease suppression in fruit and vegetable

crops. The Subcommittee will forward the document for submission to the NOP.

• 2020 sunset: Liquid fish products (AB). The lead summarized the uses and production of liquid fish 

products, which are used as fertilizers and nutrients. There is a 1995 TAP and a 2006 TR. The group 

discussed human health issues, pH, and sustainability. The NOP suggested adding a reference in the 

review to the recent squid byproduct recommendation, which will be published tomorrow in the 

Federal Register as part of a proposed rule. 

• 2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB). Deferred to next call.

• 2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (JM). The lead summarized the use and manufacture of the 

material, based on information from the TR and the previous reviews. The lead noted that there 

were no concerning issues regarding this material. A member suggested the addition of a question 

about necessity and alternatives. 

• Discussion of future options for container proposals. Deferred to next call.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous CS Notes

Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

January 2, 2018

2020 sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Review/vote on proposal

2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss review (postponed from Dec 19th call)

2020 sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss review (postponed from Dec 19th call)

2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss review

January 16, 2018

Calcium Acetate (SB) - petition sufficiency/TR request

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency

Sulfur (as a molluscicide) (AB) - Discuss proposal.

2020 sunset: Hydrated Lime (DM) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (JM) - Discuss review 

Discussion of future options for container proposals

February 6, 2018

2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss review

Calcium Acetate (SB) - petition sufficiency/TR request

2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - TR sufficiency

2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur TR sufficiency (AB)

Discussion of future options for container proposals (HB)

February 20, 2018

March 6, 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) - TR sufficiency (JB) 

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

May 1, 2018

May 15, 2018
June 5, 2018

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018

NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018
Note: Subcommittee notes may include preliminary discussions regarding substances considered for addition to or removal from the 

National List. They do not represent official National Organic Program (NOP) policy or regulations. Please see the NOP website for 

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Crops Subcommittee (CS) Meeting Notes

 Tuesday January 2, 2018 2:00 pm ET 

Present: Steve Ela, Chair (SE); Asa Bradman (AB); Jesse Buie (JB); Dave Mortensen (DM); Harriet Behar (HB); 

Joelle Mosso (JM); Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Francis Thicke (FT); Emily Oakley (EO); Sue Baird (SB)

Staff: Devon Pattillo (DP); Lisa Brines (LB)

Work Agenda

Petitioned Substances

Substance ContactTR 

request?

Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Polyoxin D Zinc salt

205.601

JB Y Petition sent to CS 06 16 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 08 16 16. Petition 

found sufficient 08 16 16. Discuss need for 

Lmt’d scope TR. CS requested Lmt’d scope 

TR 10 04 16. TR sent to Subcommittee on 

12 19 17. Response due 02 20 18.

Feb 6, 2018 Spr 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate 

(AITC) Petition 

(2016) 205.601

JB Y Lmt’d 

scope

Petition sent to CS 07 06 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 06 16. Petition 

found suff 10 04 16. CS requested Lmt’d 

scope TR 10 04 16. TR in development. . 

Expected Feb/Mar 2018.

• AITC Petition (2013) (PDF)

• NOSB Subcommittee Proposal 

(2014) (PDF)

• Technical Evaluation Report (2014) 

(PDF)

Feb 6, 2018 Spr 2018

Sodium Citrate 

205.601

HB Y Petition sent to CS 07 27 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 27 16. Petition was 

found sufficient 10 04 16. CS requested a 

TR 10 04 16. TR in development.

TR - Handling, Citric acid and salts (2015). 

TR sent to CS 08 07 17. Response due 10 06 

17. Found TR insufficient 09 19 17. HS sent 

additional questions to TR contractor 12 11 

17. Revised TR sent to CS 12 20 17. 

Response due 02 19 18

Sep 19, 

2017

Spr 2018

Natamycin HB Y Petition sent to CS 09 09 16. Petition 

suff/TR request due 11 08 16. Petition 

found sufficient 11 01 16, and CS requested 

TR 11 01 16. TR in development. Expected 

October 2017. TR sent to CS 11 3 17. 

Response due 01 12 18. TR found sufficient 

12 5 17.

Dec 5 Spr 2018
Sulfur (as a 

molluscicide) 

205.601

AB N Petition sent to CS 06 08 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 09 05 17. Petition 

found sufficient 09 19 17. No TR request.

Sep 19

Jan 16

Spr 2018

Ammonium Citrate

205.601

EO/DM Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Ammonium 

Glycinate

205.601

EO/DM Y Petition sent to CS 10 25 17. Petition 

suff/TR request due 12 26 17. TR requested 

11 21 17.

Nov 21 TBD

Calcium Acetate SB Petition sent to CS 1 20 17. Petition suff/TR 

request due 01 17 17.

Jan 16 TBD

Other Topics

Project ContactDoc type Notes* Discussed/

Voted

Meeting

(Manure 

treatments)

Anaerobic 

Digestate - Food 

Waste

205.601(j) and 

other manure 

issues

EO/HB/J

M

Disc Doc Petition sent to CS 04 08 15. Questions or 

request for TR due 06 09 15. Petition found 

sufficient 06 02 15. TR rqst sent to NOP 10 

06 15. Petition withdrawn 10 14 15. CS 

moved project to “other topics” NOP sent 

memo to board 05 09 16 requesting 

review. TR request sent to NOP 07 05 16 

(see anaerobic digestate above). Waiting

for result of FDA’s risk assessment. 

Aug 1, 

Aug 15, 

2017

Spr 2018

Biodegradable 

Biobased Mulch

annotation change

HB/AB Disc Doc Limited scope TR request sent to NOP 08 02 

16. TR sent to CS on 12 28 16. TR Suff due 

02 27 17. CS found TR suff 01 03 17. 

Pending further research 

Aug 1, 2017 Spr 2018

Prohibition of NPEs 

in inerts -

annotation change/

EPA List 4 Inerts 

annotation change

HB/EO/

DM/AB

Disc 

Doc/Prop

IWG recommended NOSB work on NPEs/TR 

requested July 2014. 

DD - April 2016. 

EPA List 4 inerts disc doc (originated from 

2017 sunset review conducted in 2015). 

Pending EPA decision

TBD Fall 2018

Marine materials 

(marine algae and 

extracts) on the 

National List

EO Disc doc NOP approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR sent to 

HS 08 10 16. Returned to CS at Spr 2017 

NOSB meeting. Referred back to CS at Spr 

2017 meeting

Aug 15, 

Dec 5

Spr 2018

Field and 

Greenhouse 

Container 

Production

JB, HB, 

FT and 

EO

TBD Jan 2 Spr 2018
Strengthen and 

clarify the 

requirements for 

use of organic seed 

(NOP 5029) 

HB Proposal Originated in MS. Referred back to CS at 

Spr 2017 meeting. Referred back to CS at 

Fall 2017 meeting.

Spr 2018

Research Priorities All NA RPs due to MS Aug 2018 Fall 2018

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

2020 Sunsets 

TR Requests: July 2017, Summary: Spr 2018, Review: Fall 2018 

Substance Con

tact

TR 

requ

est?

Notes Scheduled, 

Discussed

Meeting

Alcohols: 

Ethanol 

Isopropanol 

205.601(a)(1)(i), 

205.601(a)(1)(ii)

JB N 1995 TAP; 2014 TR - Ethanol; 2014 

TR - Isopropanol

Jan 16 Summary: 

Spr 2018 

Review: 

Fall 2018

Sodium 

carbonate 

peroxyhydrate 

205.601(a) EO N 2006 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 5 “

Newspaper or 

other recycled 

paper

205.601(b) and 

(c)

HB N 2017 TR Dec 5 “

Plastic mulch and 

covers 

205.601(b) HB N 1995 TAP: TR for biodegradable 

mulch. Low priority

Dec 19, Jan 2 “

Aqueous 

potassium 

silicate 

205.601(e), 

205.601(i)

DM N 2014 TR Jan 2 “

Elemental sulfur 205.601(e)(5), 

205.601(i)(10), 

205.601(j)(2)

AB Y 1995 TAP; 2017 TR for Livestock. TR 

requested 07 28 17. In contracting.

Dec 19, Jan 2 “

Lime sulfur 205.601(e)(6), 

205.601(i)(6)

SE N 2014 TR Dec 19 “

Sucrose 

octanoate esters 

205.601(e)(10) SB N 2005 TR Dec 19 “

Hydrated lime 205.601(i)(4) DM N 1995 TAP; 2001 TAP; 2002 TR for 

Calcium Hydroxide

Jan 2 “

Liquid fish 

products 

205.601(j) AB N 1995 TAP; 2006 TR Jan 16 “

Sulfurous Acid 205.601(j) SE N 2010 TAP; 2014 TR Dec 19 “
Ethylene 205.601(k) EO N 2000 Supplemental TAP; 2007 TAP; 

2011 Supplemental TR

Dec 19 “

Microcrystalline 

cheesewax 

205.601(o) SB Y None. TR requested 07 28 17. In 

contracting.

Dec 19 “

Potassium 

chloride 

205.602(e) JM N 1995 TAP. Low priority Jan 16 “

Agenda

• 2020 sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) – Review/vote on proposal

• 2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss review (postponed from Dec 19th call)

• 2020 sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss review (postponed from Dec 19th call)

• Sulfur (as a molluscicide) - Review/vote on proposal

• 2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

• 2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss review

• 2020 sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss review

• 2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (JM) - Discuss review

• Discussion of future options for hydroponics/container proposals. (postponed from Dec 19th call)

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes from December 19, 2017 were approved without change.

• 2020 sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB). The lead discussed changes made to the document 

since the last call. The lead discussed differences between film type plastic covers and mesh 

type/woven plastic covers that are more resistant to breakdown. The lead described uses of these 

products in crop production systems and certifier interpretations of the requirement to remove at 

the end of the growing or harvest season. Members discussed questions for the document, 

including a question to solicit input on disposal methods. The lead will recirculate a revised draft. 

• 2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM). The lead summarized the uses of the substance

and the last review of the substance by the NOSB. The lead has prepared several questions to 

include in the document for the spring meeting. Members noted their support for the additional 

questions and offered refinements. 

• 2020 sunset: Hydrated lime (DM). The lead summarized the use of this listing of the substance on 

the National List for plant disease control. The lead will review information from the most recent 

sunset review and update the document. The subcommittee will discuss on the next call. 

• Sulfur (as a molluscicide). Discussion was postponed to the next call.

• 2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol, Isopropanol (JB). Discussion was postponed to the next call.

• 2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB). The lead discussed the substance, its uses, sources, and recent 

research. The lead noted the substance is widely used (according to CA pesticide use data) and 

adverse health impacts have been noted. The lead noted that wet and dry formulations of sulfur 

may have different risks. The NOP noted that a new technical report should be available in the 

coming weeks. The CS will revisit the document after review of the technical report. 

• 2020 sunset: Liquid fish products (AB). Discussion was postponed to the next call.

• 2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (JM). Discussion was postponed to the next call.

• Discussion of future options for hydroponics/container proposals. Discussion was postponed to 

the next call.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous CS Notes
Future Call Schedule (1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00 ET)

December 19, 2017

2020 sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Lime sulfur (SE) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Sulfurous Acid (SE) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Ethylene (EO) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Sucrose octanoate esters (SB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Microcrystalline cheesewax (SB) - Discuss review

January 2, 2018

2020 sunset: Plastic mulch and covers (HB) – Review/vote on proposal

2020 sunset: Aqueous potassium silicate (DM) - Discuss review (postponed from Dec 19th call)

2020 sunset: Hydrated lime (DM) - Discuss review (postponed from Dec 19th call)

2020 sunset: Elemental sulfur (AB) - Discuss review

January 16, 2018

Calcium Acetate (SB) - petition sufficiency/TR request

Polyoxin D Zinc salt (JB) - TR sufficiency

Sulfur (as a molluscicide).

2020 sunset: Liquid fish products (AB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Alcohols: Ethanol Isopropanol (JB) - Discuss review

2020 sunset: Potassium chloride (JM) - Discuss review 

Discussion of future options for hydroponics/container proposals

February 6, 2018

Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) - TR sufficiency (pending receipt of TR)

February 20, 2018

March 6, 2018

March 20, 2018

April 3, 2018

April 17, 2018

May 1, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 5, 2018

June 19, 2018

July 3, 2018

July 17, 2018

August 7, 2018

August 21, 2018

September 4, 2018

September 18, 2018

October 2, 2018

October 16, 2018

November 6, 2018

November 20, 2018

December 4, 2018

December 18, 2018

Spring 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

New NOSB member orientation TBD

NOSB - Spring 2018 proposals due to NOP Feb 21, 2018
NOP - Complete Spring 2018 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Mar 6, 2018

NOP - Post proposals, Open public comment Mar 6, 2018

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 9, 2018

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2018

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 9, 2018

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 13, 2018

Public comment webinar(s) Apr 17 & 19, 2018

Spring 2018 NOSB meeting – Tucson, AZ Apr 25-27, 2018