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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, January 12, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Tom Chapman (TC); Calvin Walker (CW); Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair 

(ZS); Colehour Bondera (CBo); Dan Seitz (DS) -– sitting in; Jennifer Taylor (JT), Jean Richardson (JR) -

sitting in

Absent: Tracy Favre (TF); Francis Thicke (FT)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Lisa Brines (LB); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

Fall 2016

May 2012 Framework Proposal

Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

ZS - HS

NA Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Proposal. On hold. Part of Seed 

Purity doc will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

NA Spr 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Proposal/Discussion Document Spr 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve December 8, 2015 notes

• OWG Update (BR)

• Excluded Methods Terminology (ZS)

• Adjourn
Discussion

• Notes of December 8, 2015 were approved with no changes.

• Organic Working Group update (BR). Request for applications for the 2016 for Agriculture 

Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and Organic Transitions Program grants were released. 

BR will send links to the Committee members to forward to the organic community. There will 

be a webinar in February for those who wish to apply. The AC 21 (Advisory Committee on 

Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture) will convene soon for the first time since ~2012. 

The AC21 was tasked with reviewing co-existence between non-GMO, organic, and bio 

technology. Its new focus will be to look at ways in which the USDA can elicit voluntary 

cooperation between biotech and organic farmers. 

• Materials update (LB).

o The 2018 sunset TRs will be available soon, likely in the next week or so. Some are 

currently in revision by the contractors. 

o The next monthly report will be sent January 26. 

o The TR for packaging materials is now in development and should be back in time for a 

fall review. 

• Excluded Methods Terminology (ZS). The lead summarized the draft document that was 

circulated to the Subcommittee and the group discussed it. The document was modified based 

on public comment received on the last draft. The intention is to bring two documents to the 

spring 2016 meeting: a proposal and a discussion document. The proposal, which is technically 

complex, will contain definitions of Genetic Engineering (GE), Genetically Modified Organism 

(GMO), Modern Biotechnology, Non-GMO, and Synthetic Biology; will address the principles and 

criteria that will be used in the evaluation of new technologies and terminologies; and seeks to 

adopt terminology regarding excluded methods. The discussion document seeks to further 

define terms, but due to the complexity and quickly changing science in this area, may require 

additional time and input from stakeholders. The MS also discussed the possibility of holding a

panel on emerging technologies at the spring 2016 NOSB meeting. The Executive Subcommittee 

approved the convening of this panel, and the MS members will discuss possible panel members 

on the next MS call. The lead reviewer noted that she will also be attending an NOP webinar on 

emerging technologies. A member offered to forward a couple reference documents included 

in the Excluded Methods Terminology proposal to the Subcommittee members for review on 

the February 9 call. 

• Seed purity document will be discussed on the February 9 call. 

• Departing NOSB member Calvin Walker emphasized the need to keep research grants and 

funding at the forefront of the conversation so we can keep Organic issues at the forefront. He 

also volunteered the availability of land in Louisiana for those interested in using it for organic 

research. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

December 8, 2015

January 12, 2016 

January 26, 2016 (Additional call - 4th Tuesday) - canceled
February 9, 2016

Discuss emerging technology panel

Excluded Methods proposal - discuss

Seed Purity discussion doc/proposal.

February 23, 2016 (Additional call - 4th Tuesday)

March 8, 2016 

April 12, 2016 

May 10, 2016 

June 14, 2016 

July 12 2016 

August 9, 2016 

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 04, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment webinars ??

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); Emily Oakley (EO); Dan 

Seitz (DS); Jean Richardson (JR) - sitting in

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Lisa Brines (LB); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

Fall 2016

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

ZS - HS

NA Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. On hold. Part of Seed 

Purity doc will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

02 09 16 Spr 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Proposal Spr 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve January 12, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Research Priorities - appoint lead person for 2016

• Seed Purity Discussion Document (ZS).
• Excluded Methods Proposal and Discussion (ZS). Edits and comments welcome

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of January 12 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR). 

o Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a public comment notice 

for its draft EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) on biotechnology regulations. This is 

the first step in a long process to amend its biotechnology regulations. A member noted 

two in-person public comment periods: one in Davis, CA and one in Dallas, TX. Two of 

the NOSB members will try to attend these.

o National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) published a request for applications for 

organic-specific grants. There is a webinar this Thursday (February 11), targeted towards 

those seeking to apply. 

o National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) published a new organic producer survey. 

The Organic Policy Advisor noted that these surveys help inform policies, crop 

insurance, etc., and asked the NOSB members reach out to their respective 

communities and urge them to complete the survey. 

• Materials and TR update (LB). A new Materials update was sent to the members last week. 

Since that time the NOP has received a TR for Handling and is expecting several others very 

soon.

• Research Priorities. EO volunteered to be liaison for the Research Priorities, and while not an 

official member of the Material’s Subcommittee, JR offered to mentor her. 

• Seed Purity Discussion Document (ZS). The lead summarized the draft document which was 

circulated to members prior to the call. She noted the long history of this project, key ideas from 

the document, and pointed out the inclusion of the public comment. The members were 

encouraged to provide feedback about a path forward. The NOP will add some hyperlinks to the 

document. The MS proceeded to a vote on the discussion document.

Motion to adopt the discussion document on Next Steps for Improving Seed Purity

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: EO

Additional discussion: none

Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 Recuse: 0 

• Excluded Methods Proposal and Discussion (ZS). The Chair summarized the proposal portion of 

the document and noted that the discussion document part is in progress. The lead summarized 

various portions of the document and asked for feedback and comments. She indicated that she 

discussed the project with stakeholders at a recent meeting: The Organic Seed Alliance - Organic 

Seed Growers Conference. The MS is proposing 5 new definitions including one on synthetic 

biology. The NOSB is potentially going to convene a panel on emerging technologies at the 

spring NOSB meeting, and will discuss possible panelists during the next MS call. The Chair will 

also discuss this during the Executive call on Friday February 12. The NOP will follow up with a 

staff member at the APHIS who had suggestions for other panelists and experts. A member 

asked about seeking input from colleagues and stakeholders about the draft documents, and 
the MS Chair provided guidance to the new members regarding sharing information outside of 

the NOSB. The MS will vote on this document during the next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

January 12, 2016 

January 26, 2016 (Additional call - 4th Tuesday) - canceled

February 9, 2016

Discuss emerging technology panel

Excluded Methods proposal - discuss

Seed Purity discussion doc

February 23, 2016 (Additional call - 4th Tuesday)

Discuss expert panel on emerging technologies

Excluded Methods proposal - vote

March 8, 2016 

April 12, 2016 

May 10, 2016 

June 14, 2016 

July 12 2016 

August 9, 2016 

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment webinars Apr 18, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, February 23, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); 

Emily Oakley (EO); Dan Seitz (DS)

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Lisa Brines (LB); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

Fall 2016

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

ZS - HS

NA Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

02 09 Spr 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Proposal 02 23 Spr 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Discussion Doc 02 23 Spr 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve February 9, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)
• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Excluded methods proposal - vote 

• Excluded methods discussion document

• Discuss expert panel on emerging technologies 

• Preliminary discussion of future Work Agenda 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of February 9 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR). No updates since last call

• Materials and TR update (LB). No updates since last call

• Excluded methods proposal (ZS). The lead summarized the changes that were incorporated into 

the draft proposal since the last call, and entertained additional feedback from the MS 

members. The MS is hoping to glean additional information from the expert panel that the 

NOSB will host at the April 2016 meeting. The proposal was written with distinct sections, to 

allow the possibility to send pieces of it back to Subcommittee for additional work without 

delaying the entire proposal. The MS proceeded to a vote.

Motion to approve the three sections of the proposal as presented to the Subcommittee.

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: TF

Additional discussion: MA 

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

• Excluded methods discussion document (ZS). The lead summarized the discussion document 

and clarified the next steps for the new members. The NOP suggested some clarifying language 

from the NOSB Policy and Procedures Manual which the lead added. The MS will vote on the 

document as amended on the call, since the edits were not substantive.

Motion to adopt the discussion document (version three) on excluded methods

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: EO 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Expert panel on emerging technologies. The group discussed a list of possible experts for the 

panel on emerging technologies. The panel will be held during the April 2016 NOSB meeting, is 

planned to be 1.5 hours long, and will be comprised of 4 panelists with varying expertise. The 

group discussed the expertise that would be most helpful for a balanced and broad view such as 

molecular biology, plant breeding, genetics, and plant genomics, as well as someone who could 

bring an international perspective. Members will discuss and finalize the list on the March 8 call. 

• Preliminary discussion of future Work Agenda. A member offered to recirculate a list of GMOrelated projects and topics that she introduced 4 years ago at the beginning of her Board tenure. 
Additionally, she mentioned a proposal that is partially developed that she feels could be 

completed soon. The members were asked for additional suggestions for work agenda items. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

February 9, 2016

Discuss emerging technology panel

Excluded Methods proposal - discuss

Seed Purity discussion doc

February 23, 2016 (Additional call - 4th Tuesday)

Discuss expert panel on emerging technologies

Excluded Methods proposal - vote

March 8, 2016 

Finalize list of expert panelists on emerging technologies

May 10, 2016 

June 14, 2016 

July 12 2016 

August 9, 2016 

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment webinars Apr 18, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, March 8, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Emily Oakley (EO); Dan Seitz (DS); 

Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: Tracy Favre (TF)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Lisa Brines (LB)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

ZS - HS

NA Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

02 09 Spr 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Proposal 02 23 Spr 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Discussion Doc 02 23 Spr 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve February 23, 2016 notes

• Materials and TR update (LB)
• Finalize list of expert panelists on emerging technologies

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of February 23 approved with no changes

• Materials and TR update (LB). The updated March report was sent to the NOSB last week. The 

NOP noted that the status for calcium chloride was changed to reflect that the Crops 

Subcommittee rejected the petition and asked that the Chair send an email confirmation of 

such. 

• Emerging technologies panel. The group discussed and finalized the list of candidates for the 

panel on emerging technologies which will be held during the spring 2016 NOSB meeting. The 

panel is currently scheduled for Tuesday April 26. The NOP will send the invitations and 

supporting documents via email this week so the panelists have as much notice as possible. 

• Future work agenda items (ZS). The former MS Chair circulated a list of possible work agenda 

items, some of which were previously under consideration by the MS. The members discussed 

several items including the issue of reviewing materials and the consideration of how far back in 

the processing chain to look. The lead provided a brief overview to the new members about the 

OMRI GMO decision tree. Additionally, the MS discussed writing a follow up letter to the one 

the NOSB sent to the Secretary nearly 5 years ago regarding GMO’s and organic agriculture. ZS 

will draft the letter and distribute it to the members for discussion. The MS will discuss this on 

the Executive call March 11 and will complete the letter for posting for the fall 2016 NOSB 

meeting. The group also discussed comments from the Organic Seed Growers and Trade 

Association (OSGATA) regarding the “principles of organic plant breeding”, and discussed some 

potential questions for the expert panel.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

February 23, 2016 (Additional call - 4th Tuesday)

Discuss expert panel on emerging technologies

Excluded Methods proposal - vote

March 8, 2016 

Finalize list of expert panelists on emerging technologies

April 12, 2016

May 10, 2016 

June 14, 2016 

July 12 2016 

August 9, 2016 

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 
Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 8, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 6, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 11, 2016

Public comment webinars Apr 19, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Emily Oakley (EO); Dan Seitz (DS); 

Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); Jean Richardson (JR) - sitting in

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Lisa Brines (LB); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

NA Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

02 09 Spr 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Proposal 02 23 Spr 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Discussion Doc 02 23 Spr 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve March 8, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)
• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Discuss questions for panel experts (ALL)

• Research priorities (ALL)

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of March 8 approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)

o The AC21 (Advisory Committee on Biotechnology & 21st Century Agriculture) met last 

month and are currently tasked with examining how USDA could support joint 

coexistence plans at the local and regional level. Further information on the meeting is 

available on the USDA website. 

o The USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist asked NOP to share with the NOSB two studies 

from the National Academies of Science. One (nearing completion) assessing past 

experience and future prospects of genetically engineered crops, and the other (soon to 

be launched) on issues regarding future products of biotechnology and opportunities to 

enhance capabilities of the biotechnology regulatory system. The first meeting of the 

new project will occur April 18, 2016. 

• Materials and TR update (LB). No updates since the last meeting.

• Discuss questions for panel experts. The lead author circulated a short list of questions for the 

panelists and the group discussed them. The MS Chair will introduce the panelists at the 

meeting and moderate the panel. The panelists will each speak for 10-15 minutes followed by 

questions from the Board. 

• Research priorities. The group discussed the research priorities document and how best to 

develop a robust document going forward. Considerations include: how to modify previous lists

to eliminate the items that may have been completed, while retaining the items that are higher 

priority on the list; how to format the document so it is easily scanned by funders; and if it may 

be useful to put forth a preliminary document at the spring NOSB meetings which will then be 

voted on during the fall meeting. The organic Policy Advisor noted that the Organic Farming 

Research Foundation (OFRF) received a USDA grant to conduct a review of USDA organic 

projects that have been funded. The MS is interested in having OFRF brief the Board members 

on their work once it is complete. Several members mentioned that they have had 

conversations with OFRF seeking ways in which the NOSB and OFRF can intersect. A member felt

that OFRF proposals are often too broad for the NOSB but would be interested in having them 

participate on a call to clarify. With regard to research priorities for handling and processing, 

the Policy Advisor is still seeking options. A member suggested NIH. The lead author for the 

research priorities will develop a bulleted list of the research priorities to date, so the group can 

review it and pare it down based on projects that have been completed or are no longer 

needed. The liaisons will reach out their respective Subcommittees and urge them to begin 

discussions about fall research topics.

• Seed Purity from GMOs. This project will likely not be a proposal for the fall meeting, as it needs 

additional work and comments. The lead asked for someone to take over as lead as her NOSB 

terms ends in January 2017. 

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

March 8, 2016 

 Finalize list of expert panelists on emerging technologies

April 12, 2016

May 10, 2016

Research priorities- review summary

June 14, 2016 

July 12 2016 

August 9, 2016 

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Spring 2016 Milestones Target date

New NOSB member orientation Feb 29, 2016

NOP - Complete Spring 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2016

NOSB - Spring 2016 proposals due to NOP Feb 26, 2016

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 16, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 11, 2016

Public comment closes Apr 14, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 8, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 18, 2016

Public comment webinar Apr 19, 2016

Spring 2016 NOSB meeting – Washington, DC Apr 25 - 27, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, May 10, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); 

Emily Oakley (EO); Dan Seitz (DS); Jean Richardson (JR) - observer

Absent: Lisa Brines (LB)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Devon Pattillo (DP); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

NA Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

Fall 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Proposal Fall 2016

5-year report to the Secretary 

on GMO issues in organic 

production

ZS Letter/proposal Fall 2016

Agenda

• Approve April 12, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)

• Materials and TR update (DP)

• Discuss Anaerobic digestate petition (ZS) (forwarded to MS April 22)

• Research priorities (ALL) - Review summary 

• Review work agenda
• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of April 12 approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR). No new updates.

• Materials and TRs update (DP). The May Materials report was circulated to the NOSB last week. 

Members did not have any feedback or comments at this time. The NOP sent a memo to the 

NOSB this week regarding guidance on treated manure products. This will be added to the Crops 

Subcommittee work agenda.

• Anaerobic digestate petition (ZS). A member asked if the memo from NOP about treated 

manure (including anaerobic digestate) will affect the current TR for anaerobic digestate that

Crops has requested. The current petition is for a specific production method for anaerobic 

digestate and may not capture the range of methods used to produce anaerobic digestate. 

Crops will address the topic. 

• Research priorities. The lead reminded the group about the goal for this document, which is to 

collect the previous research priorities, eliminate redundancy, update the status of projects, and 

send it the Subcommittees so they can use it to develop the 2016 Research priorities. She asked 

for feedback regarding the 2012 and 2013 priorities because they were not listed by 

Subcommittee. Members discussed additional topics for addition to the research priorities, 

including those gleaned from public comment received at the April 2016 NOSB meeting, as well 

as current Board members. A member suggested setting a deadline for receipt of the research 

priorities lists from each of the Subcommittees. 

• Work agenda. 

o Excluded Methods. The lead author is consulting with an informal ad hoc group outside 

of NOSB to work further on excluded methods. The goal is to develop supporting 

documents that the MS can consult as they work on the proposal for the fall 2016 

meeting. The MS intends on bringing two documents to the fall meeting, as it did for the 

spring 2016 meeting: a discussion document that will contain items that need additional

work, and a proposal with definitions and criteria. There are two calls scheduled in June

with the ad hoc group. 

• Seed Purity doc. DS will take the lead for this project, with mentorship from ZS. The MS is 

considering a request to form a task force; an idea widely supported by stakeholders. Members 

requested additional input from the NOP about the request: how detailed should it be and what 

format. The NOSB Chair provided some background about the Livestock Subcommittee’s 

request for a Poultry task force.

• Other business. A-dae Briones asked to be added to the Subcommittee as an observer.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

April 12, 2016

May 10, 2016

Research priorities- review summary

June 14, 2016 

July 12 2016 
August 9, 2016 

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Fall timeline coming soon!
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); Emily 

Oakley (EO); Dan Seitz (DS); A-dae Briones (AB) - observer

Absent: Betsy Rakola (BR)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Lisa Brines (LB)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

NA Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

Fall 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Proposal Fall 2016

5-year report to the Secretary 

on GMO issues in organic 

production

ZS Letter/proposal Fall 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve May 10, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)
• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Excluded Methods discussion document & ad hoc group progress update (ZS)

• Seed purity task force - review draft request (DS)

• Research priorities (All) 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of May 10 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR). The USDA Organic Policy Advisor is currently at the AC21 

meeting, where they are discussing next steps in the charge for USDA to support local and regional 

solutions to coexistence. Discussion documents and transcripts from the meeting will be publicly 

available soon. The MS Chair will forward the link to the AC21 website.

• Materials and TRs update (LB). The NOP recently circulated the June Materials’ report and noted a few 

changes: A new table for the 2019 sunset materials was added; and aquaculture materials were moved 

to a separate tab. The deadline for submitting TR requests for 2019 sunset materials is mid-July, and the 

NOP asked that the Subcommittees prioritize the requests as they did before. The Subcommittees 

scheduled most of the materials discussions for the end of June. 

• Excluded Methods discussion document & ad hoc group progress update (ZS). The CS Chair is working 

with an ad hoc group outside of the NOSB on excluded methods. The goal for the group is to develop 

supporting documents that the MS can consult as they work on the excluded methods proposal for the 

fall 2016 meeting. The lead will report back to the MS as work progresses.

• Seed purity task force - review draft request (DS). ZS and DS will meet offline to discuss this project.

The previous lead, who is completing her NOSB term in January, would like to submit the request to the 

NOP before the end of the fiscal year. The MS will discuss this before the August 12 Executive call (ES),

and seek approval from the ES on that call. Depending on the timing and progress, the MS would either 

mention the task force or could present a verbal report at the fall 2016 NOSB meeting. 

• Research priorities (All). The group discussed additions or deletions from the previous list of research 

priorities. A member described the justification and criteria the Subcommittees use when determining 

which projects to add, and discussed which projects to retain on the list. Seed purity could be moved to 

a lower priority until the task force moves forward. The group discussed streamlining the document to 

make it more readable. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

May 10, 2016

Research priorities- review summary

June 14, 2016 

July 12 2016 

August 9, 2016 

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 
Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment June/TBD

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sept 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sept 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sept 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting 

Tuesday, July 12, 2016 1:00 pm ET draft

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); 

Emily Oakley (EO); Dan Seitz (DS)

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Lisa Brines (LB); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

08 09 Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

Fall 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS Proposal Fall 2016

5-year report to the Secretary 

on GMO issues in organic 

production

ZS Letter/proposal Fall 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve June 14, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)
• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Research priorities (EO/All) 

• Review draft request for a Seed Purity Task Force (DS/ZS) 

• Excluded Methods (ZS) - update 

• Report to the Secretary (ZS) - status/update, 

• Feedback on NOP’s work agenda items (All)

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of June 14, 2016 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR). The AC21 met recently for its second to last 

meeting and will be submitting its report to the Secretary soon. The Committee will be 

accepting public comment before and at the next meeting, which is scheduled for September 8-

9, 2016.

• Materials and TRs update (LB). The NOP distributed the July materials report a couple of weeks 

ago and asked for any updates for the next iteration. 

• Research priorities (EO/All). All of the Research priorities have submitted to the Materials 

Subcommittee, and the lead will synthesize them and resend to the members for feedback and 

comments. The MS will likely vote on the final document on August 9. The USDA Policy Advisor 

suggested the NOSB include a 1-2 page executive summary written for a lay audience. The MS 

will add this piece to the document after the Board votes on the final recommendation at the 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting

• Seed Purity Task Force (DS/ZS). The leads circulated a draft request asking the NOP to form a 

task force on seed purity, and asked for feedback from the members. Members suggested some 

minor edits to the document and will present this to the ES on August 12 for approval. The 

members discussed a verbal update at the fall meeting to let the stakeholders know it was 

requested. 

• Excluded Methods (ZS). The lead author is editing the document and will present it on the next 

MS call. She noted that like the previous posting, the document will contain two parts: a 

proposal and a discussion document that will contain subjects needing further work.

• Report to the Secretary (ZS). The group discussed the status of this project. The lead will 

present a draft letter and the group will review it during the next two MS calls. The members 

discussed the possibility of adding an extra call on August 30 if needed. 

• Feedback on NOP’s work agenda items (All). The NOP requested feedback from the NOSB on 

the NOP operating plan, but has not yet sent the current draft plan for review. The members will 

review the NOSB index of recommendations, which includes outstanding projects, while they 

await the other list. The next MS call is scheduled for August 9, and the group intends on 

providing feedback before the next Executive Team call. Members suggested several projects 

that are higher priority for stakeholders, such as classification of materials’ guidance and 

perhaps evaluation of material review organizations, although a member noted the latter is not 

critical at this time, since there is a mediation process in place. A member recommended 

coordinating across Subcommittees, as some of the other Subcommittees have projects that 

may be more critical than the MS ones. The NOP added that the operating plan is partitioned by 

year, and while some of the projects may not be included in the 2017 plan, they could be added 

as a priority for a later time. In that vein, a member noted that sodium nitrate is a crucial priority 
for the organic community, although it is not included on the 2017 list. The MS will discuss its 

short list on the next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

June 14, 2016 

July 12 2016 

August 9, 2016 

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment June/TBD

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sept 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sept 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sept 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, August 9, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Tom Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); 

Emily Oakley (EO); Dan Seitz (DS)

Absent: none

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Lisa Brines (LB); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

08 09 Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

Fall 2016

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS DD + Proposal 08 30 Fall 2016

5-year report to the Secretary 

on GMO issues in organic 

production

ZS Letter/proposal 08 30 Fall 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Agenda

• Approve July 12, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)
• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Research Priorities (EO/All) - discuss & vote 

• Excluded Methods Proposal (ZS) - Vote?

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of July 12, 2016 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR).

o The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the USDA Farm Service Agency 

(FSA) are working jointly to develop a network of organic champions at the state or local 

level to become peer resources for other staff and enhance customer service for organic 

producers and handlers. The timeline is not flushed out yet, but NOP will keep the NOSB 

informed. 

o AMS is considering transferring the management of the Cost Share program from 

AMS/Transportation and Marketing Division to the Farm Service Agency (FSA). ). USDA 

believes FSA’s operational model and large field office structure will increase both 

efficiency and participation. 

• Materials and TRs update (LB). The August materials report was recently distributed and the 

NOP asked for any feedback. Of note on the report, the due dates for two overdue TRs were 

adjusted: Marine plants and algae, and BPA. 

• Research Priorities (EO/All). The members reviewed the draft document, which includes 

feedback from the NOP, and made edits as appropriate. The lead author will resend the 

modified document so the members can review it, and the group proceeded to a vote. 

Motion to accept the Research Priorities document

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: TF

Additional discussion: 

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

• Excluded Methods Proposal (ZS). The lead briefly discussed the current draft of the document 

and asked for some feedback so she could proceed with the document for discussion on the 

next call. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

July 12 2016 

August 9, 2016 

August 30, 2016 - additional call

Excluded Methods (ZS) - discuss proposal, vote. 
5-year report to the Secretary on GMO issues in organic production - discuss letter

September 13, 2016 

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Tom Chapman (TC); Emily Oakley 

(EO); Dan Seitz (DS); A-dae Romero-Briones (observer); Harriet Behar (observer)

Absent: Tracy Favre (TF); Jean Richardson (observer); Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Staff: Lisa Brines (LB) - notetaker; Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

08 09 Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc

TBD

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS DD + Proposal 08 30 Fall 2016

5-year report to the Secretary 

on GMO issues in organic 

production

ZS Letter/proposal 09 13 Fall 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA

Agenda

• Approve August 9, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)
• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Excluded Methods Proposal and Discussion Document (ZS) - Vote?

• 5-year report to the Secretary on GMO issues in organic production (All)- discuss letter, vote?

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of August 9, 2016 were approved without changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR). No updates at this time.

• Materials and TRs update (LB). Next materials report will be out this Friday.

• Excluded Methods Proposal (ZS). 

o No changes since last call. Citations will be checked before finalization and a few 

additions to appendix based on public comment. Definitions and criteria were worked 

on by ad-hoc group; their names and affiliation will be cited in final document.

o A member asked a question about the definition of genetic engineering and whether 

gene editing such as CRISPR technology is explicitly prohibited by the definition. Based 

on the document, CRISPR would conflict with Criteria #1 and would be an excluded 

method.

o There was discussion that when there are questions about new or emerging 

technologies in the future, they may need to be included on the future NOSB work 

agenda to determine whether they are excluded methods or not.

o Some issues may need to be worked out over time once structure is in place, such as GE 

insects that may come onto organic farms from conventional farms.

o There was discussion on the definitions of modern biotechnology vs. classical breeding; 

no changes were made to the definitions.

Motion to approve the three sections of the excluded methods proposal (Note: the proposal 

has three sections, to be used in NOP Guidance on Excluded Methods).

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: EO 

Additional discussion: Motion includes 3 sections. The MS discussed that, depending on 

public comment, they may want divide motion at the NOSB meeting to vote on individual 

sections if needed.

Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 1 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 

• Excluded Methods Discussion document (ZS). 

o Change to document includes a new “Note” paragraph at top to clarify intent

o “Embryo transfer” in flagged in red text since public comments were received on this 

topic. NOP will change text to normal color for posting.

o MS received very few comments last time about sections on Detection and Testing and 

Enforcement. A related question is included in the NOSB Research Priorities proposal.

o Transduction needs to be removed from this chart (will be moved to other chart in 

proposal).

o Suggestion to add text to clarify to stakeholders that they do not need to comment 

again if they already provided comments on the earlier posting. This will be added.
o Many items on chart may need individual discussion documents in order to address. 

There was a suggestion that the MS may want to start with discussion documents on 

double haploid technology and/or embryo transfer for future work.

o Subcommittee will need to appoint an NOSB member to take over this project as NOSB 

membership changes. Stakeholder groups are also willing to help continue the work.

Motion to adopt the third discussion document on Excluded Methods

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: EO 

Additional discussion: None

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

• 5-year report to the Secretary on GMO issues in organic production - discuss letter

o This agenda item was postponed to the next call. TF is working on edits to the letter, 

and it will be available in advance of the next call.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

August 9, 2016 

August 30, 2016 - additional call (1:00 ET)

Excluded Methods (ZS) - discuss discussion document and proposal, vote. 

September 13, 2016 

5-year report to the Secretary on GMO issues in organic production – discuss letter, vote

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes 

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 1:00 pm ET 

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Tom Chapman (TC); Emily Oakley 

(EO); Tracy Favre (TF); Dan Seitz (DS)

Absent: Lisa Brines (LB); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

08 09 Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc. MS submitted a 

request to the ES in August to 

convene a seed purity task force.

Pending NOP approval, for future 

work agenda. 

NA TBD

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS DD + Proposal 08 30 Fall 2016

5-year report to the Secretary 

on the progress to keep GMOs 

out of organic

ZS Letter/proposal 09 13 Fall 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve August 30, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)

• Materials and TR update (LB) 

• 5-year report to the Secretary on GMO issues in organic production (All) - discuss letter, vote?

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of August 30, 2016 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (MA). Sent via email from BR: AMS has released a 

request for information to solicit comments and improve the quality of the anticipated request 

for proposal for an electronic or digital disclosure study as described in the legislation to 

establish a National bioengineered food disclosure standard

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

• Materials and TRs update (MA for LB). No updates

• 5-year report to the Secretary on GMO issues in organic production. The Subcommittee 

members discussed minor edits to the letter, which they incorporated during the call, and 

proceeded to a vote. TF will make the modifications and recirculate a clean version of the letter.

Motion to accept the 5-year report to the Secretary on the progress to keep GMOs out of 

organic 

Motion by: ZS

Seconded by: TF

Additional discussion: none

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

ABS note: DS had to leave the call before the vote was taken. 

• Seed purity. The Materials Subcommittee requested on the August Exec call that the NOP 

convene a task force to evaluate seed purity. The NOP indicated that it would not be possible for 

the current year, but they would consider the request at a later date. The group discussed how 

best to alert stakeholders to the fact that the MS made the request, and to keep it in the queue 

for future consideration. The NOSB Chair offered to discuss this with the NOP so it remains a 

priority. It will remain on the MS work agenda and will be incorporated into the work agenda 

that will be projected at the fall meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

August 30, 2016 - additional call (1:00 ET)

Excluded Methods (ZS) - discuss discussion document and proposal, vote. 

September 13, 2016 

5-year report to the Secretary on GMO issues in organic production - discuss letter, vote

October 11, 2016 
November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, October 11, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Emily Oakley (EO); Tracy Favre (TF); 

Dan Seitz (DS)

Absent: Lisa Brines (LB) - on detail in AMS office; Betsy Rakola (BR); Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

08 09 Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc. MS submitted a 

request to the ES in August to 

convene a seed purity task force.

Pending NOP approval, for future 

work agenda.

NA TBD

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS DD + Proposal 08 30 Fall 2016

5-year report to the Secretary 

on the progress to keep GMOs 

out of organic

ZS Letter/proposal 09 13 Fall 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve September 13, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (MA)

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Discuss request to provide feedback to the NOP on outstanding work items 

• Discuss public comment

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of September 13, 2016 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (MA for BR).

o Coordinated framework: please see this update from the White House 

at https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/09/16/building-30-years-experienceprepare-future-biotechnology

o Fall forums: Betsy is co-facilitating the final in a series of fall forums on land tenure and 

the next generation of agriculture, which have featured speakers from the organic 

sector. Input from these forums will be shared with the next administration to highlight 

potential areas of work for USDA.

o GMO disclosure program: USDA shared an update with organic stakeholders at the Expo 

East trade show. To register to receive email updates, 

visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/gmo

o 2015 Organic Producer Survey: the results, published 9/15/16, showed strong growth in 

organic farm receipts. Visit https://www.nass.usda.gov/organics/ and click on "Executive 

Briefing" for highlights.

• Materials and TRs update (JW). No update at this time.

• Discuss request to provide feedback to the NOP on outstanding work items. Members 

reviewed the current list of NOSB recommendations for the NOP 2017 operating plan. The 

Executive team will discuss the list on the October 14 call, then the finalized lists will be 

forwarded to the NOSB Chair, who will then submit it to the program.

• Discuss public comment. The MS has received only one comment thus far.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

September 13, 2016 

5-year report to the Secretary on GMO issues in organic production - discuss letter, vote

October 11, 2016 

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016
NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016

Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, November 8, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Lisa de Lima (LD), Chair; Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Emily Oakley (EO); Tom Chapman 

(TC); Jean Richardson - observer; Carmela Beck (CBe) - observer; Jesse Buie (JB) - observer; Harriet Behar 

(HB) - observer

Absent: Lisa Brines (LB) - on detail in AMS office; Tracy Favre (TF); Dan Seitz (DS)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW); Betsy Rakola (BR)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

08 09 Fall 2016

Petition and TR tracking ZS/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc. MS submitted a 

request to the ES in August to 

convene a seed purity task force.

Pending NOP approval, for future 

work agenda.

NA TBD

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS DD + Proposal 08 30 Fall 2016

5-year report to the Secretary 

on the progress to keep GMOs 

out of organic

ZS Letter/proposal 09 13 Fall 2016

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve October 11, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR)

• Materials and TR update (JW)

• Discuss public comments

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of October 11, 2016 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (BR). AMS has been coordinating with field agencies

(Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency) who have both been very 

supportive of organic agriculture. Both agencies have put in place state programs for peer 

support and the states will be identifying those peers. The roll-out is expected in December. The 

Organic Certification Cost Share Program is likely going to move to the Farm Service Agency, 

who administers other such funding programs. This will allow better access to 2000+ field offices 

for organic promotion

• Materials and TRs update (JW). No update at this time.

• Discuss public comments. 

o Excluded methods: The lead noted that the excluded methods proposal was designed to 

be modular (sections 1, 2, and 3), so that the NOSB could potentially vote on parts and 

not necessarily the whole, the meeting. The lead summarized the comments, and noted 

that many commenters suggested not proceeding with a vote on this document. The MS 

requested that the NOP verbally state the views of the program at the fall meeting 

regarding definitions. The current lead will be completing her tenure in January 2017, 

and DS will take over as lead author for the excluded methods document(s). 

o Research Priorities. The group discussed how best to present public comments at the 

fall meeting. A member asked about additional priorities and another member 

suggested that those be forwarded to the NOSB for future discussion. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

October 11, 2016

November 8, 2016 

December 13, 2016 

Fall 2016 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Aug 1, 2016

NOP - Complete fall 2016 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Sep 8, 2016

NOSB - Fall 2016 proposals due to NOP Sep 14, 2016

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 27, 2016
Discuss work agendas on ES call Oct 14, 2016

Public comment closes Oct 26, 2016

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Nov 2, 2016

Public comment webinar Nov 3, 2016

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Nov 4, 2016 

Fall 2016 NOSB meeting - St Louis, MO Nov 16-18, 2016
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)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD); Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chair (ZS); Emily Oakley 

(EO); Dave Mortensen (DM) - observer; Tracy Favre (TF); Dan Seitz (DS); Jean Richardson - observer

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); Lisa Brines (LB) - on detail in AMS office

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jessica Walden (JW); Penny Zuck (PZ)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MS

TF - LS

ZS - CS

TC - HS

Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS/DS Disc doc. Part of Seed Purity doc 

will be incorporated into 

“Prevention Strategies for 

Excluded Methods in Crops and 

Handling” doc. MS submitted a 

request to the ES in August to 

convene a seed purity task force.

Pending NOP approval, for future 

work agenda.

TBD

Excluded Methods Terminology ZS/EO DD + Proposal Spr 2017

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA

Agenda

• Approve November 8, 2016 notes

• Review timeline
• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (PZ)

• Materials and TR update (JW)

• Welcome new member- Dave Mortensen and Harriet

• Review and prioritize historical work agenda items on GMOs from Zea

• Excluded Methods Terminology - next steps (ZS, HB)

• Seed Purity next steps- (ZS, HB)

• Classification of Materials guidance document (All)

• For example: How to classify a generic material that is produced in numerous ways which can 

result in both a synthetic and nonsynthetic form?

• Draft Guidance on Calculating Percentage of organic ingredients - comments due Feb 6

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Welcome to new member - Dave Mortensen

• Notes of November 8, 2016 were approved with no changes.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (PZ), 

o The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) are 

working on a joint initiative to designate field - based employees as organic 

champions/peer resources within their state to help with questions, planning, and 

program questions for transitioning organic producers. NRCS and FSA are currently 

compiling the lists of peers, and are hoping to publish it by the end of year. The goal is 

to have two people in each state: one from each entity. 

o USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the organic certifier survey

today. The survey includes data on organic acreage and livestock. 

o FSA is coordinating with Organic Valley, and recently sent communications to farmers 

regarding the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). This program provides funds to 

agricultural producers so that environmentally-sensitive land is not farmed or ranched, 

but instead is used for conservation benefits.

o Research priorities. In previous years, the research priorities have been transmitted to 

funding agencies via the Organic Policy Advisor. The lead author will complete the 

executive summary and will also create a bulleted list for submission to NOP. A new 

NOSB member emphasized the importance to summarizing the list for potential 

funders. 

• Materials and TRs update (JW). The NOP recently received TRs for magnesium chloride, 

newspaper, and potassium acid tartrate. The magnesium chloride TR was sent to the HS for 

sufficiency review, and the other two are under review by the NOP. The NOP has 6 more in 

development: 3 full TRs and 3 Limited Scope TRs. 

• Review and prioritize historical work agenda items on GMOs (ZS). ZS discussed the history of 

the NOSB GMO ad hoc committee, noting that the committee was formed in 2012 to review 

GMO topics. The first action was to write a letter to the Secretary informing him of their

intention to work on GMO topics to keep the subject of GMO and organic agriculture in the 

public eye. There are still some GMO-related topics that have not been addressed, such as how 

far back in the food chain does one look when reviewing GMOs. This is a complicated and 

complex subject, and the MS discussed developing a discussion document. An incoming NOSB 

member volunteered to take the lead since he has a background in this. The lead asked the MS 
members to review the list so they can discuss and prioritize items they would like to move 

forward. 

• Excluded Methods Terminology next steps (ZS, HB). ZS agreed to choose an example, and to 

create a template for the January call, which will facilitate a discussion document for the spring. 

• Seed purity next steps (ZS, HB). ZS noted the difficulties associated with a new administration, 

and securing funding for projects such as this, and is not sure this will move forward quickly. 

Several iterations of this document have been presented for public comment over the last 

couple of years. DS will take the lead and the MS will discuss it in January. 

• Classification of Materials guidance document (All). The guidance was recently published and 

the MS members discussed such things as how to classify a generic material that is produced in 

numerous ways, which can result in both a synthetic and nonsynthetic forms. For example, 

materials like xanthan gum and tocopherols, which may be produced both synthetically and 

non-synthetically, but that are listed on 205.605(b). The MS will discuss whether or not the 

NOSB should develop a policy about this. A member noted that annotations can complicate 

things and strongly encouraged members to simplify the list for certifiers, inspectors, and 

clients. Another member noted that NOSB members submitted comments on the draft 

Classification of Materials guidance document when it was first published, and it would be 

useful to review those comments and compare them to what was actually adopted. She 

suggested that the classification of materials guidance specify the policy regarding the use of

non-synthetic versions of synthetic materials on the National List. 

• Draft Guidance on Calculating Percentage of organic ingredients. The MS Chair noted that the 

comment period is open until February 6, and encouraged people to read the draft and provide 

comments. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 ET)

November 8, 2016

December 13, 2016 

January 10, 2017

Select new Subcommittee liaisons

February 14, 2017

March 14, 2017s

April 11, 2017

May 9, 2017

June 13, 2017

July 11, 2017

August 8, 2017

September 12, 2017

October 10, 2017

November 14, 2017

December 12, 2017

January 9, 2018

Spring 2017 Milestones 2017 Target date
New NOSB member orientation Feb 8, 2017

NOP - Complete Spring 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 10, 2017

NOSB - Spring 2017 proposals due to NOP Feb 17, 2017

NOP - Post proposals, Publish FRN, Open public comment Mar 1, 2017

Discuss work agendas on ES call Mar 17, 2017 

Public comment closes Mar 30, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 5, 2017

Work agendas finalized on ES call (last call before fall meeting) Apr 7, 2017

Public comment webinar Apr 13, 2017

Spring 2017 NOSB meeting – Denver, CO Apr 19-21, 2017 (W-F)