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 10, 2017 1:00 pm ET 

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

Chapman (TC); Tracy Favre (TF); Dan Seitz (DS); A-dae Briones (ARB)

Absent: Penny Zuck (PZ)

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

RP from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs ZS/DS Proposal. 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/HB Proposal TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve December 13, 2016 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (LB)

• Materials and TR update (JW)

• Excluded Methods Terminology possible Spring 2017 Discussion Document (ZS, HB)

• Select new Subcommittee liaisons for Research Priorities

• Seed Purity from GMOs (DS)

• Seed thresholds - add to work agenda as DD?

• Classification of Materials guidance document 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of December 13, 2016 were approved with no changes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (PZ)

o Organic Cost Share Transition. On December 21, the USDA announced that starting 

March 20, 2017, organic producers and handlers will be able to visit over 2,100 USDA 

Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices around the country to apply for federal 

reimbursement to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic or 

transitional certification. The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program 

(NOCCSP) and the Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost Share 

Program offer opportunities for certified producers and handlers to receive 

reimbursement for up to 75 percent of certification costs each year up to a maximum of 

$750 per certification scope-crops, livestock, wild crops and handling. The 

announcement also adds transitional certification and state organic program fees as 

additional scopes. More information is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/organic

o The Organic Policy Advisor reviewed the 2016 Research Priorities document and didn’t 

have any feedback. 

o HB clarified that there is not currently any organic transition, and that the Organic Cost 

Share Transition was put in place for future use. States that want to keep administering 

cost share, will, and will work with FSA so there isn’t duplication. 

• Materials and TRs update (LB). 

o Lisa Brines returned from her detail in the AMS front office and will be on the MS call 

from now on. Monthly Materials report was recently sent to the NOSB. Schedule for 

report is first Friday of month. 

• Excluded Methods Terminology. (ZS, HB). Terminology will not move forward but will work on 

seed purity piece. New terms are included in written public comment. Excluded Methods 

structure is in place. The next step belongs to NOP. Possible Spring 2017 discussion document.

The co-leads would like to ensure that GMO topics are discussed during each call.

• Seed Purity from GMOs (DS). On the next Executive team call, the MS Chair will repeat the 

request for the creation of a task force on seed purity. The proposal on seed purity could include 

thresholds for seed purity, and the Subcommittee feels that a task force would be the most 

successful way to gain ground on this topic. The group will develop a proposal for this topic. 

• Select new Subcommittee liaisons for Research Priorities. The lead author circulated a one 

page summary based on last year’s research priorities. Members discussed assigning a new lead, 

perhaps one of the new members. EO volunteered to lead this again if no one else volunteered 

in her place. New liaisons will be identified by the Spring NOSB meeting. 
• Classification of materials guidance document. The MS Chair reviewed the NOSB comments 

and compared them to what was incorporated into the final guidance document. She indicated 

that most of the NOSB comments were incorporated, and that there was one outstanding issue: 

How to classify a generic material that is produced in numerous ways, which can result in both a 

synthetic and nonsynthetic form. The members considered working with the NOP to develop a 

framework, or use of annotation to clarify the difference between materials with the same 

generic name, if needed. The MS Chair will discuss this on the January 13 Exec call. TC will ask 

Scott Rice, who is the accredited certifying agent (ACA) member on the NOSB, about polling the 

ACAs for feedback to see if this is a problem in the community before proceeding. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

December 13, 2016 

January 10, 2017

Select new Subcommittee liaisons for Research Priorities

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 10, 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)
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 14, 2017 1:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Tom Chapman (TC) -

observer

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD); Dave Mortensen (DM)

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

DS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs DS Proposal. 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/HB Proposal TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve January 10, 2017 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update ()

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Discuss Fall 2017 work agenda

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Approval of the January 10 notes was deferred to next call.

• Task force on seed purity from GMOs. It’s likely this project will not move forward until the new 

administration is in place and new AMS leadership is appointed. The MS chair asked for 

additional volunteers to work on this project, as it is complex and large. The two members on 

the call discussed various aspects of this topic, and will discuss it further with the additional 

members. The MS may have a document for discussion at the fall 2017 NOSB meeting.

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (PZ via email)

o The OWG held an update meeting March 2. The organic policy advisor position is vacant 

until the government hiring freeze is lifted, and the USDA/NOP encouraged the OWG to 

continue with the work they have been doing until the position is filled. The next OWG 

meeting is scheduled for May 23.

o On March 7, three members of the NOP staff provided training to Farm Service Agency 

(FSA) state-level field employees who will be administering the National Organic 

Certification Cost Share Program and the Agricultural Management Assistance Organic 

Certification Cost Share Program. The training took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Some of the attendees are also designated as the “organic champions” for their state. 

The training included the history of the cost share programs, an overview of the NOP, 

and the USDA certification process. The MS chair also attended and participated in a 

panel. 

• Materials and TR update (LB). The NOP recently sent the March materials update to the NOSB, 

and asked that folks provide any feedback. The NOP is expecting several TRs soon, including one 

for Sulfur for Livestock. The Handling Subcommittee recently requested a TR for silver 

dihydrogen citrate. 

• Fall 2017 work agenda. 

o Listings for handling materials that are both synthetic and nonsynthetic. This topic will 

be undertaken by the Handling Subcommittee. 

o Cleansers, sanitizers and disinfectants. Members discussed the potential for adding this 

to the work agenda, as had been suggested by commenters. There was not much 

support when it was previously discussed in Livestock, but a member felt that 

commenters presented a compelling argument for why sanitizers should be reviewed as 

a group. A member suggested adding criteria to the materials review checklist, and the 

NOP emphasized that materials are evaluated against the criteria in OFPA and the 

Regulations, and adding other criteria must be consistent with those criteria for 

usefulness to rulemaking. The NOSB Chair reminded the group to consider the goal or 

outcome for this project, which must present a clear need and be actionable. Two NOSB 

members that are not on the Materials Subcommittee will be invited to a future MS call, 

as they are well versed in the use of sanitizers. EO will send them an email and MA will 

invite them to the MS call in May or June.
• Other topics. 

o The Research Priorities liaisons to the other NOSB Subcommittees were clarified (see 

table above)

o The MS Chair requested a change to the meeting time: The new proposed time is 2:00 

ET/11:00 PT, swapping the MS call with the PDS Subcommittees call. If the change is 

confirmed by Subcommittee members, MA will reschedule accordingly. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

January 10, 2017

Select new Subcommittee liaisons for Research Priorities

February 14, 2017 - cancelled

March 14, 2017

April 11, 2017

May 9, 2017

Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)

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 10, 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)
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 9, 2017 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Lisa de Lima (LD); 

Dave Mortensen (DM); Tom Chapman (TC) - observer

Absent: none

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

DS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs DS, DM, Proposal. 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.

DD? Fall 2017

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve January 10, 2017 notes

• Approve March 14, 2017 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update 

• Materials and TR update (LB) -

• Seed purity (GMO thresholds and/ or other methods for keeping GMOs out of organic seeds)

(DS)

• Excluded methods (HB) - update and determine path forward

• Other topics

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of January 10 were approved with corrections to the title of the seed purity from GMOs 

work agenda item.

• Notes of March 14 were approved with no changes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (LB/MA). The Organic policy Advisor position is currently 

not staffed, and until it is, Paul Lewis will be the NOP contact for distributing the Research 

Priorities to other USDA agencies.

• Materials and TR update (LB). Two materials were removed from the Materials’ spreadsheet 

based on outcomes from the NOSB’s Denver meeting: L-Methionine and DNA Tracers. The NOP 

expects the TR for SDBS soon. 

• Seed Purity from GMOs. The group discussed the path forward for this project, and feel that 

given the complexity of the topic and feedback from stakeholders on previous iterations, a 

discussion document would be the best vehicle. Several MS members will co-lead the review. 

One member noted that he has received input from stakeholders and that this is a topic of great 

interest. The MS Chair suggested laying out a project plan with goals and timelines, and the 

group discussed the formation of a working group and the possibility of inviting speakers to 

future MS calls to address the group. 

• Excluded methods (HB). Deferred

• Other topics

o Sanitizers. The group discussed a comprehensive review of all sanitizers on the National 

List, which was suggested by public commenters. The MS Chair noted that sanitizers is a 

topic that is crosscutting across Crops, Handling, and Livestock, and at this stage, feels 

that it would be useful to begin with an assessment or baseline. HB will work with two 

other NOSB members (JM and AB) to develop an initial document requesting the 

addition of this to the work agenda. The Subcommittee does not anticipate a document 

for the Fall 2017 NOSB meeting. The NOSB Chair asked that HB review the guidance in 

the PPM about adding items to the work agenda. 

o Research Priorities. The HS will add discussion time for the Research Priorities on the 

next call. Each of the liaisons will ask the other Subcommittees to review previous 

priorities and begin thinking about additional priorities for the Fall 2017 proposal. 

o Contamination of farm inputs. The group briefly discussed this Crops project, and 

whether or not the MS should take it over. No conclusion was reached. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes
Future Call Schedule (2nd Tuesday 2:00 ET)

March 14, 2017

April 11, 2017- cancelled

May 9, 2017

June 13, 2017

Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)

Research Priorities

July 11, 2017

August 8, 2017

September 12, 2017

October 10, 2017

November 14, 2017

December 12, 2017

January 9, 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 5, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 17, 2017

NOP - Complete Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 

2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
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 13, 2017 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Lisa de Lima (LD); 

Dave Mortensen (DM); Tom Chapman (TC) - observer

Absent: none

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

DS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Seed Purity from GMOs DS, DM, HB Proposal. 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.

Discussion doc

Fall 2017

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Fall 2017

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination Issues of Farm 

Inputs

FT/HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

Fall 2017

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve May 9, 2017 notes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (LB/MA)

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Research Priorities (All)

• Seed Purity ad hoc committee update (DS)

o Seed purity task force update from NOP

• Excluded Methods (HB)

• Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)

• Discussion on contaminated inputs (HB) 

• Other topics

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of May 9 were approved with no changes

• Organic and Sustainable USDA update (LB/MA). No update, as the organic policy advisor

position is currently vacant.

• Materials and TR update (LB). The NOP circulated a new materials report on June 2, and noted 

a couple of new items. There is a new tab containing the list of the 2020 sunset materials. TR 

requests for those sunset materials are due by mid-July (~Wednesday July 19). The NOP has 

hired two new TR contractors, Nexight and Savan group, which will provide extra capacity to get 

TRs done in a timely manner. 

• Research priorities (All). The Fall proposals are due to NOP by August 29, and the MS would like 

to collect the other Subcommittee’s lists by mid-to-late July so they can compile them into one 

document. Representatives from NIFA and ARS have indicated that the brief one-page summary 

is extremely helpful. The MS research priorities are ready for discussion, and the group will 

review them on the next call. 

• Status of Technical Reports: The NOP listed the status and expected delivery date of several TRs 

that are in development, including BPA, sodium citrate, natamycin, AITC, polyoxin D zinc salt, 

and silver dihydrogen citrate. 

• Seed Purity ad hoc working group update (DS). The three co-leads have a meeting scheduled to 

talk about the plan to move forward with the seed purity discussion document for the Fall 2017 

NOSB meeting. EO volunteered to participate in the conversations as well. 

• Seed purity task force update from NOP (DS). The MS sent a formal request to the NOP asking 

to convene a seed purity task force and is waiting for a response.

• Excluded methods (HB). The MS Chair is actively working on a discussion document in 

consultation with a large and varied group of stakeholders, to collect more information. The MS 

is seeking practical advice and welcomes feedback and suggestions. A member suggested 

inviting a couple of academics who have expertise is plant breeding, and will forward their 

names. 

• Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB). The Handling Subcommittee is in the process of gathering preliminary 

information and will not have anything ready for the fall meeting. A member of the Crops 

Subcommittee noted that this is a complex topic and perhaps grouping them into one review 

may not be realistic. The MS Chair is supportive of reviewing sanitizers as a group, or groups, 

and feels that it would be useful to look at them holistically. Another member noted that there 

are many variables, and is it not practical or realistic to evaluate all the scenarios to determine 
which sanitizer is effective in what situation. Additionally, the technical information the Board 

would need for this type of review is not available via a technical report, and would be difficult 

to collect. The MS Chair will submit a formal work agenda item. 

• Contaminated inputs (HB). This project will move from the Crops Subcommittee to the 

Materials Subcommittee for further work (added to work agenda above). A guidance document

on green waste was put forth by the NOP in 2011, and in 2016 a lawsuit was filed and the judge 

vacated the guidance. The NOP was going to address this in rulemaking, but no rulemaking is 

not moving forward at this time due to the government transition. A member suggested that 

the NOSB could identify a specific problem and propose a solution. E.g. contamination of soil 

and water. The community is discussing options, such as a risk based approach. 

• Other topics. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

May 9, 2017

June 13, 2017

Excluded Methods (HB)

Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)

Research Priorities (All)

July 11, 2017

MS Research Priorities (All)

Seed Purity disc doc (DS)

Excluded Methods (HB)

Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)

August 8, 2017

September 12, 2017

October 10, 2017

November 14, 2017

December 12, 2017

January 9, 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Apr 27, 2017, May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 18, 2017

NOP - Complete Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017
Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed Oct 26, 

2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
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, July 11, 2017 2:00 pm

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Lisa de Lima (LD); 

Dave Mortensen (DM); Tom Chapman (TC) - observer

Absent: none

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

DS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Non-GMO organic seed 

integrity (Seed Purity from 

GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB 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.

Discussion doc

Fall 2017

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Fall 2017

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination Issues of Farm 

Inputs

FT/HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

NA

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB
NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA

Agenda

• Approve June 13, 2017 notes

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Update on AMS appointments (Organic Policy Advisor, AMS Administrator)? (LB/MA)

• MS Research Priorities (All)

• Non-GMO organic seed integrity (formerly seed purity) disc doc (DS)

• Excluded Methods (HB)

• Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Notes of June 13 were approved with no changes

• Materials and TR update (LB). The NOP sent the July materials report last Friday, and invited 

feedback via email. Requests for TRs for the 2020 sunset substances are due July 19. The TR for 

BPA was recently sent to the Handling Subcommittee, and the TR for hypochlorous acid is 

expected soon and will be sent to the Livestock Subcommittee. 

• Update on AMS appointments (Organic Policy Advisor, AMS Administrator)? (LB/MA). The 

Organic Policy Advisor position is vacant. No additional information is available at this time. 

• MS Research Priorities (All). The lead circulated the previous list of research priorities and the 

group discussed the three MS priorities as a foundation for the 2017 priorities. Members 

discussed various topics for addition, including the possibility of adding pesticides residues in 

compost. After a lengthy discussion the MS chose to ask the Crops Subcommittee to consider 

developing a discussion document to gather more data on pesticides in compost as a baseline. 

• Non-GMO organic seed integrity (formerly seed purity) disc doc (DS, DM, HB). The MS is 

working on a discussion document exploring the genetic integrity of seeds. The goal of the 

document is to answer specific questions regarding contamination. The co-leads are seeking 

input from various stakeholders.

• Excluded Methods (HB). The lead is discussing various issues with Subcommittee members and 

stakeholders and is anticipating having a proposal for the Fall 2017 meeting.

• Sanitizers (HB, EO, JM, AB). Members discussed a potential project on reviewing sanitizers as a 

group. Basic questions include, “What would a comprehensive list of sanitizers look like?”, and 

“what information would it include?” The NOP noted that in other organic standards, sanitizers 

are listed in separate sections of the materials list, rather than being grouped with food 

ingredients. A member asked about adding another section on the National List, just for 

sanitizers: e.g. 205.607.

• Other topics. The MS added an extra call on August 22. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

June 13, 2017

Excluded Methods (HB)

Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)
Research Priorities (All)

July 11, 2017

MS Research Priorities (All)

Seed Purity disc doc (DS)

Excluded Methods (HB)

Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)

August 8, 2017

Research Priorities (All) - discuss/vote

Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS) - discuss/vote

Excluded Methods (HB) - discuss/vote

August 22, 2017 - additional call

September 12, 2017

October 10, 2017

November 14, 2017

December 12, 2017

January 9, 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOSB public teleconference Aug 14, 2017 

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
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 8, 2017 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Lisa de Lima (LD); 

Dave Mortensen (DM); Tom Chapman (TC) - observer

Absent: none

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 MSDS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Aug 8 Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Non-GMO organic seed 

integrity (formerly Seed Purity

from GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB 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.

Aug 8,

Aug 22

Proposal 

Spr 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal? DD? Aug 8,

Aug 22

Fall 2017

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination Issues of Farm 

Inputs

FT/HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

NA Spring 2018

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Spring 2018

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve July 11, 2017 notes

• Update from USDA secretary’s office, new liaison update

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Research Priorities (All) - discuss/vote

• Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS) - discuss/vote

o Seed purity task force update from NOP?

• Excluded Methods (HB) - discuss/vote

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes of July 11 were approved with the addition of HB to the sanitizers project.

• Update from USDA secretary’s office, new liaison update. No new updates at this time.

• Materials and TR update (LB). The National List Manager provided an update on the latest 

materials report, including the posting of the TR for BPA, the list of TR requests for the 2020 

sunset materials, and the expected date for the TR for glycolic acid for Livestock use. The NOP 

may have resources to contract more TRs as the end of the fiscal year approaches. 

• Research Priorities (EO). The lead circulated a draft document and an executive summary to the 

MS members. The document was built upon last year’s version, with updates and amendments 

based on feedback from all the Subcommittees. The group discussed various aspects of the 

document and proceeded to a vote.

Motion to accept the 2017 Research Priorities 

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: DM

Additional discussion: none

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

• Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS). The MS is working on a proposal for the Spring 

2018 meeting. In support of its development, the group would like to post the document to the 

open docket to collect feedback, and perhaps give a brief update at the Fall 2017 meeting. 

• Excluded Methods (HB). The lead summarized the modifications made to the document since 

the last conversation, and the group discussed them briefly. Members were encouraged to 

provide feedback before the next call on August 22. The Subcommittee may develop a 

discussion document instead of a proposal for the Fall 2017 meeting.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

July 11, 2017

MS Research Priorities (All)

Seed Purity disc doc (DS)

Excluded Methods (HB)

Sanitizers (EO, JM, AB)

August 8, 2017
Research Priorities (All) - discuss/vote

Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS) - discuss/vote

Excluded Methods (HB) - discuss/vote

August 22, 2017 - additional call

Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS) - discuss

Excluded Methods (HB) - discuss/vote

September 12, 2017

October 10, 2017

November 14, 2017

December 12, 2017

January 9, 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public teleconference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
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 22, 2017 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Lisa de Lima (LD); 

Dave Mortensen (DM); Tom Chapman (TC) - observer

Absent: none

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 MSDS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Aug 8 Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Non-GMO organic seed 

integrity (formerly Seed Purity

from GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB 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.

Aug 8,

Aug 22

Proposal 

Spr 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Aug 8,

Aug 22

Fall 2017

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination Issues of Farm 

Inputs proposal

FT/HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

NA Spr 2018

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending request and NOP 

approval

TBD Spr 2018

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve August 8, 2017 notes

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS) - discuss/vote

• Excluded Methods (HB) - discuss/vote

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes of August 8 were approved with no changes.

• Materials and TR update (LB). The NOP will contract two additional technical reports for the 

2020 sunset materials, both for Handling: magnesium stearate and calcium carbonate.

• Non-GMO organic seed integrity discussion document (DM, DS). The group discussed the 

format for this iteration, given that over the last several years there have been three discussion 

documents and a report. The MS would like to glean additional comments, and will post the 

previous discussion document, unaltered, with some instructions for commenters that the NOSB 

is seeking only new information. MA will send DS the link to the two previous discussion 

documents. Members will be given the opportunity to review the paragraph before posting. This 

same format may be used for the Handling Subcommittee’s document on marine materials. 

Motion to accept the discussion document on non-GMO organic seed integrity. 

Motion by: DS

Seconded by: HB 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Excluded Methods (HB). The group considered putting this forth as a discussion document 

instead of a proposal, and ultimately chose to bring it as a proposal. Based on stakeholder 

feedback there is strong support for NOSB to provide a recommendation on this topic. . The MS 

made some modifications to the document while on the call, and will add some questions for 

public comment. 

Motion to accept the proposal on excluded methods 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: DS 

Additional discussion: none

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

• Other items.

o The MS may cancel the September 12 call. The Chair will determine this at a later date.

o A member asked about the possibility of changing the dates and times for the Executive 

call. The Exec call will remain as is on the second Friday of the month.

o A member circulated the Organic Farming and Research Foundation (OFRF) research 

priorities, noting that it contains several research priorities from the NOSB.

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous MS Notes

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

August 8, 2017

Research Priorities (All) - discuss/vote

Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS) - discuss/vote

Excluded Methods (HB) - discuss/vote

August 22, 2017 - additional call

Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS) - discuss

Excluded Methods (HB) - discuss/vote

September 12, 2017 - pending cancellation

October 10, 2017

November 14, 2017

December 12, 2017

January 9, 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public teleconference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
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 10, 2017 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Lisa de Lima (LD); 

Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: none

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 MSDS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Aug 8 Fall 2017

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Non-GMO organic seed 

integrity (formerly Seed Purity

from GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB 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.

Aug 8,

Aug 22

Proposal 

Spr 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Aug 8,

Aug 22

Fall 2017

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination Issues of Farm 

Inputs proposal

FT/HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

NA Spr 2018

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending request and NOP 

approval

TBD Spr 2018

NOP operating plan 

suggestions

ALL NA NA
Agenda

• Approve August 22, 2017 notes

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Sanitizers review 

• Discussion of public comments

• Fall 2017 proposals and presentations.

• Crops proposal on strengthening the organic seed guidance. 

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes of August 22 were approved with a minor language change under the discussion of 

non-GMO organic seed integrity

• Materials and TR update (LB). The NOP circulated the October materials report last week, and 

asked for any feedback or changes. The next report will be update and sent after the Fall 

meeting. The NOP is expecting several TRs, which will be the first from the new TR contractors, 

and will be the first reports that will identify the authors. Two TRs that are expected soon are 

Natamycin (Crops) and Silver Dihydrogen Citrate (Handling). 

• Sanitizers review. The Chair indicated a desire to work on this item and has had several 

conversations with other NOSB members. The group discussed possible paths forward, including 

a separate section of the list for sanitizers. NOP asked that the MS develop a somewhat detailed 

scope for this project submitting the request to the ES and the NOP. The Chair would like to 

submit it to the Executive team for the October 13 call.

• Public comments. The group discussed the comments received thus far. The comment period 

closes October 11. 

• Fall 2017 proposals and presentations.

o Research priorities proposal - Emily Oakley will present summary

o Non-GMO seed integrity discussion document - Dan Seitz will present summary

o Excluded methods proposal - Harriet Behar will present summary. The NOP met with 

NIFA personnel, who had some questions and suggestions about this topic. NIFA offered 

technical support to the Board on techniques. 

• Crops proposal on strengthening the organic seed guidance. The Chair noted some

misinformation in the community about the proposal, and would like to address it at the 

meeting. 

• Other items. none

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

August 22, 2017 - additional call

Non-GMO organic seed integrity disc doc (DS) - discuss

Excluded Methods (HB) - discuss/vote

September 12, 2017 - pending cancellation

October 10, 2017

November 14, 2017

December 12, 2017
January 9, 2018

Fall 2017 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 30, 2017

NOSB Request for TRs for 2020 sunset materials July 19, 2017

NOP - Draft Fall 2017 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Aug 11, 2017

NOSB public teleconference Aug 14, 2017 

NOSB - Fall 2017 proposals due to NOP Aug 29, 2017

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 12, 2017

Public comment closes Oct 11, 2017

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 13, 2017

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 16, 2017

Two Public comment webinars Oct 24, and if needed 26, 2017

Fall 2017 NOSB meeting - Jacksonville, FL Oct 31- Nov 2, 2017
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 12, 2017 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Dave Mortensen 

(DM)

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Lisa Brines (LB); Paul Lewis (PL)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

EO Subcommittee reps to MSDS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Fall 2018

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Non-GMO organic seed 

integrity proposal (formerly 

Seed Purity from GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB 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.

Spr 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Spr 2018

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination of Farm Inputs

Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

NA Spr 2018

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval TBD Spr 2018
Agenda

• October 10, 2017 notes

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Sanitizers review update (HB and NOP) 

• Non-GMO organic seed integrity proposal (DS, DM, HB)

• Excluded methods terminology (HB)

• Contamination of farm inputs (FT/HB)

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes of October 10 were approved via email in November, and were confirmed on the call

• Materials and TR update (LB). The most recent materials’ report was circulated at the beginning 

of December, and the NOP will make subsequent updates for the next update.

• Sanitizers review update (HB and NOP). The NOP suggested that the MS determine the goals or 

desired outcome for this proposal, and do so in a way that would not require rulemaking. The 

MS is seeking a better framework for reviewing new petitions for sanitizers as well as rereviewing them during sunset. The MS Chair indicated that because of many variables and gaps, 

it’s difficult to have a broader view of all sanitizers. It would also be useful in understanding the 

prohibition of some sanitizers, such as quaternary ammonium sanitizers. The Chair noted that 

the EU regulations differ in that sanitizers are all listed under one section. One possible outcome 

could be the re-grouping of sanitizers on the NL. The MS will modify the request to add this to 

the work agenda and forward it to the NOP for approval. 

• Non-GMO organic seed integrity proposal (DS, DM, HB). The co-leads have discussed the 

development of a draft proposal, which could take the form of guidance, and the desire to 

eventually convene a task force to explore this topic more. The MS will seek stakeholder 

feedback on the draft proposal once it is developed. The group discussed specifics for the 

document including baselines and tolerances, and the uncertainty that currently exists. 

• Excluded methods terminology (HB). The MS Chair reviewed the final recommendation from 

the Fall 2017 meeting and discussed the possible directions as they move forward with this 

project. The MS is looking to add specificity and detail to the review criteria for excluded 

methods – revisions to the table headings was circulated by email for feedback. The MS will

work on a document with the intention of bringing it to the Spring 2018 meeting. 

• Contamination of farm inputs (HB). This project has been on the NOSB work agenda since 

approximately August 2016 and the lead would like to continue work. Perhaps it will take the 

form of a risk assessment review of waste that goes into compost for use on organic lands. The 

group discussed a risk based assessment and will likely develop a discussion document to seek 

feedback on risk assessments. A member asked how to determine and measure contaminants.

A member responded that it would be difficult if the number of items that is tested is too large. 

As an alternative he suggested that the most efficient process would be to work on the front 

end of the problem by limiting the inputs, instead of testing for contamination in the end 

product. The group also discussed manure and green waste. The lead will develop a draft for 

discussion on the next call, with an eye towards a discussion document for the Spring 2018 

meeting. 

• Other items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous MS Notes

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

October 10, 2017

November 14, 2017 - cancelled

December 12, 2017

January 9, 2018

February 13, 2018

March 13, 2018

April 10, 2018

May 8, 2018

June 12, 2018

July 10, 2018

August 14, 2018

September 11, 2018

October 9, 2018

November 13, 2018

December 11, 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