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

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

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

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

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG); Lisa de Lima (LD); Emily Oakley (EO), Vice 

Chair; Dan Seitz (DS)

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); Dave Mortensen (DM)

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

Agenda

• Materials and TR update (CM) 

• Discussion of marine materials (EO) - any updates?

• Discussion of moving ahead on excluded methods (HB)- committee members be included in task 

force calls?

• Discussion of genetic integrity transparency (HB)- requiring farmers to keep seed samples- keep 

or remove from proposal?

• Discussion of moving ahead on sanitizers (HB)- review of work agenda item and input from SC

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion 

• November 13, 2018 notes were reviewed and there were no changes.

• Materials and TR update (CM). 

o Collagen gel: Additional questions from the Handling Subcommittee were sent to 

contractor.

o The draft TR for horticultural oils was sent to Crops last week. 

o There are two draft TRs under NOP review. One for ammonium soaps (Crops) and one 

for atropine (Livestock). The lead for ammonium soaps asked about the TR for soapbased algicide/demossers, which includes info about ammonium soaps. The NOP noted 

that the TR for soap-based algicide/demossers focuses more on use as an animal 

repellent than as a pesticide, although there is likely some overlap and may be helpful.

o The TR for xylazine was sent back to the contractor for some revisions. 

o The TRs for malic acid and ascorbic acid are due back soon.,

o TRs for chelating agents and calcium acetate were sent to the Crops Subcommittee in 

October and were found sufficient.

o A member asked about the timeline for TR revisions. TR contractors are given a 30-day 

window to make revisions, which is written into the current contracts.

o Materials reports. This spreadsheet is no longer being maintained, and instead the 

information can be found on the work agenda. 

• The new MS Subcommittee Chair will take over in January. She will be overseas during that call 

and asked that the Vice Chair manage the call if she experiences difficulties dialing in.

• Marine materials (EO). EO spoke with NOP regarding a working group on marine materials, 

which has widespread support among stakeholders. NOP suggested a panel for the Fall 2019 

meeting, while conversations with stakeholders continue on an informal basis. The lead will 

reach out to stakeholders about engaging more folks in the conversation. The NOSB Chair 
offered to forward some information about protocols for harvesting rockweed that was shared 

with her at a recent conference by international organic industry members. 

• Excluded methods (HB). The MS will continue to move forward with this topic, and is seeking as 

much feedback as possible from other Subcommittee members as well as stakeholders. 

Members also discussed the transfer of this project when the current lead ends her term on the 

NOSB. The next iteration of the Excluded Methods document will include transposons, embryo 

transfer in animals, and induced mutagenesis.

• Genetic integrity transparency (HB). NOSB received some negative feedback about requiring 

farmers to keep seed samples. The group discussed whether to keep this requirement or to 

make it an optional best practice. Members supported making it a best practice. The lead will 

revise the proposal and the group will discuss it at a later date. 

• Sanitizers (HB). The group discussed the path forward for the sanitizers project. It is a complex 

topic and the group feels that the best approach would be to look at the group of substances in 

a holistic manner. A member suggested using mode of action to group the sanitizers for review. 

In addition to mode of action, the MS will also evaluate human health impacts. 

• Other items. 

o HB will reach out to AB to determine if he wants to contribute to the sanitizers work

even though he is not a member of the Materials Subcommittee. 

o Two previous seed documents are posted in the open docket for public comment. The 

NOSB Chair has reached out to stakeholders to provide feedback by January 2. 

o The January 8 call was be moved to January 29. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

November 13, 2018

December 11, 2018

January 29, 2019

February 12, 2019

March 12, 2019

April 9, 2019

May 14, 2019

June 11, 2019

July 9, 2019

August 13, 2019

September 10, 2019

October 8, 2019

November 12, 2019

December 10, 2019
Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

DM Subcommittee reps to MS

DS - LS

DM - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Fall 2019

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Protecting the Genetic Integrity 

of Seed Grown on Organic Land

(formerly Seed Purity from 

GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB Proposal sent back to MS at Fall 

2018 meeting. Reposted for 

additional comments for Spr 2019

Spr 2019

Excluded Methods 

Determinations April 2019

HB Proposal? Spr 2019

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Discussed, 

Voted Meeting

Contamination of Farm 

Inputs Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, AB Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved 03 16 18

Proposal 

Spr 2019

Marine Materials EO Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

CS and HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 

10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 

06 16. Voted 09 06 16. Proposal 

in development 12 06 16. Voted 

01 17 17. Referred back to CS 

and HS at Spr 2017 NOSB 

meeting. Moved to MS for 

completion 03 16 18. 

Discussion doc

Spr 2019

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)
NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 26, 2018

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

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

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

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

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

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

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

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

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

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

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, November 13, 2018 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG); Lisa de Lima (LD); Dan Seitz (DS); Emily 

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

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC)

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

Agenda

• Materials and TR update (CM) 

• New subcommittee chair and new subcommittee members (HB)

• Discussion of marine materials EO)

• Discussion of new lead for research priorities EO)

• Discussion of moving ahead on excluded methods (HB)

• Discussion of genetic integrity transparency (HB)

• Discussion of moving ahead on sanitizers (HB)

• Open docket accessing public comments MA)

• Other items?

• Adjourn

•

Discussion 

• Materials and TR update (CM). 

o The TR for oxalic acid TR was returned to the contractor with some additional specific 

questions

o Ammonium citrate and ammonium glycinate TRs pending sufficiency by the Crops 

Subcommittee. 

o Calcium acetate - TR pending sufficiency by the Crops Subcommittee.

o Collagen gel and casings TR pending sufficiency by Handling Subcommittee

o Ammonium soaps, and horticultural oils. TRs should be sent to Subcommittee soon

o TRs for atropine and xylazine are due soon. 

o Fatty Alcohols re-petition. Members discussed what constitutes new information, 

which is the criteria that must be met for a re-petitioned substance. NOP will review the 

NOSB recommendation on fatty alcohols and the PPM for specific information about 

“new information”.

o Sanitizers. The lead will continue to develop this project with the hope to bring a 

document to the Spring 2019 NOSB meeting. 

• New subcommittee chair and new subcommittee members (HB). Emily Oakley will be the new 

Materials Subcommittee chair, and Dave Mortensen will be the Vice Chair. The updated 

Subcommittee lists will be circulated soon. 

• Research Priorities. DM volunteered to lead the Research Priorities

• Marine materials (EO). The lead will discuss with NOP the possibility of convening an informal 

working group to move forward with this project. The lead noted that there is probably not time 

to develop a proposal for Spring 2019 meeting, but the MS would like to post a brief summary in

the written comment docket to solicit feedback from the public as they develop a proposal. 
• Excluded methods (HB). HB will work on the transposons segment that the Subcommittee voted 

to remove from the Fall 2018 proposal. The MS will also work on embryo transfer in livestock,

and induced mutagenesis. The lead is not yet sure what form this project will take at the Spring 

meeting. 

• Genetic Integrity Transparency of Seed Grown on Organic Land (HB). Members were pleased 

with positive feedback from commenters at the Fall NOSB meeting. The Organic Seed Alliance 

(OSA) commented on the clarity of the document and thought it may put undue burden on 

small farmers. The Subcommittee invited OSA to submit additional comments to the open 

docket, when it opens in a couple of weeks. Members discussed specifics of the proposal as they 

develop the next iteration. 

• Sanitizers (HB). The MS Chair visited Ecolab prior to the NOSB meeting in St. Paul to tour the 

facilities. She relayed that she enjoyed the tour and learned a great deal about the research that 

Ecolab is doing and how it intersects with organic agriculture and the NOSB’s work. 

• Open docket accessing public comments (MA). The NOP anticipates that the docket will open 

soon and will close April 3. 

• Other items. The MS will discuss contamination of farm inputs project at a later date

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

October 9, 2018

November 13, 2018

December 11, 2018

January 8, 2019

February12, 2019

March 12, 2019

April 9, 2019

May 14, 2019

June 11, 2019

July 9, 2019

August 13, 2019

September 10, 2019

October 8, 2019

November 12, 2019

December 10, 2019

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Research Priorities Proposal

May 2012 Framework Proposal

DM Subcommittee reps to MS

DS - LS

EO - CS

LD - HS

RPs from Subcomm due to MS in 

July

Fall 2019

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA
GMO Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Protecting the Genetic Integrity 

of Seed Grown on Organic Land

(formerly Seed Purity from 

GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB Proposal sent back to MS at Fall 

2018 meeting.

Spr 2019

Excluded Methods 

Determinations April 2019

HB Proposal? Spr 2019

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Discussed, 

Voted Meeting

Contamination of Farm 

Inputs Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved 03 16 18

Proposal 

Spr 2019

Marine Materials EO Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

CS and HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 

10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 

06 16. Voted 09 06 16. Proposal 

in development 12 06 16. Voted 

01 17 17. Referred back to CS 

and HS at Spr 2017 NOSB 

meeting. Moved to MS for 

completion 03 16 18. 

Discussion doc

Spr 2019

Spring 2019 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

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

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

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

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2019

Public comment closes Apr 4, 2019

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

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

Public comment webinars Apr 16 & 18, 2019

Spring 2019 NOSB meeting - Seattle, WA Apr 24 - 26, 2019

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

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

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

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

and handling.

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Rick Greenwood (RG); Lisa de Lima (LD); Tom Chapman (TC) 

Absent: Dan Seitz (DS); Emily Oakley (EO), Vice Chair; Dave Mortensen (DM)

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

Agenda

• Materials and TR update (CM) 

• Public comments on Genetic Seed Integrity Transparency

• Public comments on Excluded Methods

• Public comments on Marine Materials

• Public comments on Research Priorities

• Tour of Ecolab's R and D facility in St. Paul

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion 

• Materials and TR update (CM) 

o Ongoing work underway by NOP on petitions:

 Calcium acetate TR is under review by NOP.

 Collagen gel TR is under review by NOP. 

 Ammonium citrate and glycinate. The petitioner recently sent a petition

addendum, which should be posted on the website soon.

o 4 new petitions

 Potassium hypochlorite 

 Anhydrous milkfat for addition to 205.606

 Magnesium oxide for use in handling. This substance was previously petitioned 

for use in crops.

 Wood ash for use in handling. 

o TR for paper pots: The Crops Subcommittee will draft some questions for the TR for 

paper pots and will send them to NOP soon.

• Written public comments. The members discussed the written public comments, including 

public comments on genetic seed integrity transparency, excluded methods, marine materials, 

and research priorities. With regard to genetic seed integrity transparency the group discussed 

possible changes based on public comment, and if those changes would be considered 

substantive, and would require the proposal to be sent back to Subcommittee for additional 

work. 

• Tour of Ecolab's R and D facility. Harriet Behar will be visiting the lab prior to the NOSB meeting. 

• Other items. None. 

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous MS Notes

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

September 11, 2018

October 9, 2018

November 13, 2018

December 11, 2018

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

07 24 18 Fall 2018

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Protecting the Genetic Integrity 

of Seed Grown on Organic Land

(formerly Seed Purity from 

GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB MS submitted a request to the ES 

in August 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

06 12 18, 

07 10 18

08 14 18

Fall 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal? 08 14 18 Fall 2018

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Discussed, 

Voted Meeting

Contamination of Farm 

Inputs Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved 03 16 18

Proposal Spr

2018

Marine Materials EO Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

CS and HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 

10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 

06 16. Voted 09 06 16. Proposal 

in development 12 06 16. Voted 

01 17 17. Referred back to CS 

and HS at Spr 2017 NOSB 

Jun 12 Discussion doc

Fall 2018
meeting. Moved to MS for 

completion 03 16 18

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

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

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

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

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

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

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

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

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

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

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

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

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

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, August 14, 2018 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Emily Oakley (EO), Vice Chair; Dan Seitz (DS); Rick Greenwood (RG); 

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

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

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

07 24 18 Fall 2018

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Protecting the Genetic Integrity 

of Seed Grown on Organic Land

(formerly Seed Purity from 

GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB MS submitted a request to the ES 

in August 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

06 12 18, 

07 10 18

08 14 18

Fall 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal? 08 14 18 Fall 2018

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Discussed, 

Voted Meeting

Contamination of Farm 

Inputs Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved 03 16 18

Proposal Spr

2018

Marine Materials EO Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

CS and HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 

10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 

Jun 12 Discussion doc

Fall 2018
06 16. Voted 09 06 16. Proposal 

in development 12 06 16. Voted 

01 17 17. Referred back to CS 

and HS at Spr 2017 NOSB 

meeting. Moved to MS for 

completion 03 16 18

Agenda

• Materials and TR update (CM) 

• Excluded methods (HB) - discuss proposal/vote

• Protecting the Genetic Integrity of Seed Grown on Organic Land (DS, DM, HB) - discuss 

proposal/vote.

• Sanitizers

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Materials and TR update (CM). The NOP updated the MS on the status of several petitions and 

technical reports. The NOP is currently reviewing a revised petition for paper chain pots, which 

was sent back to the petitioner for additional information. NOP will forward it to Crops in the 

next day or two. NOP recently received a repetition for potassium hypochlorite, a petition for 

calcium acetate, and TRs for pullulan, and collagen gel (casings). The oxalic acid TR was sent 

back to the TR contractor for some minor revisions, and is due back in early September. 

There are also four (4) other TRs in development for 2021 sunset substances.

• Excluded methods (HB). The group proposed some modifications to the draft document, and 

then proceeded to a vote.

Motion to accept the proposal on excluded methods 

Motion by: HB

Seconded by: DS

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 3 Recuse: 0 

• Protecting the Genetic Integrity of Seed Grown on Organic Land (DS, DM, HB). One of the coleads reached out to the Organic Seed Alliance for additional information and resources for the 

development of this proposal. She subsequently reached out to eight (8) seed growers as well as 

one of the labs that many of them use to test seed. Additionally, she explored the non-GMO 

Seed Project standards, noting that the NOSB proposal has equivalent restrictions. The members 

proceeded to a vote, but will give an absent member an opportunity to review the document. 

All three co-leads will participate in the presentation at the Fall 2018 NOSB meeting. 

Motion to accept the proposal on protecting the genetic integrity of seed grown on organic land 

with any non-substantive corrections by DM.
Motion by: DS

Seconded by: HB

Additional discussion: None

Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 3 Recuse: 0

• Sanitizers. The MS Chair suggested the Subcommittee develop a reference document for future 

Boards to use when reviewing new sanitizers. HB will revise the current work agenda request to 

and will ask for both a TR and a panel. Members thought a TR would be a useful first step, 

before convening a panel. 

• Other items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

July 24, 2018

August 14, 2018

September 11, 2018

October 9, 2018

November 13, 2018

December 11, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

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

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

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

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

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

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

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

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

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

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

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

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

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 2:00 pm ET

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

Rick Greenwood (RG)

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

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

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

NA Fall 2018

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Protecting the Genetic Integrity 

of Seed Grown on Organic Land

(formerly Seed Purity from 

GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB MS submitted a request to the ES 

in August 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

06 12 18, 

07 10 18

Fall 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Discussion Doc? TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Discussed, 

Voted Meeting

Contamination of Farm 

Inputs Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved 03 16 18

Proposal Spr

2018

Marine Materials EO Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

CS and HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 

Jun 12 Discussion doc

Fall 2018
10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 

06 16. Voted 09 06 16. Proposal 

in development 12 06 16. Voted 

01 17 17. Referred back to CS 

and HS at Spr 2017 NOSB 

meeting. Moved to MS for 

completion 03 16 18

Agenda

• Welcome Clarissa Mathews/Introductions

• Materials and TR update (MA) 

• Research priorities (EO) - discuss proposal

• Seed genetic integrity proposal (DS, DM, HB) –Discuss proposal.

• Excluded methods update 

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Introductions. The MS welcomed Clarissa Mathews, the new National List manager, and 

members introduced themselves. 

• Materials and TR update (MA) 

o The NOP is reviewing four TRs and will send them to the Subcommittees as soon as they 

are done. Waiting for two TRs to come back; and working to contract four TRs for sunset

2021 materials.

o The NOSB received a new petition (resubmission) for fatty alcohols, and it is under initial 

review by NOP.

o The NOSB received a new petition for L - methionine for listing at §205.603, and it is 

under initial review by NOP.

o The lead for oxalic acid (in Livestock) noted that it may be possible to complete a 

proposal for the Fall NOSB meeting if the LS receives the TR soon. The deadline to 

finalize proposals for the Fall meeting is August 24. The NOP will try to prioritize this 

review.

• Research priorities (EO). 

o Possible research priority for Materials: Fraud/Testing. 

o The group discussed inviting a NIFA representative to the NOSB meeting to provide an 

update on the prior NOSB research priorities. Currently there is an acting director and 

the group suggested waiting until a permanent director is appointed. The members 

discussed whether to invite this person to the fall or spring meeting. Most felt that 

Spring 2019 would be more appropriate. 

o The MS reviewed the current list of research priorities and moved to a vote on the 

proposal.

Motion to adopt the proposal on the 2018 research priorities document

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: TC
Additional discussion: None

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

• Seed genetic integrity proposal (DS, DM, HB). The group discussed the draft proposal, including 

burden of testing. The leads will draft basic text to elicit feedback from the rest of the 

Subcommittee members. Members discussed the direction and scope for the document and are 

anticipating a draft proposal for discussion on the next call. 

• Excluded methods update. The lead discussed additional language and definitions in the draft 

document. The proposal will include a more detailed description than what was included in

previous iterations. MS asked for assistance from the NOP about mutagenesis. HB will send PL 

some questions, which he will forward to Fan Li Chou, the USDA biotechnology coordinator. The 

NOP added that a TAP may be useful as well. 

• Other items. On the last Executive team call the topic of sanitizers was discussed, specifically a 

panel for the Spring NOSB meeting. The Subcommittee will continue planning and discussion on 

future calls. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

July 10, 2018

July 24, 2018

August 14, 2018

September 11, 2018

October 9, 2018

November 13, 2018

December 11, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment TBD

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

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

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

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

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

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

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018
Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

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

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

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

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, July 10, 2018 2:00 pm ET

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

Greenwood (RG); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

NA Fall 2018

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Protecting the Genetic Integrity 

of Seed Grown on Organic Land

(formerly Seed Purity from 

GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB MS submitted a request to the ES 

in August 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

06 12 18, 

07 10 18

Fall 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Discussion Doc? TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Discussed, 

Voted Meeting

Contamination of Farm 

Inputs Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved 03 16 18

Proposal Fall

2018

Marine Materials EO Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

CS and HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 

Jun 12 Discussion doc

Fall 2018
10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 

06 16. Voted 09 06 16. Proposal 

in development 12 06 16. Voted 

01 17 17. Referred back to CS 

and HS at Spr 2017 NOSB 

meeting. Moved to MS for 

completion 03 16 18

Agenda

• Update on Technical Reviews - any further information on the paper pot petition?

• Paper pots update

• Update on liquid fish (EO)

• Update on seed genetic integrity (DS and HB)

• Sanitizers - short discussion - possibly a panel for the fall meeting? (HB)

• Research priorities (EO) 

• Excluded methods update (HB)

• Farm input contamination - how are certifiers dealing with compost contamination? 

• Fracking (HB) 

• Materials and TR update (MA) 

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Update on Technical Reviews (MA). NOP provided an update about the current status of TRs in 

development.

• Paper pot petition. HB will speak with MOSA about paper pots to see if they need guidance

about submitting a petition. 

• Liquid fish (EO). Liquid fish was reviewed in 2015 and is in the current sunset review cycle. 

Based on public comment the MS has decided to move forward with an annotation about native 

wild fish. NOP is currently reviewing the request and will inform the group if it is approved. 

• Seed genetic integrity (DS and HB). The NOSB has developed several iterations of this topic. The 

group discussed the most effective way to bring this document forth for the fall meeting. i.e. 

Guidance? Instructions? Rulemaking? A member asked about the state of the problem, and 

emphasized that the group should scope the problem before proceeding. Several members will 

reach out to their communities to seek additional data about seed contamination. 

• Sanitizers (HB). The NOSB and NOP have discussed the convening of an expert panel at the Fall 

NOSB meeting. HB will contact NOP with in-depth information to request that we move forward 

with a panel for Fall.

• Research priorities (EO). Deferred.

• Excluded methods (HB). The lead will meet with an informal ad hoc group at the end of July to 

discuss this topic.

• Farm input contamination (HB). Deferred to future call due to lack of time

• Fracking (HB). Deferred to future call due to lack of time

• Since we missed a May materials meeting, can we do an extra meeting at the end of July or early 

August? 

• Materials and TR update (MA). Deferred to future call due to lack of time
• Other items. The group discussed the addition of a call in either July or August. July 24 was 

added to the schedule.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

June 12, 2018

July 10, 2018

July 24, 2018

August 14, 2018

September 11, 2018

October 9, 2018

November 13, 2018

December 11, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment TBD

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

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

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

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

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

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

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

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

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

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

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, June 12, 2018 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Vice Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD); Tom Chapman 

(TC); Dan Seitz (DS); Rick Greenwood (RG)

Absent: Dave Mortensen (DM)

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

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

NA Fall 2018

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

Meeting

Protecting the Genetic Integrity 

of Seed Grown on Organic Land

(formerly Seed Purity from 

GMOs) 

DS, DM, HB MS submitted a request to the ES 

in August 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

06 12 18 Fall 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Discussion Doc? TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Discussed, 

Voted Meeting

Contamination of Farm 

Inputs Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved 03 16 18

Proposal Fall

2018

Marine Materials EO Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. 

TR expected Jul 2016. TR sent to 

Jun 12 Discussion doc

Fall 2018
CS and HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 

10 11 16. TR found sufficient 09 

06 16. Voted 09 06 16. Proposal 

in development 12 06 16. Voted 

01 17 17. Referred back to CS 

and HS at Spr 2017 NOSB 

meeting. Moved to MS for 

completion 03 16 18

Agenda

• Welcome new NOSB member Rick Greenwood

• Materials and TR update (DP) 

• Marine materials (EO)

• Update on liquid fish (EO) 

• Seed genetic integrity update- (DS)

• Sanitizers - Discuss possible panel for the fall meeting (HB)

• Research priorities update (EO)

• Excluded methods update

• Farm input contamination update is time allows. (HB)

• Add extra meeting in June and/or July? 

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Welcome Rick Greenwood. Rick was recently appointed to the NOSB and gave a brief overview 

of his background, which includes microbiology and epidemiology, environmental health, 

organic farming, and faculty at UCLA. Rick noted that he saw the NOSB as opportunity to 

combine his interests in environmental science and agriculture. 

• Materials and TR update (DP). 

o There are six TRs in development, and all are due in July and early August. LS has one for 

oxalic acid. Crops has three: ammonium glycinate, and ammonium citrate that are due 

back July 4, and calcium acetate as a soil amendment due back in early August. Handling 

is waiting for two TRs that are both due back in mid-August: One for pullulan, and one 

for collagen gel. The Subcommittees have requested four new TRs for 2021 sunsets –

ammonium soaps (CS), horticultural oils (CS), atropine (LS) and xylazine (LS). HS did not 

request any TRs but is seeking to convene an expert panel for celery powder. 

o NOP has reviewed the petition for paper pots, and it is being returned to the petitioner 

for additional work. 

• Marine materials discussion document (EO). The lead gave a brief history of this project and 

discussed the draft document. The MS is proposing certification to the wild crop standard and is 

seeking additional feedback from public commenters. A member mentioned that he 

participated in a project to build an artificial reef, and noted that the marine algae community is 

very complex and easily disrupted. The MS moved to a vote.

Motion to accept marine and organic crop materials discussion document

Motion by: EO

Seconded by: LD
Additional discussion: None

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

• Update on liquid fish (EO). Deferred to next call.

• Seed genetic integrity update - (DS/HB/DM). The group discussed the draft document. A 

member asked about the 2016 request for a seed purity task force, which has not yet been 

approved by NOP. The group would like to pursue the idea, and will bring it to the next 

Executive call. The MS will discuss the proposal and vote on next call.

• Sanitizers - Discuss possible panel for the fall meeting (HB). The NOP approved the work 

agenda request and the group will discuss further on the next call. 

• Research priorities update (EO). EO sent a reminder to the other Subcommittees about the 

research priorities due date and will follow up with the Chairs before the next MS call.

• Excluded methods update. The MS Chair is convening an informal group to discuss this topic. 

• Farm input contamination update is time allows. (HB). Deferred to next call.

• Add extra meeting in June and/or July? Potentially June 26 or July 24. The Chair will poll 

members and let NOP know. 

• Other items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

May 8, 2018 - cancelled

June 12, 2018

July 10, 2018

August 14, 2018

September 11, 2018

October 9, 2018

November 13, 2018

December 11, 2018

Fall 2018 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment May 18, 2018

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

New NOSB member training July 18, 2018

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

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

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 5, 2018

Public comment closes Oct 4, 2018

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Oct 12, 2018
NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Oct 8, 2018

Public comment webinars Oct 16 & 18, 2018

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

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

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

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

Materials/GMO ad hoc Subcommittee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 2:00 pm ET draft

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Dave Mortensen (DM); Vice Chair; Lisa de Lima 

(LD); 

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); Dan Seitz (DS)

Guest speaker: Dr. Fan-Li Chou, USDA Biotechnology Coordinator

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA), Paul Lewis (PL); Jenny Tucker 

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

NA Fall 2018

Petition and TR tracking HB/LB Ongoing NA NA

GMO Projects Contact Notes Vote Meeting

Protecting the Genetic Integrity 

of Seed Grown on Organic Land

(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 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

Jan 30 Spr 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Jan 9 TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination of Farm Inputs

Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

Jan 30 TBD
Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved 03 16 18

Jan 9 Fall 2018

Marine Materials EO Pending NOP approval. NOP 

approved request 01 12 16. TR 

request sent to NOP 02 05 16. TR 

expected Jul 2016. TR sent to CS 

and HS 08 10 16. TR suff due 10 

11 16. TR found sufficient 09 06 

16. Voted 09 06 16. Proposal in 

development 12 06 16. Voted 01 

17 17. Referred back to CS and HS 

at Spr 2017 NOSB meeting. 

Moved to MS for completion 03 

16 18

Agenda

• Introductions 

• Guest speaker: Dr. Fan-Li Chou, USDA Biotechnology Coordinator

• Materials and TR update (MA) 

• Sanitizer work agenda progress (HB)

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• Introductions. Each member introduced themselves to the guest speaker.

• Guest speaker: Dr. Fan-Li Chou, USDA Biotechnology Coordinator for USDA writ large.

o Coordinates biotechnology across agencies at USDA for consistency. Also coordinates 

with the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) office. Dr. Chou offered to be a resource to 

the NOSB regarding excluded methods, and offered to provide additional contacts for 

colleagues who may be able to speak to the NOSB about biotechnology and Livestock. 

o The MS Chair provided an overview of GMOs and excluded methods as it pertains to the 

organic program, noting that the organic standards are process based, not product 

based. The definitions for excluded methods that currently exist do not cover all new 

technology terms, and the NOSB put forth a proposal to add additional terminology to 

the list of excluded methods. 

o Dr. Chou indicated that the FDA, EPA, and USDA (APHIS) all view Genetic Engineering in 

light of food safety, and feed safety. At the USDA they are concerned with safety for 

agriculture. 

o The Board is looking for clarity about moving forward. The NOSB would like to continue 

working on excluded methods in organic. The NOP will have further discussions with the 

MS regarding this topic. 

• The meeting was adjourned

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

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
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 13, 2018 2:00 pm ET

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

Chair

Absent: Lisa de Lima (LD); Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Paul Lewis (PL)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

NA 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 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

Jan 30,

Feb 13

Spr 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Jan 9 TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination of Farm Inputs

Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

Jan 30 TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval Jan 9 Fall 2018
Agenda

• Approval of February 13, 2018 notes

• Update about guest speaker. 

• Materials and TR update (MA) 

• Sanitizer work agenda progress (HB). 

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes of February 13 were approved with no changes.

• Update about guest speaker. Dr. Chou, who will be a guest speaker on the April 10 MS call, is 

new to the role of USDA biotech coordinator. Her role is to coordinate across ARS, APHIS, and 

Foreign Ag, and the NOSB would like to be able to provide her a perspective from the organic 

space. Members asked if she had access to the public comments that were submitted as part of 

the USDA proposal to coordinate the framework for biotech across USDA. A member shared 

with the group a 2016 National Academies Press report entitled Genetically Engineered Crops: 

Experiences and Prospects. He noted that this could be very useful to the NOSB as it develops its 

proposal on Excluded Methods, as the terms have already been defined. 

• Materials and TR update (MA). The NOP will eliminate the monthly Materials report as most of 

the information is captured in the new work agenda report, and is redundant. The NOP will 

continue to summarize the status of materials during the MS calls. 

• Sanitizer work agenda progress (HB). The request to add sanitizers to the work agenda was 

revised, and the request was approved by the NOP. The MS Chair will update the Executive

team on Friday, March 16. 

• Other items: 

o The MS Chair discussed ways in which the NOSB can encourage petitioners to seek 

organic alternatives. Suggestions included adding questions to the sunset reviews, 

and/or to the petition template, specifically items for 205.606.

o EO will discuss the proposal on marine materials with Handling and Crops, as the 

intention is to merge the two documents for the Fall meeting, and move it to the 

Materials Subcommittee. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

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
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 13, 2018 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Dave Mortensen (DM); Tom Chapman (TC); Dan 

Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD)

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

NA 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 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

Jan 30 TBD

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Jan 9 TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination of Farm Inputs

Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

Jan 30 TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval Jan 9 Spr 2018
Agenda

• Approval of January 30, 2018 notes

• Materials and TR update (MA) 

• Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB)

• Excluded methods terminology (HB)

• Contamination of farm inputs (HB) 

• Sanitizer work agenda progress (HB)

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes of January 30 were approved by the Subcommittee with no changes.

• Materials and TR update (MA) 

o The NOP sent the new materials’ report to the NOSB Friday, February 9. The NOP asked 

the members to review it and send any feedback or changes. 

• Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB). The three co-leads will discuss this 

topic after an upcoming seed conference. The HS Chair will check with the NOP about posting 

the document for the Spring meeting. 

• Excluded methods terminology (HB). The MS will ask the NOP for contacts from APHIS with 

whom they can discuss this project as APHIS is developing its guidance. The Subcommittee will

continue to work on the document, but will defer it until after the Spring NOSB meeting. 

• Contamination of farm inputs (HB). The MS won’t have a document on contamination of farm 

inputs at the Spring meeting.

• Sanitizers (HB). The MS submitted a revised request to NOP to add sanitizers to its work agenda, 

and is awaiting feedback. 

• Other items. 

o Natamycin. The MS Chair asked for feedback from members about how to move 

forward with this petition review. 

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

January 30, 2018 - additional call

Contamination of farm inputs (HB). 

Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB). 

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
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 30, 2018 2:00 pm ET

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Dave Mortensen (DM); Tom Chapman (TC)

Absent: Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Paul Lewis (PL)

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

NA 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 2017 to convene a seed 

purity task force. Pending NOP 

approval, for future work agenda.

Jan 30 TBD

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Jan 9 TBD

Other Projects

Project Idea Contact Notes* Vote Meeting

Contamination of Farm Inputs

Discussion Document

HB Moved to Materials from Crops 

for continued work. 

Jan 30 TBD

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval Jan 9 Spr 2018
Agenda

• Approval of January 9, 2018 notes

• Materials and TR update 

• Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB) 

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes of January 9 were approved with no changes.

• Update from program on changes to NOP operations. The NOP has asked the Board to focus on 

petitions, sunset reviews, and organic integrity. The NOP will consider other items that are 

currently completed or nearly completed, and are ready for the Spring meeting, and respond to 

the MS request on the next call. The Board will further discuss the work agenda change on the 

February 9 Executive call.

• Materials and TR update (MA). The NOP forwarded two TR’s to the Handling Subcommittee –

one for magnesium stearate and one for calcium carbonate.

• Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB). Two members discussed the draft 

document, including thresholds and testing. 

• Other items. None

• The meeting was adjourned

Previous MS Notes

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

January 23, 2018 - cancelled

January 30, 2018 - additional call

Contamination of farm inputs (HB). 

Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB). 

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
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 9, 2018 2:00 pm ET draft

Attending: Harriet Behar (HB), Chair; Dan Seitz (DS), Vice Chair; Lisa de Lima (LD); Dave Mortensen (DM)

Absent: Tom Chapman (TC); Emily Oakley (EO)

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

Work agenda

Materials Projects Contact Notes Discussed,

Voted

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

NA 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.

Jan 23 Spr 2018

Excluded Methods Terminology HB Proposal Jan 9 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. 

Jan 23 Spr 2018

Sanitizers HB, EO, JM, 

AB

Pending NOP approval Jan 9 Spr 2018
Agenda

• Approval of December 12, 2017 notes

• Materials and TR update (LB)

• Sanitizers review update (HB and NOP) 

• Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB)

• Excluded methods terminology (HB)

• Contamination of farm inputs (HB)

• Other items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• The notes of December 12 were approved with no changes.

• Materials and TR update (LB). The NOP sent the January materials report last week, and asked 

for feedback or edits. LB updated the group on pending TRs, petitions (one for Livestock), and a 

petition addenda in progress for Polyoxin D zinc salt. LB also noted her impending departure 

from NOP on January 19; the NOP will provide an update on the January 12 Executive call about 

the transition. 

• Sanitizers review update (HB and NOP). The MS is revising a work agenda request for sanitizers, 

and is seeking additional feedback from NOP about its request to refine the project, given the 

broad scope. The goal is to conduct a comprehensive review of sanitizers to develop a 

framework, which the NOSB could use to review future petitions. Currently there are a number 

of sanitizers in various sections on the National List, and it is difficult to determine the need for 

new ones based on what is currently available. The group discussed various resources in order 

to move this forward, including a technical report that focuses on alternatives and/or advice 

from academia. A member suggested adding specific questions to the TR request, and perhaps 

for future petitioners. The NOP reminded the group that the requested information must align 

with OFPA criteria. 

• Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB). The group discussed a preliminary 

draft proposal on genetic integrity of seed, including tolerance levels, testing, and who would 

bear the cost. A member offered that as a consumer, the regulations can be very complex, and 

any progress the NOSB could make in this area would be beneficial to protect consumers 

without necessarily requiring rulemaking. The will of the group is to develop a document for the 

Spring meeting to elicit public feedback. The co-leads will discuss this further and reach out to 

other NOSB members. The Subcommittee will discuss this again on the next call. 

• Excluded methods terminology (HB). On the last MS call the NOP noted that the NOSB should 

not recommend definitions for excluded method technologies that are different than those used 

by others parts of USDA. The NOP suggested that the NOSB defer to APHIS, since they are the 

regulatory agency responsible for defining those terms. A member noted that the MS is seeking 

to define approximately eight (8) terms or technologies, which are not controversial, and which 

are already accepted by the biotechnology community. The MS could develop a draft document, 

then seek feedback from APHIS, on these terms. A member expressed concern about the pace 

of the project if the NOSB has to wait for another government agency to produce a list of 

technologies, when the industry is moving at a much quicker pace. 

• Contamination of farm inputs (HB). Deferred to next call.

• Other items. The MS added an additional call on January 23, 2018, and may add one more. 

• The meeting was adjourned
Previous MS Notes

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

December 12, 2017

January 9, 2018

January 23, 2018 - additional call

Contamination of farm inputs (HB). 

Genetic integrity of seed used on organic land (DS, DM, HB). 

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