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Organic Integrity from Farm to Table, Consumers Trust the Organic Label

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. USDA Organic Leadership

4. National List Update 

5. Organic Integrity Database

Strengthening Farmers Markets

6. Organic Certification 

Cost Share Program

7. The Organic Community

8. New Staff

9. Updated Resources

Invitation to Comment on 

Origin Of Livestock Proposed Rule

10. National Organic Standards Board 

Update

13. Deadline to Submit Proposals on 

New Organic Promotion Order 

Extended

14. National Organic Standards Board 

Call for Nominations Extended

15. Rural Energy for America Program 

Grants

European Commission Review of 

Organic Equivalence Arrangement

Upcoming National Organic 

Standards Board Meeting

16. NOP Handbook and Web Updates

Compliance Update

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE | AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE | NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM

Visit the NOP online at www.ams.usda.gov/nop Join us on Twitter: @USDA_AMS | #USDAorganic

Building on Our Success: The National Organic Program

2015-2018 Strategic Plan

In a nutshell, for an organization to succeed, it must remain 

focused on its mission, plan its work, work its plan, assess and 

repeat. This year, as in the past, the National Organic Program 

(NOP) of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 

engaged in the process of looking back to assess performance 

then looking forward to develop a strategic plan. 

The NOP Strategic Plan continues to support and align with the 

mission and goals of AMS. The mission of AMS is to facilitate 

the strategic marketing of U.S. agricultural products in domestic and 

international markets. The goals of AMS are:

1. Enhance Communication between Stakeholders and AMS Programs 

2. Provide Market Information and Intelligence and Support the Development 

of New Markets 

3. Provide Quality Claims and Analyses to Facilitate Agricultural Marketing 

4. Provide Effective Oversight of Markets and Entities 

5. Provide Premier Procurement and Technical Solutions to Identify and Fulfill 

the Needs for Agricultural, Food Assistance, and Other Programs 

6. Sustain and Enrich a Diverse, Progressive, and Dynamic Organizational 

Environment

Aligning with AMS goals is natural for NOP given its vision and mission. For NOP, 

the vision is “Organic Integrity from Farm to Table, Consumers Trust the Organic 

Label” and the mission is “Ensure the Integrity of USDA Organic Products in the 

United States and throughout the World.” To fulfill our vision and mission, NOP 

establishes and communicates clear standards; ensures that USDA-accredited 

organic certifying agents are properly certifying and overseeing organic 

operations; takes appropriate enforcement actions if there are violations of the 

organic standards; and supports the development of new organic markets. 

Continued on page 2

June 2015 Newsletter
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Building on Our Success: The National Organic Program 2015-2018 Strategic Plan

The NOP has taken many important actions in support of our mission. From October 2009, when the NOP first became an 

independent program within AMS, through October 2014, the NOP has: 

1. Continued to level the playing field for organic farms and businesses, by publishing several critical amendments to the USDA 

organic regulations, including the “Access to Pasture” rule, the “Residue Testing” rule, and several materials-focused rules to 

amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. 

2. Guided USDA organic standards implementation and accessibility by initiating and now continuing to expand the NOP 

Handbook, with a definitive set of guidance, certifier instructions, and policy memos. 

3. Increased transparency through the ongoing work of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) by hosting meetings twice a 

year around the country, improving the public comment process, regularly responding to Board recommendations, and 

increasing staff support and funding for Technical Reports. 

4. Increased audit consistency and regularity by institutionalizing the process and checklists for conducting initial, mid-term, and 

renewal accreditation audits with organic certifiers around the world. Certifier compliance with accreditation criteria has 

exceeded 95 percent since 2013. 

5. Supported organic trade by implementing international organic equivalency arrangements with Canada (2009), the European 

Union (2012), Japan (2014), and Korea (2014). These arrangements streamline certification requirements and provide new 

market opportunities for U.S. organic products. 

6. Initiated an Age of Enforcement, establishing a complaint tracking database, and steadily increasing case closure rates for 

complaint case investigations. As a result, organic operators came into compliance, labels were corrected, and new 

operations became certified. We also initiated routine use of civil penalties for willful violations of the Organic Foods 

Production Act. 

7. Reengineered the appeals process, to streamline case evaluation and increase alternative dispute resolution approaches. As a 

result, appeals are now resolved in an average of 140 days, far faster than the 294-day average in 2012. 

8. Supported USDA’s development of the Organic Literacy Initiative, designed to increase USDA employee knowledge of the 

organic standards and certification process. More than 30,000 USDA employees have completed the training program since its 

launch allowing USDA employees to better serve current and prospective organic farmers. 

9. Continued annual face-to-face training for certifiers, and conducted training in Spanish for Latin American certifiers. 

10. Annually posted lists of certified organic operations for the public. Since 2010, the annual listing has improved in accuracy and 

data quality. In 2014, the NOP started developing the Organic Integrity Database to enable more frequent list updates. 

11. Administered the National and Agricultural Management Assistance organic certification cost share programs, enabling 

thousands of organic operations across the country to recover certification-related expenses. 

12. Expanded outreach and communication through the USDA Organic Insider, an email notification service with more than 

19,000 subscribers; the Organic Integrity Newsletter; and a Organic 101 blog series to explain organic principles. NOP leaders 

also regularly speak at food and agriculture conferences. 

Indeed, the NOP has accomplished much. But there still remains much to be done. So our goals for the next three years are as 

follows:

Goal 1: Protect Organic Integrity 

The NOP protects the integrity of the USDA organic seal through an effective compliance, enforcement, and appeals program; 

effective audits and program peer reviews; and integrity-focused policies. 

Objectives: 

 Operate effective and efficient enforcement and appeals programs, investigating all substantiated complaints and taking 

enforcement actions where appropriate 

 Conduct effective audits to ensure certifier compliance with accreditation criteria 

 Establish policies that increase consistency in the way regulations are enforced 

Continued on page 3
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Goal 2: Facilitate Market Access 

The NOP supports candidate and existing organic businesses through sound and sensible organic certification, international trade

arrangements, and educational outreach programs. 

Objectives:

 Facilitate sound and sensible certification and outreach projects to help make organic certification more accessible, affordable, 

and attainable 

 Negotiate and maintain international organic trade arrangements that open markets while maintaining organic integrity 

 Present information about the USDA organic standards and certification to educate candidate farms and business about the 

organic option 

 Support USDA and AMS projects that implement the Secretary’s 2013 Guidance on Organic Agriculture, which ensures all USDA 

agencies and programs support the growing organic sector

 Respond to information requests from candidate, transitioning, and certified operations, and inquiries from the general public

Goal 3: Create and Implement Clear Standards 

Clear standards are core to our mission. Clear standards level the playing field for all organic farms and businesses. 

Objectives: 

 Engage in priority rulemaking projects 

 Develop sound and sensible policies that support certifier and operation compliance, while also reducing recordkeeping burdens

 Support transparency and public engagement by supporting National Organic Standards Board work and deliberations

 Conduct auditor and certifier training to encourage consistent implementation of the organic standards 

Goal 4: Build Technology that Advances Organic Integrity

NOP continues to expand and deepen technology to support its mission areas. The 2014 Farm Bill provided funding to support 

these investments. 

Objectives: 

 Build and deploy the Organic Integrity Database, a modernized database of certified operations 

 Enhance and integrate management tools to facilitate program tracking, workload management, analysis, and reporting 

Goal 5: Develop the Team and Organization 

Our mission can only be realized through a strong and engaged team. 

Objectives: 

 Develop and engage a diverse team, and provide a management and technology infrastructure that supports employee success

 Recruit exceptional and diverse new team members to achieve these strategic goals 

 Maintain and further develop the quality management system, to ensure effective processes and high quality, consistent deliverables 

In the next three years, as we work our plan, we look to partner with and support the organic community, engaging stakeholders, 

setting and enforcing organic standards and creating market opportunities. We want to hear from you. A link to the full AMS-NOP 

Strategic Plan can be found on the NOP home page at www.ams.usda.gov/nop. If you have ideas or comments on the AMS-NOP 

Strategic Plan, please email me at Miles.McEvoy@ams.usda.gov. Together, I am confident we will continue to successfully advance

NOP’s vision, mission, and goals. 

Thanks for the opportunity to serve the organic community.

Sincerely,

Miles V. McEvoy

NOP Deputy Administrator

Building on Our Success: The National Organic Program 2015-2018 Strategic Plan
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National List Update

 Soaps – Herbicidal, § 205.601

 Soaps – Algicides, § 205.601

 Hydrogen peroxide, § 205.601

 Laminarin, petitioned to §205.601

 Lime sulfur, § 205.601

 Potassium bicarbonate, § 205.601

 PGME, petitioned to § 205.601

 Nonylphenol ethoxylates (EPA List 4), §§ 205.601 

and 205.603

 Vitamins B1, C and E, § 205.601

 Exhaust gas, petitioned to § 205.601

 Zinc sulfate, petitioned to § 205.603

 Ethanol, § 205.603

 Isopropanol, § 205.603

 Chlorhexidine, § 205.603

 Copper sulfate, § 205.603

 Excipients, § 205.603

 Electrolytes, § 205.603

 Hydrated lime, § 205.603

 Sodium bisulfate, petitioned to §205.603

 Alginic acid, § 205.605

 Alginates, § 205.605

 Enzymes, § 205.605

 Citric acid and salts, § 205.605

 Lactic acid, sodium lactate, potassium lactate, § 205.605

 Glycerides (mono and di), § 205.605

 Triethyl citrate, petitioned to § 205.605

 Tocopherols, § 205.605

 Colors, § 205.606

 Fructooligosaccharides, § 205.606

 Inulin-oligofructose enriched, § 205.606

 Pectin (non-amidated), § 205.606

 Whey protein concentrate, § 205.606

Recent Technical Reports 

The following new technical reports have been posted on the NOP website and sent to the NOSB for review:

National List Petitions 

The following new petitions have been posted on the NOP website and sent to the NOSB for review: 

 Squid and Squid byproducts, petitioned for addition to 

§ 205.601

 Anaerobic Digestate – Food Waste, petitioned for 

addition to § 205.601

 Sulfuric acid – solubilizing agent, petitioned for addition 

to § 205.601

 Ash from Manure Burning, petitioned for annotation on 

§ 205.602

 Bentonite, Acid-Activated, petitioned for addition to 

§ 205.603

 Flavors, petitioned annotation change on § 205.605

 Allyl Isothiocyanate, petitioned to § 205.601

 Ammonium Hydroxide, petitioned to § 205.605

 Hypochlorous Acid, petitioned for addition to 

§§ 205.601 and 205.605 

As of the end of 2014, 19,474 organic farms and 

processing facilities in the United States were certified to 

the USDA organic regulations. 

Since the count began in 2002, the number of domestic 

organic operations has increased by over 250%.
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Organic Integrity Database Update: Release 1 Plans

The National Organic Program (NOP) is making fast progress 

in designing and building the Organic Integrity Database, a 

modernized information technology system that will replace 

the current annual list of certified operations. Funding for 

the project was provided in the 2014 Farm Bill, and we are 

planning for a first release in September.

The Organic Integrity Database will deter fraud by providing 

accurate and more timely information about operations 

certified to use the USDA organic seal. It will enable supply 

chain connections between buyers and sellers of organic 

goods, support international trading partner data needs, 

and strengthen NOP’s oversight capabilities.

Here’s what is planned for the September 2015 release: 

 Certifiers will be able to login to the database at any 

time, and regularly update the list of the organic 

operations they certify

 As data are added over time, the system will maintain a 

record of each certified operation’s change in 

certification status

 Industry and the public will be able to conduct searches 

more easily and with greater precision than with the 

current posted list

 The system will provide standard summary reports not 

previously available

 This release will begin the process of introducing a more 

structured listing of commodities and services, a 

significant improvement over the current listing

We are working closely with certifiers to define system 

needs, and to help with testing as the system is built. If you 

are a certifier representative interested in joining this 

group, please contact Jennifer.Tucker@ams.usda.gov. 

NOP introduces the Organic Integrity Database development 

team! To build the system, NOP is working closely with AMS 

Information Technology Services, and with two contractors. 

Intact is an organic certification software firm that already 

works with many certifiers; and Harmonia is a information 

technology firm with extensive experience in building 

systems quickly for the Federal government. 

On May 1, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack opened the 20th season of the USDA 

Farmers Market with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Secretary Vilsack has identified 

strengthening local food systems, including farmers markets, as one of the four pillars of 

USDA's commitment to rural economic development. 

"For the past two decades, the USDA Farmers Market has shown us how farmers 

markets bring urban and rural communities together and expand access to locally grown 

fruit and vegetables," said Secretary Vilsack. "Like thousands of markets around the 

country, the USDA Farmers Market benefits local farmers and ranchers, small 

businesses, and consumers by creating economic opportunities and offering healthy, 

wholesome food." 

AMS supports farmers markets through grants, technical assistance and applied research. This year, AMS is making available 

more than $90 million in grant funding to support local food efforts through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the 

Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program. 

The USDA Farmers Market is one of many markets listed in USDA's Local Food Directories. Consumers can search the 

directories for locations, operating hours, and more details about farmers markets, food hubs, community-supported 

agriculture (CSA) operations and on-farm markets. For more information about USDA’s Farmers Market and other markets 

across the country, go to www.usda/localfooddirectories.com. For an updated fact sheet entitled “Organic Labeling at Farmers 

Markets,” visit the National Organic Program website at www.ams.usda.gov/nop and click on Fact Sheets.

Secretary Vilsack Kicks off USDA Farmers Market for 20th Season
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USDA Funding to Assist with Organic Certification Costs

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased 

to announce that approximately $11.9 million is available 

for organic certification cost-share assistance, making 

certification more accessible for certified producers and 

handlers across the country. 

“The organic industry saw record growth in 2014, 

accounting for over $39 billion in retail sales in the United 

States alone,” said AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo. 

“Support provided through the organic certification costshare programs will help more organic producers and 

handlers succeed, supporting the economy in rural and 

urban communities.” 

The certification assistance is distributed through two 

programs. Through the National Organic Certification CostShare Program, approximately $11 million is available to 

organic farmers and businesses nationwide and in 

participating U.S. territories. Through the Agricultural 

Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost-Share 

Program, an additional $900,000 is available to organic 

producers (only crop and livestock operations) in 

Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, 

Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New 

York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West 

Virginia, and Wyoming. 

These programs provide cost-share assistance through 

participating states to producers and handlers certified to 

the USDA organic regulations for certification-related 

expenses. Payments cover up to 75 percent of an individual 

applicant’s certification costs, up to a maximum of $750 

annually per certification scope: crops, livestock, wild crops 

and handling. Since there are 4 possible certification 

scopes, the maximum reimbursement amount is $3,000. 

This would occur if the operator is certified for all 4 scopes 

and the overall allowable certification costs are equal to or 

greater than $4000 (the 75 percent rule). 

To receive cost-share assistance, certified organic producers 

and handlers should contact their state agencies. Each 

state will have their own guidelines and requirements for 

reimbursement, and the AMS NOP assists states as much as 

possible to successfully implement the programs. 

State contact information can be found on the NOP Cost 

Share Website: www.ams.usda.gov/NOPCostSharing

In 2014, USDA issued nearly 10,000 reimbursements 

totaling over $6 million, providing critical support to the 

organic community. 

USDA continually works to connect organic farmers and 

businesses with resources that ensure the continued 

growth of the organic industry domestically and abroad. 

During this Administration, USDA has signed four major 

organic trade arrangements and is also helping organic 

stakeholders access programs that support conservation, 

provide access to loans and grants, fund organic research 

and education, and mitigate pest emergencies. In addition 

to growth in domestic organic farms and businesses, U.S. 

businesses are also benefitting from sourcing counterseasonal and exotic organic products and ingredients from 

the over 8,000 USDA organic operations overseas. 

Combined, these efforts have helped the U.S. organic sector 

grow to a record $39 billion in retail sales in 2014.

For additional information contact 

Rita Meade

OCCSP Manager

(202) 260-8636

Rita.Meade@ams.usda.gov

WELCOME BACK LISA

After a 14 month detail to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Agricultural Affairs, Lisa Ahramjian has 

returned to NOP. Lisa, who previously served as NOP’s Communications Specialist is now an Agricultural Marketing 

Specialist in the Standards Division. Among other duties while at USTR, Lisa worked with NOP and the Foreign 

Agricultural Service to help negotiate the organic equivalency arrangement with South Korea.
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The Organic Community

IFOAM EU

IFOAM, EU is an independent regional group within the 

International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements 

(IFOAM).

IFOAM EU is the European umbrella organization for 

organic food and farming. They fight for the adoption of 

ecologically, socially and economically sound systems based on the principles of organic agriculture – health, ecology, 

fairness and care. With more than 160 member organizations their work spans the entire organic food chain and beyond: 

from farmers and processors, retailers, certifiers, consultants, traders and researchers to environmental and consumer 

advocacy bodies.

The information above was pulled from www.ifoam-eu.org where you can learn more about the organization and the 9th 

European Organic Congress which they are co-organizing.

The USDA National Organic Program is a member of a large and growing community contributing to the advancement of 

organic farming at the local, regional, national and international levels. As our community is as diverse as it is dispersed, we 

feature below other community members in the United States and abroad to help increase awareness of the different work 

being done. With so many different members in different places, the purpose of the features is to share information, not to 

endorse the views, work or events of one community member over those of so many others. 

Organic Farming Research Foundation

For 25 years, the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has served organic farmers by 

funding organic farming research and successfully advocating for public policy and public 

funding to advance organic science and increase organic production. 

OFRF’s focus is farmers, and their aim is to provide science-based solutions to help farmers overcome the challenges of 

organic production. Since 1990, OFRF has funded 315 organic farming research projects, and many of their research 

partners have leveraged cutting-edge initial studies into large-scale research projects that have transformed modern 

organic practices. OFRF is also an advocate for a fair share of public funding for organic farming research, and for official 

recognition of organic as a valid and economically-important sector of agriculture. 

“We are committed to the expansion and improvement of organic farming systems, and we believe that modern organic 

farming requires a foundation of science and public investment,” said OFRF Executive Director Brise Tencer. “We believe 

research will prove that organic can feed the world, sustainably, without damaging our agricultural lands, environment or 

human health.” 

OFRF has worked closely with USDA over the years as the agency’s focus and investment in organic has grown and been 

strengthened. Through a grant from the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture, OFRF is currently involved in a 

groundbreaking research effort to catalogue and evaluate organic farming research projects funded by the USDA through 

the Organic Agricultural Research and Extension Initiative and the Organic Transitions Program. 

Over the decades, OFRF has also partnered with Land-Grant universities and extension services to fund research 

opportunities for faculty and students, and expand training options for incoming generations of farmers. 

OFRF is committed to transparency, traditional systems of shared knowledge among farmers, and open-source science to 

support the success and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. Innovations that result from OFRF-funded 

research may not be licensed or patented. For more information, visit www.ofrf.org. 
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THE NOP TEAM IS GROWING . . . 

Since the beginning of the year, we have added six new member to our team - one in the Office of the Deputy 

Administrator; three in the Standards Division; and two in the Accreditation & International Activities Division. 

Below are brief biographies of our newest team members. 

Bridget McElroy 

Bridget joined the NOP team in February as a Policy Analyst with the Standards Division. Most recently, she 

worked as a Program Specialist with a USAID contractor, implementing agricultural development projects 

overseas. Prior, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador where she worked with an organic 

coffee farmers association. Bridget holds a BA in International Relations and a MS in Agriculture, Food and 

the Environment from Tufts University. 

Devon Pattillo 

Devon joined the NOP team in March as a Materials Specialist with the Standards Division. Most recently, 

he worked with the organic certification agency CCOF for over 7 years, where he held a variety of 

positions, including Materials Manager and Livestock Certification Manager. Devon holds a BA in Biology 

from Reed College. 

Edward Stoker 

Eddie joined the NOP team in April as a Communications Specialist with the Office of the Deputy 

Administrator. Most recently, he worked as a Public Affairs Specialist with USDA’s Food Safety and 

Inspection Service, Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education. Prior, he held a variety of positions in 

both the public and private sectors, marketing and managing outreach, partnership and education 

programs. Eddie holds a BS in Agronomy from Texas A&M University and a MS in Environmental Studies 

from Baylor University. 

Jason Lopez 

Jason joined the NOP team in March as an Agricultural Marketing Specialist with the Accreditation & 

International Activities Division. Most recently, he worked with USDA’s Risk Management Agency for over 

10 years reviewing reinsurance policies for the crop insurance program. Prior, he worked in the livestock 

industry enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. Jason holds a BS in Agricultural Economics and 

a MS in Agricultural Business from New Mexico State University and is pursuing a PhD in Agricultural 

Economics from Oklahoma State University. 

. . . TO BETTER SERVE YOU! 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, in partnership with Oregon Tilth, is 

presenting a four-part webinar series on environmental benefits of organic systems. 

The next webinar will be

Environmental Benefits of Organic Agriculture: Biodiversity

 Wednesday, June 17 at 2:00 p.m. EST

 John Quinn, Assistant Professor of Biology, Furman University

 Betsy Rakola, Organic Policy Advisor, USDA

To learn more and register, visit www.conservationwebinars.net
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THE NOP TEAM IS GROWING TO BETTER SERVE YOU

Jessica Walden 

Jessica joined the NOP team in March as a Materials Review Specialist with the Standards Division. Most 

recently, she worked with Quality Assurance International (QAI) for over 10 years where she held a variety 

of positions, including Reviewer Supervisor and Senior Technical Reviewer. She has also served on the 

Processor Advisory Council and the Processor Review Panel for OMRI. Prior, she was an Organic Inspector 

and Certification Officer for National Association for Sustainable Agriculture in Australia. Jessica holds a 

bachelor’s in Environmental Studies, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture from the University of 

California, Santa Cruz and a graduate degree in Environmental Studies from Adelaide University in 

Australia.

Penny Zuck 

Penny joined the NOP team in March 2015 as an Agricultural Marketing Specialist with the Accreditation 

and International Activities Division. Most recently, she worked with Pennsylvania Certified Organic for 

over 14 years where she held a variety of positions, including Certification Director, Certification Specialist, 

Administrative Director, and Training Coordinator. She also assisted the Gluten-Free Certification 

Organization (GFCO) by performing gluten-free on-site audits and testing. She is certified as an organic 

inspector through the International Organic Inspector’s Association (IOIA) for all scopes of organic 

inspections. 

With its larger staff with expertise in organic agriculture; policy analysis and development; accreditation; materials, compliance 

and enforcement; auditing; and public sector management, the NOP will continue to effectively serve the organic community 

with a commitment to the following values: Independence and Objectivity; Customer Service; Accountability; Honesty and 

Integrity; and Diversity. 

UPDATED RESOURCES

The National Organic Program (NOP), as part of its Organic Literacy Initiative, 

has updated two resources – “Is Organic An Option for Me?” and “USDA 

Organic Resource Guide 2015.” PDF versions of these resources can be 

downloaded by clicking on the Organic Literacy Initiative link near the 

bottom of the NOP homepage at www.ams.usda.gov/NOP

ORIGIN OF LIVESTOCK

PROPOSED RULE

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service 

proposes to amend the origin of 

livestock requirements for dairy animals 

under the USDA organic regulations. 

Comments are welcomed and must be 

received by July 27, 2015. 

To comment, 

go to www.regulations.gov

and enter AMS-NOP-11-0009-0001 

in the search box. 
10

Update From National Organic Standards Board Meeting

NOSB members in photo from left to right: Francis Thicke; Tom Chapman; Jennifer Taylor; Lisa de Lima; Nick Maravell; Ashley Swaffar Jean 

Richardson (NOSB Chair); Tracy Favre (NOSB Vice Chair); Mac Stone; Zea Sonnabend; C. Reuben Walker; Carmela Beck; and Colehour 

Bondera. Not present in photo: Harold Austin (NOSB Secretary); and Paula Daniels. 

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Advisory Board, comprised of 

dedicated public volunteers from the organic community. The NOSB provides recommendations on a wide range of matters 

related to the implementation of the Organic Food Production Act and USDA organic regulations.

The NOSB held its biannual public meeting April 27-30, 2015, in La Jolla, California. Over the course of four days, the NOSB 

evaluated 23 proposals, discussion documents, and reports, and reviewed 198 material listings due to sunset in 2017. The 

NOSB received 1,248 written comments prior to the meeting and heard oral testimony from 128 members of the public on a 

wide range of issues. 

Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator of the National Organic Program (NOP), presented the Agricultural Marketing Services –

National Organic Program Strategic Plan that included the NOP’s strategic priorities, updates on the USDA Organic Initiatives, 

and a status update on prior NOSB recommendations. 

Dr. Lisa Brines, NOP National List Manager, provided an update about materials under sunset review, and petitions for changes

to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. 

Clive Davies, Chief of the Safer Choice Program at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave a presentation on the Safer

Choice program. The Safer Choice program is a voluntary labeling program that promotes the use of safer chemicals and may 

be of assistance to the NOSB in their review of inert ingredients used in pesticides for organic production. 

The NOSB also hosted a 4-member panel of experts on Seed Purity. The panel and Board members discussed the challenges 

faced by the organic seed industry in trying to protect organic germplasm from genetically engineered crops. 

Following is a summary of the NOSB’s recommendations and actions regarding the topics listed below. 

Petitioned Substances

2016 Sunset Substance Review

2017 Sunset Substance Review

Other Recommendations

Other Business

Updates and Reports

The NOP thanks and recognizes the NOSB for its hard work and contributions to organic food production. For additional 

information about the meeting, please visit www.ams.usda.gov/NOSBMeetings. The final recommendations from the meeting 

will be posted at this location in the near future. 

Note: NOSB is an advisory body to the Secretary of Agriculture. An NOSB recommendation does not become policy unless the NOP issues final rules, final 

guidance, final instructions, or a policy memorandum that adopts the recommendation. Unless such action is taken, NOSB recommendations are not part of 

the USDA organic regulations.
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THE NOSB RECOMMENDS REMOVAL OF 5 MATERIALS FROM THE NATIONAL LIST,

AND VOTES AGAINST ADDING 6 NEW MATERIALS

Petitioned Substances. The NOSB reviewed ten petitions to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 

Substances (National List). This section of the USDA organic regulations includes synthetic substances allowed in 

crop and livestock production, nonsynthetic substances prohibited in crop and livestock production, and all 

substances allowed in handling of organic products. All motions require a 2/3 majority to pass. 

Substance Section Action Considered by NOSB NOSB Recommendation

Whole Algal Flour §205.606 Motion to add to the National List at 205.605(a) as a 

nonsynthetic substance

The motion failed

Glycerin produced by hydrolysis 

of fats and oils

§205.605(b) Motion to remove from the National List The motion passed

Glycerin, when derived from agricultural source material and processed using biological or mechanical/physical methods described under §205.270(a)205.606 Motion to add to the National List at 205.606 as an 

agricultural substance

The motion passed

Polyalkylene Glycol Monobutyl 

Ether (PGME)

§205.605 Motion to add to the National List Classified as synthetic

The motion failed

Triethyl Citrate §205.605 Motion to add to the National List Classified as synthetic

The motion failed

(Carbon Monoxide) Exhaust Gas §205.601 Motion to add to the National List Classified as synthetic

The motion failed

Calcium Sulfate, as petitioned §205.601 Motion to add to the National List Classified as synthetic

The motion failed

3-decene-2-one §205.601 Motion to add to the National List Classified as synthetic

The motion failed

Acidified Sodium Chlorite (ASC) 

(CAS # 7758-19-2 (sodium chlorite) and CAS # 14998-27-7 

(chlorous acid))

§205.603(a) Motion to add to the National List with the following annotation: allowed for use on organic livestock 

as a pre and post teat dip treatment.

Classified as synthetic

The motion passed

Zinc Sulfate §205.603(b) Motion to add to the National List for use as a foot 

or hoof treatment only

Classified as synthetic

The motion passed

DL–Methionine, DL–Methionine—

hydroxy analog, and DL–

Methionine—hydroxy analog calcium (CAS #'s 59-51-8, 583-91-5, 

4857-44-7, and 922-50-9) -

§205.603(d) Motion to amend the listing for methionine as follows: for use only in organic poultry production at 

the following maximum average pounds per ton of 

100 percent synthetic methionine in the diet over 

the life of the flock: Laying chickens – 2 pounds; 

Broiler chickens – 2.5 pounds; Turkeys and all other 

poultry – 3 pounds.

Motion to adopt the following resolution:

Resolution: The National Organic Standards Board is 

committed to the phase-out of synthetic methionine for organic poultry production, and encourages 

aggressive industry and independent research on 

natural alternative sources of methionine, breeding 

poultry that perform well on less methionine, and 

management practices for improved poultry animal 

welfare.

The motions passed
12

2016 Sunset Substance Review

Substance Section Action Considered by NOSB NOSB Recommendation

Ferric Phosphate §205.601(h) Motion to remove from the National List The motion failed

The NOSB completed its sunset review

Hydrogen Chloride §205.601(n) Motion to remove from the National List The motion failed

The NOSB completed its sunset review

Egg White Lysozyme §205.605(a) Motion to remove from the National List The motion passed

The NOSB recommended removal 

from the National List as a result of 

its sunset review

L-Malic Acid §205.605(a) Motion to remove from the National List The motion failed

The NOSB completed its sunset review

Microorganisms §205.605(a) Motion to remove from the National List The motion failed 

The NOSB completed its sunset review

Activated Charcoal §205.605(b) Motion to remove from the National List The motion failed

The NOSB completed its sunset review

Peracetic Acid §205.605(b) Motion to remove from the National List The motion failed

The NOSB completed its sunset review

Cyclohexylamine §205.605(b) Motion to remove from the National List The motion passed

The NOSB recommended removal 

from the National List as a result of 

its sunset review

Diethylaminoethanol §205.605(b) Motion to remove from the National List The motion passed

The NOSB recommended removal 

from the National List as a result of 

its sunset review

Octadecylamine §205.605(b) Motion to remove from the National List The motion passed

The NOSB recommended removal 

from the National List as a result of 

its sunset review

Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate 

(SAPP)

§205.605(b) Motion to remove from the National List The motion failed

The NOSB completed its sunset review

Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate 

(TSPP)

§205.605(b) Motion to remove from the National List The motion passed

The NOSB recommended removal 

from the National List as a result of 

its sunset review

2017 Sunset Substance Review

The NOSB provided an overview and received public comment on 198 material listings due for sunset review by 2017 (click the link to see 

the complete list of materials). 
13

Other Recommendations

Peer Review proposal 

The NOSB passed a recommendation for the National Organic Program Accreditation Peer Review Process. 

Ancillary Substances listed for use with Microorganisms. 

The NOSB considered a proposal on Ancillary Substances listed for use with Microorganisms. Based on public comments, this document 

was returned to the Handling Subcommittee for further work. 

Other Business 

Discussion Documents

The Materials Subcommittee presented two discussion documents: Excluded Methods Terminology and; Prevention Strategy Guidance

for Excluded Methods in Crops and Handling. 

Updates & Reports

Contamination Issues in Farm Inputs. The Crops Subcommittee presented a report to the NOSB on Contamination Issues in Farm Inputs. 

Aquaculture Legacy Document. The Livestock Subcommittee presented a report to the NOSB on the history of the review of aquaculture 

petitions. 

The NOP provided an update to the NOSB about the Inerts Working Group and its ongoing work to develop a process for review of inert 

substances in pesticide formulations.

USDA Extends Deadline to Submit Proposals on New Organic Promotion Order to July 20, 2015

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2015 — The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is 

extending a deadline by 30 days to allow members of the public to submit alternative proposals or partial proposals on a 

new industry-funded promotion, research and information order for organic products. The new order would be developed 

under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (1996 Act).

AMS received a number of requests from organic stakeholders for additional time and will accept proposals or partial 

proposals until July 20, 2015. AMS originally announced that it would accept proposals until June 19, 2015.

The agency will consider submissions before publishing a proposed Organic Promotion, Research and Information Order 

that would create an industry-funded research and promotion program for organic products under the 1996 Act.

Proposals may be submitted to Organic Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Room 3071-S, STOP 0201; 

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, D.C. 20250-0201; telephone number 

(202) 720-5115. AMS is only seeking proposals or partial proposals. Comments on the submitted proposal or any other 

aspect of an organic research and promotion program will not be considered. Interested parties will have full opportunity 

to submit comments when AMS publishes a proposed order.

THE NOP THANKS THE MEMBERS OF THE NOSB FOR THEIR 

DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO THE ORGANIC COMMUNITY
14
15

MORE GOOD NEWS

The European Commission informed USDA’s 

Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic 

Program (NOP) that it reviewed the operation of 

the European Union-United States organic 

equivalence arrangement established in 2012 and 

found that the arrangement has been instrumental 

in increasing market access for producers, 

expanding consumer choices, and facilitating 

regulatory cooperation. 

A PDF copy of the letter received can be found on 

the International Trade Policies, European Union 

page of the NOP web site — www.ams.usda.gov/

NOPTradeEuropeanUnion

Congratulations to the Foreign Agricultural Service, 

the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the 

NOP Accreditation & International Activities 

Division for negotiating an equivalency 

arrangement that upholds the principles of organic 

integrity. 

UPCOMING NOSB MEETING

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a 15-

member Federal advisory committee which provides 

advice, clarification, and guidance to the Secretary of 

Agriculture concerning the National Organic Program 

(NOP). Among other activities, the NOSB helps 

develop and update regulations and policies by 

providing formal recommendations to USDA. NOSB 

meetings, which are held twice per year, are 

important forums for public comment, and support 

transparency in the organic standards development 

process. 

The fall 2015 NOSB Meeting will be October 26-29 at

Stoweflake Conference Center

1746 Mountain Road

Stowe, Vermont 05672

Visit www.ams.usda.gov/nosbmeetings to learn more 

about past and upcoming meetings.
16

National Organic Programs Handbook + Web Updates

Compliance Update

Program Handbook

The National Organic Program (NOP) Handbook provides a wide variety of policy materials and other resources to help 

organic farms and businesses comply with the USDA organic regulations. In the past several months, the Agricultural 

Marketing Service (AMS) has added new documents and updated several existing resources, which are available at 

www.ams.usda.gov/NOPProgramHandbook .

 Resource Inventory Supplements for Producers Participating in USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 

Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) 138 (NOP 2616). On April 22, 2015, NOP and NRCS provided producers working with 

NRCS on a CAP 138 with a new tool, "NOP 2616: Resource Inventory Supplements." The Resource Inventory 

Supplements complement the CAP 138. To learn more about NRCS support for producers transitioning to organic 

certification, contact your local NRCS office.

 Organic System Plan (OSP) Templates. On April 16, 2015, NOP updated our 3 existing optional OSP templates to 

Word document format to give producers more flexibility to describe their operations without the restrictions 

associated with fillable PDF forms.

 Policy Memo on Nanotechnology (PM 15-2). On March 24, 2015, NOP issued a policy memorandum to certifying 

agents and material evaluation programs to provide clarification on the use of nanotechnology in organic production 

and handling.

 Reinstating Suspended Operations (NOP 2605). On February 17, 2015, NOP updated "NOP 2605: Instruction on 

Reinstating Suspended Operations." The updated instruction describes procedures that certifiers and operations follow 

when requesting certification reinstatement, and provides the decision-making criteria that NOP uses to evaluate 

reinstatement requests.

 Policy Memo on Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film (PM 15-1). On October 30, 2014, USDA organic regulations were 

amended to allow the use of biodegradable biobased mulch film in organic crop production (79 FR 58655). On January 

22, 2015, a policy memorandum clarified how certifying agents and material evaluation programs should review the 

biobased requirement for these products. 

 Enforcement of the USDA Organic Regulations: Penalty Matrix (NOP 4002). On January 20, 2015, NOP finalized its 

Instruction to accredited certifiers and State Organic Programs for taking enforcement actions against certified 

operations that violate the USDA organic regulations. 

 Adverse Action Appeal Process (NOP 4011, Updated). On January 8, 2015, NOP published an updated Adverse Action 

Appeals Process document (original issued December 23, 2014). The document explains the adverse action appeal 

process; clarifies the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the adverse action appeal process; and describes 

possible appeal outcomes. 

 Program Handbook Available in Spanish. On December 17, 2014, NOP provided the Spanish version of the USDA 

organic regulations and program handbook. The Spanish version will make it easier for Spanish speaking farmers, 

handlers and certifiers to understand and comply with USDA organic regulations.

In FY14, the Compliance and Enforcement Division of the National Organic Program:

 Issued nine civil penalties, totaling $81,500, for willful violations of the USDA organic regulations

 Closed 285 complaint investigations

 Published 13 fraudulent organic certificates on the NOP webpage

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