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 (MS) (GMO ad hoc) Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Present: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Logan Petrey (LP), Vice Chair; Brian Caldwell (BC); Carolyn Dimitri (CD); Steve 

Ela (SE); Kim Huseman (KH); Mindee Jeffery (MJ)

Absent: None

Staff: Jared Clark (JC); Andrea Holm (AH)

Agenda

• November 9, 2021 notes

• Excluded Methods Spring 2022 (MJ/LP) - Discuss review

• Tall oil, distilled (WT) - Discuss review

• Additional Items

• Adjourn

Discussion

• November 9, 2021 notes were reviewed, updated, and accepted.

• Excluded Methods Spring 2022 (MJ/LP) - One of the leads discussed the scope of the next document. 

Members discussed the process for adding a discussion document and TBD definition proposals to the 

open docket. Members discussed draft definitions for some TBD terms. MS will discuss this again on the 

next call.

• Tall oil, distilled (WT) - The lead has additional comments to consider, topic bumped to the next call.

• Additional Items - None

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT, except where noted)

November 9, 2021

Technical Reports

Work Agenda

Excluded Methods

Tall oil, distilled - Update

Research priorities

December 14, 2021

Excluded Methods Spring 2022 (MJ/LP) - Discuss

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - Discuss review

January 11, 2022 - last call before RPs from HS, CS, LS are due to MS

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - Discuss/vote on proposal

Excluded Methods Spring 2022 (MJ/LP) - Discuss

February 08, 2022

Research Priorities (WT) - Discuss/vote on disc doc

March 08, 2022

April 12, 2022

May 10, 2022

June 14, 2022

July 12, 2022
August 09, 2022

September 13, 2022

October 11, 2022

November 08, 2022

December 13, 2022

Work Agenda

*Highlight indicates discussion. *Highlight indicates action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

and/or vote.

Projects

Project National List Contact Doc Type Notes 

Scheduled,

Discussion, 

Voted

Target

meeting 

Research

Priorities (RP)

N/A WT Discussion 

Document 

(Spr 2022)

Proposal 

(Fall 2022)

May 2012 Framework 

Proposal

Subcommittee reps to MS:

Handling (HS): WT

Crops (CS): SE

Livestock (LS): KH

RPs due to MS from HS, CS, 

and LS on 1.25.22

11.9.21

TBD

Spr 2022

Petition and 

Technical 

Report (TR) 

tracking: 

Update to TR 

template

N/A NOP Ongoing 11.9.21 N/A

Excluded 

Methods 

Spring 2022 

N/A MJ/LP Discussion 

Document, 

Proposal

11.9.21

12.14.21

1.11.22

Spr 2022

Tall oil, distilled 205.601

205.603

WT Proposal 2008 Petition (distilled tall 

oil). 2010 TR (tall oil).

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. 

Petition suff/TR request 

due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the 

MS requested a TR. TR due 

mid-Aug. TR sent to MS 

8.13.21. TR suff due 

10.12.21. TR found 

sufficient 10.12.21.

11.10.20

12.8.20

10.12.21

12.14.21

1.11.22

Spr 2022
Milestones 

Spring 2022 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 12, 2021

NOSB - Spring 2022 proposals due to NOP Feb 16, 2022

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2022 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2022

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2022

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2022

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 4, 2022

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 21, 2022

Spring 2022 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 26 - 28, 2022

Final recommendations due May 27, 2022
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 (MS) (GMO ad hoc) Subcommittee Notes

Tuesday, November 09, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Present: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Kim Huseman (KH); Logan Petrey (LP); Steve 

Ela (SE)

Absent: Brian Caldwell (BC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC); Andrea Holm (AH)

Agenda

• Review October 12th, 2021 notes

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• October 12th, 2021 notes were accepted as written

• Additional Items

o Technical Reports - Members discussed the TR template and possible revisions for consistency 

in information regarding excluded methods. The NOP provided guidance on how the MS would 

go about making revisions. Since the templates are a tool for the NOSB, the Subcommittee can 

work on it without requesting a work agenda item. The NOP also highlighted that the petition 

and TR templates are not aligned and that could be included in this update. The MS will discuss 

this again at the next call.

o Work Agenda - The MS Chair discussed work agenda items and the deadline for drafting the 

Spring 2022 research priorities discussion document.

o Excluded Methods - The MS Vice Chair discussed excluded methods and would like to develop a

proposal or discussion document for every NOSB meeting. For the next document, the lead 

would like to move forward with a proposal regarding some of the TBD planting breeding 

techniques (cell and protoplast fusion). The lead asked for assistance from other Subcommittee 

members with TBD definitions. MS will discuss this again on the next call. 

o Tall Oil petition and proposal - The MS Chair will bring a draft proposal for discussion at the Jan 

11 call.

o Research Priorities: The MS Chair discussed the research priorities discussion document for 

Spring 2022 and will send the previous version to the Subcommittee chairs for reference.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 1:00 PM ET | 10:00 AM PT, except where noted)

October 12, 2021

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - TR sufficiency

November 9, 2021

Technical Reports

Work Agenda

Excluded Methods

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - Discuss

Research Priorities
December 14, 2021

Excluded Methods Spring 2022 - Discuss

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - Proposal discussion and vote 

January 11, 2022

February 08, 2022 

Research Priorities (WT) - Discuss/vote on disc doc 

March 08, 2022

April 12, 2022

May 10, 2022

June 14, 2022

July 12, 2022

August 09, 2022

September 13, 2022

October 11, 2022

November 08, 2022

December 13, 2022

Work Agenda

*Highlight indicates discussion. *Highlight indicates action needed. *Highlight indicates review completion

and/or vote.

Projects

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes 

Scheduled,

Discussed, 

Voted

Target

meeting 

Research Priorities 

May 2012 Framework 

Proposal

Discussion document - Spr 

2022 

Proposal - Fall 2022

WT Subcommittee reps to MS:

Handling (HS): WT

Crops (CS): SE

Livestock (LS): KH

RPs due to MS from HS, CS, and LS on 

1.25.22

11.9.21

TBD

Spr 2022

Petition and TR tracking -

Update to TR template

NOP Ongoing 11.9.21 N/A

Excluded Methods Spring 

2022 

Proposal

MJ/LP 11.9.21

12.14.21

Spr 2022

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled 

tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Proposal 

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS requested a 

TR. TR due mid- Aug. TR sent to MS 8.13.21. 

TR suff due 10.12.21. TR found sufficient 

10.12.21.

11.10.20

12.8.20

10.12.21

1.11.21

Spr 2022
Milestones 

Spring 2022 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 12, 2021

NOSB - Spring 2022 proposals due to NOP Feb 16, 2022

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2022 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2022

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2022

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2022

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 4, 2022

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 21, 2022

Spring 2022 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 26 - 28, 2022

Final recommendations due May 27, 2022
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 12, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Kim Huseman (KH); Logan Petrey 

(LP)

Absent: Steve Ela (SE); Brian Caldwell (BC)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review August 12, 2021 notes

• Tall oil, distilled (WT) - TR sufficiency

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• August 12, 2021 notes were approved via email September 20, 2021

• Tall oil, distilled (WT). The lead discussed the TR for tall oil, noting that the content of the 

document is adequate to address the difference between distilled tall oil and crude tall oil. The 

TR was found sufficient. 

• Additional items. The Chair noted some questions regarding copper in the Research Priorities 

document.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

August 12, 2021 at 2:00 ET/11:00 PT (note date change)

Research priorities (All) - Discuss/vote

 Excluded Methods Fall 2021 - Discuss/vote

September 14, 2021 - cancelled

October 12, 2021

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - TR sufficiency

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 
Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion,

Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities 

May 2012 Framework Proposal

Discussion document - Spr 2021

Proposal - Fall 2021

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock 

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

8.12.21 Fall 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods Fall 2021 

Discussion document

MJ/LP 6.8.21

7.13.21

7.27.21

8.12.21

Fall 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Proposal

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR. TR due mid- Aug. TR 

sent to MS 8.13.21. TR suff due 

10.12.21. TR found sufficient 10.12.21.

11.10.20

12.8.20

10.12.21

Spr 2022

Fall 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 3, 2021

NOSB Request for TRs for 2024 sunset materials Jun 18, 2021

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Jul 30, 2021

NOSB - Fall 2021 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2021

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 1, 2021

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 21, 2021

Public comment closes Sep 30, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 4, 2021

Public comment webinars Oct 13 & 14, 2021

Fall 2021 NOSB meeting - Sacramento, CA Oct 19 - 21, 2021
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

Thursday, August 12, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Brian Caldwell (BC); 

Kim Huseman (KH); Logan Petrey (LP)

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review July 27, 2021 notes

• Research priorities (All) - Discuss/vote

• Excluded Methods Fall 2021 - Discuss/vote

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• July 27, 2021 were accepted as written

• Research priorities Fall 2021 (All). The lead briefly presented the current proposal and the MS 

moved to a vote. 

Motion to accept the Fall 2021 research priorities proposal

Motion by: WT

Seconded by: BC

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

• Excluded Methods Fall 2021 discussion document (MJ). The group discussed the draft 

document, the TBD list, and a lingering question about cell fusion and the 2013 NOP Policy 

Memo 13-1. After suggestions for modifications, the MS moved to a vote on the agreed upon 

changes as discussed. 

Motion to accept the Fall 2021 excluded methods discussion document

Motion by: MJ

Seconded by: BC

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

• Additional items. The MS deferred the review of tall oil as they are waiting for the technical 

report. See table below.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

July 27, 2021

 Excluded Methods Fall 2021

August 12, 2021 at 2:00 ET/11:00 PT (note date change)

Research priorities (All) - Discuss/vote

 Excluded Methods Fall 2021 - Discuss/vote
September 14, 2021

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - TR sufficiency (Pending TR)

October 12, 2021

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 

Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion,

Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities 

May 2012 Framework Proposal

Discussion document - Spr 2021

Proposal - Fall 2021

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

8.12.21 Fall 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods Fall 2021 

Discussion document

MJ/LP 6.8.21

7.13.21

7.27.21

8.12.21

Fall 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Proposal

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR. TR due mid- Aug. 

11.10.20

12.8.20

9.14.21

Spr 2022

Fall 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 3, 2021

NOSB Request for TRs for 2024 sunset materials Jun 18, 2021

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Jul 30, 2021

NOSB - Fall 2021 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2021

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 1, 2021

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 21, 2021

Public comment closes Sep 30, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 4, 2021

Public comment webinars Oct 13 & 14, 2021

Fall 2021 NOSB meeting - Sacramento, CA Oct 19 - 21, 2021
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, July 27, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Brian Caldwell (BC); 

Kim Huseman (KH); Logan Petrey (LP); Nate Powell-Palm (NPP) - observer

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review July 13, 2021 notes

• Excluded Methods Fall 2021 (MJ)

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• July 13, 2021 notes were accepted with modifications to replace the phrase “loophole in the 

regulations” when referring to the commercial availability clause. 

• Excluded Methods Fall 2021 (MJ). The lead summarized the conversation from the last 

Subcommittee call. The group discussed three potential areas to focus on (protoplast, cell 

fusion, and eco-tilling), and how to move forward. A member and NOP noted that cell fusion is 

specified in OFPA as an example of an excluded method and discussed how that relates to the 

NOP policy memo regarding cell fusion, which was published shortly before the GMO ad hoc 

Subcommittee was formed. Members discussed how or if they could address or update the 

policy memo. The MS is grappling with the question of what the future of organic plant breeding 

looks like. The MS chose to put forth a discussion document posing questions for public 

comment. 

• Additional items. The MS Rescheduled August meeting to August 12 instead of August 10.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

July 13, 2021

Excluded Methods Fall 2021 (MJ)

July 27, 2021

 Excluded Methods Fall 2021

August 12, 2021 at 2:00 ET/11:00 PT

Research priorities (All) - Vote on proposal

 Excluded Methods Fall 2021 - Discuss/vote

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - TR sufficiency (Pending TR)

September 14, 2021

October 12, 2021

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 
Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion,

Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities discussion doc

May 2012 Framework Proposal

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

8.10.21 Fall 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods Fall 2021 MJ/LP 6.8.21

7.13.21

7.27.21

8.10.21

Fall 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR. TR due late July.

11.10.20

12.8.20

8.10.21

Fall 2021

Fall 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 3, 2021

NOSB Request for TRs for 2024 sunset materials Jun 18, 2021

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Jul 30, 2021

NOSB - Fall 2021 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2021

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 1, 2021

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 21, 2021

Public comment closes Sep 30, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 4, 2021

Public comment webinars Oct 12 & 14, 2021

Fall 2021 NOSB meeting - Sacramento, CA Oct 19 - 21, 2021
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, July 13, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Brian Caldwell (BC); 

Nate Powell-Palm (NPP) - observer; Jerry D’Amore (JD) - observer

Absent: Kim Huseman (KH); Logan Petrey (LP)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Guests: Jason Cavatorta (Earthworks Seeds), Adrienne Shelton (Vitalis Organics)

Agenda

• Review June 8, 2021 notes

• Excluded Methods Fall 2021 (MJ)/Guest speakers

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• June 8, 2021 notes were accepted as written. 

• Excluded Methods Fall 2021 (MJ)/Guest speakers. Adrienne Shelton (Vitalis Organics) and Jason 

Cavatorta (Earthworks Seeds) joined the MS call to discuss seed breeding and excluded 

methods. The group discussed methods that are allowed as well as excluded in organic 

agriculture, and discussed specific methods on the TBD list in the MS’s Excluded Methods 

proposal. The group also discussed the market forces driving the industry of seed breeding, and 

how to address the commercial availability clause that allows non-organic seed on organic 

farms. 

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

June 8, 2021

July 13, 2021

Excluded Methods Fall 2021 (MJ)

July 27, 2021

 Excluded Methods Fall 2021

August 10, 2021

Research priorities (All) - Vote on proposal

Tall oil, distilled (WT) - TR sufficiency (Pending TR)

September 14, 2021

October 12, 2021

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 
Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion,

Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities discussion doc

May 2012 Framework Proposal

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

8.10.21 Fall 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods Fall 2021 MJ/LP 6.8.21

7.13.21

7.27.21

Fall 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Proposal? 

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR. TR due late July.

11.10.20

12.8.20

8.10.21

Fall 2021

Fall 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 3, 2021

NOSB Request for TRs for 2024 sunset materials Jun 18, 2021

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Jul 30, 2021

NOSB - Fall 2021 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2021

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 1, 2021

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 21, 2021

Public comment closes Sep 30, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 4, 2021

Public comment webinars Oct 12 & 14, 2021

Fall 2021 NOSB meeting - Sacramento, CA Oct 19 - 21, 2021
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, June 8, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Kim Huseman (KH);

Brian Caldwell (BC); Logan Petrey (LP)

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review May 11, 2021 notes

• TR and Materials Update (NOP)

• Excluded Methods Fall 2021 workstream discussion (MJ)

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• May 11, 2021 notes accepted as written.

• TR and Materials Update (NOP)

o NOP recently received two TRs that will be reviewed and sent to the Crops 

Subcommittee soon: magnesium oxide and ozone. 

o Several TRs are in development and are expected soon: Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)

(Handling), kaolin pectic (Livestock), phosphoric acid - petitioned (Handling), and tall oil -

petitioned (Materials). 

o There are several petitions under review by the Subcommittees, and no new ones in the 

queue at the moment. 

• Excluded Methods Fall 2021 workstream discussion (MJ). The group discussed the topic of 

excluded methods, in particular as it relates to seeds and plant breeding. Members discussed 

the possibility of hosting a panel, and perhaps inviting several guests from the seed community 

to Materials Subcommittee call(s) over the summer. The lead will continue to work on 

definitions on the TBD list in the draft document, and will reach out to potential guest speakers. 

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

May 11, 2021

June 8, 2021

July 13, 2021

Tall oil, distilled - TR sufficiency (Pending TR)

August 10, 2021

Research priorities - Vote on proposal

September 14, 2021

October 12, 2021

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 
Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion,

Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities discussion doc

May 2012 Framework Proposal

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock 

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

8.10.21 Fall 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods Fall 2021 MJ/LP 6.8.21

7.13.21

Fall 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Proposal? 

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR. TR due late July.

11.10.20

12.8.20

7.13.21

Fall 2021

Fall 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 3, 2021

NOSB Request for TRs for 2024 sunset materials Jun 18, 2021

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Jul 30, 2021

NOSB - Fall 2021 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2021

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 1, 2021

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 21, 2021

Public comment closes Sep 30, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 4, 2021

Public comment webinars Oct 12 & 14, 2021

Fall 2021 NOSB meeting - Sacramento, CA Oct 19 - 21, 2021
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, May 11, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Kim Huseman (KH);

Brian Caldwell (BC); Logan Petrey (LP)

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review April 13, 2021 notes

• TR and Materials Update (NOP)

• Debrief from April 2021 NOSB meeting

• Assign discussion dates for work agenda items

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• April 13, 2021 notes were approved as written.

• TR and Materials Update (NOP)

o TRs for magnesium oxide and ozone are under revision and should be ready in June. 

o TR requests for 2024 sunsets are due to NOP in mid-June. Subcommittees are scheduled 

to discuss the need for TRs on the May 18 calls. 

o The TRs for distilled tall oil and phosphoric acid are due back in early July.

• Debrief from April 2021 NOSB meeting

o The MS Chair noted that the public comments for the research priorities were 

interesting and robust. He will synthesize the comments and send them to the 

Subcommittee Chairs for consideration. 

o Excluded Methods. Commenters urged the NOSB to complete the to-be-determined 

(TBD) list, and to address issues on organic seed. The group discussed comments about 

the outstanding organic seed guidance documents (from Fall 2018 and Spring 2019). 

Currently there are three outstanding recommendations on seed and LP will review the 

three recommendations and summarize for the group. 

• Assign discussion dates for work agenda items. See table below. 

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

April 13, 2021

Review public comments

Prep for Spring NOSB meeting

May 11, 2021

June 8, 2021

July 13, 2021
Tall oil, distilled - TR sufficiency

August 10, 2021

Research priorities - Vote on proposal

September 14, 2021

October 12, 2021

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 

Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion,

Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities discussion doc

May 2012 Framework Proposal

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock 

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

8.10.21 Fall 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods Fall 2021 MJ/LP Discussion document 6.8.21 Fall 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Proposal

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR. TR due July.

11.10.20

12.8.20

7.13.21

Fall 2021

Fall 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 14, 2021

NOSB Request for TRs for 2024 sunset materials Jun 18, 2021

NOP - Draft Fall 2020 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Jul 30, 2021

NOSB - Fall 2021 proposals due to NOP Aug 13, 2021

NOP - Post proposals On or before Sep 1, 2021

Discuss/finalize work agendas on ES call Sep 21, 2021

Public comment closes Sep 30, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 4, 2021

Public comment webinars Oct 12 & 14, 2021

Fall 2021 NOSB meeting - Sacramento, CA Oct 19 - 21, 2021
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, April 13, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Kim Huseman (KH);

Brian Caldwell (BC); 

Absent: Logan Petrey (LP)

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• TR and Materials Update (NOP)

• Review public comments

• Prep for Spring NOSB meeting

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• TR and Materials Update (NOP).

o Two new petitions: peroxylactic acid (“PLA”) in Handling, and carbon dioxide in Crops 

o There are a few TRs in development. 

o NOP returned two TRs for edits: cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in Handling, and kaolin 

pectin for Livestock.

o TRs for magnesium oxide and ozone (both for Crops) are due soon

o TRs for phosphoric acid (Handling) and distilled tall oil (Materials) are due in July.

• Review public comments/ Prep for Spring NOSB meeting

o The group discussed the process for reviewing comments and presenting substances at 

the Spring meeting.

• Additional items. None.

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

March 9, 2021 - cancelled

April 13, 2021

Review public comments

Prep for Spring NOSB meeting

May 11, 2021

June 8, 2021

July 13, 2021

August 10, 2021

September 14, 2021

October 12, 2021

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 
Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion,

Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities discussion doc

May 2012 Framework Proposal

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock 

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

2.9.21 Spr 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods discussion doc MJ 11.10.20

12.8.20

1.12.21

2.9.21

Spr 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Proposal

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR. TR due July.

11.10.20

12.8.20

TBD

Fall 2021

Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Feb 18, 2021

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training Feb 3 - 5, 2021

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 5, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Virtual Apr 28 - 30, 2021
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, February 9, 2021 1:00 pm ET draft

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Steve Ela (SE); Kim Huseman (KH);

Brian Caldwell (BC); Logan Petrey (LP); Carolyn Dimitri (CD) - observer

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review January 12 meeting notes (All)

• TR and Materials Update (NOP)

• Research Priorities (All) - discuss/vote

• Excluded Methods (MJ) - discuss draft discussion doc/vote

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• January 12 meeting notes were accepted as written.

• TR and Materials Update (NOP).

o The Crops Subcommittee just received a new petition for carbon dioxide.

o The Biochar TR was returned to the writer with some additional questions from Crops.

o Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) TR was sent to HS recently for review.

o The TR for kasugamycin was found sufficient by Crops.

o NOP is waiting for bids for TRs for two petitions: Tall oil and phosphoric acid.

o The NOP will send out for bid soon the hydronium petition.

o The HS found the TR for zein sufficient. 

o The TR for kaolin pectin is in development and is due back at end of March. 

• Research Priorities (All). The lead circulated a draft document for the Research Priorities and 

outlined the Board process for the new members. The group discussed the current list. The lead 

will make some modifications based on the conversation and recirculate for an email vote. 

Motion to accept the discussion document on NOSB research priorities 2021

Motion by: WT

Seconded by: SE

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

• Excluded Methods (MJ). The lead identified changes that were made to the draft document 

after the last call, and the group discussed them. The lead will update the appendix to include 

the prior NOSB recommendation instead of the Subcommittee version and will submit the 

document for the Spring meeting. 

Motion to accept the discussion document on Excluded Methods, as amended with the updated 

appendices

Motion by: MJ

Seconded by: BC

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 
Additional items. Members discussed the difference between discussion documents and 

proposals, and the process by which the NOSB gathers feedback from stakeholders prior to each 

meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

January 12, 2021

Excluded Methods - Discuss draft discussion doc

February 9, 2021

Excluded Methods (MJ) - Discuss draft discussion doc/vote

March 9, 2021

April 13, 2021

May 11, 2021

June 8, 2021

July 13, 2021

August 10, 2021

September 14, 2021

October 12, 2021

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 

Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion,

Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities discussion doc

May 2012 Framework Proposal

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock 

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

2.9.21 Spr 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods discussion doc MJ 11.10.20

12.8.20

1.12.21

2.9.21

Spr 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Proposal

WT 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR. 

11.10.20

12.8.20

TBD

Fall 2021
Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 15, 2020

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - 30, 2021
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, January 12, 2021 1:00 pm ET

Attendees: Wood Turner (WT), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Emily Oakley (EO); Dan Seitz (DS); 

Steve Ela (SE); Kim Huseman (KH); Brian Caldwell (BC) - observer 

Absent: None

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Jared Clark (JC)

Agenda

• Review December 8 meeting notes (All)

• TR and Materials Update (NOP)

• Excluded Methods - discuss draft discussion doc

• Additional items 

• Adjourn

Discussion

• December 8 meeting notes were accepted as written.

• Technical Reports (TRs) and Materials Update (NOP)

o The Ammonia extract TR is under review by NOP. 

o The TRs for Kasugamycin and Zein should be back in the next couple of weeks. 

o The TRs for three sunset substances are expected soon: activated charcoal, kaolin 

pectin, and mineral oil. NOP will complete the initial review.

o The TRs for tall oil and phosphoric acid will be contracted soon. 

• Excluded Methods. The lead summarized the draft discussion document including the issue of 

co-existence, emphasizing that the Organic Regulations explicitly prohibit excluded methods. 

The draft document contains a history of the NOSB work to date, and several questions for 

public comment. Members discussed the questions and offered feedback, including the 

question of how far back in the supply chain the NOSB should consider when conducting 

reviews. A member added support for the document and highlighted that the Board strives to 

work with the industry and community to protect the organic system of agriculture. The NOP 

shared NOP policy memo 11-13 which addresses genetically modified organisms. The lead will 

modify the draft document and the MS will discuss it and vote on the next call. 

• Additional items. Dan Seitz said farewell to the Materials Subcommittee members, as this is his 

last meeting, and commended everyone for their work on the Excluded Methods project. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous MS Notes

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

December 8, 2020

Tall Oil, distilled (WT/EO) - Petition sufficiency

January 12, 2021

Excluded Methods - Discuss draft discussion doc

February 9, 2021

Excluded Methods - Discuss draft discussion doc/Vote

Tall Oil, distilled (WT/EO) - Discuss Petition discussion doc/Vote

March 9, 2021

April 13, 2021
May 11, 2021

June 8, 2021

July 13, 2021

August 10, 2021

September 14, 2021

October 12, 2021

November 9, 2021

December 14, 2021 

Work Agenda

*Discussed. *Voted

Materials/GMO Project Contact Notes Discussion, Voted

Target

meeting

Research Priorities discussion doc

May 2012 Framework Proposal

WT Subcommittee reps to MS

KH - Livestock 

SE - Crops

WT - Handling

RPs from Subcomms due to MS in Jan

2.9.21 Spr 2021

Petition and TR tracking NOP Ongoing N/A N/A

Excluded Methods discussion doc MJ 11.10.20

12.8.20

1.12.21

2.9.21

Spr 2021

Tall oil, distilled

2008 petition for distilled tall oil

(§§ 205.601, 205.603)

Pet. discussion doc

WT/EO 2010 TR Tall Oil

Petition sent to MS 9.4.20. Petition 

sufficiency due 12.8.20. Petition found 

sufficient 12.8.20, and the MS 

requested a TR.

11.10.20

12.8.20

2.9.21

Spr 2021

Spring 2021 Milestones Target dates (tentative)

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Nov 15, 2020

NOSB - Spring 2021 proposals due to NOP Feb 18, 2021

New NOSB member training TBD

NOP - Draft Spring 2021 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 2, 2021

NOP - Post proposals Mar 3, 2021

Public comment closes Apr 1, 2021

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 6, 2021

Public comment webinars Apr 20 & 22, 2021

Spring 2021 NOSB meeting - Crystal City, VA Apr 28 - 30, 2021