Formal Recommendation 

From: National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

To: the National Organic Program (NOP)

Date: April 27, 2016

Subject: Policy and Procedure Manual revisions and update

NOSB Chair: Tracy Favre

The NOSB hereby recommends to the NOP the following: (mark with an X)

Rulemaking Action: 

Guidance Statement:

Other: X

Statement of the Recommendation: 

The NOSB recommends the revision of the policy and procedures manual (PPM) to reflect the current 

procedures for the collaborative and productive functioning of the NOSB. The PPM is designed to assist 

the NOSB in its responsibilities to serve as a link to the organic community, advise USDA on the 

implementation of OFPA, propose amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 

Substances and protect/defend the integrity of organic standards. It compliments and aligns with other 

governing documents including the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), the USDA organic regulations 

at 7 CFR Part 205, the NOSB Charter, FACA procedures and other government laws and regulations (i.e.

FOIA) as applicable.

NOSB Vote: 

Motion to accept the policy and procedures manual as revised February 23, 2016

Motion by: Tom Chapman 

Seconded by: Lisa de Lima

Yes: 11 No: 2 Abstain: 2 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0

 

Motion Passed
National Organic Standards Board 

Policy Development Subcommittee 

Policy and Procedures Manual Revision – Proposal 

February 23, 2016

Introduction and Background 

The Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM) of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) was first adopted 

on October 19, 2002. Since its adoption the PPM has been revised 12 times with 11 revisions occurring from 

2007-2011. Since April 11, 2012 this document has not been revised. The PPM was establish to assist the 

board in the implementation of its duties under OFPA and to establish operating procedures and policies for 

the board. In order to bring the PPM in line with the current operations of the board the PDS has been 

undertaking revisions to the PPM and presented a draft version at the October 2015 NOSB meeting for 

discussion. Public comments were received and full board discussion occurred on the proposed revised 

PPM. The PDS has revised these comments, made revisions where necessary and is presenting this revised 

PPM for Board approval. 

Objective 

The objective of this proposal to revise the April 11, 2012 version of the PPM to reflect the current 

procedures for the collaborative and productive functioning of the NOSB. It is designed to assist the NOSB in 

its responsibilities to serve as a link to the organic community, advise USDA on the implementation of OFPA, 

propose amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and protect/defend the 

integrity of organic standards. It compliments and aligns with other governing documents including the 

Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), the USDA organic regulations at 7 CFR Part 205, the NOSB Charter, 

FACA procedures and other government laws and regulations (ie FOIA) as applicable. 

Public Comment Discussion 

Brief summary of comments PDS Response

Proposed changes to the PPM 

need to be more transparent. (6 

comments)

The PDS acknowledges there were a number of formatting, 

ordering, grammatical as well as content changes that make 

comparing the April 2011 version to the proposed version difficult. 

The PPM was revised 11 times in a 5 year period and then not 

touched for 4 years - clearly a number of edits are needed bring 

this document up to date. To make the changes to the PPM more 

transparent a redline version of the document as well as a table of 

contents comparison are provided. Due to the global nature of the 

changes, the redline version provides limited value in comparing 

the two documents.

The PPM should reflect the public 

information disclosure 

requirements of FACA in addition 

to FOIA. (4 comments)

The PDS agrees that the PPM should align and comply with other 

governing documents the PDS has revised Section III I Additional

Administrative Items bullet fourth and fifth bullet points to include 

FACA disclosure requirements along with FOIA.

Conflict of Interest policy of 

Technical Reviews (TR) and 

Technical Advisory Panels (TAP) 

need to be transparent and the 

authoring party needs to be listed 

on the TR/TAP. (4 comments)

The PDS agrees that the procedures for disclosing conflicts of 

interest are important and need to be transparent as well as 

aligned with the contracting procedures of the federal 

government. It is clarified in section VI H 3 in the sixth bullet point 

that the contracting party will be named on the TR/TAPs and the 

conflict of interest protocols to be followed for the contracting of 

TR/TAPs. 
FACA definition of non-public 

information should be used in 

place of the FOIA definition. (3 

comments)

The PDS agrees that the PPM should align and comply with other 

governing documents the PDS has revised Section III I Additional 

Administrative Items bullet fourth and fifth bullet points to include 

FACA disclosure requirements along with FOIA.

Changes to the PPM need to be 

approved by the full board. (1 

comment)

The PDS agrees and added section IX to reflect this clarification.

NOSB and NOP collaboration 

section less collaborative than 

older version. (1 comment)

The PDS revised Section III E to reflect the importance of both 

NOP-NOSB collaboration as well as NOP-NOSB mutuality in their 

respective roles in the organic community.

The PDS's responsibilities do not 

reflect its role in reviewing and 

proposing changes to the PPM. (1 

comment)

The PDS has revised Section IV A to reflect the PDS's role in revising 

the PPM and other internal policy documents. 

Does not address section §6518(j) 

of OFPA, “The Secretary shall 

authorize the Board to hire a staff 

director.” (1 comment)

The PPM should reflect the current operating procedures of the 

NOSB. Since the NOSB has never had the budget or the recognized 

authority to hire a staff director due to conflicting government 

regulations and laws - this is not included in this revision.

Removes NOSB authority to 

initiate agenda items. (1 comment)

The PDS revised Section III F to reflect the collaborative nature 

under which work plans are set with the program. The NOSB has 

the authority to initiate work agenda items and bring them to the 

Executive Committee and the NOP for confirmation. The proposed 

revisions bring the PPM into alignment with the NOSB Charter.

The section on the Advisory 

Committee Specialist (ACS) deletes 

this

sentence: “The most important 

function of the ED is to facilitate 

the operation of the Board, while 

helping to maintain and 

strengthen its independence.” (1 

comment)

The PDS agrees that the most important function of the ACS is to 

facilitate the operations of the board along with facilitating 

communication and collaboration with the program. These section 

have remained. It is unfair and a conflict of interest to have this 

position take on the role of maintaining the board's independence.

Changes to the requirements for 

minority reports decrease the full

understanding of the

NOSB and the public. (1 comment)

The PDS disagrees with this comment. The minority view section 

was revised to better integrate the minority view into the final 

NOSB proposal and discussion as well as to facilitate a collaborative 

NOSB process. Objections raised by this commenter advocate for 

the NOSB to maintain an uncollaborative and potentially 

unproductive process with its own members - this is opposite to 

the objective of the PPM.

NOSB and NOP Conflict of Interest 

(COI) policies for NOSB members. 

(1 comment)

The PDS believe the COI procedures for NOSB members is clear and 

aligned with other governing documents. 

NOSB policy for forced 

resignations needs to be better 

defined. (1 comment)

The NOSB has no authority to force the resignation of any of its 

members, this authority lies with the Secretary. This section only 

details circumstance where members should be encouraged to 

resign if they are not participating in the work of the NOSB.
Objections to greater meeting 

accessibility. (1 comment)

The NOSB strives to increase access to its meetings to members of 

the public and to its own members, regardless of their abilities to 

travel to the NOSB meeting. It would not be in the interest of the 

public, the NOSB and people of all abilities to limit access and 

refuse to use current common communication technology where 

the medical need is present. 

The PPM should not adopt current 

Sunset procedures used by the 

Board.

The PPM should reflect the current operating procedures of the 

NOSB. 

Attachments 

Proposed Policy and Procedures Manual Draft February 23, 2016 (Clean) 

Redline Policy and Procedure Manual comparing Draft February 23, 2016 to April 11, 2012 version 

Table of Contents Comparison February 23, 2016 to April 11, 2012 version 

Proposal 

The NOSB moves to adopt the February 23, 2016 drafted version of the Policy and Procedures Manual. 

Subcommittee Vote 

The NOSB PDS subcommittee approves the three sections of this proposal as stated above. 

Motion by: Tom Chapman 

Second: Lisa de Lima 

Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 1 Recuse: 0 
PPM Change Table

Last revised PPM (April 11, 2012) Proposed PPM (Mar 1 2016 Change

I Introduction I. Introduction Updated

I NOSB Vision Statement I.A NOSB Vision Statement No material change

I NOSB Statutory Mission I.B NOSB Statutory Mission No material change

I NOSB Mission Statement I.C NOSB Mission Statement No material change

I Duties of Board and Officers

III.C Responsibilities of the Board

Appendix I: Foundations Updated

I Maintaining Professional and Ethical 

Standards

III.J Professional and Ethical Standards

III.K Conflict of Interest Updated

II Board Member Job Descriptions

I. Introduction

III.A NOSB Membership Updated

II Board Member Standards III.J Professional and Ethical Standards Updated

II Conducting Business VIII.B Conducting Business Updated

III Role of Executive Director III.H Advisory Committee Specialist Updated

III Officer Responsibilities III.D NOSB Officers Updated

III Election of Officers VIII.F Election of Officers Updated

III Executive Committee IV.A Standing Subcommittees Updated

III Meetings VIII.A Board Meetings Updated

IV Board Committees IV.A Standing Subcommittees Updated

IV Committee Meetings IV.C Subcommittee Meetings Updated

IV Standing Committees IV.A Standing Subcommittees Updated

IV Task Forces IV.D Task Forces Updated

IV Ad Hoc Committees IV.B Ad Hoc Subcommittees Updated

V Duties of Committee Chairs

IV.E Duties of Subcommittee Chairs and 

Vice Chairs Updated

V Duties of Committee Vice Chairs

IV.E Duties of Subcommittee Chairs and 

Vice Chairs Updated

V Procedures for transitioning of 

Committee Chairs

IV.F Transition of Subcommittee Chairs, 

Vice Chairs and Members (New and 

Continuing) Updated

V Procedures for completing 

Committee Recommendations

IV.G Procedures for completing 

Subcommittee Proposals and Discussion 

Documents Updated

V NOSB-NOP Collaboration III.E NOSB-NOP Collaboration Updated

VI Miscellaneous Policies

VIII.G Miscellaneous Procedures

VIII.E Public Comment Updated

VII NOSB Principles of Organic 

Production and Handling Appendix I: Foundations Moved

VII NOSB Guidance of Compatibility 

with a System of Sustainable 

Agriculture and Consistency with 

organic Farming and Handling Appendix I: Foundations Moved
VIII Committee Work Plans III.F NOSB Work Agendas Updated

VIII Materials Review Process IV.H Substance/Materials Review Process Updated

VIII Procedures for Handling Technical 

Reviews IV.H Substance/Materials Review Process Updated

VIII Handling Withdrawals of Petitions 

by the Petitioner

VI. Withdrawal of a Petition by a 

Petitioner Updated

VIII Technical Advisory Panel Contract 

Procedures IV.H Substance/Materials Review Process Updated

VIII Information to be Included in a 

Petition IV.H Substance/Materials Review Process Updated

VIII Priority of Petitions Guideline V. Prioritization of Petitions Updated

VIII NOSB Committee 

Recommendation -removedMoved to Member Guide

VIII Evaluation Criteria for Substance 

added to the National List -removedMoved to Member Guide

VIII NOSB Recommended Decision 

Form

VIII.D NOSB Deliberations and 

Recommendations

Updated/Moved to 

Member Guide

VIII Procedures for the Materials 

Review Process for NOSB Members IV.H Substance/Materials Review Process Updated

VIII Sunset Review Process VII Sunset Review Process Updated

VIII Handling Technical Errors After an 

Item has been Placed in the Federal 

Register -removed- Removed

Appendix A Decision Making 

Procedures for the NOP -removed- Removed

Appendix B FACA Facts Appendix II: Faca Facts No material change

Appendix C Duties of the Designated 

Federal Officers III.G Designated Federal Officer Updated

Appendix D Parliamentary Procedures 

at a Glance VIII.C Parliamentary Procedures Updated/Removed

Appendix E Basic Chemistry -removed- Removed

II.A OFPA Added

II.B FACA Added

II.C NOSB Charter Added

III.B Nomination and Appointment Added

III.I Additional Administrative Items Added

IX. Revisions to the Policy and Procedures 

Manual Added
NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

 

POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

 

 

 

Adopted October 19, 2002 

Revised August 18, 2005

Revised March 29, 2007

Revised November 30, 2007

Revised May 22, 2008

Revised November 19, 2008

Revised May 6, 2009

Revised November 9, 2009

Revised April 29, 2010

Revised October 28, 2010

Revised April 29, 2011

Revised December 2, 2011

Revised April 11, 2012

Draft Feb. 23, 2016
NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD (NOSB)

POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

Contents

I. INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE......................................................................................................................... 4

A. NOSB VISION STATEMENT.............................................................................................................................. 4

B. NOSB STATUTORY MISSION ........................................................................................................................... 4

C. NOSB MISSION STATEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 4

II. AUTHORIZATION........................................................................................................................................ 5

A. ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT OF 1990................................................................................................... 5

B. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT ............................................................................................................. 5

C. NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD CHARTER ........................................................................................ 5

III. NOSB ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................................................................ 5

A. NOSB MEMBERSHIP .......................................................................................................................................... 5

B. NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT PROCESS............................................................................................................... 6

C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NOSB ............................................................................................................................ 6

D. NOSB OFFICERS ............................................................................................................................................. 8

CHAIR........................................................................................................................................................... 8

VICE CHAIR................................................................................................................................................... 8

SECRETARY .................................................................................................................................................. 8

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM ............................................................................................................................... 9

E. NOSB-NOP COLLABORATION.......................................................................................................................... 9

F. NOSB WORK AGENDAS ................................................................................................................................ 10

G. DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICER ............................................................................................................................ 11

H. ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIALIST ....................................................................................................................... 12

I. ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS........................................................................................................... 12

J. PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS .................................................................................................... 14

1) NOSB Member Professional Conduct Standards................................................................................. 14

2) Additional Standards of Conduct ...................................................................................................... 14

3) Failure to participate ....................................................................................................................... 15

K. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST .......................................................................................... 15

IV. SUBCOMMITTEES ..................................................................................................................................... 18

A. STANDING SUBCOMMITTEES ....................................................................................................................... 18

B. AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES............................................................................................................................ 19

C. SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS ......................................................................................................................... 19

D. TASK FORCES............................................................................................................................................... 20

E. DUTIES OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS AND VICE CHAIRS ................................................................................... 20

F. TRANSITION OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS, VICE CHAIRS, AND MEMBERS (NEW AND CONTINUING)...................20

G. PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSALS AND DISCUSSION DOCUMENTS .......................22

1. Development of proposals..................................................................................................................... 22

2. Types of Proposals................................................................................................................................ 23

3. Presenting Subcommittee Proposals and Discussion Documents at NOSB Meetings ................................. 23

H. SUBSTANCE/MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS ................................................................................................... 23

1. Steps in the material review process for a new petition: ......................................................................... 24

2. Changes to annotations or classification of materials............................................................................. 27
3. Additional considerations concerning Technical Reviews ....................................................................... 28

4. Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 28

V. PRIORITIZATION OF PETITIONS..................................................................................................................... 28

VI. WITHDRAWAL OF A PETITION BY A PETITIONER............................................................................................ 29

VII. SUNSET REVIEW PROCESS............................................................................................................................ 30

VIII. NOSB PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................................. 31

A. BOARD MEETINGS ....................................................................................................................................... 31

B. CONDUCTING BUSINESS............................................................................................................................... 31

C. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES.................................................................................................................... 32

D. NOSB DELIBERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................... 32

E. PUBLIC COMMENT....................................................................................................................................... 33

F. ELECTION OF OFFICERS................................................................................................................................. 34

G. MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................... 35

1. Invited Speakers................................................................................................................................... 35

2. Surveys Conducted on Behalf of NOSB Subcommittees............................................................................ 36

IX. REVISIONS TO THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL ....................................................................... 36

X. APPENDICES.............................................................................................................................................. 37

A. APPENDIX 1: FOUNDATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 37

1. NOSB PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND HANDLING.............................................................37

2. NOSB GUIDANCE ON COMPATIBILITY WITH A SYSTEM OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND 

CONSISTENCY WITH ORGANIC FARMING AND HANDLING ........................................................................... 39

3. NOSB MEMBER DUTIES........................................................................................................................ 39

B. APPENDIX 2 – FACA FACTS .............................................................................................................................. 41
I. INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE 

This document provides procedures for the functioning of the National Organic Standards Board

(NOSB) and is designed to assist the NOSB in its responsibilities. This policy and procedures manual 

does not supersede authority or responsibilities as specified in the Federal Advisory Committee Act

or the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA). NOSB members are encouraged to review this manual 

in depth as well as to become familiar with the OFPA, the USDA organic regulations at 7 CFR Part 

205, and the NOSB Member Guide. Members are advised to periodically review the contents to 

refresh their understanding of the NOSB’s role and duties. NOSB members are entrusted with the 

responsibility to act in the best interests of all members of the organic community and the public at 

large. The NOSB’s success relies upon the ability to understand each other’s respective roles, and to 

develop successful working relationships. 

The primary roles and duties of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): 

• Serve as a link to the organic community

• Advise USDA on the implementation of OFPA 

• Propose amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances

• Protect and defend the integrity of organic standards

A. NOSB VISION STATEMENT 

(NOSB Recommendation adopted October 19, 2002, revised November 30, 2007).

The NOSB’s vision is an agricultural community rooted in organic principles and values that 

instills trust among consumers, producers, processors, retailers and other stakeholders. 

Consistent and sustainable organic standards guard and advance the integrity of organic 

products and practices. 

 

B. NOSB STATUTORY MISSION 

(NOSB Recommendation adopted October 19, 2002, revised November 30, 2007).

To assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production and 

to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of this title. (OFPA, Sec 2119 

(a))

C. NOSB MISSION STATEMENT 

(NOSB Recommendation adopted October 19, 2002, revised November 30, 2007).

To provide effective and constructive advice, clarification and guidance to the Secretary of 

Agriculture concerning the National Organic Program (NOP), and the consensus of the organic 

community. 

Key activities of the Board include: 

• Assisting in the development and maintenance of organic standards and regulations

• Reviewing petitioned materials for inclusion on or removal from the National List of 

Approved and Prohibited Substances (National List) 

• Recommending changes to the National List 
• Communicating with the organic community, including conducting public meetings, 

soliciting and reviewing public comments 

• Communicating, supporting and coordinating with the NOP staff 

II. AUTHORIZATION

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is authorized under Section 2119 of the Organic 

Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) (7 U.S.C. 6519), part of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 

and Trade Act of 1990 (FACT Act). The OFPA specified that the NOSB be established in accordance 

with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. 

A. ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT OF 1990

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to 

establish a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) in accordance with the Federal Advisory 

Committee Act to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic 

production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of OFPA

(OFPA, 7 U.S.C. Section 6518(a)). 

B. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. 2) and its implementing regulations 

(41 CFR Part 101-6.10) govern the creation, operation, and termination of advisory committees 

in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. The National Organic Standards Board 

(NOSB) is a Department of Agriculture (USDA) non-discretionary advisory committee required by 

the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended. 

C. NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD CHARTER

The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires advisory committees to have an official charter 

prior to meeting or taking any action. An advisory committee charter is intended to provide a 

description of an advisory committee’s mission, goals, and objectives. The NOSB charter is 

renewed every two years as a requirement of FACA. The NOSB charter describes the purpose of 

the NOSB to “assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic 

production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of OFPA.” 

III. NOSB ADMINISTRATION

A. NOSB Membership 

OFPA specifies the membership composition of the NOSB as follows. The NOSB shall be 

composed of 15 members, of which:

• Four shall be individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation;

• Two shall be individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation;

• One shall be an individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade 

in organic products;

• Three shall be individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource 

conservation;

• Three shall be individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups;
• One shall be an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; 

and

• One shall be an individual who is a certifying agent as identified under OFPA, 7 U.S.C.

§ 6518(b)

B. Nomination and appointment process 

(NOSB recommendation adopted June 10, 1999)

NOSB members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to a five year term. The terms are 

staggered and the USDA periodically requests nominations to fill upcoming vacancies. Selection 

criteria include the following: 

• A general understanding of organic principles, and practical experience in the organic 

community, particularly in the sector for which the person is applying

• Demonstrated experience in the development of public policy such as participation on 

public or private advisory boards, boards of directors or other comparable organizations

• Participation in standards development and/or involvement in educational outreach 

activities

• A commitment to the integrity and growth of the organic food and fiber industry

• The ability to evaluate technical information and to fully participate in Board deliberation 

and recommendations

• The willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to assume Board duties

• Not currently serving (or have been elected to serve) on another USDA advisory committee 

or research and promotions council/board during your term

• Not registered as a lobbyist with the federal or state government

NOSB members serve without compensation. NOSB members are reimbursed by the USDA for 

approved travel and associated lodging expenses as determined by official federal government 

guidelines and regulations. In accordance with USDA policies, equal opportunity practices are 

followed in all appointments to the NOSB. Membership shall include to the extent possible the 

diverse groups served by USDA, including minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. 

The USDA prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, 

national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental 

status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all 

or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program.

C. Responsibilities of the NOSB

(OFPA, 7 USC 6518(k)):

(1) In General. The Board shall provide recommendations to the Secretary regarding the implementation 

of this chapter. 

(2) National List. The Board shall develop the proposed National List or proposed amendments to the 

National List for submission to the Secretary in accordance with section 6517 of this title. 
(3) Technical Advisory Panels. The Board shall convene technical advisory panels to provide scientific 

evaluation of the materials considered for inclusion in the National List. Such panels may include experts 

in agronomy, entomology, health sciences and other relevant disciplines. 

(4) Special Review of Botanical Pesticides. The Board shall, prior to the establishment of the National List, 

review all botanical pesticides used in agricultural production and consider whether any such botanical 

pesticides should be included in the list of prohibited natural substances. 

(5) Product Residue Testing. The Board shall advise the Secretary concerning the testing of organically 

produced agricultural products for residues caused by unavoidable residual environmental contamination. 

(6) Emergency Spray Programs. The Board shall advise the Secretary concerning rules for 

exemptions from specific requirements of this chapter (except the provisions of section 6511 of 

this title) with respect to agricultural products produced on certified organic farms if such farms 

are subject to a Federal or State emergency pest or disease treatment program. 

Requirements. (OFPA 6518(l)) In establishing the proposed National List or proposed 

amendments to the National List, the Board shall 

(1) review available information from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National 

Institute of Environmental Health Studies, and other sources as appropriate, 

concerning the potential for adverse human and environmental effects of substances 

considered for inclusion in the proposed National List; 

(2) work with manufacturers of substances considered for inclusion in the proposed 

National List to obtain a complete list of ingredients and determine whether such 

substances contain inert materials that are synthetically produced; and 

(3) submit to the Secretary, along with the proposed National List or any proposed 

amendments to such list, the results of the Board's evaluation and the evaluation of 

the technical advisory panel of all substances considered for inclusion in the National 

List. 

Evaluation. (7 USC 6518(m)) In evaluating substances considered for inclusion on the National 

List the NOSB shall consider: 

1. the potential of such substances for detrimental chemical interactions with other 

materials used in organic farming systems; 

2. the toxicity and mode of action of the substance and of its breakdown products or any 

contaminants, and their persistence and areas of concentration in the environment; 

3. the probability of environmental contamination during manufacture, use, misuse or 

disposal of such substance; 

4. the effect of the substance on human health; 

5. the effects of the substance on biological and chemical interactions in the 

agroecosystem, including the physiological effects of the substance on soil organisms 

(including the salt index and solubility of the soil), crops and livestock; 

6. the alternatives to using the substance in terms of practices or other available 

materials; and 

7. compatibility with a system of sustainable agriculture. 

Petitions. (7 USC 6518(n)) 
The board shall establish procedures for receiving petitions to evaluate substances for inclusion 

on the List

Sunset Provision. (7 USC 6517 (e)) No exemptions or prohibition contained in the National List 

shall be valid unless the National Organic Standards Board has reviewed such exemption or 

prohibition as provided in this section within 5 years of such exemption or prohibition being 

adopted or reviewed and the Secretary has renewed such exemption or prohibition. 

D. NOSB OFFICERS

Three principal officers, Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary, guide the NOSB. The NOSB 

members hold an election each fall at the public meeting to elect these three members.

CHAIR 

The Chair is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the NOSB process, effectiveness of 

meetings and adherence to NOSB policies and procedures. The primary duties of the 

Chair are as follows: 

• Schedules meetings of the Executive Subcommittee, in collaboration with the NOP

• Serves as a member of, convenes, and facilitates Executive Subcommittee meetings 

• Convenes and presides over NOSB meetings 

• Participates in the administrative team meetings

• Drafts NOSB meeting agendas in consultation with Subcommittee chairs and the 

NOP 

• Reviews Subcommittee work agendas 

• Reviews NOSB meeting minutes for accuracy 

• Assists with the annual election of NOSB officers and announces the new officers

VICE CHAIR 

The Vice Chair acts in the absence of the Chair. The primary duties of the Vice Chair are 

as follows: 

• Serves as a member of the Executive Subcommittee

• Participates in the administrative team meetings

• Serves as a member of the Policy Development Subcommittee

• Helps maintain the Policy and Procedures Manual and ensures its accuracy 

SECRETARY 

The primary duties of the Secretary are as follows: 

• Serves as a member of the Executive Subcommittee

• Participates in the administrative team meetings

• Records all NOSB member votes at NOSB meetings, and in collaboration with the 

Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS), circulates that record to NOSB members for 

approval 
• Assists with the annual election of NOSB officers 

• May delegate tasks to others, but retains responsibility for the official record 

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM 

The Administrative Team consists of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Designated 

Federal Official/Advisory Committee Specialist. . This group is responsible for 

coordinating logistics and operations of the Board. The Administrative team meets via 

teleconference once or twice a month on an as-needed basis, to be determined by the 

Administrative Team.

E. NOSB-NOP COLLABORATION 

In 1990, the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA: 7 U.S.C. 6518 (a)) directed the Secretary of 

Agriculture to “establish a National Organic Standards Board (in accordance with the Federal 

Advisory Committee Act (FACA)) ... to assist in the development of standards for substances to 

be used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the 

implementation” of the Act. Section 6503 (a) of the OFPA requires that the Secretary “shall

establish an organic certification program ... and shall consult with the NOSB” (6503(c)). The 

National Organic Program (NOP) is the governmental institution responsible for implementing 

the OFPA and is the means through which the NOSB provides advice and assistance to the 

Secretary of Agriculture. The NOSB, as a FACA advisory committee, must conduct business in 

the open, under the requirements of P.L. 94-409, also known as “Government in the Sunshine 

Act” (5 U.S.C.552b). 

The USDA cannot delegate its authority as a regulatory body to private citizens, even when 

those private citizens are appointed by the Secretary to provide advice. Therefore, the NOSB 

cannot direct USDA or bind the Secretary through its actions; for example, it cannot obligate 

funds, contract, make NOP staffing decisions, or initiate policies of its own accord 

However, the NOSB has unique statutory authority related to the recommendation of materials 

as approved or prohibited substances for inclusion on the National List. 

The unique nature of the NOSB and its relationship with the NOP, as established through OFPA, 

requires that the volunteer Board, which regularly receives stakeholder input through public 

comment, must work collaboratively with the NOP.

Similarly the NOP, as required through OFPA, must consult and collaborate with the NOSB

Team work and collaboration between the NOSB and the NOP, as well as others in the organic 

community, is needed to maintain, enhance and promote the integrity of organic principles and 

products. Successful collaboration is dependent on effective communication and constructive 

feedback. Communication is facilitated by the Advisory Committee Specialist, who participates 

in all NOSB calls. Additionally, the NOP Deputy Administrator or designee will participate in all 

ES calls, and in other standing Subcommittee calls upon request and mutual agreement. In 

addition, each standing Subcommittee will be assigned an NOP staff person to provide 

technical, legal, and logistical support.

The work of the NOP and NOSB since the 1990 passage of the OFPA clearly demonstrates the 
need for the high level of collaboration and consultation described above. NOP, NOSB and its 

associated stakeholders must continuously work to seek common ground, collaborate and 

consult in order to build organics and maintain organic integrity. Every aspect of this work 

must take place in a manner which clearly demonstrates mutual respect and positive intent. 

F. NOSB WORK AGENDAS

The NOSB Work agenda is a list of projects for the upcoming semester or year for each of the 

Subcommittees. Agendas are developed via collaboration between the NOSB and the NOP and 

are revised based on AMS-NOP requests, NOSB priorities, and public comment. 

Work agendas are developed based on the following criteria: 

• Within Scope: Item must be within the scope of OFPA. NOP must have a clear sense of the 

intent and scope of the work agenda item. The public may petition additions or deletions 

from the National List that will be added to the work agenda. In addition, the public may 

submit comments to the NOSB or write to the NOP for potential additions to the work 

agenda. For the NOSB, work agenda items may emerge from discussions on current issues.

• USDA and NOP Priority: Item must be a priority for the USDA/NOP; something that the NOP 

is able to implement in a reasonable timeframe. 

• Clear Need: Item must reflect a clear need for the NOP and/or organic community, for 

which new or additional information or advice is needed. 

The NOSB work agenda establishes Subcommittee work for the upcoming semester or year, and 

is developed through the following process: 

1. NOSB Subcommittees submit to the Executive Subcommittee draft work agenda items 

based on AMS-NOP requests, NOSB priorities, and requests from public comment. 

2. The NOP and Executive Subcommittee review the draft NOSB work agenda. The content and 

schedule will be reviewed on an ongoing, as needed basis. 

3. NOP confirms the final NOSB work agenda, and provides written confirmation. . 

Work agenda items should be prioritized accordingly:

1. Substance evaluations (e.g., 5-year sunset review, petitions) 

2. NOP requests to the NOSB 

3. NOSB requests to NOP

4. Other projects

Below are descriptions of common NOSB work agenda items and the corresponding NOP and NOSB 

responsibilities. 

• Review of materials proposed to be added to or removed from the National List

The NOSB has the statutory authority to consider and recommend materials for addition to, 
or deletion from, the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB may 

also make recommendations to add, remove, or modify annotations restricting the use of 

such listed materials.

• Changes to annotation or classification of materials

The NOSB may request to review an existing substance on the National List without a new 

petition when they have justification to support a revision of the annotation or 

reclassification of the substance. This may happen as a result of the sunset review process, 

or as new information is provided in a Technical Review, or from public comment. 

• Recommendation for modification of existing standards or new standards 

The NOP may request that the NOSB develop recommendations for new or existing 

standards. The request should be in writing and include a statement of the problem to be 

addressed, background, including the current policy or situation, statutory/regulatory 

authority, legal context, and desired timeframe for receiving the recommendation. The 

request will be posted on the NOP web site.

• Advice on NOP policy and interpretation of standards

The NOSB may provide comments on guidance or policy memos included in the Program 

Handbook, or may also make recommendations for new guidance or policies.

• Compliance and Enforcement 

The NOP is responsible for compliance and enforcement. The NOP welcomes NOSB input on 

standards, but NOSB involvement in active investigations or enforcement actions is not 

appropriate. When timely and appropriate, the NOP reports to the NOSB the status of

enforcement actions and also posts the status on the NOP web site.

• Management Review

The NOSB may review the quality management system and internal audits to ensure that 

the NOP is managed effectively and efficiently. For example, the NOSB may be asked for 

informal feedback or to work on specific work agenda items that relate to the development 

or implementation of audit corrective actions. 

G. Designated Federal Officer 

FACA and its implementing regulations (5 U.S.C. App. 2) govern the roles and responsibilities of 

NOSB management including meeting coordination and facilitation. The Designated Federal 

Officer (DFO) is the individual designated to implement advisory committee procedures. The 

AMS/NOP Deputy Administrator is the DFO for the NOSB. 

The NOP Deputy Administrator or designee acts as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) during 

public meetings of the NOSB and meetings of the Executive Subcommittee. The Advisory 

Committee Specialist (ACS) or designee acts as the DFO for all other NOSB Subcommittee 
meetings. The DFO holds the authority to chair meetings when directed to do so by the official 

to whom the advisory committee reports. 

The DFO’s duties include but are not limited to: 

• Approving and calling the meeting of the NOSB

• Approving the semi-annual meeting agenda

• Attending the semi-annual meetings

• Adjourning the meetings when such adjournment is in the public interest

H. Advisory Committee Specialist 

The Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) is an NOP staff member who is assigned to support the 

NOSB. The Advisory Committee Specialist prepares the Advisory Committee’s and 

Subcommittees’ meeting agendas and notes, and attends all meetings. The position of Advisory 

Committee Specialist (formerly called Executive Director) was added in 2005 to facilitate 

communication and collaboration between the NOP and the NOSB. Advisory Committee 

Specialist duties include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring that all FACA and OFPA requirements are implemented 

• Managing calendars and work agendas to facilitate Subcommittee and NOSB activities

• Arranging, facilitating, and documenting the NOSB Subcommittee conference calls

• Ensuring NOSB members have all necessary materials and information to provide informed, 

structured and timely recommendations to the NOP 

• Conducting meeting planning activities for the semi-annual NOSB meetings, including 

preparation of Federal Register notices and press releases, and facilitation of public 

comments 

• Coordinating the NOSB nomination and chartering process

• Facilitating training of NOSB members

• Managing information reporting and communication between the NOSB and NOP

I. ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 

• Official to whom the Committee Reports

The NOSB shall provide recommendations to the USDA Secretary through the Designated 

Federal Officer, the Agricultural Marketing Service’s NOP Deputy Administrator.

• Staff Support

The NOP shall provide administrative support to the NOSB through the work of an Advisory 

Committee Specialist, who is a permanent NOP staff member. The NOP may also provide 

technical support to the NOSB based on need and available resources. 
• Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings

The NOSB meets approximately twice per year for public meetings. Most NOSB 

Subcommittees meet approximately twice a month by conference call. 

• Recordkeeping

Records of the NOSB shall be handled in accordance with General Records Schedule 26, Item 

2 or other approved agency records disposition schedule. These records shall be available 

for public inspection and copying, subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. 

Information about the NOSB is available online at: 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb

While meeting transcripts are not required under FACA, the NOP provides transcripts or 

meeting notes to support the transparency of NOSB meetings and to support subsequent 

rulemaking activities. Minutes of each NOSB meeting, as approved by the DFO and the 

NOSB Chair and Secretary, shall contain a record of the persons present, a complete and 

accurate description of matters discussed and conclusions , and the outcome of voting. 

FACA requires (5 U.S.C. App. Section 10 (b) ): “Subject to section 552 of title 5, United States 

Code, the records, reports, transcripts, minutes, appendixes, working papers, drafts, studies, 

agenda, or other documents which were made available to or prepared for or by each 

advisory committee shall be available for public inspection and copying at a single location 

in the offices of the advisory committee or the agency to which the advisory committee 

reports until the advisory committee ceases to exist.”

Any request for FACA records must be made to the NOP.

While requests for FACA Board records do not have to go through the formal FOIA request 

process, those records must be reviewed by AMS/NOP before release, to determine 

whether any FOIA exemptions apply (e.g., personal information, business proprietary 

information). In addition, OFPA itself requires that no confidential business information be 

released, so emails and documents need to be reviewed before release to ensure that this 

requirement is met. 

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA; 5 U.S.C. 552). Under this Act, the public may request 

documents and other information pertaining to USDA actions. NOSB communications with 

USDA (including email) are subject to these requests, with limited exemptions. Some USDA 

information is routinely exempt from disclosure in or otherwise protected from disclosure 

by statute, Executive Order or regulation; is designated as confidential by the agency or 

program; or has not actually been disseminated to the general public and is not authorized 

to be made available to the public upon request. When there is a FOIA request for 

information, the USDA will review all relevant information and determine what qualifies for 

release, then provide it to the requestor. 
J. PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS 

As appointees of the Secretary, NOSB members must maintain high professional and 

ethical standards both within and outside of the NOSB. Areas of particular concern 

include professional conduct and conflict of interest. 

1) NOSB Member Professional Conduct Standards

NOSB members shall:

• Observe ethical principles above private gain in the service of public trust. 

• Put forth an honest effort in the performance of their NOSB duties. 

• Make no commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government. 

• Act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any organization or individual. 

• Participate in meetings – Subcommittee conference calls as well as semi-annual 

meetings 

• Serve on Subcommittees as assigned - Each member must be willing to serve on 

Subcommittees as assigned by the NOSB Chair, and to participate in the work of 

those Subcommittees. 

• Be informed about NOSB business - NOSB members are expected to seek and study 

the information needed to make reasoned decisions and/or recommendations on all 

business brought before the NOSB. 

To maintain the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct, no NOSB 

member shall participate in any “specific party matters” (i.e., matters that are narrowly 

focused and typically involve specific transactions between identified parties) such as a 

lease, license, permit, contract, claim, grant, agreement, or related litigation with the 

Department in which the member has a direct or indirect financial interest. This includes 

the requirement for NOSB members to immediately disclose to the NOP’s Advisory 

Board Specialist any specific party matter in which the member’s immediate family, 

relatives, business partners, or employer would be directly seeking to financially benefit 

from the Board’s recommendations. 

 

All members receive ethics training annually to identify and avoid any actions that 

would cause the public to question the integrity of the NOSB’s advice and 

recommendations. The provisions of these paragraphs are not meant to exhaustively 

cover all Federal ethics laws and do not affect any other statutory or regulatory 

obligations to which advisory committee members are subject.

2) Additional Standards of Conduct

NOSB members should adhere to the following basic “standards of conduct” while in 

government service: 

• Do not accept improper gifts (from those seeking actions from the Board). 

• Do not use board appointments for private gain. 

• Do not misuse internal non-public government information. 

• Do not use government property and time improperly. 

• Do not accept compensation for teaching, speaking, and writing related to your 

board duties. 
• Do not engage in partisan political activities while performing your board duties or 

while in a federal building.

• Alert the NOSB designated federal officer (DFO) if you or your employer enters into 

a lawsuit against USDA or its sub-agencies.

• Refrain from sharing working documents with the public. Working documents are 

defined as information that a board member gains by reason of participation in the 

NOSB and that he/she knows, or reasonably should know, has not been made 

available to the general public: e.g. is not on the NOP or other public websites, or is 

a draft document under development by an NOSB Subcommittee.

• Do not circulate draft Subcommittee documents until they are finalized and publicly 

available to all on the AMS/NOP website. 

• Use a professional, respectful tone in NOSB email correspondence; remember that 

all correspondence with government officials is subject to FOIA requests.

• To the maximum extent possible, NOSB members should speak with one voice. 

Although there may be disagreements within NOSB Subcommittees or working 

group sessions, once NOSB members leave the session, they have the responsibility 

to support the integrity of the process, whether or not they agree with the final 

outcome. While NOSB members retain the right to express minority opinions, the 

public airing of dissension could strain interpersonal relationships and create 

distrust and conflict among NOSB members. Such stresses could undermine the 

NOSB’s ability to effectively carry out its role as a governmental advisory board. 

3) Failure to participate 

The NOSB typically has a heavy work load and thus active participation by all 15 

members is essential to carry out the mandates in OFPA. When one or more 

members fail to actively participate in Board work the entire NOSB and the organic 

community is negatively impacted. If a Board member finds that s/he cannot 

consistently attend Subcommittee meetings, take on work assignments, complete 

Subcommittee work in a timely manner, or cannot attend the twice-yearly public 

meetings and public comment listening sessions, the NOSB Chair shall discuss the 

matter with the Board member, bring the concerns to the attention of the Executive 

Subcommittee, and if necessary encourage the Board member to resign.

K. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/Conflict of Interest

NOSB members are classified as representatives under the Federal Advisory Committee Act 

(FACA). Each representative is appointed to articulate the viewpoints and interests of a 

particular interest group. The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) prescribes these interest 

groups, which include farmers/growers, handlers, certifiers, environmentalists/conservationists, 

scientists, consumers and public interest groups, and retailers. Representatives are appointed to 

speak in “we” terms, serving as the voice of the group represented (e.g., “we farmers/growers 

believe...”). As such, NOSB members are not expected to provide independent expert advice, 
but rather advice based on the interests of the groups served. 

 

NOSB members represent the interests of a particular group. As such, many of the interests are 

acceptable interests. An interest is acceptable if it is carried out on behalf of a represented 

group, and if a Board member receives no disproportionate benefit from expressing the interest. 

True conflicts of interest arise when an interest: 

• Directly and disproportionally benefits you or a person associated with that member; 

• Could impair your objectivity in representing your group; or 

• Has the potential to create an unfair competitive advantage. 

The appearance of a personal conflict and loss of impartiality, while not a true conflict, must be 

considered when conducting NOSB business. 

Declarations of Interest/Conflicts of Interest Procedures 

Board members are appointed in part because of their interests. As such, each NOSB member

needs to actively consider their interests with respect to topics being considered by the Board, 

and identify whether these interests would create appearance problems. This consideration 

should occur at two specific points during the Board’s work on a particular topic. The first 

consideration should occur at the Subcommittee level, when a Subcommittee begins work on 

material or topic. The second is when a discussion document or proposal advances from the 

Subcommittee to the full Board for consideration. 

At the Subcommittee Level

NOSB members represent the diverse interests of a broad stakeholder community, and make 

recommendations that may have wide-reaching regulatory impacts across all of these interest 

groups. As such, NOSB member actions are carefully scrutinized. 

Given this, the NOP has provided the following guidelines for NOSB members working at the 

Subcommittee level: 

• Avoid leading projects for which you could reasonably be viewed by others as having a particular 

interest that would hinder your ability to objectively and fairly represent broader group 

interests, and to allow other members to represent theirs. If leading a project would likely lead 

others to believe you are “self-dealing” to benefit yourself or someone close to you, you should 

refrain from leading. 

• If you feel you may have an appearance problem or conflict of interest, you should inform the 

DFO that a conflict may exist, and describe the nature of that conflict. You should also tell the 

subcommittee impacted that you may have a conflict; sharing as much or as little about the 

nature of the conflict with other board members as you wish. After this declaration, you may 

continue to contribute to the discussion on the topic. As long as it is known there is a conflict of 

interest, the conflict does not preclude the member from contributing his or her input to the 

subcommittee. 
• If you are uncertain as to whether an interest constitutes an appearance problem or a true 

conflict, then contact the DFOto discuss it. In this case, the NOP, working with the USDA office of 

ethics as needed, will make the determination about whether a problem exists.

At the Full Board Level

Once discussion documents and proposals are posted for public comment, each NOSB member is to 

review the documents across all Subcommittees, and research any potential conflicts of interest due 

to organizational affiliation or relationships. 

The following procedures will take place at the Board level: 

1. Approximately 2-4 weeks before the meeting, the NOP’s DFO will provide a matrix to all 

NOSB members that lists the items being considered at the meeting. 

2. If you determine that you do have a conflict of interest, use the matrix to disclose that 

information and to declare a recusal from voting on the item(s). 

3. If you are not sure whether an interest is acceptable or poses a problem, or if you are 

uncertain whether recusal is needed, contact the NOP DFO to discuss. The NOP – working 

with the USDA office of ethics as needed - will make the determination about whether a 

conflict of interest exists, and will instruct the member accordingly as to whether to vote or 

not. 

4. Return your completed matrix approximately one week before the board meeting. The NOP

will then use these to compile a list of all recusals for the meeting. 

5. At the meeting, at the beginning of each subcommittee session or at a time designated at 

the discretion of the board chair, the DFO will state: “the following board members have a 

conflict of interest with the following documents, and will not be voting: e.g. Bob has a 

conflict and will recuse himself from the proposals CleanGreenA and GreatChemB

(etcetera).” 

6. Once the DFO completes listing the recusals, the NOSB Subcommittee chair leading the 

session may invite additional information from members on a voluntary basis, with a 

statement such as: “if Board members wish to disclose information about their conflict, or 

any other information about their interests, they are welcome to do so at this time.” This is 

to be stated as a general and voluntary invitation; no specific NOSB member is to be called 

on. 

7. For any documents deferred to the last day of the meeting, the DFO will repeat the 

declaration of statement above at the start of the voting session for each subcommittee. 

When it is time to vote, the NOSB member recusing her/his self should state “recuse” when 

it is his or her time to vote. 
IV. SUBCOMMITTEES 

Subcommittees play an important role in administering the NOSB’s responsibilities to make 

informed decisions. The Subcommittees are responsible for conducting research and analyses, 

and drafting proposals for consideration by the full NOSB. No Subcommittees are authorized to 

act in place of the NOSB. Subcommittees are either standing or ad hoc

 

A. STANDING SUBCOMMITTEES 

The current standing Subcommittees are: 

• Executive (ES)

• Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance (CACS)

• Crops (CS)

• Handling (HS)

• Livestock (including Aquaculture) (LS)

• Materials (including GMOs) (MS)

• Policy Development (PDS)

Executive Subcommittee (ES)

The Executive Subcommittee of the NOSB shall be comprised of the Chair, Vice Chair, 

Secretary, and the Chairs of each of the standing Subcommittees. The Executive 

Subcommittee provides overall coordination for the NOSB including finalizing the NOSB 

meeting agenda and NOSB work agendas. 

Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance Subcommittee (CACS) 

The CACS drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide guidance, clarification, 

or proposed standards for the certification, accreditation and compliance sections of the 

USDA organic regulations and OFPA.

 

Crops Subcommittee (CS)

The CS drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide guidance, clarification, or 

proposed standards for the crop production sections of the USDA organic regulations and 

OFPA. The CS reviews substances under sunset review and petitions for addition to, or 

removal from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The CS reviews

technical reports (TRs), technical advisory panel reports (TAPs), and public comments 

concerning materials used for organic crop production to draft their proposals.

 

Handling Subcommittee (HS) 

The Handling Subcommittee drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide 

guidance, clarification, or proposed standards for the handling and labeling sections of the 

USDA organic regulations and OFPA. The HS reviews substances under sunset review and 

petitions for addition to or removal from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 

Substances. The HS reviews technical reports (TRs), technical advisory panel reports (TAPs), 

and public comments concerning materials used for organic handling to draft their 

proposals. 
Livestock Subcommittee (including Aquaculture) (LS) 

The LS drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide guidance, clarification, or 

proposed standards for the livestock and livestock feed sections of the USDA organic 

regulations and OFPA. The LS reviews substances under sunset review and petitions for 

addition to or removal from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The LS 

reviews technical reports (TRs), technical advisory panel reports (TAPs), and public 

comments concerning materials used for organic livestock and aquaculture production to 

draft their proposals.

 

Materials Subcommittee (including Genetically Modified Organisms) (MS)

The MS drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide guidance, clarification, 

or proposed standards for the pertinent National List sections of the USDA organic 

regulations and OFPA. The MS works with the NOP and other NOSB Subcommittees in 

managing the Materials Review Process, which may include determining which 

Subcommittee will conduct a review, as well as tracking technical reports and the status of 

reviews for petitions and sunset materials. The MS also drafts proposals and discussion 

documents regarding the prohibition on the use of Genetically Modified Organisms 

(excluded methods) under the USDA organic regulations. Research Priorities are also a 

critical component of the annual work agenda of the MS.

In addition to a Chair, who will be appointed by the NOSB Chair, the MS shall include in its 

membership a representative from each of the Livestock, Crops, and Handling 

Subcommittees. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) 

The Policy Development Subcommittee provides clarification and proposed changes for 

NOSB internal policies, and procedures as needed, in collaboration with the NOP. The PDS, 

in collaboration with the NOP, also updates and revises the NOSB Policy and Procedures 

Manual and the Member Guide. 

B. AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES

At the discretion of the NOSB Chair, and with approval of the Executive Subcommittee and 

the DFO, ad hoc NOSB Subcommittees may be formed to develop policy and guidance on 

specific issues that involve multiple standing Subcommittee jurisdictions, or for issues or 

tasks that are very large and require additional resources to complete. Ad hoc 

Subcommittees must be comprised of current NOSB members, and may be either a 

combination of two or more standing Subcommittees to form a “joint” Subcommittee, or 

may be a completely new Subcommittee comprised of selected NOSB members from 

various standing Subcommittees. Ad hoc Subcommittees can be dissolved at the 

recommendation of the NOSB chairperson with the approval of the Executive 

Subcommittee. Ad hoc Subcommittee Chairpersons are non-voting members of the 

Executive Committee.

C. SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS 

Subcommittees generally hold meetings once or twice a month via telephone 

conference calls. Calls are scheduled well in advance on a regular reoccurring interval. 

Additional meetings can be held if a Subcommittee requests additional time and the 

NOP agrees to provide the resources to support the additional meeting. A majority of 

the members of a Subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of 
conducting Subcommittee business. 

D. TASK FORCES 

The NOSB may request the establishment of a Task Force to explore specific issues or 

concerns relevant to the organic community and industry, and present to the NOSB

draft proposals, discussion documents, or reports. Each task force shall:

• Have a specific work agenda approved by the NOP 

• Have a clearly articulated project deliverable 

• Include at least one current member of the NOSB

• Record and maintain meeting or conference call minutes, made available to the 

NOSB and the NOP 

• Submit a final report to the NOSB

• Disband when the NOP notifies the Task Force that its work has concluded or when 

the task force is no longer necessary. 

• Have a specific start and end date, which may be extended by the Executive 

Subcommittee, with concurrence by NOP. 

E. DUTIES OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS AND VICE CHAIRS

Subcommittee Chair duties:

• Appoint a Subcommittee Vice Chair in consultation with Board Chair

• Consult with the Board Chair regarding Subcommittee appointments

• Schedule Subcommittee meetings as needed 

• Draft Subcommittee meeting agendas and work agendas in consultation with 

Subcommittee members, the Executive Committee, and NOP staff 

• Convene and preside over Subcommittee meetings 

• Ensure Subcommittee meeting notes are recorded

• Ensure that Subcommittee meeting notes are reviewed for accuracy 

• Report actions of the Subcommittee to the Executive Subcommittee and Board 

• Serve as mentor/trainer for new Subcommittee Chair during transition periods

• Designate a liaison to the Materials Subcommittee to collect, compile and present 

the research priorities proposals. 

Subcommittee Vice Chair duties: 

• Provide support in developing and completing Subcommittee work agendas

• Assist in reviewing Subcommittee meeting notes for accuracy

• Represent the Chair in the event of the Chair’s absence

• The Vice Chairs of the Crops, Livestock and Handling Subcommittees will serve on 

the Materials Subcommittee as liaisons for reviewing all petitioned substances.

F. TRANSITION OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS, VICE CHAIRS, AND MEMBERS (NEW AND 

CONTINUING)

Subcommittee Chairs shall be appointed to serve annually by the Chair of the Board. 

Vice Chairs and Subcommittee members shall be appointed by their respective 

Subcommittee Chair in conjunction with the NOSB Chair. The annual Subcommittee 

term shall be concurrent with the one-year term established by the Secretary (beginning 
on January 24 and ending the following January 23). Newly appointed Chairs, Vice Chairs 

and Subcommittee members will assume their positions at the beginning of the new 

term, after a period of orientation and mentorship provided by the outgoing Chair, Vice 

Chair, and members.

To avoid disruption in the quality and volume of work produced by the NOSB, the 

following procedures will be observed: 

After the election of NOSB Officers at the Fall Meeting:

1. The new NOSB Chair takes Office 

Immediately after the election, on the final day of the NOSB meeting, the new Chair 

takes office. 

 

2. Appointment of Subcommittee Chairs 

The Board Chair appoints Subcommittee Chairs preferably chosen from members 

with at least one year of NOSB experience.

3. Appointment of Subcommittee Vice Chair

Vice Chairs shall be appointed by the incoming Subcommittee Chair, in conjunction 

with the Board Chair. 

4. Timeframe for Appointments 

Subcommittee Chairs shall be appointed by the NOSB Chair and seated within a 

reasonable time after the newly elected NOSB Chair takes office (or continues in 

office), and Vice Chairs shall be appointed by Subcommittee Chairs as soon as 

possible after that. 

5. Review of Subcommittee Files 

New Subcommittee Chairs should review all work agenda items and active files 

involving Subcommittee work

 

6. Mentorship Period 

The incoming Chair and Vice Chair of each Subcommittee shall participate in an 

orientation and mentorship period with the outgoing Chair and Vice Chair of their 

Subcommittee until seated in their positions at the beginning of the new term on 

January 24. The Board Chair, to facilitate an effective transition for new members of 

the Board and ensure effective participation in Committee and Board deliberations, 

shall ask incoming Board members to identify a mentor from existing Board 

members, or, if the Board member prefers, the Board Chair shall assign a mentor. 

7. Appointment of New NOSB Members: 

The Board Chair will appoint each new NOSB member to appropriate 
Subcommittees as soon as possible, so that on January 24 all Subcommittees are in 

place. The NOSB Chair will consult with outgoing and incoming Subcommittee Chairs 

and other Board officers, with due consideration of the members interest, expertise, 

and background, as well as the composition and needs of the new Board and scope 

of Subcommittee work agendas. Once appointed, incoming Subcommittee members 

shall be included in all email communication pertaining to the Subcommittees on 

which they serve.

Changing Subcommittee Appointments

Board members who would like to join or leave a Subcommittee shall submit a request 

to the Board Chair. If the request does not alter the preferred number of Subcommittee 

members, in the range of five to seven, the expectation is that the request will be 

approved, unless the Board Chair finds that such a change will interfere with the 

functioning of the Subcommittee or the Board. The Chair’s determination should be 

made in consultation with Subcommittee Chairs and the Executive Subcommittee.

Filling a Subcommittee Chair and/or Vice Chair vacancy

If a Subcommittee Chair position becomes vacant, the Subcommittee Vice Chair shall 

assume the position as Chair and the new Subcommittee Chair shall appoint a new Vice 

Chair in accordance with the consultation procedures cited above.

G. PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSALS AND DISCUSSION 

DOCUMENTS

1. Development of proposals

Each of the NOSB Subcommittees will develop proposals, discussion documents or 

reports based on the current work agenda. 

 

• A Subcommittee drafts a proposal or discussion document based on that 

Subcommittee’s work agenda. 

• By a simple majority, the Subcommittee can vote to pass a proposal or discussion 

document to the full Board for consideration at a subsequent NOSB meeting. In 

order to be considered for a vote during an NOSB meeting, all proposals must be 

voted on by the Subcommittee and submitted to the NOP at least forty five (45) 

days prior to a scheduled NOSB meeting.

• When it is not possible for a Subcommittee, during its regular deliberations on 

conference calls, to reach consensus on a proposed document/recommendation as 

it is being reviewed, and there are substantive irreconcilable differences, a minority 

of the Subcommittee may develop a written minority view for review by all 

members of the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee Chair has the responsibility to 

facilitate the process for the minority view.

A minority view should: 

o Be short and concise, and include reasons for opposing the Subcommittees 

recommendation; 

o Should not include any data or information not introduced on a 

Subcommittee call; 

o Should be submitted in a timely manner, and will not be accepted after the 

Subcommittee has voted on its recommendation; 
o Will be included as a separate section at the end of the recommendation.

• The NOP will post the proposal or discussion document for public comment. 

• At any point in the process prior to the Board’s vote, a Subcommittee may convene 

and, by a simple majority, vote to withdraw its proposal from consideration by the 

Board. 

• During a subsequent Board meeting, the Subcommittee presents the proposals and 

discussion documents as well as a summary of public comments and other relevant 

information for discussion and consideration by the full Board.

2. Types of Proposals 

 (See Member Guide for examples)

There are several formats for writing proposals and discussion documents, based on 

the subject under review:

o Proposals related to material petitions, sunset reviews, annotation changes, or 

classification changes. 

o Proposals for policy or procedure changes 

o Discussion documents

3. Presenting Subcommittee Proposals and Discussion Documents at NOSB Meetings

NOSB Subcommittees and task forces should follow the outline below when presenting

proposals or discussion documents for consideration by the Board: 

1. Introduction: A brief summary of the issue or statement of the problem. 

2. Background: An explanation with sufficient detail and rationale to support 

the proposal, including reasons why the proposal should be adopted, 

historical context, and the regulatory framework pertinent to the issue. 

3. Proposal: A concise explanation of the recommended action. 

4. Subcommittee Vote: The Subcommittee vote shall be reported. In the case 

of petitions to add materials to the National List, two votes will be reported; 

one for classification of the material as a synthetic or non-synthetic, and the 

other a motion to list. 

5. Public Comment: A brief summary of the public comments

6. Minority View: If applicable, the minority view of a Subcommittee or task 

force member shall be reported. After the Subcommittee's proposal has 

been presented and the motion to adopt has been made, it is usual to allow 

the minority to present their views. The minority report is presented for 

information purposes only. If the Board then determines that the minority 

view has merit, it may send the proposal back to Subcommittee for further 

work, since it would be a substantive change to the proposal as presented. 

H. SUBSTANCE/MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS

A primary function of the NOSB is “to assist in the development of standards for substances 

to be used in organic production” (OFPA 6518 (a)). “The Board shall develop the proposed 

National List or proposed amendments to the National List for submission to the Secretary 

...” (OFPA 6518(k)). The OFPA also establishes a petition process by which the public can 

request additions or deletions to the National List and also provides for a 5 –year “sunset” 

review by NOSB of all substances on the National List. The Materials Review Process is a 
collaborative effort between the NOP and NOSB. Some phases of the review process are 

handled exclusively by NOP and some by the NOSB.

The petition process is open to all. Petitions must be filed in accordance with the most 

recent Federal Register notice instructions (currently January 18, 2007 [72 FR 2167]).

1. Steps in the material review process for a new petition: 

1. NOP receives a petition, reviews it for completeness and eligibility according to OFPA

and the petition guidelines. NOP forwards the petition to the appropriate Subcommittee 

with a courtesy copy to the Materials Subcommittee.

2. Subcommittee (SC) determines if a Technical Review (TR) is needed. 

3. Technical Report is completed and sent to the Subcommittee for review.

4. TR sufficiency is determined by SC, and the TR is posted on the NOSB website by the 

NOP. 

5. SC reviews substance, develops proposal, discusses proposal and votes, and submits for 

posting 45 days prior to public meeting.

6. The NOSB members analyze comments and votes on the proposal at the public meeting. 

7. The NOSB Chair delivers the final recommendations to NOP. 

Step 1: Receipt of Petition 

During this phase the NOP will: 

• Notify the petitioner via letter and/or electronic mail of receipt of the petition. 

• Determine whether the petition is complete and whether the petitioned substance is 

eligible for petition under the Organic Foods Production Act and its implementing 

regulations, and whether subject to other agency authority (e.g. EPA, FDA); 

• NOP documents this review using two checklists.

o OFPA Checklist, NOP 3005-1 

o Petition Checklist, NOP 3005-2 

Ineligible petitions include: 

• Formulated (brand name) products

• Food additive without FDA approval

• Pesticide without EPA tolerance or tolerance exemption

• Requests to add substances already allowed

• Synthetic macronutrient (e.g., NPK) fertilizers

• Materials otherwise prohibited by the USDA organic regulations (e.g., sewage 

sludge, GMOs, etc.)

• Previously petitioned/rejected materials (if no new information is provided)

Upon determination of completeness and eligibility, NOP will: 

• Notify the petitioner, via letter and/or electronic mail, that the petition is complete 

and eligible; 
• Publish the petition on NOP website; and 

• Notify the NOSB Subcommittee that the substance is being petitioned for addition 

or prohibition from the National List and provide the OFPA and petition checklists.

• NOP is the primary point of contact for any correspondence between NOSB and 

petitioner

Step 2: Determine whether a Third Party Technical Review is required 

During this phase, the applicable NOSB Subcommittee has 60 days to review the petition 

and determine whether a third party technical review is required. This decision is based on 

the following:

• Is there sufficient information in the petition? 

• Can the Subcommittee reasonably research any needed technical information?

• Can sufficient information be obtained from public comment? 

• Does the Subcommittee have the expertise needed to address the questions related 

to the petition? This includes impact on the environment, impact on human health, 

and sustainability and compatibility with organic principles. 

If the Subcommittee decides a Technical Review is needed, the Subcommittee Chair will 

make the request to the National List Manager. The SC may also submit questions for 

specific information based on the OFPA evaluation criteria (7 USC 6817(m)), or suggest 

recommended technical expertise. The NOSB may request more information from the 

petitioner if needed. 

If the Subcommittee decides the Technical Review is not needed, the Subcommittee Chair 

will inform the National List Manager. 

In some cases, the Subcommittee may decide the substance is ineligible for the National List 

without need for a Technical Review. In this case, they will develop a proposal to reject the 

substance at the next NOSB meeting, subject to a full board vote. 

A limited scope or supplemental TR may be appropriate when the petition is to amend an 

existing listing, remove a listing, or for purposes of sunset review. 

Option for a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP)

OFPA states: “The NOSB shall convene technical advisory panels to provide scientific 

evaluation of materials considered for the National List.”(7 USC 6518 (k)(3))

The NOSB has not convened independent Technical Advisory Panels since 2005. Currently 

the NOSB is relying on information within the Technical Reports provided by the NOP and 

public comment to make their final recommendations 

In some cases, NOSB may wish to convene a TAP instead of requesting a TR, for review of 

complex or controversial substances. 

Step 3: Third Party Technical Review 
During this phase the NOP will:

• Assign a contractor to develop a Technical Review (TR) or Technical Advisory Panel 

(TAP). The third party contractor must have technical expertise relevant to the petition, 

and will use the TR template provided by NOP. 

• Review all TRs or TAP reports before they are distributed to the Subcommittee to 

ensure they meet the requirements of the contract.

• Ensure that TRs/TAP reports are sufficient and complete when they are distributed to 

the Subcommittee 

Third party experts may consist of contractors, or employees of the USDA, such as AMS 

Science and Technology, AMS Agricultural Analytics Division, Agricultural Research Service, 

or other federal agencies with appropriate expertise, as needed. 

Step 4: Technical Review Sufficiency Determination 

During this phase the Subcommittee (Crops, Livestock or Handling) will: 

Review the draft TR to ensure that it:

• Is consistent in format, level of detail and tone

• Is technically objective and free from opinions or conjecture 

• Is written in a style appropriate for non-technical readers (e.g. free of technical 

jargon)

• Is prepared using a well-defined and consistent procedure consisting of 

information gathering, information synthesis and document preparation, and 

quality assurance 

• Is based on the best available information that can be obtained within the 

designated time frame

• Is thoroughly supported using literature citations

• Addresses all evaluation questions in the TR template

The Subcommittee chair will notify the NOP, within 60 days of receiving the TR, that the 

TR is sufficient. If the TR is not found sufficient, the Subcommittee must provide the 

NOP with an explanation of why, including a request for additional information or 

improvements.

If necessary, the NOP will seek improvements or supplemental information from the 

contractor.

Once the Technical Reports are deemed sufficient, the NOP will post on the NOP 

website.

Step 5: Review by the Subcommittee (Crops, Livestock or Handling) 

During this phase the Subcommittee conducting the review will: 

• Read the review, along with the submitted petition, and any additional information 

available, such as literature referenced in the Technical Review, personal 

knowledge, and recommendations of a contracted panel of experts when utilized. 
• Subcommittee members will prepare a written review the substance according to 

the OFPA criteria. 

• After discussion, the Subcommittee will vote on classification (e.g., synthetic, 

nonsynthetic, agricultural) for substances not previously classified, and vote on a 

proposed action (e.g., add to National List, remove, or amend)

• The review, including record of votes, will be finalized as a proposal for the next 

meeting. 

• All proposals must be submitted to NOP for posting 45 days before the public 

meeting date. 

Step 6: Action by Full NOSB 

During this phase the NOP will: 

• Publish the proposals on the NOP website and provide a minimum of 30 days of 

written public comment on the proposal prior to the public NOSB business meeting. 

• Include sufficient time on the agenda at the NOSB meeting for the Board to discuss 

the proposal, listen to public comments, and make a recommendation. 

At the NOSB meeting: 

• The Subcommittee Chair or delegated lead reviewer for each Subcommittee will 

present the proposals at the NOSB meeting. The proposals are to be presented in 

the form of a seconded motion coming from the subcommittee, and the Chair will 

open the motion for discussion. After discussion board members will vote on the 

motion. 

• Voting may be by show of hands, roll call, or by use of modern voting devices.

• The NOSB Secretary will record the votes of each NOSB member and the Chair will 

announce whether or not the motion passed. 

2. Changes to annotations or classification of materials.

The NOSB may request to review an existing substance on the National List without a new 

petition when they have justification to support a revision of the annotation or 

reclassification of the substance. This may happen as a result of the sunset review process, 

or based on new information provided in a Technical Review, or from public comment. The 

following procedure should be followed:

• The Subcommittee sends a written request for a new work agenda item to the 

Executive Subcommittee.

• The request should include a summary of the issue, brief justification for the 

change, and resources in hand or needed for the project. 

• The ES considers the request and determines if it should go forward. 

• NOP reviews the item for possible addition to the work agenda, and may 

propose to add to a future meeting schedule depending on NOSB workload.
• The Subcommittee develops a proposal for consideration that is separate from 

the sunset review of the substance. NOP will then consider rulemaking action in 

a timely manner, without constraints due to the sunset timeline. 

3. Additional considerations concerning Technical Reviews

Basic principles that should be considered when consulting with a third party expert: 

• A Subcommittee cannot proceed with a recommendation to list a material if it is 

determined that there is insufficient valid scientific information on that material’s 

impact on the environment, human health and its compatibility with organic principles. 

• The decision to request a third party expert needs to be made independently of the 

availability of funds. If there is a lack of funding to secure third party expert advice, the 

Subcommittee has the option to place the review of new petitions on hold. 

• The Subcommittee makes a determination on the completeness of the petition and 

whether a Technical Review is needed. 

• The decision to define the expertise of the third party expert is the responsibility of the 

Subcommittee reviewing the material or issue. 

• To incorporate a diversity of opinions and to minimize the risk of bias, a Subcommittee 

may seek information from a range of technical experts (individuals or institutions). The 

Subcommittee may also ask questions in their posted proposals, in order to gain needed 

information from the public. 

• The NOP will seek Technical Reviews from a range of experts. The name of the 

contracted party will appear on the Technical Review.· All Federal contracts, including 

those issued by USDA/NOP to Technical Report contractors, are governed by the Federal 

Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The FAR includes a “Subpart 3.11—Preventing Personal 

Conflicts of Interest for Contractor Employees Performing Acquisition Functions,” which 

requires contractors to identify and prevent personal conflicts of interest for their 

covered employees. “Personal conflict of interest” means a situation in which a covered 

employee has a financial interest, personal activity, or relationship that could impair the 

employee’s ability to act impartially and in the best interest of the Government when 

performing under the contract.

Link: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/pdf/FAR.pdf

4. Definitions

Technical Review - A report prepared by a third party expert under contract addressing 

the environmental, human, and industrial impact of a petitioned material per the OFPA 

and regulatory evaluation criteria to aid in the thorough evaluation of that material by 

the NOSB.

Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) - Group of third party experts convened by the Board to 

provide a technical review related to a material petition under review by the NOSB. 

V. Prioritization of Petitions 
Petitions received and deemed eligible and sufficient by the NOP/NOSB will be 

prioritized as follows:

Priority 1: A petition to remove a material presently on the National list that raises 

serious health, environmental, or regulatory concerns, including petitions to reconsider 

previous decisions, will be given the highest priority - Priority 1, above all other 

petitions in the queue of the reviewing Subcommittee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock). 

Priority 2: A petition to remove a material presently on the National list not based on 

serious health, environmental, or regulatory concerns, but based on other new 

information, such as commercial availability status, would be assigned a Priority 2, 

behind Priority 1 petitions, but above any petitions to list materials that are in the queue 

of the reviewing Subcommittee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock). This priority assignment 

would include any removal petitions requesting reconsideration of previous board 

decisions, if the resubmitted petition contains substantive new information to warrant 

reconsideration. 

Priority 3: A petition to add a material to the National List will be considered by the 

reviewing Subcommittee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock) in the chronological order in 

which it was received, and will be designated as Priority 3. 

Priority 4: A petition to reconsider adding a material that had previously been rejected 

by a Board vote would be given the lowest priority - Priority 4, and would go to the 

bottom of the Subcommittee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock) queue of petitioned 

materials. Petitions submitted for reconsideration must contain substantive new 

information to warrant reconsideration.

This prioritization guideline is only that, a guideline. When situations occur beyond the 

control of the reviewing Subcommittee, such as, but not limited to, technical report 

budgetary constraints, or a delay in the delivery of a technical review for a petitioned 

substance, the work agenda may require adjustment by the NOSB and NOP. 

VI. Withdrawal of a petition by a petitioner

A petition may be withdrawn at any point in the process, prior to the vote by 

Subcommittee. Once a Subcommittee develops a proposal, the outcome will be posted 

for public comment and the NOSB will vote at the next public meeting. When a petition 

is withdrawn by the petitioner prior to Subcommittee proposal, the Subcommittee will 

suspend its review and recommendation procedure. Withdrawals will not be accepted 

after the subcommittee votes on a proposal. 

If a petition is re-submitted, the NOSB will review it in the order in which it was 

received. Thus, a re-submitted petition should be considered a new request and will be 

placed at the end of the queue of materials pending review. 

A petitioner has the opportunity to withdraw a petition with the intent of improving it 

(e.g., conducting additional research), and may also voluntarily submit supplemental 

information. 
VII. Sunset Review Process 

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) authorizes a National List of Allowed 

and Prohibited Substances (7 U.S. C. Section 6517). Sections 6517 (e) mandates a Sunset 

Provision as follows: 

“No exception or prohibition in the National list shall be valid unless the National 

Organic Standards Board has reviewed such exemption or prohibition as provided in this 

section within 5 years of such exemption or prohibition being adopted and the Secretary 

has renewed such exemption or prohibition.”

The NOP published a Federal Register notice on Sept. 16, 2013 (78 FR 56811) describing 

current procedures for sunset review. Through the sunset review process, the NOSB can 

recommend to USDA the removal of substances based on adverse impact on human 

health, the environment, or other criteria under the Organic Foods Production Act 

(OFPA). If upon review the NOSB believes the substance no longer fits the criteria for an 

exemption or prohibition, the NOSB can recommend (by a decisive two-thirds vote, 7 

USC Section 6158 (i)) to remove the substance from the National List. After the NOSB 

has completed this "sunset" review, the USDA must renew or remove the substances on 

the National List to complete the process. All substances under sunset review will be 

considered over two NOSB meetings, to provide ample opportunity for public notice and 

comment. The NOSB observes the following procedure. 

A. Steps in the Sunset Review Process (See Member Guide for forms used in these steps.) 

Step 1: The NOSB Subcommittees submit the initial Sunset List Summary for 

posting which may include requests for specific information. The NOP posts the 

list as well as the NOSB Meeting Announcement in the Federal Register which 

invites comments, at least 30 days prior to the first public meeting on these 

sunset substances.

Step 2: The public submits written comments, which are analyzed by 

Subcommittees. 

Step 3 (Public Meeting #1): Subcommittees summarize background and public 

comment & receive oral comment.

Step 4: Subcommittees analyze written and oral comments from Meeting #1 

and prepare a Preliminary Review that includes a motion to remove the 

substance from the National List. The NOP publishes the next meeting 

announcement in the Federal Register, inviting comment on the Preliminary 

Reviews, which are posted on the NOP website. 

Step 5: Written public comments submitted and analyzed by Subcommittees. 

Step 6 (Public Meeting #2): Subcommittees present Preliminary Review, 

receive oral comment, and discuss the proposal with the full Board. When 

presented to the full NOSB, reviews will contain a motion and second taken in 
Subcommittee. Motions for removal based on the Preliminary Review are voted 

on by the full Board, and require a decisive two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass.

o At Meeting #2, the NOSB completes the Sunset Review and submits the 

final documents to the NOP. 

Step 7: AMS reviews the NOSB Sunset Review and considers rulemaking action 

for any recommended removals. This will include a proposed rule open for 

public comment before a final rule amendment is published. 

Step 8: AMS issues Federal Register Notice announcing renewal of applicable 

substances. 

Note: this is a regulatory process for determining whether materials already approved 

or prohibited on the National List should be removed. Due to regulatory process 

constraints, it is not possible to modify existing listings, add new uses of a listed 

substance during sunset review, or change annotations. If there is a need to consider 

changing an annotation or re-classifying a material, a subcommittee may request to 

develop a separate proposal that will be reviewed separately from the sunset review 

process. Decisions made through the Sunset review should be transparent, nonarbitrary, based on the best current information and in the interest of the organic 

community and public at large.

VIII. NOSB PROCEDURES

A. BOARD MEETINGS 

All Board meetings, assembled for the purpose of making recommendations to the NOP, are 

subject to FACA (see appendix B for FACA facts) and as such must be open to the public and 

must meet public notification requirements. Not all meetings are subject to FACA and do not 

require public notification. Examples of these exempted meetings include: Subcommittee calls, 

assemblies for completing work, planning retreats, training or sharing information. The date and 

location of in-person Board Meetings, currently held twice each year in spring and fall, will to 

the extent possible, be set at the mutual scheduling convenience of the NOSB and the NOP.

B. CONDUCTING BUSINESS

NOSB public meetings in brief:

• Approximately 3 days long depending on workload

• Meetings are held in various venues across the country to allow for participation by 

stakeholders that otherwise may not be able to attend due to travel constraints 

• A typical meeting agenda includes presentations by the NOP, presentations of proposals and

discussion documents by the NOSB Subcommittees, discussion time and votes on each 

proposal, public comment, NOSB officer elections, and a review of work agendas 

Quorum: As specified in OFPA, a majority of the members of the NOSB shall constitute a 
quorum for the purpose of conducting business. (7 USC 6518 (h)). In cases of a medical situation 

preventing attendance in person, a virtual presence is permitted. 

Decisive votes: As specified in OFPA, two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast at a meeting of the NOSB 

at which a quorum is present shall be decisive of any motion (7 USC Section 6518(i)). All 

abstentions will be recorded as such and will not be included as part of the total vote cast in 

case of decisive votes. Similarly, all NOSB members who recuse themselves due to conflicts of 

interest, or are absent, shall be recorded as such and their votes will not be counted towards 

the total number of votes cast. Both abstentions and recusals will be considered in order to 

establish a quorum.

Calculation of Decisive Votes

# Votes Cast # Recusals and 

Abstentions 2/3 Majority*

15 0 10

14 1 10

13 2 9

12 3 8

11 4 8

10 5 7

9 6 6

8 7 6

C. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES

The NOSB adopted the use of Robert’s Rules of Order in March 1992, but modified its use as 

only a non-mandatory guide in May 1993. Roberts Rules may be adapted to meet the special 

requirements of a group. Because the NOSB is also subject to the OFPA, FACA and USDA, a 

designated NOP staff member may act as an informal Parliamentarian to advise the Chair.

D. NOSB DELIBERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Board actions include but are not limited to: adoption of a proposal as presented by the 

Subcommittee, non-substantive amendments* and then adoption of a proposal, rejection of a 

proposal, or referral of the proposal back to Subcommittee for further development. 

* Substantive vs. non-substantive amendments. 

The following criteria shall be considered when determining if a proposal will be amended at the 

NOSB meeting, or must be referred back to Subcommittee and resubmitted for the next Board 

meeting. The DFO or designee will determine whether a proposed amendment to a proposal is 

substantive. 
• The extent to which a reasonable person affected by the recommendation would have 

understood that the published proposal would affect his or her interests

• The extent to which the subject of the recommendation or the issues determined in it are 

substantially different from the subject or issues involved in the proposal

• The extent to which the effects of the recommendation differ from the effects of the 

proposal

Procedure for submitting final recommendations to NOP

Within 30 days after the completion of the NOSB meeting all final recommendations must be 

submitted to the NOP using the following procedure:

Each proposal lead prepares the following documents: 

o A recommendation cover sheet (See Member Guide). The cover sheet should 

contain all appropriate information, including the vote recorded at the meeting. 

(The NOP can provide the voting record)

o The proposal that was voted on at the meeting 

The proposal leads will forward the documents to the appropriate Subcommittee Chair 

who will review them for accuracy and completeness, sign and date them, and then 

forward them to the Board Chair and the DFO/ACS.

E. PUBLIC COMMENT 

The NOP and NOSB encourage public comment and work collaboratively to increase 

opportunities for greater participation by a broad range of people, employing various modes of 

communication and modern technology whenever possible. Individuals may present oral 

comment at either a pre-meeting electronic webinar or at the in-person NOSB meeting. 

Before Public Meetings:

Written submissions: allow NOSB members the opportunity to read comments in advance, 

eliminate or decrease the need for paper copies to be distributed during the meeting and allow 

each NOSB member to review and analyze data and information well ahead of the public 

meeting and possible voting. 

Oral Comments 

Oral comments: May be received via a virtual meeting/webinar. Public notice of such electronic 

meetings will be included in the Federal Register notice announcing the public meeting. Such 

electronic pre-meetings may allow individuals more time to present their data or information, 

reduce the need to attend the public meeting in person, reduce our carbon footprint, and give 

the NOSB more time to absorb the information. Such electronic meetings shall be recorded and 

made available to the public and to NOSB members.

Comments at In-Person Public Meetings:
• All persons wishing to comment at NOSB meetings during public comment periods must, in 

general, sign-up in advance per the instructions in the Federal Register Notice for the 

meeting. Persons requesting time after the closing date in the Meeting Notice, or during 

last minute sign-up at the meeting, will be placed on a waiting list and will be considered at 

the discretion of the NOP working closely with the NOSB Chair and will depend on 

availability of time.

• Persons will be called upon to speak according to a posted schedule. However, speakers 

should allow for some flexibility. Persons called upon who are absent from the room could 

potentially miss their opportunity for public comment.

• Time allotment for public comment per person will be four (4) minutes, with the options of 

reducing to a minimum of three (3) and extending to a maximum of five (5) minutes at the 

discretion of the NOP, working closely with the NOSB Chair in advance of the meeting.

• Persons must give their names and affiliations for the record at the beginning of their public 

comment.

• Proxy speakers are not permitted.

• Public comments may be scheduled according to topic.

• Individuals providing public comment shall refrain from making any personal attacks or

remarks that might impugn the character of any individual.

• Members of the public are asked to define clearly and succinctly the issues they wish to 

present before the Board. This will give NOSB members a comprehensible understanding of 

the speaker’s concerns.

Policy for Public Communication between NOSB Meetings (Adopted April 11, 2013)

The NOSB and NOP seek public communication outside of Board biannual meetings and public 

comment periods to inform the NOSB and NOP of stakeholders’ interests, and to comment on 

the NOSB’s and NOP’s work activities year around.

F. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 

Nominations

• Any NOSB member is eligible for consideration for any officer position. 

• An NOSB member may self-nominate or may be nominated by another member of the 

NOSB. 

• Should the Chair, Vice Chair, or Secretary resign or fail to serve the full term, the Executive 

Subcommittee shall appoint an interim officer. The interim officer shall serve in that 

capacity until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOSB, during which an election 

will be held to fill the remainder of the term. 

• Members may serve more than one term in any officer position.
Voting schedule 

• Officers shall be elected for one-year terms by majority vote at the fall NOSB meeting. 

• Newly elected officers will assume their positions at the conclusion of the fall NOSB 

meeting, and assume the responsibilities thereof at that time. 

• Outgoing NOSB officers will assist the incoming officers with the transition into their new 

roles, to be completed no later than January 23rd of the following year.

Counting of Votes

• Voting will be by secret ballot immediately following nominations for each office

• Ballots for officers will be cast in the following order:

1. Chair

2. Vice Chair

3. Secretary

• Ballots will be counted for one office and the Secretary will announce the tally before the 

next office is opened for nominations. 

• The Secretary and Vice chair will prepare and distribute the ballots, then collect them after 

each vote. 

• The Secretary will tally the votes after each officer nomination and the Chair will verify the 

results. 

• The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. 

• In the event of a tie there will be a revote until a nominee obtains a majority. All nominees 

will be included in the revote or may be given the opportunity to withdraw at their 

discretion. 

• Votes will remain confidential, and ballots will be disposed of by the Chair or Secretary. 

G. MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES

 

1. Invited Speakers

• Subcommittees, the NOSB or the NOP may identify the need for presentations and 

speakers regarding subjects of interest or concern to be addressed at NOSB meetings. 

• Requests must be made by the NOSB chair to the NOP no less than 60 days prior to the 

target NOSB meeting. 

• Speakers must be approved and invited by the NOP. 

If approved by the NOP, the purpose for the presentation, the subject area and the 

bio/resume of speaker(s) should be circulated via email to the entire Board at least 2 

weeks prior to the Board meeting. 

Current petitioners cannot be invited to be speakers about the topic under discussion, 

unless invited by the NOSB Chair. 

Speakers are expected to disclose any financial interests that he or she has that can be 

reasonably assumed to influence his or her presentation content. 
2. Surveys Conducted on Behalf of NOSB Subcommittees 

• All surveys, including electronic surveys, conducted on behalf of the NOSB, must be 

approved by the NOSB Executive Subcommittee before they are submitted for approval 

to USDA, and 

• A written report summarizing the results of the survey must be submitted to the full 

Board and the NOP as soon as possible after completion.

IX. REVISIONS TO THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

• The PDS will review the PPM each year and, working in collaboration with the NOP, determine if 

any updates are necessary. 

• Proposed changes will be subject to review and approval by the NOP and the full NOSB. 
X. APPENDICES 

A. Appendix 1: FOUNDATIONS 

1. NOSB PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND HANDLING 

(NOSB Recommendation Adopted October 17, 2001)

 

1.1 Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and 

enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the use of 

management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that 

regional conditions require locally adapted systems. These goals are met, where possible, 

through the use of cultural, biological, and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic 

materials to fulfill specific functions within the system. 

1.2 An organic production system is designed to: 

1.2.1 Optimize soil biological activity; 

1.2.2 Maintain long-term fertility; 

1.2.3 Minimize soil erosion; 

1.2.4 Maintain or enhance the genetic and biological diversity of the production system and 

its surroundings; 

1.2.5 Utilize production methods and breeds or varieties that are well adapted to the region; 

1.2.6 Recycle materials of plant and animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land, thus 

minimizing the use of non-renewable resources; 

1.2.7 Minimize pollution of soil, water, and air; and 

1.2.8 Become established on an existing farm or field through a period of conversion 

(transition), during which no prohibited materials are applied and an organic plan is 

implemented. 

1.3 The basis for organic livestock production is the development of a harmonious relationship 

between land, plants, and livestock, and respect for the physiological and behavioral needs of 

livestock. This is achieved by: 

1.3.1 Providing good quality organically grown feed; 

1.3.2 Maintaining appropriate stocking rates; 

1.3.3 Designing husbandry systems adapted to the species' needs; 

1.3.4 Promoting animal health and welfare while minimizing stress; and 

1.3.5 Avoiding the routine use of chemical allopathic veterinary drugs, including antibiotics.

 

1.4 Organic handling practices are based on the following principles: 

1.4.1 Organic processors and handlers implement organic good manufacturing and handling 

practices in order to maintain the integrity and quality of organic products through all 

stages of processing, handling, transport, and storage; 

1.4.2 Organic products are not commingled with non-organic products, except when 

combining organic and non-organic ingredients in finished products which contain less 

than 100% organic ingredients; 
1.4.3 Organic products and packaging materials used for organic products do not come in 

contact with prohibited materials; 

1.4.4 Proper records, including accurate audit trails, are kept to verify that the integrity of 

organic products is maintained; and 

1.4.5 Organic processors and handlers use practices that minimize environmental degradation 

and consumption of non-renewable resources. Efforts are made to reduce packaging; 

use recycled materials; use cultural and biological pest management strategies; and 

minimize solid, liquid, and airborne emissions. 

1.5 Organic production and handling systems strive to achieve agro-ecosystems that are 

ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable. 

1.6 Organic products are defined by specific production and handling standards that are intrinsic 

to the identification and labeling of such products. 

1.7 Organic standards require that each certified operator must complete, and submit for 

approval by a certifying agent, an organic plan detailing the management of the organic crop, 

livestock, wild harvest, processing, or handling system. The organic plan outlines the 

management practices and inputs that will be used by the operation to comply with organic 

standards. 

1.8 Organic certification is a regulatory system which allows consumers to identify and reward 

operators who meet organic standards. It allows consumers to be confident that organic 

products are produced according to approved management plans in accordance with organic 

standards. Certification requires informed effort on the part of producers and handlers, and 

careful vigilance with consistent, transparent decision making on the part of certifying agents.

 

1.9 Organic production and handling operations must comply with all applicable local, state, and 

federal laws and address food safety concerns adequately. 

1.10 Organic certification, production, and handling systems serve to educate consumers 

regarding the source, quality, and content of organic foods and products. Product labels must 

be truthful regarding product names, claims, and content. 

1.11 Genetic engineering (recombinant and technology) is a synthetic process designed to control 

nature at the molecular level, with the potential for unforeseen consequences. As such, it is 

not compatible with the principles of organic agriculture (either production or handling). 

Genetically engineered/modified organisms (GE/GMOs) and products produced by or through 

the use of genetic engineering are prohibited. 

1.12 Although organic standards prohibit the use of certain materials such as synthetic fertilizers, 

pesticides, and genetically engineered organisms, they cannot ensure that organic products 

are completely free of residues due to background levels in the environment. 
2. NOSB GUIDANCE ON COMPATIBILITY WITH A SYSTEM OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND 

CONSISTENCY WITH ORGANIC FARMING AND HANDLING 

(NOSB Recommendation Adopted April 29, 2004)

 

A significant responsibility of the NOSB is to determine the suitability of materials for use in 

organic production and handling. Among the criteria the Board must consider, OFPA requires the 

NOSB to determine the compatibility of a material with organic practices. The following questions 

were developed by the NOSB to assist in determining the compatibility of materials with organic 

practices. 

 

In order to determine if a substance, its use, and manufacture are compatible with a system of 

sustainable agriculture and consistent with organic farming and handling, and in consideration of 

the NOSB Principles of Organic Production and Handling, the following factors are to be 

considered: 

• Does the substance promote plant and animal health by enhancing the soil’s physical 

chemical, or biological properties? 

• Does use of the substance encourage and enhance preventative techniques including cultural 

and biological methods for management of crop, livestock, and/or handling operations? 

• Is the substance made from renewable resources? If the source of the product is nonrenewable, are the materials used to produce the substance recyclable? Is the substance 

produced from recycled materials? Does use of the substance increase the efficiency of 

resources used by organic farms, complement the use of natural biological controls, or reduce 

the total amount of materials released into the environment? 

• Does use of the substance have a positive influence on the health, natural behavior, and 

welfare of livestock? 

• Does the substance satisfy expectations of organic consumers regarding the authenticity and 

integrity of organic products? 

• Does the substance allow for an increase in the long-term viability of organic farm operations? 

• Is there evidence that the substance is mined, manufactured, or produced through reliance on 

child labor or violations of applicable national labor regulations? 

• If the substance is already on the National List, is the proposed use of the substance 

consistent with other listed uses of the substance? 

• Is the use of the substance consistent with other substances historically allowed or disallowed 

in organic production and handling? 

• Would approval of the substance be consistent with international organic regulations and 

guidelines, including Codex? 

• Is there adequate information about the substance to make a reasonable determination on 

the substance's compliance with each of the other applicable criteria? If adequate information 

has not been provided, does an abundance of caution warrant rejection of the substance? 

• Does use of the substance have a positive impact on biodiversity? 

3. NOSB MEMBER DUTIES

To fulfill their responsibilities, Board members agree to adhere to the following Duties.

Duty of Care 
The Duty of Care calls upon a member to participate in the decisions of the Board and to be 

informed as to the data relevant to such decisions. In essence, the Duty of Care requires that a 

member: 

• Be reasonably informed - It is the duty of all Board members to seek and study the 

information needed to make a reasoned decision and/or recommendation on all business 

brought before the Board. The NOP will provide some of that information, but other 

information must be developed from independent sources. 

• Participate in decisions - Board members are bound by responsibility to be active participants 

in decision making. Absence from a meeting is no protection from the responsibility for 

decisions made at the meeting. 

• Make decisions with the care of an ordinary prudent person in a similar position - The law 

requires Board members to exercise the judgment of an ordinary prudent person who may be 

faced with a similar issue. 

Duty of Loyalty 

The Duty of Loyalty requires Board members to exercise their power in the interest of the organic 

community and the public at large, and not in their own interest or the interest of another entity 

or person. In dispatching their Duty of Loyalty, Board members must: 

• Address conflicts of interest - Board members bring to the NOSB particular areas of expertise 

based upon their personal and business interests in organic production and marketing. 

Because Board members may have interests in conflict with those of the public they must be 

conscious of the potential for such conflicts and act with candor and care. Board members 

must abide by the NOSB conflict of interest policy. 

• Recognize corporate opportunity - Before a Board member votes upon an issue in which they 

have a direct financial interest, that Board member must disclose the transaction to the Board 

in sufficient detail and adequate time to enable the Board to act, or decline to act, in regard to 

such transaction. 

Duty of Obedience 

Board members are bound to obey the tenants of the laws and regulations governing organic 

production, processing and marketing. To this effect, Board members must: 

• Act within the requirements of the law - Board members must uphold all state and federal 

statutes, including the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA – 5 U.S.C. App. 2 et seq.) 

• Adhere to the responsibilities of the Board as defined by the Organic Foods Production Act of 

1990 

• Adhere to the requirements specified in the NOSB Policy and Procedures Manual
B. Appendix 2 – FACA FACTS

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.2) and its implementing regulations 

(41 CFR Part 101-6.10) govern the creation, operation, and termination of advisory committees 

in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. The National Organic Standards Board 

(NOSB) is a Department of Agriculture (USDA) non-discretionary advisory committee required by 

the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended. 

• Advisory committees must be chartered before they can meet or conduct any business. 

Charters must be renewed every two years or they will be terminated under the sunset 

provisions of Section 14 of the FACA, unless otherwise provided by law. 

• Advisory committee meetings are required to be open to the public, with limited exceptions 

as provided for in Section 552b of title 5, United States Code. Meetings not subject to FACA 

include NOSB briefing meetings initiated by the USDA to exchange facts and information, 

member orientation and training, and NOSB Subcommittee meetings. Such meetings are not 

subject to FACA because they are not conducted for the purpose of providing the USDA with 

NOSB advice or recommendations. 

• Designated Federal Officers must approve all meetings and agendas, and attend meetings. 

The Advisory Board Specialist is the NOSB’s Designated Federal Officer. 

• Meeting notices and agendas must be published in the Federal Register to accommodate 

public participation. Although not required by FACA, the NOP strives to: 

o Post a provisional agenda on its web site no later than 90 days before the meeting is 

scheduled to begin 

o Post a final agenda, on its web site, no later than 45 days before the meeting is scheduled 

to begin

o Publish notice of the meeting in the Federal Register no later than 45 days before the 

meeting is scheduled to begin 

• While meeting transcripts are not required under FACA, the NOP provides transcripts or 

meeting notes to support the transparency of Board meetings and to support subsequent 

rulemaking activities. The NOP also issues a short meeting summary, which is required by 

FACA, after each biannual meeting that summarizes the key issues discussed, and the 

outcome of voting. 

• Advisory committee documents must be available for public inspection and copying until the 

committee ceases to exist. 

• Interested persons shall be permitted to attend, appear before, or file statements with any 

advisory committee, subject to reasonable rules or regulations. 

• Additional information may be found at the FACA homepage: 

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100916 
 NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD 

 

POLICY AND PROCEDURES 

MANUAL

 

Adopted October 19, 2002 

Revised August 18, 2005 

Revised March 29, 2007 

Revised November 30, 2007 

Revised May 22, 2008 

Revised November 19, 2008 

Revised May 6, 2009 

Revised November 9, 2009 

Revised April 29, 2010 

Revised October 28, 2010 

Revised April 29, 2011 

Revised December 2, 2011 

Revised April 11, 2012 

Draft Feb. 29, 2016 

This is a comparison document between the currently posted version of 

the NOSB Policy and Procedures Manual (April 11, 2012) and the new 

Feb. 29, 2016 draft. Revisions are shown in strikeout for deletions, and 

with underline for additions or rearranging.

dr

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NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD (NOSB )

POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Contents 

INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................................6

SECTION I.............................................................................................................................................................6

NOSB VISION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................. 6

NOSB STATUTORY MISSION................................................................................................................................ 7

“TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS FOR SUBSTANCES TO BE USED IN ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND TO ADVISE THE 

SECRETARY ON ANY OTHER ASPECTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS TITLE.” (OFPA, SEC 2119 (A)) ........................................ 7

NOSB MISSION STATEMENT................................................................................................................................ 7

DUTIES OF THE BOARD AND OFFICERS ............................................................................................................... 7

Duty of Care ........................................................................................................................................ 14

Duty of Loyalty .................................................................................................................................... 15

Duty of Obedience ............................................................................................................................... 15

MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS............................................................................................... 16

 Professional Conduct........................................................................................................................ 18

 Conflict of Interest ............................................................................................................................ 35

SECTION II .........................................................................................................................................................35

BOARD MEMBER JOB DESCRIPTIONS................................................................................................................ 37

Composition of the Board .................................................................................................................... 37

BOARD MEMBER STANDARDS .......................................................................................................................... 37

CONDUCTING BUSINESS.................................................................................................................................... 38

SECTION III ........................................................................................................................................................38

ROLEOF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ................................................................................................................ 39

OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................. 40

ELECTION OF OFFICERS .................................................................................................................................... 41

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE................................................................................................................................... 43

MEETINGS......................................................................................................................................................... 44

SECTION IV ........................................................................................................................................................44

BOARD COMMITTEES ....................................................................................................................................... 44

COMMITTEE MEETINGS .................................................................................................................................... 45

STANDING COMMITTEES .................................................................................................................................. 45

Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance Committee (CACC).......................................................... 45

Crops Committee (CC).......................................................................................................................... 45

Handling Committee (HC).................................................................................................................... 45

Livestock Committee (LC).................................................................................................................... 45

Materials Committee (MC)................................................................................................................... 46

Policy Development Committee (PDC) ................................................................................................. 46

TASK FORCES.................................................................................................................................................... 46

AD HOC COMMITTEES....................................................................................................................................... 46

SECTION V..........................................................................................................................................................46

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DUTIES OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS ....................................................................................................................... 47

DUTIES OF COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIRS............................................................................................................... 47

PROCEDURES FOR THE TRANSITION OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS .......................................................................... 47

PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................ 49

Writing Committee Recommendations ................................................................................................ 50

Presenting Committee Recommendations at NOSB Meetings ............................................................... 52

NOSB-NOP COLLABORATION ............................................................................................................................ 12

SECTION VI ........................................................................................................................................................57

MISCELLANEOUS POLICIES ............................................................................................................................... 57

NOSB Policy for Presenters Invited by Committees............................................................................... 57

NOSB Policy for Surveys Conducted on Behalf of NOSB Committees ...................................................... 57

NOSB Policy for Public Comment at NOSB Meetings: ............................................................................ 57

SECTION VII .......................................................................................................................................................61

NOSB PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND HANDLING......................................................................... 61

NOSB GUIDANCE ON COMPATIBILITY WITH A SYSTEM OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND

CONSISTENCY WITH ORGANIC FARMING AND HANDLING................................................................................. 64

SECTION VIII......................................................................................................................................................65

PROCEDURES OF THE NOSB...............................................................................................................................65

COMMITTEE WORK PLANS ............................................................................................................................... 65

MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS .......................................................................................................................... 67

Evaluation Procedures for Substances Petitioned for Addition or Removal from the National 

List...................................................................................................................................................... 67

Definitions .......................................................................................................................................... 67

Phase 1: Receipt of Petition and Examination of Petition for Completeness and Eligibility .................. 67

Phase 2: Determine if a Third Party Technical Review is Required....................................................... 68

Phase 3: Evaluation by a Third Party Expert....................................................................................... 68

Phase 4: Sufficiency Determination .................................................................................................... 68

Phase 5: Action by NOSB Materials Chair and the Committee that the Substance Is Being 

Petitioned for Addition or Prohibition from the National List (Crops, Livestock or Handling) .............. 70

Phase 6: Action by Full NOSB .............................................................................................................. 70

PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING TECHNICAL REVIEWS ....................................................................................... 70

HANDLING WITHDRAWALS OF PETITIONS BY THE PETITIONER. .................................................................... 72

TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL (TAP) CONTRACT PROCEDURES........................................................................72

STATEMENT OF WORK ........................................................................................................................................... 72

AGENCY NEED....................................................................................................................................................... 72

Phase 1: Data Gathering and Compilation (120 days)......................................................................... 75

Phase 2: Evaluation against Criteria (100 days)................................................................................. 75

Phase 3: Recommendation (42 days).................................................................................................. 75

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD .......................................................................................................................... 75

OTHER EVALUATION FACTORS ................................................................................................................................. 76

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 76

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN A PETITION............................................................................................... 77

PRIORITY OF PETITIONS GUIDELINE................................................................................................................ 82

NOSB COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION............................................................................................................ 83

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR SUBSTANCES ADDED TO THE NATIONAL LIST .....................................................85

NOSB RECOMMENDED DECISION FORM ............................................................................................................ 90

PROCEDURES FOR THE MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS FOR NOSB MEMBERS.................................................... 92

SUNSET REVIEW PROCESS ................................................................................................................................ 92

Chart 1: Sunset Review – NOP Posts an ANPR....................................................................................... 94
Chart 2: Sunset Review – NOP Collects and Forwards Public Comment to the NOSB.............................. 94

Chart 3: Sunset Review – NOSB Committee Reviews Evidence for Delisting .......................................... 95

Chart 4: Sunset Review ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Final Rule Process ................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

HANDLING TECHNICAL ERRORS AFTER AN ITEM HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER .................... 95

APPENDICES AND RESOURCES...........................................................................................................................96

APPENDIX A - DECISION MAKING PROCEDURES FOR THENOP............................................................................. 96

APPENDIX B - FACA FACTS ................................................................................................................................... 97

APPENDIX C - DUTIES OF THE DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICER ........................................................................... 98

APPENDIX D - PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE AT A GLANCE ................................................................................ 99

APPENDIX E - BASIC CHEMISTRY.........................................................................................................................100

I. INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................6

A. NOSB VISION STATEMENT ........................................................................................................................ 6

B. NOSB STATUTORY MISSION...................................................................................................................... 7

C. NOSB MISSION STATEMENT...................................................................................................................... 7

II. AUTHORIZATION...................................................................................................................................7

A. ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT OF 1990 .............................................................................................. 7

B. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT ........................................................................................................ 8

C. NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD CHARTER .................................................................................... 8

III. NOSB ADMINISTRATION........................................................................................................................8

A. NOSB MEMBERSHIP .................................................................................................................................... 8

B. NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT PROCESS.......................................................................................................... 8

C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NOSB....................................................................................................................... 9

D. NOSB OFFICERS ..................................................................................................................................... 11

CHAIR .................................................................................................................................................. 11

VICE CHAIR .......................................................................................................................................... 11

SECRETARY.......................................................................................................................................... 11

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM ....................................................................................................................... 11

E. NOSB-NOP COLLABORATION .................................................................................................................. 12

F. NOSB WORK AGENDAS .......................................................................................................................... 13

G. DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICER ...................................................................................................................... 14

H. ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIALIST .................................................................................................................. 16

I. ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS...................................................................................................... 16

J. PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS ............................................................................................... 18

1) NOSB Member Professional Conduct Standards............................................................................. 18

2) Additional Standards of Conduct.................................................................................................. 19

3) Failure to participate.................................................................................................................. 20

K. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST...................................................................................... 20

IV. SUBCOMMITTEES ................................................................................................................................22

A. STANDING SUBCOMMITTEES.................................................................................................................. 22

B. AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES ...................................................................................................................... 24

C. SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS.................................................................................................................... 24

D. TASK FORCES ........................................................................................................................................ 24

E. DUTIES OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS AND VICE CHAIRS ............................................................................... 25

F. TRANSITION OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS, VICE CHAIRS, AND MEMBERS (NEW AND CONTINUING) ................. 25

G. PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSALS AND DISCUSSION DOCUMENTS...................... 27

1. Development of proposals ............................................................................................................... 27

2. Types of Proposals.......................................................................................................................... 28

3. Presenting Subcommittee Proposals and Discussion Documents at NOSB Meetings ............................... 28
H. SUBSTANCE/MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS .............................................................................................. 28

1. Steps in the material review process for a new petition:...................................................................... 28

2. Changes to annotations or classification of materials. ........................................................................ 32

3. Additional considerations concerning Technical Reviews.................................................................... 32

4. Definitions..................................................................................................................................... 33

V. PRIORITIZATION OF PETITIONS ................................................................................................................33

VI. WITHDRAWAL OF A PETITION BY A PETITIONER ........................................................................................34

VII. SUNSET REVIEW PROCESS .......................................................................................................................34

VIII. NOSB PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................................37

A. BOARD MEETINGS ................................................................................................................................. 37

B. CONDUCTING BUSINESS......................................................................................................................... 38

C. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 43

D. NOSB DELIBERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................................... 43

E. PUBLIC COMMENT................................................................................................................................. 54

F. ELECTION OF OFFICERS........................................................................................................................... 59

G. MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................... 60

1. Invited Speakers............................................................................................................................. 60

2. Surveys Conducted on Behalf of NOSB Subcommittees........................................................................ 60

IX. REVISIONS TO THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL.....................................................................60

X. APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................61

A. APPENDIX 1: FOUNDATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 61

1. NOSB PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND HANDLING.......................................................... 61

2. NOSB GUIDANCE ON COMPATIBILITY WITH A SYSTEM OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND 

CONSISTENCY WITH ORGANIC FARMING AND HANDLING........................................................................ 64

3. NOSB MEMBER DUTIES .................................................................................................................. 64

B. APPENDIX 2 – FACA FACTS......................................................................................................................... 96
I. INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE

 

This document is intended as a guideprovides procedures for all membersthe functioning of the 

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Board members are entrusted with a strong responsibility 

to treat the business of the Board as fiduciaries for all members of the organic community and the 

public at large. 

 

The Board’s primary role is to advise, rather than administer and implement. As in every business, 

the Board’s success depends heavily upon the ability to understand each other’s respective role, and 

to develop the working relationship necessary within those roles. 

 

This manual ) and is designed to assist the BoardNOSB in its responsibilities. New BoardThis policy 

and procedures manual does not supersede authority or responsibilities as specified in the Federal 

Advisory Committee Act or the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA). NOSB members are 

encouraged to review this manual in depth as well as to become familiar with the Organic Foods 

Production Act (OFPA), 7 CFR Part 205, and the NOSB NewOFPA, the USDA organic regulations at 7 

CFR Part 205, and the NOSB Member Guide. Existing membersMembers are advised to periodically 

review the contents to refresh their understanding of the Board’sNOSB’s role and their duties. 

NOSB members are entrusted with the responsibility to act in the best interests of all members of 

the organic community and the public at large. The NOSB’s success relies upon the ability to 

understand each other’s respective roles, and to develop successful working relationships. 

The primary roles and duties of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB): 

Serve 

New policies and revisions to existing policies and procedures will be incorporated into the NOSB 

Policy and Procedures Manual from time to time, as determined by the Board. 

 

 

SECTION I 

 

This section presents the NOSB’s vision and mission statement as well as specifics on NOSB 

members’ duties, and professional and ethical standards. 

 as a link to the organic community 

 Advise USDA on the implementation of OFPA 

 Propose amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances 

 Protect and defend the integrity of organic standards

A. NOSB VISION STATEMENT 

 

(NOSB Recommendation adopted October 19, 2002, revised November 30, 2007). 

The NOSB’s vision is an agricultural community rooted in organic principles and values that 

instills trust among consumers, producers, processors, retailers and other stakeholders. 

Consistent and sustainable organic standards guard and advance the integrity of organic 

products and practices. 

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B. NOSB STATUTORY MISSION 

 

“(NOSB Recommendation adopted October 19, 2002, revised November 30, 2007). 

To assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic 

production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of this title.” 

. (OFPA, Sec 2119 (a)) 

C. NOSB MISSION STATEMENT 

 

(NOSB Recommendation adopted October 19, 2002, revised November 30, 2007). 

To provide effective and constructive advice, clarification and guidance to the Secretary of 

Agriculture concerning the National Organic Program (NOP), and the consensus of the organic 

community. 

In carrying out the mission, keyKey activities of the Board include: 

 

Assist 

 Assisting in the development and maintenance of organic standards and regulations; 

 REVIEWReviewing petitioned materials for inclusion on or DELETIONremoval from the 

National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances (National List);)

 RECOMMENDRecommending changes to the National List; 

 COMMUNICATECommunicating with the organic community, including conducting public 

meetings, soliciting and TAKING reviewing public comments PROVIDE TIMELY 

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION ON THE NOP, MAKING REASONABLE USE OF A 

VARIETY OF COMMUNICATION CHANNELS.

 COMMUNICATE, SUPPORT AND COORDINATECommunicating, supporting and 

coordinating with the NOP staff;

DUTIES OF THE BOARD AND OFFICERS 

II. AUTHORIZATION 

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is authorized under Section 2119 of the

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) (7 U.S.C. 6519), part of the Food, Agriculture, 

Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FACT Act). The OFPA specified that the NOSB be established 

in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 

U.S.C. App. 2. 

A. ORGANIC FOODS PRODUCTION ACT OF 1990

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The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to 

establish a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) in accordance with the Federal Advisory 

Committee Act to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic 

production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of OFPA 

(OFPA, 7 U.S.C. Section 6518(a)). 

B. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT 

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App. 2) and its implementing regulations 

(41 CFR Part 101-6.10) govern the creation, operation, and termination of advisory committees 

in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. The National Organic Standards Board 

(NOSB) is a Department of Agriculture (USDA) non-discretionary advisory committee required by 

the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended. 

C. NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD CHARTER 

The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires advisory committees to have an official charter 

prior to meeting or taking any action. An advisory committee charter is intended to provide a 

description of an advisory committee’s mission, goals, and objectives. The NOSB charter is 

renewed every two years as a requirement of FACA. The NOSB charter describes the purpose of 

the NOSB to “assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic 

production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of OFPA.” 

III. NOSB ADMINISTRATION 

A. NOSB definesMembership 

OFPA specifies the membership composition of the NOSB as follows. The NOSB shall be 

composed of 15 members, of which: 

 Four shall be individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation; 

 Two shall be individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation; 

 One shall be an individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade 

in organic products; 

 Three shall be individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource 

conservation; 

 Three shall be individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups; 

 One shall be an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; 

and 

 One shall be an individual who is a certifying agent as identified under OFPA, 7 U.S.C. 

§ 6518(b) 

B. Nomination and appointment process 

(NOSB recommendation adopted June 10, 1999) 

NOSB members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to a five year term. The terms are 

staggered and the USDA periodically requests nominations to fill upcoming vacancies. Selection 

criteria include the following specific responsibilities for the Board starting at Sec 2119: 

 A general understanding of organic principles, and practical experience in the organic 

community, particularly in the sector for which the person is applying 

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 Demonstrated experience in the development of public policy such as participation on 

public or private advisory boards, boards of directors or other comparable organizations 

 Participation in standards development and/or involvement in educational outreach 

activities 

 A commitment to the integrity and growth of the organic food and fiber industry 

 The ability to evaluate technical information and to fully participate in Board deliberation 

and recommendations 

 The willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to assume Board duties 

 Not currently serving (or have been elected to serve) on another USDA advisory committee 

or research and promotions council/board during your term 

 Not registered as a lobbyist with the federal or state government 

NOSB members serve without compensation. NOSB members are reimbursed by the USDA for 

approved travel and associated lodging expenses as determined by official federal government 

guidelines and regulations. In accordance with USDA policies, equal opportunity practices are 

followed in all appointments to the NOSB. Membership shall include to the extent possible the 

diverse groups served by USDA, including minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. 

The USDA prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, 

national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental 

status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all 

or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. 

C. Responsibilities of the NOSB 

(OFPA, 7 USC 6518(k) )):

 

(1) IN GENERAL.—In General. The Board shall provide recommendations to the Secretary regarding 

the implementation of this titlechapter. 

(2) NATIONAL LIST.—National List. The Board shall develop the proposed National List or proposed 

amendments to the National List for submission to the Secretary in accordance with section 21186517 of 

this title. 

(3) TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANELS.—Technical Advisory Panels. The Board shall convene 

technical advisory panels to provide scientific evaluation of the materials considered for inclusion in the 

National List. Such panels may include experts in agronomy, entomology, health sciences and other 

relevant disciplines. 

(4) SPECIAL REVIEW OF BOTANICAL PESTICIDES.—(4) Special Review of Botanical 

Pesticides. The Board shall, prior to the establishment of the National List, review all botanical pesticides 

used in agricultural production and consider whether any such botanical pesticidepesticides should be 

included in the list of prohibited natural substances. 

(5) PRODUCT RESIDUE TESTING.—Product Residue Testing. The Board shall advise the Secretary 

concerning the testing of organically produced agricultural products for residues caused by unavoidable 

residual environmental contamination. 

(6) EMERGENCY SPRAY PROGRAMS.—Emergency Spray Programs. The Board shall advise the 

Secretary concerning rules for exemptions from specific requirements of this TITLEchapter

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(except the provisions of section 21126511 of this title) with respect to agricultural products 

produced on certified organic farms if such farms are subject to a Federal or State emergency 

pest or disease treatment program. 

(Additional Duties included in Requirements. (OFPA but not limited to): 

6518(n) PETITIONS. Thel)) In establishing the proposed National List or proposed 

amendments to the National List, the Board shall establish procedures under which persons may 

petition the Board for the purpose

(1) review available information from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National 

Institute of Environmental Health Studies, and other sources as appropriate, 

concerning the potential for adverse human and environmental effects of substances 

considered for inclusion in the proposed National List; 

(2) work with manufacturers of substances considered for inclusion in the proposed 

National List to obtain a complete list of ingredients and determine whether such 

substances contain inert materials that are synthetically produced; and 

(3) submit to the Secretary, along with the proposed National List or any proposed 

amendments to such list, the results of the Board's evaluation and the evaluation of 

the technical advisory panel of all substances considered for inclusion in the National 

List. 

Evaluation. (7 USC 6518(m)) In evaluating substances considered for inclusion on the National 

List. the NOSB shall consider:

1. 6509(d) (2) STANDARDS. the potential of such substances for detrimental chemical 

interactions with other materials used in organic farming systems; 

2. the toxicity and mode of action of the substance and of its breakdown products or any 

contaminants, and their persistence and areas of concentration in the environment; 

3. the probability of environmental contamination during manufacture, use, misuse or 

disposal of such substance; 

4. the effect of the substance on human health; 

5. the effects of the substance on biological and chemical interactions in the 

agroecosystem, including the physiological effects of the substance on soil organisms 

(including the salt index and solubility of the soil), crops and livestock; 

6. the alternatives to using the substance in terms of practices or other available 

materials; and 

7. compatibility with a system of sustainable agriculture. 

Petitions. (7 USC 6518(n)) 

The board shall establish procedures for receiving petitions to evaluate substances for inclusion 

on the List 

Sunset Provision. (7 USC 6517 (e)) No exemptions or prohibition contained in the National List 

shall be valid unless the National Organic Standards Board SHALL RECOMMEND TO has 

reviewed such exemption or prohibition as provided in this section within 5 years of such 

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exemption or prohibition being adopted or reviewed and the Secretary has renewed such 

exemption or prohibition. 

D. NOSB OFFICERS 

Three principal officers, Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary, guide the NOSB. The NOSB 

members hold an election each fall at the public meeting to elect these three members. 

CHAIR 

The Chair is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the NOSB process, effectiveness of 

meetings and adherence to NOSB policies and procedures. The primary duties of the 

Chair are as follows: 

 Schedules meetings of the Executive Subcommittee, in collaboration with the NOP 

 Serves as a member of, convenes, and facilitates Executive Subcommittee meetings 

 Convenes and presides over NOSB meetings 

 Participates in the administrative team meetings 

 Drafts NOSB meeting agendas in consultation with Subcommittee chairs and the 

NOP 

 Reviews Subcommittee work agendas 

 Reviews NOSB meeting minutes for accuracy 

 Assists with the annual election of NOSB officers and announces the new officers 

VICE CHAIR 

The Vice Chair acts in the absence of the Chair. The primary duties of the Vice Chair are 

as follows: 

 Serves as a member of the Executive Subcommittee 

 Participates in the administrative team meetings 

 Serves as a member of the Policy Development Subcommittee

 Helps maintain the Policy and Procedures Manual and ensures its accuracy 

SECRETARY 

The primary duties of the Secretary are as follows: 

 Serves as a member of the Executive Subcommittee 

 Participates in the administrative team meetings 

 Records all NOSB member votes at NOSB meetings, and in collaboration with the 

Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS), circulates that record to NOSB members for 

approval 

 Assists with the annual election of NOSB officers 

 May delegate tasks to others, but retains responsibility for the official record 

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM 

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The Administrative Team consists of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Designated 

Federal Official/Advisory Committee Specialist. . This group is responsible for 

coordinating logistics and operations of the Board. The Administrative team meets via 

teleconference once or twice a month on an as-needed basis, to be determined by the 

Administrative Team.

E. NOSB-NOP COLLABORATION 

In 1990, the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA: 7 U.S.C. 6518 (a)) directed the Secretary of 

Agriculture to “establish a National Organic Standards Board (in accordance with the Federal 

Advisory Committee Act (FACA)) ... to assist in the development of standards for substances to 

be used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the 

implementation” of the Act. Section 6503 (a) of the OFPA requires that the Secretary “shall 

establish an organic certification program ... and shall consult with the NOSB” (6503(c)). The 

National Organic Program (NOP) is the governmental institution responsible for implementing 

the OFPA and is the means through which the NOSB provides advice and assistance to the 

Secretary of Agriculture. The NOSB, as a FACA advisory committee, must conduct business in 

the open, under the requirements of P.L. 94-409, also known as “Government in the Sunshine 

Act” (5 U.S.C.552b). 

The USDA cannot delegate its authority as a regulatory body to private citizens, even when 

those private citizens are appointed by the Secretary to provide advice. Therefore, the NOSB 

cannot direct USDA or bind the Secretary through its actions; for example, it cannot obligate 

funds, contract, make NOP staffing decisions, or initiate policies of its own accord 

However, the NOSB has unique statutory authority related to the recommendation of materials 

as approved or prohibited substances for inclusion on the National List. 

The unique nature of the NOSB and its relationship with the NOP, as established through OFPA, 

requires that the volunteer Board, which regularly receives stakeholder input through public 

comment, must work collaboratively with the NOP. 

Similarly the NOP, as required through OFPA, must consult and collaborate with the NOSB 

Team work and collaboration between the NOSB and the NOP, as well as others in the organic 

community, is needed to maintain, enhance and promote the integrity of organic principles and 

products. Successful collaboration is dependent on effective communication and constructive 

feedback. Communication is facilitated by the Advisory Committee Specialist, who participates 

in all NOSB calls. Additionally, the NOP Deputy Administrator or designee will participate in all 

ES calls, and in other standing Subcommittee calls upon request and mutual agreement. In 

addition, each standing Subcommittee will be assigned an NOP staff person to provide 

technical, legal, and logistical support. 

The work of the NOP and NOSB since the 1990 passage of the OFPA clearly demonstrates the 

need for the high level of collaboration and consultation described above. NOP, NOSB and its 

associated stakeholders must continuously work to seek common ground, collaborate and 

consult in order to build organics and maintain organic integrity. Every aspect of this work 

must take place in a manner which clearly demonstrates mutual respect and positive intent. 
F. NOSB WORK AGENDAS 

The NOSB Work agenda is a list of projects for the upcoming semester or year for each of the 

Subcommittees. Agendas are developed via collaboration between the NOSB and the NOP and 

are revised based on AMS-NOP requests, NOSB priorities, and public comment. 

Work agendas are developed based on the following criteria: 

 Within Scope: Item must be within the scope of OFPA. NOP must have a clear sense of the 

intent and scope of the work agenda item. The public may petition additions or deletions 

from the National List that will be added to the work agenda. In addition, the public may 

submit comments to the NOSB or write to the NOP for potential additions to the work 

agenda. For the NOSB, work agenda items may emerge from discussions on current issues. 

 USDA and NOP Priority: Item must be a priority for the USDA/NOP; something that the NOP 

is able to implement in a reasonable timeframe. 

 Clear Need: Item must reflect a clear need for the NOP and/or organic community, for 

which new or additional information or advice is needed. 

The NOSB work agenda establishes Subcommittee work for the upcoming semester or year, and 

is developed through the following process: 

1. NOSB Subcommittees submit to the Executive Subcommittee draft work agenda items 

based on AMS-NOP requests, NOSB priorities, and requests from public comment. 

2. The NOP and Executive Subcommittee review the draft NOSB work agenda. The content and 

schedule will be reviewed on an ongoing, as needed basis. 

3. NOP confirms the final NOSB work agenda, and provides written confirmation. . 

Work agenda items should be prioritized accordingly: 

1. Substance evaluations (e.g., 5-year sunset review, petitions) 

2. NOP requests to the NOSB 

3. NOSB requests to NOP 

4. Other projects 

Below are descriptions of common NOSB work agenda items and the corresponding NOP and NOSB 

responsibilities. 

 Review of materials proposed to be added to or removed from the National List

The NOSB has the statutory authority to consider and recommend materials for addition to, 

or deletion from, the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB may 

also make recommendations to add, remove, or modify annotations restricting the use of 

such listed materials. 

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 Changes to annotation or classification of materials

The NOSB may request to review an existing substance on the National List without a new 

petition when they have justification to support a revision of the annotation or 

reclassification of the substance. This may happen as a result of the sunset review process, 

or as new information is provided in a Technical Review, or from public comment. 

 Recommendation for modification of existing standards or new standards 

The NOP may request that the NOSB develop recommendations for new or existing 

standards. The request should be in writing and include a statement of the problem to be 

addressed, background, including the current policy or situation, statutory/regulatory 

authority, legal context, and desired timeframe for receiving the recommendation. The 

request will be posted on the NOP web site.

 Advice on NOP policy and interpretation of standards

The NOSB may provide comments on guidance or policy memos included in the Program 

Handbook, or may also make recommendations for new guidance or policies. 

 Compliance and Enforcement 

The NOP is responsible for compliance and enforcement. The NOP welcomes NOSB input on 

standards, but NOSB involvement in active investigations or enforcement actions is not 

appropriate. When timely and appropriate, the NOP reports to the NOSB the status of 

enforcement actions and also posts the status on the NOP web site. 

 Management ReviewIN ADDITION TO THOSE IN PARAGRAPH (1) FOR THE CARE OF 

LIVESTOCK

The NOSB may review the quality management system and internal audits to ensure that 

SUCH LIVESTOCK IS ORGANICALLY PRODUCED. the NOP is managed effectively and 

efficiently. For example, the NOSB may be asked for informal feedback or to work on 

specific work agenda items that relate to the development or implementation of audit 

corrective actions. 

 

To fulfill their responsibilities, Board members agree to adhere to three duties as described in this 

Manual: 

 Duty of Care 

 Duty of Loyalty 

 Duty of Obedience 

Duty of Care 

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The Duty of Care calls upon a member to participate in the decisions of the Board and to be 

informed as to the data relevant to such decisions. In essence, the Duty of Care requires that a 

member: 

 Be reasonably informed—It is the duty of all Board members to seek and study the information 

needed to make a reasoned decision and/or recommendation on all business brought before the 

Board. The NOP will provide some of that information, but other information must be developed 

from independent sources. 

 Participate in decisions—Board members are bound by responsibility to be 

active participants in decision-making. Absence from a meeting is no protection 

from the responsibility for decisions made at the meeting. 

 Make decisions with the care of an ordinary prudent person in a similar position—The law does not 

expect Board members to act as super human. It simply requires Board members to exercise 

judgment of an ordinary prudent person who may be faced with a similar issue. 

Duty of Loyalty 

The Duty of Loyalty requires Board members to exercise their power in the interest 

of the public and not in their own interest or the interest of another entity or person. 

A Board member’s loyalty is to the organic community and the public at large. In 

dispatching their Duty of Loyalty, Board members must: 

 Address conflicts of interest—Board members bring to the NOSB particular 

areas of expertise based upon their personal and business interests in organic 

production and marketing. Board members may have interests in conflict with 

those of the public interests. Board members must be conscious of the potential 

for such conflicts and act with candor and care in dealing with such situations. 

Board members must abide by the NOSB conflict of interest policy. 

 Recognize corporate opportunity—Before a Board member votes upon an issue in which they have a 

direct financial interest, that Board member must disclose the transaction to the Board in sufficient 

detail and adequate time to enable the Board to act—or decline to act—in regard to such 

transaction. 

Duty of Obedience 

Board members are bound to obey the tenants of the laws and regulations governing organic 

production, processing and marketing. To this effect, Board members must: 

G. Act within the requirements of the law—Board members must uphold all state 

and federal statutes, including theDesignated Federal Advisory Committee Act (Officer 

 FACA – and its implementing regulations (5 U.S.C. App. 2 et seq.).) govern the roles and 

responsibilities of NOSB management including meeting coordination and facilitation. The 

Designated Federal Officer (DFO) is the individual designated to implement advisory committee 

procedures. The AMS/NOP Deputy Administrator is the DFO for the NOSB.

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 Follow the responsibilities of the Board as defined by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. 

Follow the The NOP Deputy Administrator or designee acts as the Designated Federal Officer 

(DFO) during public meetings of the NOSB and meetings of the Executive Subcommittee. The 

Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) or designee acts as the DFO for all other NOSB 

Subcommittee meetings. The DFO holds the authority to chair meetings when directed to do so 

by the official to whom the advisory committee reports. 

The DFO’s duties include but are not limited to: 

 Approving and calling the meeting of the NOSB 

 Approving the semi-annual meeting agenda 

 Attending the semi-annual meetings 

 Adjourning the meetings when such adjournment is in the public interest 

H. Advisory Committee Specialist 

The Advisory Committee Specialist (ACS) is an NOP staff member who is assigned to support the 

NOSB. The Advisory Committee Specialist prepares the Advisory Committee’s and 

Subcommittees’ meeting agendas and notes, and attends all meetings. The position of Advisory 

Committee Specialist (formerly called Executive Director) was added in 2005 to facilitate 

communication and collaboration between the NOP and the NOSB. Advisory Committee 

Specialist duties include but are not limited to: 

 Ensuring that all FACA and OFPA requirements SPECIFIED IN THE NOSB POLICY AND 

PROCEDURES MANUAL.are implemented

 

 

 Maintaining Professional and Ethical Standards 

 Managing calendars and work agendas to facilitate Subcommittee and NOSB activities 

 Arranging, facilitating, and documenting the NOSB Subcommittee conference calls 

 Ensuring NOSB members have all necessary materials and information to provide informed, 

structured and timely recommendations to the NOP 

 Conducting meeting planning activities for the semi-annual NOSB meetings, including 

preparation of Federal Register notices and press releases, and facilitation of public 

comments 

 Coordinating the NOSB nomination and chartering process 

 Facilitating training of NOSB members 

 Managing information reporting and communication between the NOSB and NOP 

I. ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 

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 Official to whom the Committee Reports 

The NOSB shall provide recommendations to the USDA Secretary through the Designated 

Federal Officer, the Agricultural Marketing Service’s NOP Deputy Administrator.

 Staff Support 

The NOP shall provide administrative support to the NOSB through the work of an Advisory 

Committee Specialist, who is a permanent NOP staff member. The NOP may also provide 

technical support to the NOSB based on need and available resources. 

 Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings 

The NOSB meets approximately twice per year for public meetings. Most NOSB 

Subcommittees meet approximately twice a month by conference call. 

 Recordkeeping 

Records of the NOSB shall be handled in accordance with General Records Schedule 26, Item 

2 or other approved agency records disposition schedule. These records shall be available 

for public inspection and copying, subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. 

Information about the NOSB is available online at: 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb

While meeting transcripts are not required under FACA, the NOP provides transcripts or 

meeting notes to support the transparency of NOSB meetings and to support subsequent 

rulemaking activities. Minutes of each NOSB meeting, as approved by the DFO and the 

NOSB Chair and Secretary, shall contain a record of the persons present, a complete and 

accurate description of matters discussed and conclusions , and the outcome of voting. 

FACA requires (5 U.S.C. App. Section 10 (b) ): “Subject to section 552 of title 5, United States 

Code, the records, reports, transcripts, minutes, appendixes, working papers, drafts, studies, 

agenda, or other documents which were made available to or prepared for or by each 

advisory committee shall be available for public inspection and copying at a single location 

in the offices of the advisory committee or the agency to which the advisory committee 

reports until the advisory committee ceases to exist.”

Any request for FACA records must be made to the NOP.

While requests for FACA Board records do not have to go through the formal FOIA request 

process, those records must be reviewed by AMS/NOP before release, to determine 

whether any FOIA exemptions apply (e.g., personal information, business proprietary 

information). In addition, OFPA itself requires that no confidential business information be 

released, so emails and documents need to be reviewed before release to ensure that this 

requirement is met. 

 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA; 5 U.S.C. 552). Under this Act, the public may request 

documents and other information pertaining to USDA actions. NOSB communications with 
USDA (including email) are subject to these requests, with limited exemptions. Some USDA 

information is routinely exempt from disclosure in or otherwise protected from disclosure 

by statute, Executive Order or regulation; is designated as confidential by the agency or 

program; or has not actually been disseminated to the general public and is not authorized 

to be made available to the public upon request. When there is a FOIA request for 

information, the USDA will review all relevant information and determine what qualifies for 

release, then provide it to the requestor. 

J. PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS 

As appointees of the Secretary, NOSB members must maintain high professional and 

ethical standards for the conduct of all activitiesboth within and outside of the 

NOSB. Areas of particular concern include professional conduct and conflict of interest. 

1) NOSB Member Professional Conduct Standards

Public service is a public trust, requiringNOSB members shall: 

o Observe ethical principles above private gain in the service of public trust.

 

o NOSB members shall putPut forth an honest effort in the performance of their 

NOSB duties.

o NOSB members shall makeMake no commitments or promises of any kind 

purporting to bind the Government. 

Act

o NOSB members shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any 

organization or individual.

 Participate in meetings – Subcommittee conference calls as well as semi-annual 

meetings 

 Serve on Subcommittees as assigned - Each member must be willing to serve on 

Subcommittees as assigned by the NOSB Chair, and to participate in the work of 

those Subcommittees. 

 Be informed about NOSB business - NOSB members are expected to seek and study 

the information needed to make reasoned decisions and/or recommendations on all 

business brought before the NOSB. 

To maintain the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct, no NOSB 

member shall participate in any “specific party matters” (i.e., matters that are narrowly 

focused and typically involve specific transactions between identified parties) such as a 

lease, license, permit, contract, claim, grant, agreement, or related litigation with the 

Department in which the member has a direct or indirect financial interest. This includes 

the requirement for NOSB members to immediately disclose to the NOP’s Advisory 

Board Specialist any specific party matter in which the member’s immediate family, 

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relatives, business partners, or employer would be directly seeking to financially benefit 

from the Board’s recommendations. 

o All NOSB members, committee members and task force members shall not engage in a financial 

transaction using nonpublic information, not allow the improper use of nonpublic information 

to further his/her own private interest or that of another, whether through advice or 

recommendation, or allow the unauthorized disclosure of nonpublic information. 

Nonpublic information ismembers receive ethics training annually to identify and 

avoid any actions that would cause the public to question the integrity of the NOSB’s 

advice and recommendations. The provisions of these paragraphs are not meant to 

exhaustively cover all Federal ethics laws and do not affect any other statutory or 

regulatory obligations to which advisory committee members are subject. 

2) Additional Standards of Conduct 

NOSB members should adhere to the following basic “standards of conduct” while in 

government service: 

 Do not accept improper gifts (from those seeking actions from the Board). 

 Do not use board appointments for private gain. 

 Do not misuse internal non-public government information. 

 Do not use government property and time improperly. 

 Do not accept compensation for teaching, speaking, and writing related to your 

board duties. 

 Do not engage in partisan political activities while performing your board duties or 

while in a federal building. 

 Alert the NOSB designated federal officer (DFO) if you or your employer enters into 

a lawsuit against USDA or its sub-agencies.

o Refrain from sharing working documents with the public. Working documents are 

defined as information that THEa board member gains by reason of participation in 

the NOSB and that he/she knows, or reasonably should know, has not been made 

available to the general public. THIS INCLUDES INFORMATION THAT IS 

“ROUTINELY EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE IN 5 U.S.C. 552 (FREEDOM OF 

INFORMATION ACT) OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED FROM DISCLOSURE BY 

STATUTE, EXECUTIVE ORDER OR REGULATION; IS DESIGNATED AS 

CONFIDENTIAL BY THE AGENCY OR PROGRAM; OR HAS NOT ACTUALLY 

BEEN DISSEMINATED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND IS NOT AUTHORIZED 

TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST.” : e.g. is not on 

the NOP or other public websites, or is a draft document under development by an 

NOSB Subcommittee.

 Do not circulate draft Subcommittee documents until they are finalized and publicly 

available to all on the AMS/NOP website. 

 Use a professional, respectful tone in NOSB email correspondence; remember that 

all correspondence with government officials is subject to FOIA requests. 

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o NOSB members, committee members and task force members shall keep confidential all 

information identified by petitioners as confidential business information.

1

 

o To the maximum extent possible, NOSB members should speak with one voice. 

Although there may be disagreements within NOSB COMMITTEESubcommittees or 

working group sessions, once NOSB members leave the session, they have the 

responsibility to support the integrity of the process, whether or not they agree with 

the final outcome. While NOSB members retain the right to express minority 

opinions, the public airing of dissension could strain interpersonal relationships and 

create distrust and conflict among NOSB members. Such stresses could undermine 

the NOSB’s ability to effectively carry out its role as a governmental advisory board. 

3) Failure to participate 

The NOSB typically has a heavy work load and thus active participation by all 15 

members is essential to carry out the mandates in OFPA. When one or more 

members fail to actively participate in Board work the entire NOSB and the organic 

community is negatively impacted. If a Board member finds that s/he cannot 

consistently attend Subcommittee meetings, take on work assignments, complete 

Subcommittee work in a timely manner, or cannot attend the twice-yearly public 

meetings and public comment listening sessions, the NOSB Chair shall discuss the 

matter with the Board member, bring the concerns to the attention of the Executive 

Subcommittee, and if necessary encourage the Board member to resign. 

K. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS/Conflict of Interest 

NOSB members are classified as representatives under the Federal Advisory Committee Act 

(FACA). Each representative is appointed to articulate the viewpoints and interests of a 

particular interest group. The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) prescribes these interest 

groups, which include farmers/growers, handlers, certifiers, environmentalists/conservationists, 

scientists, consumers and public interest groups, and retailers. Representatives are appointed to 

speak in “we” terms, serving as the voice of the group represented (e.g., “we farmers/growers 

believe...”). As such, NOSB members are not expected to provide independent expert advice, 

but rather advice based on the interests of the groups served. 

 

NOSB members represent the interests of a particular group. As such, many of the interests are 

acceptable interests. An interest is acceptable if it is carried out on behalf of a represented 

group, and if a Board member receives no disproportionate benefit from expressing the interest. 

True conflicts of interest arise when an interest: 

 Directly and disproportionally benefits you or a person associated with that member; 

 Could impair your objectivity in representing your group; or 

 Has the potential to create an unfair competitive advantage. 

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The appearance of a personal conflict and loss of impartiality, while not a true conflict, must be 

considered when conducting NOSB business. 

Declarations of Interest/Conflicts of Interest Procedures 

Board members are appointed in part because of their interests. As such, each NOSB member 

needs to actively consider their interests with respect to topics being considered by the Board, 

and identify whether these interests would create appearance problems. This consideration 

should occur at two specific points during the Board’s work on a particular topic. The first 

consideration should occur at the Subcommittee level, when a Subcommittee begins work on 

material or topic. The second is when a discussion document or proposal advances from the 

Subcommittee to the full Board for consideration. 

At the Subcommittee Level 

NOSB members represent the diverse interests of a broad stakeholder community, and make 

recommendations that may have wide-reaching regulatory impacts across all of these interest 

groups. As such, NOSB member actions are carefully scrutinized. 

Given this, the NOP has provided the following guidelines for NOSB members working at the 

Subcommittee level: 

 Avoid leading projects for which you could reasonably be viewed by others as having a particular 

interest that would hinder your ability to objectively and fairly represent broader group 

interests, and to allow other members to represent theirs. If leading a project would likely lead 

others to believe you are “self-dealing” to benefit yourself or someone close to you, you should 

refrain from leading. 

 If you feel you may have an appearance problem or conflict of interest, you should inform the 

DFO that a conflict may exist, and describe the nature of that conflict. You should also tell the 

subcommittee impacted that you may have a conflict; sharing as much or as little about the 

nature of the conflict with other board members as you wish. After this declaration, you may 

continue to contribute to the discussion on the topic. As long as it is known there is a conflict of 

interest, the conflict does not preclude the member from contributing his or her input to the 

subcommittee. 

 If you are uncertain as to whether an interest constitutes an appearance problem or a true 

conflict, then contact the DFOto discuss it. In this case, the NOP, working with the USDA office of 

ethics as needed, will make the determination about whether a problem exists. 

At the Full Board Level 

Once discussion documents and proposals are posted for public comment, each NOSB member is to 

review the documents across all Subcommittees, and research any potential conflicts of interest due 

to organizational affiliation or relationships. 

The following procedures will take place at the Board level: 
1. Approximately 2-4 weeks before the meeting, the NOP’s DFO will provide a matrix to all 

NOSB members that lists the items being considered at the meeting. 

2. If you determine that you do have a conflict of interest, use the matrix to disclose that 

information and to declare a recusal from voting on the item(s). 

3. If you are not sure whether an interest is acceptable or poses a problem, or if you are 

uncertain whether recusal is needed, contact the NOP DFO to discuss. The NOP – working 

with the USDA office of ethics as needed - will make the determination about whether a 

conflict of interest exists, and will instruct the member accordingly as to whether to vote or 

not. 

4. Return your completed matrix approximately one week before the board meeting. The NOP 

will then use these to compile a list of all recusals for the meeting. 

5. At the meeting, at the beginning of each subcommittee session or at a time designated at 

the discretion of the board chair, the DFO will state: “the following board members have a 

conflict of interest with the following documents, and will not be voting: e.g. Bob has a 

conflict and will recuse himself from the proposals CleanGreenA and GreatChemB 

(etcetera).” 

6. Once the DFO completes listing the recusals, the NOSB Subcommittee chair leading the 

session may invite additional information from members on a voluntary basis, with a 

statement such as: “if Board members wish to disclose information about their conflict, or 

any other information about their interests, they are welcome to do so at this time.” this is 

to be stated as a general and voluntary invitation; no specific NOSB member is to be called 

on. 

7. For any documents deferred to the last day of the meeting, the DFO will repeat the 

declaration of statement above at the start of the voting session for each subcommittee. 

When it is time to vote, the NOSB member recusing her/his self should state “recuse” when 

it is his or her time to vote. 

IV. SUBCOMMITTEES 

Subcommittees play an important role in administering the NOSB’s responsibilities to make 

informed decisions. The Subcommittees are responsible for conducting research and analyses, 

and drafting proposals for consideration by the full NOSB. No Subcommittees are authorized to 

act in place of the NOSB. Subcommittees are either standing or ad hoc 

A. STANDING SUBCOMMITTEES 

The current standing Subcommittees are: 

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 Executive (ES) 

 Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance (CACS) 

 Crops (CS) 

 Handling (HS) 

 Livestock (including Aquaculture) (LS) 

 Materials (including GMOs) (MS) 

 Policy Development (PDS) 

Executive Subcommittee (ES) 

The Executive Subcommittee of the NOSB shall be comprised of the Chair, Vice Chair, 

Secretary, and the Chairs of each of the standing Subcommittees. The Executive 

Subcommittee provides overall coordination for the NOSB including finalizing the NOSB 

meeting agenda and NOSB work agendas. 

Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance Subcommittee (CACS) 

The CACS drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide guidance, clarification, 

or proposed standards for the certification, accreditation and compliance sections of the 

USDA organic regulations and OFPA. 

 

Crops Subcommittee (CS)

The CS drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide guidance, clarification, or 

proposed standards for the crop production sections of the USDA organic regulations and 

OFPA. The CS reviews substances under sunset review and petitions for addition to, or 

removal from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The CS reviews 

technical reports (TRs), technical advisory panel reports (TAPs), and public comments 

concerning materials used for organic crop production to draft their proposals. 

 

Handling Subcommittee (HS) 

The Handling Subcommittee drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide 

guidance, clarification, or proposed standards for the handling and labeling sections of the 

USDA organic regulations and OFPA. The HS reviews substances under sunset review and 

petitions for addition to or removal from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited 

Substances. The HS reviews technical reports (TRs), technical advisory panel reports (TAPs), 

and public comments concerning materials used for organic handling to draft their 

proposals. 

Livestock Subcommittee (including Aquaculture) (LS) 

The LS drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide guidance, clarification, or 

proposed standards for the livestock and livestock feed sections of the USDA organic 

regulations and OFPA. The LS reviews substances under sunset review and petitions for 

addition to or removal from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The LS 

reviews technical reports (TRs), technical advisory panel reports (TAPs), and public 

comments concerning materials used for organic livestock and aquaculture production to 

draft their proposals. 

 

Materials Subcommittee (including Genetically Modified Organisms) (MS)

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The MS drafts proposals for consideration by the NOSB to provide guidance, clarification, 

or proposed standards for the pertinent National List sections of the USDA organic 

regulations and OFPA. The MS works with the NOP and other NOSB Subcommittees in 

managing the Materials Review Process, which may include determining which 

Subcommittee will conduct a review, as well as tracking technical reports and the status of 

reviews for petitions and sunset materials. The MS also drafts proposals and discussion 

documents regarding the prohibition on the use of Genetically Modified Organisms 

(excluded methods) under the USDA organic regulations. Research Priorities are also a 

critical component of the annual work agenda of the MS. 

In addition to a Chair, who will be appointed by the NOSB Chair, the MS shall include in its 

membership a representative from each of the Livestock, Crops, and Handling 

Subcommittees. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) 

The Policy Development Subcommittee provides clarification and proposed changes for 

NOSB internal policies, and procedures as needed, in collaboration with the NOP. The PDS, 

in collaboration with the NOP, also updates and revises the NOSB Policy and Procedures 

Manual and the Member Guide. 

B. AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES 

At the discretion of the NOSB Chair, and with approval of the Executive Subcommittee and 

the DFO, ad hoc NOSB Subcommittees may be formed to develop policy and guidance on 

specific issues that involve multiple standing Subcommittee jurisdictions, or for issues or 

tasks that are very large and require additional resources to complete. Ad hoc 

Subcommittees must be comprised of current NOSB members, and may be either a 

combination of two or more standing Subcommittees to form a “joint” Subcommittee, or 

may be a completely new Subcommittee comprised of selected NOSB members from 

various standing Subcommittees. Ad hoc Subcommittees can be dissolved at the 

recommendation of the NOSB chairperson with the approval of the Executive 

Subcommittee. Ad hoc Subcommittee Chairpersons are non-voting members of the 

Executive Committee. 

C. SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS 

Subcommittees generally hold meetings once or twice a month via telephone 

conference calls. Calls are scheduled well in advance on a regular reoccurring interval. 

Additional meetings can be held if a Subcommittee requests additional time and the 

NOP agrees to provide the resources to support the additional meeting. A majority of 

the members of a Subcommittee shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of 

conducting Subcommittee business. 

D. TASK FORCES 

The NOSB may request the establishment of a Task Force to explore specific issues or 

concerns relevant to the organic community and industry, and present to the NOSB 

draft proposals, discussion documents, or reports. Each task force shall: 

 Have a specific work agenda approved by the NOP 

 Have a clearly articulated project deliverable 

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 Include at least one current member of the NOSB 

 Record and maintain meeting or conference call minutes, made available to the 

NOSB and the NOP 

 Submit a final report to the NOSB 

 Disband when the NOP notifies the Task Force that its work has concluded or when 

the task force is no longer necessary. 

 Have a specific start and end date, which may be extended by the Executive 

Subcommittee, with concurrence by NOP. 

E. DUTIES OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS AND VICE CHAIRS 

Subcommittee Chair duties: 

 Appoint a Subcommittee Vice Chair in consultation with Board Chair 

 Consult with the Board Chair regarding Subcommittee appointments 

 Schedule Subcommittee meetings as needed 

 Draft Subcommittee meeting agendas and work agendas in consultation with 

Subcommittee members, the Executive Committee, and NOP staff 

 Convene and preside over Subcommittee meetings 

 Ensure Subcommittee meeting notes are recorded 

 Ensure that Subcommittee meeting notes are reviewed for accuracy 

 Report actions of the Subcommittee to the Executive Subcommittee and Board 

 Serve as mentor/trainer for new Subcommittee Chair during transition periods 

 Designate a liaison to the Materials Subcommittee to collect, compile and present 

the research priorities proposals. 

Subcommittee Vice Chair duties: 

 Provide support in developing and completing Subcommittee work agendas 

 Assist in reviewing Subcommittee meeting notes for accuracy 

 Represent the Chair in the event of the Chair’s absence

 The Vice Chairs of the Crops, Livestock and Handling Subcommittees will serve on 

the Materials Subcommittee as liaisons for reviewing all petitioned substances. 

F. TRANSITION OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS, VICE CHAIRS, AND MEMBERS (NEW AND 

CONTINUING) 

Subcommittee Chairs shall be appointed to serve annually by the Chair of the Board. 

Vice Chairs and Subcommittee members shall be appointed by their respective 

Subcommittee Chair in conjunction with the NOSB Chair. The annual Subcommittee 

term shall be concurrent with the one-year term established by the Secretary (beginning 

on January 24 and ending the following January 23). Newly appointed Chairs, Vice Chairs 

and Subcommittee members will assume their positions at the beginning of the new 

term, after a period of orientation and mentorship provided by the outgoing Chair, Vice 

Chair, and members. 

To avoid disruption in the quality and volume of work produced by the NOSB, the 

following procedures will be observed: 

After the election of NOSB Officers at the Fall Meeting: 

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1. The new NOSB Chair takes Office 

Immediately after the election, on the final day of the NOSB meeting, the new Chair 

takes office. 

2. Appointment of Subcommittee Chairs 

The Board Chair appoints Subcommittee Chairs preferably chosen from members 

with at least one year of NOSB experience.

3. Appointment of Subcommittee Vice Chair

Vice Chairs shall be appointed by the incoming Subcommittee Chair, in conjunction 

with the Board Chair. 

4. Timeframe for Appointments 

Subcommittee Chairs shall be appointed by the NOSB Chair and seated within a 

reasonable time after the newly elected NOSB Chair takes office (or continues in 

office), and Vice Chairs shall be appointed by Subcommittee Chairs as soon as 

possible after that. 

5. Review of Subcommittee Files 

New Subcommittee Chairs should review all work agenda items and active files 

involving Subcommittee work 

 

6. Mentorship Period 

The incoming Chair and Vice Chair of each Subcommittee shall participate in an 

orientation and mentorship period with the outgoing Chair and Vice Chair of their 

Subcommittee until seated in their positions at the beginning of the new term on 

January 24. The Board Chair, to facilitate an effective transition for new members of 

the Board and ensure effective participation in Committee and Board deliberations, 

shall ask incoming Board members to identify a mentor from existing Board 

members, or, if the Board member prefers, the Board Chair shall assign a mentor. 

7. Appointment of New NOSB Members: 

The Board Chair will appoint each new NOSB member to appropriate 

Subcommittees as soon as possible, so that on January 24 all Subcommittees are in 

place. The NOSB Chair will consult with outgoing and incoming Subcommittee Chairs 

and other Board officers, with due consideration of the members interest, expertise, 

and background, as well as the composition and needs of the new Board and scope 

of Subcommittee work agendas. Once appointed, incoming Subcommittee members 

shall be included in all email communication pertaining to the Subcommittees on 

which they serve. 

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Changing Subcommittee Appointments 

Board members who would like to join or leave a Subcommittee shall submit a request 

to the Board Chair. If the request does not alter the preferred number of Subcommittee 

members, in the range of five to seven, the expectation is that the request will be 

approved, unless the Board Chair finds that such a change will interfere with the 

functioning of the Subcommittee or the Board. The Chair’s determination should be 

made in consultation with Subcommittee Chairs and the Executive Subcommittee. 

Filling a Subcommittee Chair and/or Vice Chair vacancy

If a Subcommittee Chair position becomes vacant, the Subcommittee Vice Chair shall 

assume the position as Chair and the new Subcommittee Chair shall appoint a new Vice 

Chair in accordance with the consultation procedures cited above. 

G. PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSALS AND DISCUSSION 

DOCUMENTS 

1. Development of proposals 

Each of the NOSB Subcommittees will develop proposals, discussion documents or 

reports based on the current work agenda. 

 

 A Subcommittee drafts a proposal or discussion document based on that 

Subcommittee’s work agenda. 

 By a simple majority, the Subcommittee can vote to pass a proposal or discussion 

document to the full Board for consideration at a subsequent NOSB meeting. In 

order to be considered for a vote during an NOSB meeting, all proposals must be 

voted on by the Subcommittee and submitted to the NOP at least forty five (45) 

days prior to a scheduled NOSB meeting. 

 When it is not possible for a Subcommittee, during its regular deliberations on 

conference calls, to reach consensus on a proposed document/recommendation as 

it is being reviewed, and there are substantive irreconcilable differences, a minority 

of the Subcommittee may develop a written minority view for review by all 

members of the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee Chair has the responsibility to 

facilitate the process for the minority view. 

A minority view should: 

o Be short and concise, and include reasons for opposing the Subcommittees 

recommendation; 

o Should not include any data or information not introduced on a 

Subcommittee call; 

o Should be submitted in a timely manner, and will not be accepted after the 

Subcommittee has voted on its recommendation; 

o Will be included as a separate section at the end of the recommendation. 

 The NOP will post the proposal or discussion document for public comment. 

 At any point in the process prior to the Board’s vote, a Subcommittee may convene 

and, by a simple majority, vote to withdraw its proposal from consideration by the 

Board. 

 During a subsequent Board meeting, the Subcommittee presents the proposals and 

discussion documents as well as a summary of public comments and other relevant 

information for discussion and consideration by the full Board. 
2. Types of Proposals 

 (See Member Guide for examples) 

There are several formats for writing proposals and discussion documents, based on 

the subject under review: 

o Proposals related to material petitions, sunset reviews, annotation changes, or 

classification changes. 

o Proposals for policy or procedure changes 

o Discussion documents 

3. Presenting Subcommittee Proposals and Discussion Documents at NOSB Meetings

NOSB Subcommittees and task forces should follow the outline below when presenting 

proposals or discussion documents for consideration by the Board: 

1. Introduction: A brief summary of the issue or statement of the problem. 

2. Background: An explanation with sufficient detail and rationale to support 

the proposal, including reasons why the proposal should be adopted, 

historical context, and the regulatory framework pertinent to the issue. 

3. Proposal: A concise explanation of the recommended action. 

4. Subcommittee Vote: The Subcommittee vote shall be reported. In the case 

of petitions to add materials to the National List, two votes will be reported; 

one for classification of the material as a synthetic or non-synthetic, and the 

other a motion to list. 

5. Public Comment: A brief summary of the public comments 

6. Minority View: If applicable, the minority view of a Subcommittee or task 

force member shall be reported. After the Subcommittee's proposal has 

been presented and the motion to adopt has been made, it is usual to allow 

the minority to present their views. The minority report is presented for 

information purposes only. If the Board then determines that the minority 

view has merit, it may send the proposal back to Subcommittee for further 

work, since it would be a substantive change to the proposal as presented. 

H. SUBSTANCE/MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS 

A primary function of the NOSB is “to assist in the development of standards for substances 

to be used in organic production” (OFPA 6518 (a)). “The Board shall develop the proposed 

National List or proposed amendments to the National List for submission to the Secretary 

...” (OFPA 6518(k)). The OFPA also establishes a petition process by which the public can 

request additions or deletions to the National List and also provides for a 5 –year “sunset” 

review by NOSB of all substances on the National List. The Materials Review Process is a 

collaborative effort between the NOP and NOSB. Some phases of the review process are 

handled exclusively by NOP and some by the NOSB. 

The petition process is open to all. Petitions must be filed in accordance with the most 

recent Federal Register notice instructions (currently January 18, 2007 [72 FR 2167]). 

1. Steps in the material review process for a new petition: 

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1. NOP receives a petition, reviews it for completeness and eligibility according to OFPA 

and the petition guidelines. NOP forwards the petition to the appropriate Subcommittee 

with a courtesy copy to the Materials Subcommittee. 

2. Subcommittee (SC) determines if a Technical Review (TR) is needed. 

3. Technical Report is completed and sent to the Subcommittee for review. 

4. TR sufficiency is determined by SC, and the TR is posted on the NOSB website by the 

NOP. 

5. SC reviews substance, develops proposal, discusses proposal and votes, and submits for 

posting 45 days prior to public meeting. 

6. The NOSB members analyze comments and votes on the proposal at the public meeting. 

7. The NOSB Chair delivers the final recommendations to NOP. 

Step 1: Receipt of Petition 

During this phase the NOP will: 

 Notify the petitioner via letter and/or electronic mail of receipt of the petition. 

 Determine whether the petition is complete and whether the petitioned substance is 

eligible for petition under the Organic Foods Production Act and its implementing 

regulations, and whether subject to other agency authority (e.g. EPA, FDA); 

 NOP documents this review using two checklists. 

o OFPA Checklist, NOP 3005-1 

o Petition Checklist, NOP 3005-2 

Ineligible petitions include: 

 Formulated (brand name) products 

 Food additive without FDA approval 

 Pesticide without EPA tolerance or tolerance exemption 

 Requests to add substances already allowed 

 Synthetic macronutrient (e.g., NPK) fertilizers 

 Materials otherwise prohibited by the USDA organic regulations (e.g., sewage 

sludge, GMOs, etc.) 

 Previously petitioned/rejected materials (if no new information is provided) 

Upon determination of completeness and eligibility, NOP will: 

 Notify the petitioner, via letter and/or electronic mail, that the petition is complete 

and eligible; 

 Publish the petition on NOP website; and 

 Notify the NOSB Subcommittee that the substance is being petitioned for addition 

or prohibition from the National List and provide the OFPA and petition checklists. 

 NOP is the primary point of contact for any correspondence between NOSB and 

petitioner 

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Step 2: Determine whether a Third Party Technical Review is required 

During this phase, the applicable NOSB Subcommittee has 60 days to review the petition 

and determine whether a third party technical review is required. This decision is based on 

the following: 

 Is there sufficient information in the petition? 

 Can the Subcommittee reasonably research any needed technical information? 

 Can sufficient information be obtained from public comment? 

 Does the Subcommittee have the expertise needed to address the questions related 

to the petition? This includes impact on the environment, impact on human health, 

and sustainability and compatibility with organic principles. 

If the Subcommittee decides a Technical Review is needed, the Subcommittee Chair will 

make the request to the National List Manager. The SC may also submit questions for 

specific information based on the OFPA evaluation criteria (7 USC 6817(m)), or suggest 

recommended technical expertise. The NOSB may request more information from the 

petitioner if needed. 

If the Subcommittee decides the Technical Review is not needed, the Subcommittee Chair 

will inform the National List Manager. 

In some cases, the Subcommittee may decide the substance is ineligible for the National List 

without need for a Technical Review. In this case, they will develop a proposal to reject the 

substance at the next NOSB meeting, subject to a full board vote. 

A limited scope or supplemental TR may be appropriate when the petition is to amend an 

existing listing, remove a listing, or for purposes of sunset review. 

Option for a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) 

OFPA states: “The NOSB shall convene technical advisory panels to provide scientific 

evaluation of materials considered for the National List.”(7 USC 6518 (k)(3))

The NOSB has not convened independent Technical Advisory Panels since 2005. Currently 

the NOSB is relying on information within the Technical Reports provided by the NOP and 

public comment to make their final recommendations 

In some cases, NOSB may wish to convene a TAP instead of requesting a TR, for review of 

complex or controversial substances. 

Step 3: Third Party Technical Review 

During this phase the NOP will:

 Assign a contractor to develop a Technical Review (TR) or Technical Advisory Panel 

(TAP). The third party contractor must have technical expertise relevant to the petition, 

and will use the TR template provided by NOP. 

 Review all TRs or TAP reports before they are distributed to the Subcommittee to 

ensure they meet the requirements of the contract. 

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 Ensure that TRs/TAP reports are sufficient and complete when they are distributed to 

the Subcommittee 

Third party experts may consist of contractors, or employees of the USDA, such as AMS 

Science and Technology, AMS Agricultural Analytics Division, Agricultural Research Service, 

or other federal agencies with appropriate expertise, as needed. 

Step 4: Technical Review Sufficiency Determination 

During this phase the Subcommittee (Crops, Livestock or Handling) will: 

Review the draft TR to ensure that it: 

 Is consistent in format, level of detail and tone

 Is technically objective and free from opinions or conjecture 

 Is written in a style appropriate for non-technical readers (e.g. free of technical 

jargon) 

 Is prepared using a well-defined and consistent procedure consisting of 

information gathering, information synthesis and document preparation, and 

quality assurance 

 Is based on the best available information that can be obtained within the 

designated time frame 

 Is thoroughly supported using literature citations

 Addresses all evaluation questions in the TR template 

The Subcommittee chair will notify the NOP, within 60 days of receiving the TR, that the 

TR is sufficient. If the TR is not found sufficient, the Subcommittee must provide the 

NOP with an explanation of why, including a request for additional information or 

improvements. 

If necessary, the NOP will seek improvements or supplemental information from the 

contractor. 

Once the Technical Reports are deemed sufficient, the NOP will post on the NOP 

website. 

Step 5: Review by the Subcommittee (Crops, Livestock or Handling) 

During this phase the Subcommittee conducting the review will: 

 Read the review, along with the submitted petition, and any additional information 

available, such as literature referenced in the Technical Review, personal 

knowledge, and recommendations of a contracted panel of experts when utilized. 

 Subcommittee members will prepare a written review the substance according to 

the OFPA criteria. 

 After discussion, the Subcommittee will vote on classification (e.g., synthetic, 

nonsynthetic, agricultural) for substances not previously classified, and vote on a 

proposed action (e.g., add to National List, remove, or amend) 

 The review, including record of votes, will be finalized as a proposal for the next 

meeting. 

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 All proposals must be submitted to NOP for posting 45 days before the public 

meeting date. 

Step 6: Action by Full NOSB 

During this phase the NOP will: 

 Publish the proposals on the NOP website and provide a minimum of 30 days of 

written public comment on the proposal prior to the public NOSB business meeting. 

 Include sufficient time on the agenda at the NOSB meeting for the Board to discuss 

the proposal, listen to public comments, and make a recommendation. 

At the NOSB meeting: 

 The Subcommittee Chair or delegated lead reviewer for each Subcommittee will 

present the proposals at the NOSB meeting. The proposals are to be presented in 

the form of a seconded motion coming from the subcommittee, and the Chair will 

open the motion for discussion. After discussion board members will vote on the 

motion. 

 Voting may be by show of hands, roll call, or by use of modern voting devices. 

 The NOSB Secretary will record the votes of each NOSB member and the Chair will 

announce whether or not the motion passed. 

2. Changes to annotations or classification of materials.

The NOSB may request to review an existing substance on the National List without a new 

petition when they have justification to support a revision of the annotation or 

reclassification of the substance. This may happen as a result of the sunset review process, 

or based on new information provided in a Technical Review, or from public comment. The 

following procedure should be followed: 

 The Subcommittee sends a written request for a new work agenda item to the 

Executive Subcommittee. 

 The request should include a summary of the issue, brief justification for the 

change, and resources in hand or needed for the project. 

 The ES considers the request and determines if it should go forward. 

 NOP reviews the item for possible addition to the work agenda, and may 

propose to add to a future meeting schedule depending on NOSB workload. 

 The Subcommittee develops a proposal for consideration that is separate from 

the sunset review of the substance. NOP will then consider rulemaking action in 

a timely manner, without constraints due to the sunset timeline. 

3. Additional considerations concerning Technical Reviews

Basic principles that should be considered when consulting with a third party expert: 
 A Subcommittee cannot proceed with a recommendation to list a material if it is 

determined that there is insufficient valid scientific information on that material’s 

impact on the environment, human health and its compatibility with organic principles. 

 The decision to request a third party expert needs to be made independently of the 

availability of funds. If there is a lack of funding to secure third party expert advice, the 

Subcommittee has the option to place the review of new petitions on hold. 

 The Subcommittee makes a determination on the completeness of the petition and 

whether a Technical Review is needed. 

 The decision to define the expertise of the third party expert is the responsibility of the 

Subcommittee reviewing the material or issue. 

 To incorporate a diversity of opinions and to minimize the risk of bias, a Subcommittee 

may seek information from a range of technical experts (individuals or institutions). The 

Subcommittee may also ask questions in their posted proposals, in order to gain needed 

information from the public. 

 The NOP will seek Technical Reviews from a range of experts. The name of the 

contracted party will appear on the Technical Review.· All Federal contracts, including 

those issued by USDA/NOP to Technical Report contractors, are governed by the Federal 

Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The FAR includes a “Subpart 3.11—Preventing Personal 

Conflicts of Interest for Contractor Employees Performing Acquisition Functions,” which 

requires contractors to identify and prevent personal conflicts of interest for their 

covered employees. “Personal conflict of interest” means a situation in which a covered 

employee has a financial interest, personal activity, or relationship that could impair the 

employee’s ability to act impartially and in the best interest of the Government when 

performing under the contract.

Link: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/current/pdf/FAR.pdf

4. Definitions

Technical Review - A report prepared by a third party expert under contract addressing 

the environmental, human, and industrial impact of a petitioned material per the OFPA 

and regulatory evaluation criteria to aid in the thorough evaluation of that material by 

the NOSB. 

Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) - Group of third party experts convened by the Board to 

provide a technical review related to a material petition under review by the NOSB. 

V. Prioritization of Petitions 

Petitions received and deemed eligible and sufficient by the NOP/NOSB will be 

prioritized as follows: 

Priority 1: A petition to remove a material presently on the National list that raises 

serious health, environmental, or regulatory concerns, including petitions to reconsider 

previous decisions, will be given the highest priority - Priority 1, above all other 

petitions in the queue of the reviewing Subcommittee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock). 

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Priority 2: A petition to remove a material presently on the National list not 

based on serious health, environmental, or regulatory concerns, but based on other new 

information, such as commercial availability status, would be assigned a Priority 2, 

behind Priority 1 petitions, but above any petitions to list materials that are in the queue 

of the reviewing Subcommittee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock). This priority assignment 

would include any removal petitions requesting reconsideration of previous board 

decisions, if the resubmitted petition contains substantive new information to warrant 

reconsideration. 

Priority 3: A petition to add a material to the National List will be considered by the 

reviewing Subcommittee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock) in the chronological order in 

which it was received, and will be designated as Priority 3. 

Priority 4: A petition to reconsider adding a material that had previously been rejected 

by a Board vote would be given the lowest priority - Priority 4, and would go to the 

bottom of the Subcommittee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock) queue of petitioned 

materials. Petitions submitted for reconsideration must contain substantive new 

information to warrant reconsideration. 

This prioritization guideline is only that, a guideline. When situations occur beyond the 

control of the reviewing Subcommittee, such as, but not limited to, technical report 

budgetary constraints, or a delay in the delivery of a technical review for a petitioned 

substance, the work agenda may require adjustment by the NOSB and NOP. 

VI. Withdrawal of a petition by a petitioner 

A petition may be withdrawn at any point in the process, prior to the vote by 

Subcommittee. Once a Subcommittee develops a proposal, the outcome will be posted 

for public comment and the NOSB will vote at the next public meeting. When a petition 

is withdrawn by the petitioner prior to Subcommittee proposal, the Subcommittee will 

suspend its review and recommendation procedure. Withdrawals will not be accepted 

after the subcommittee votes on a proposal. 

If a petition is re-submitted, the NOSB will review it in the order in which it was 

received. Thus, a re-submitted petition should be considered a new request and will be 

placed at the end of the queue of materials pending review. 

A petitioner has the opportunity to withdraw a petition with the intent of improving it 

(e.g., conducting additional research), and may also voluntarily submit supplemental 

information. 

VII. Sunset Review Process 

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) authorizes a National List of Allowed 

and Prohibited Substances (7 U.S. C. Section 6517). Sections 6517 (e) mandates a Sunset 

Provision as follows: 

o “No exception or prohibition in the National list shall be valid unless the National Organic 

Standards Board has reviewed such exemption or prohibition as provided in this section within 5 

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years of such exemption or prohibition being adopted and the Secretary has NOSB members 

with diverse backgrounds are recruited to provide balance to the Board. While individual NOSB 

members represent the segments of the population from which they were selected, they also 

represent the greater good of the population as a whole. 

 

 Conflict of Interest 

The NOSB recognizes that members have been specifically appointed to the Board to provide advice 

and counsel to the Secretary concerning policies related to the development of organic standards 

and the creation and amendment of the National List. NOSB members have been appointed because 

they have professional expertise which enables them to advise the Secretary. This professional 

expertise may, at times, present an inherent conflict of interest. To prevent overt advocacy for 

direct financial gain and the appearance of self-interest or the appearance of wrongful activity, the 

NOSB has adopted the following conflict of interest policy. 

 

Be it resolved by the National Organic Standards Board: 

Members of the Board shall refrain from taking any official Board action from which that Board 

member is or would derive direct financial gain. Board members shall disclose their interest to 

the Board and the public, when they or their affiliated business stand to gain from a vote, which 

they cast in the course of Board business. Under certain circumstances, the Board may determine 

whether it is appropriate for the member to vote. 

That members of the Board shall refrain from promoting for consideration any material, process 

or practice for which the member is or would derive direct financial gain arising out of such 

Board action. The act of promoting such material, process or practice shall include private 

discussion with members of the Board advocating the value of the material, public discussion 

and/or written advocacy. 

A "direct financial gain" is defined as monetary consideration, contractual benefit or the 

expectation of future monetary gain to a Board member, including but not limited to, financial 

gain from a party who manufacture distributes or holds exclusive title to a formula for a material 

or product, process or practice. 

 

SECTION II

 

This section provides a description of the composition the NOSB. It also provides a list of 

expectations from members and presents guidelines for conducting business. 

The NOP published a Federal Register notice on Sept. 16, 2013 (78 FR 56811) describing 

current procedures for sunset review. Through the sunset review process, the NOSB can 

recommend to USDA the removal of substances based on adverse impact on human 

health, the environment, or other criteria under the Organic Foods Production Act 

(OFPA). If upon review the NOSB believes the substance no longer fits the criteria for an 

exemption or prohibition, the NOSB can recommend (by a decisive two thirds vote, 7 

USC Section 6158 (i)) to remove the substance from the National List. After the NOSB 

has completed this "sunset" review, the USDA must renew or remove the substances on 
the National List to complete the process. All substances under sunset review will be 

considered over two NOSB meetings, to provide ample opportunity for public notice and 

comment. The NOSB observes the following procedure. 

A. Steps in the Sunset Review Process (See Member Guide for forms used in these steps.) 

Step 1: The NOSB Subcommittees submit the initial Sunset List Summary for 

posting which may include requests for specific information. The NOP posts the 

list as well as the NOSB Meeting Announcement in the Federal Register which 

invites comments, at least 30 days prior to the first public meeting on these 

sunset substances. 

Step 2: The public submits written comments, which are analyzed by 

Subcommittees. 

Step 3 (Public Meeting #1): Subcommittees summarize background and public 

comment & receive oral comment. 

Step 4: Subcommittees analyze written and oral comments from Meeting #1 

and prepare a Preliminary Review that includes a motion to remove the 

substance from the National List. The NOP publishes the next meeting 

announcement in the Federal Register, inviting comment on the Preliminary 

Reviews, which are posted on the NOP website. 

Step 5: Written public comments submitted and analyzed by Subcommittees 

Step 6 (Public Meeting #2): Subcommittees present Preliminary Review, 

receive oral comment, and discuss the proposal with the full Board. When 

presented to the full NOSB, reviews will contain a motion and second taken in 

Subcommittee. Motions for removal based on the Preliminary Review are voted 

on by the full Board, and require a decisive two-thirds (2/3) majority to pass. 

o At Meeting #2, the NOSB completes the Sunset Review and submits the 

final documents to the NOP. 

Step 7: AMS reviews the NOSB Sunset Review and considers rulemaking action 

for any recommended removals. This will include a proposed rule open for 

public comment before a final rule amendment is published. 

Step 8: AMS issues Federal Register Notice announcing renewal of applicable 

substances 

Note: this is a regulatory process for determining whether materials already approved 

or prohibited on the National List should be removed. Due to regulatory process 

constraints, it is not possible to modify existing listings, add new uses of a listed 

substance during sunset review, or change annotations. If there is a need to consider 
changing an annotation or re-classifying a material, a subcommittee may request to 

develop a separate proposal that will be reviewed separately from the sunset review 

process. Decisions made through the Sunset review should be transparent, nonarbitrary, based on the best current information and in the interest of the organic 

community and public at large. 

VIII. NOSB PROCEDURES 

A. BOARD MEMBER JOB DESCRIPTIONSMEETINGS 

All Board meetings, assembled for the purpose of making recommendations to the NOP, are subject 

to FACA (see appendix B for FACA facts) and as such must be open to the public and must meet 

public notification requirements. Not all meetings are subject to FACA and do not require public 

notification. 

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) fulfills three important roles 

 The Board serves as the primary linkage to the organic community. In that regard, the Board must 

advise the NOP on the implementation of OFPA. 

 The Board must approve all materials which appear on the National List. 

 The Board maintains the responsibility to protect and defend the integrity of organic standards. 

Composition of the Board 6518 (b) 

The Board shall be composed of 15 members, of which: 

(1) four shall be individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation; 

(2) two shall be individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation; 

(3) one shall be an individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in 

organic products; 

(4) three shall be individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource 

conservation; 

(5) three shall be individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups; 

(6) one shall be an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; and 

(7) one shall be an individual who is a certifying agent as identified under section 2116 of OFPA. 

[§2119(b)] 

Additionally, the position of Executive Director of the NOSB was added in 2005 to facilitate contact 

between NOP and NOSB 

 BOARD MEMBER STANDARDS 

Participate in meetings—Members must make a commitment to attend meetings 

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of the Board. Examples of these exempted meetings include: Subcommittee calls, assemblies 

for completing work, planning retreats, training or sharing information. The date and location of 

in-person Board Meetings, currently held twice each year in spring and fall, will to the extent 

possible, be set at the mutual scheduling convenience of the NOSB and the NOP. 



 Serve on committees, as assigned—Each member must be willing to serve on committees as 

assigned by the Chair, and to participate in the work of those committees. 

 Be informed about the decisions to be made—Board members are expected to seek and study the 

information needed to make a reasoned decision and/or recommendation on all business brought 

before the Board. 

 Fully disclose any conflict of interest positions—Members having any commercial or immediate 

family interest that poses a potential or perceived conflict of interest must disclose that conflict to 

the Board and abide by any decision of the Board in dealing with the situation. 

B. CONDUCTING BUSINESS

NOSB public meetings in brief: 

 Approximately 3 days long depending on workload 

 Meetings are held in various venues across the country to allow for participation by 

stakeholders that otherwise may not be able to attend due to travel constraints 

 A typical meeting agenda includes presentations by the NOP, presentations of proposals and 

discussion documents by the NOSB Subcommittees, discussion time and votes on each 

proposal, public comment, NOSB officer elections, and a review of work agendas 

Quorum—: As specified in OFPA, a majority of the members of the Board shall 

constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business. [§2119(h)] A majority of the 

members of a Committee, including the Executive Committee,NOSB shall constitute a quorum 

for the purpose of conducting business. (7 USC 6518 (h)). In cases of a medical situation 

preventing attendance in person, a virtual presence is permitted. 

 Decisive votes—: As specified in OFPA, two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast at a meeting of 

the boardNOSB at which a quorum is present shall be decisive of any motion [§2119(i)]. 

Following Robert’s Rules of Order, all(7 USC Section 6518(i)). All abstentions will be 

recorded as such and will not be included as part of the total vote cast. in case of decisive 

votes. Similarly, all BoardNOSB members who recuse themselves due to conflicts of interest, or 

are absent, shall be recorded as such and their votes will not be counted towards the total 

number of votes cast. Both abstentions and recusals will be considered in order to establish a 

quorum.

SECTION III

 

This section focuses on the responsibilities of the NOSB officers, as well as providing the procedures 

for electing officers, components of the Executive Committee and conducting meetings. 

 

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 ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

The Executive Director (ED) of the NOSB is the operational liaison to the National Organic Program. 

The ED is an employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and works with the NOP on behalf of 

the Board on a standing basis. 

NOP

NOSB Executive Director

NOSB

The most important function of the ED is to facilitate the operation of the Board, while 

helping to maintain and strengthen its independence. Other specific functions of the ED 

are: 

 Assist in the implementation of policies, goals, objectives, strategic plans, committee work 

plans, and recommendations set by the NOSB and NOP. 

 Draft initial NOSB meeting agendas with NOSB Chair based on committee work plans for NOSB 

and NOP discussion, then finalizes agenda. 

 Coordinate Board and committee meetings, and manage information reporting and 

communications between Board and NOP. 

 Arrange, facilitate, and document in the form of written minutes the NOSB Committee 

conference calls necessary to achieve the most efficient workings of the Board. Minutes are 

distributed to committees for confirmation of accuracy and approval. Committee minutes must 

fully capture the discussion, reflect the diversity of opinions expressed during meetings in order 

that transparency exist and content remain useful for committee members, board members and 

our stakeholder public. 

 Provide training and information to NOSB and task forces on compliance with all pertinent Acts 

and regulations (e.g., FACA, OFPA, NOP), including their role in advising the Secretary. 

 ESTABLISHES AND MONITORS BOARD ADHERENCE TO TIMELINES 

WHICH ENSURE NOP HAS SUFFICIENT TIME TO PUBLISH RELATED 

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES AND BOARD/COMMITTEE 

RECOMMENDATIONS THAT MEET DEADLINES FOR public comment. 

 Manage Board calendar and tracking databases in a manner that facilitates 

clarity of activities to the Board and the NOP.

 Work as liaison with NOP staff, TAP & technical review contractors and other government 

agencies (e.g., EPA, FDA, AAFCO). 

 ENSURE BOARD MEMBERS HAVE ALL MATERIALS AND INFORMATION 

NECESSARY TO PROVIDE INFORMED, STRUCTURED AND TIMELY 

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE NOP FOR PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AND 

GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS TO NOP REGULATION 7 CFR 205. THIS 

INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF PETITIONS, TAP AND TECHNICAL 

REVIEWS, AND HISTORIC DISCUSSIONS OF SUBSTANCES PROPOSED 

FOR INCLUSION ON THE NATIONAL LIST, AS WELL HISTORIC 

DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ISSUES.

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 Maintain executive committee meeting minutes and committee meeting minutes, 

committee records, reports, transcripts, appendices, working papers, drafts, 

studies, agendas and other documents which were made available to or 

prepared for or by the NOSB or its committees, and make such documents 

available for public inspection and copying at the Agency, electronically via the 

World Wide Web; and/or, upon written request in printed form. 

 Prepare and clear Federal Register Meeting Notice and News Release, ensuring 

publication 45 days prior to meeting. 

 Ensure proposed additions to the National List, or other recommendations, are 

posted on the NOSB website for 45 days prior to an NOSB meeting to allow for 

public comment. 

 Provide accurate, clear pre-meeting information to public regarding questions on 

recommendations. 

 Ensure NOSB members have timely access to public comments. 

 Schedule public comment according to issues, and accommodates commenters’ 

travel schedules, where possible. 

 Ensure that Board members and NOP staff at NOSB meetings have access to 

relevant documents related to petitions, materials due to sunset, technical 

reviews, etc. The format could be electronic (CD version) or hard copy. 

 Track recommendations, changes, and votes during meeting to ensure accurate 

meeting transcripts. 

 Assist the NOSB Officers as needed, including scheduling and participating in 

Officer calls, and assisting the Secretary during Board meetings in managing 

public comments, summary of minutes, committee votes, election of officers, 

Board meeting breaks. Also stays apprised and assist as needed in committee 

meetings scheduled before, during and after Board meetings. 

 

 OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES 

Three principal officers – Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary – guide the Board. 

Chair 

The Chair is responsible to assure the integrity of the Board process, including effectiveness of 

meetings and the board’s adherence to its own rules. The Chair shall: 

 Schedule meetings of the Board and the Executive Committee; 

 Draft meeting agendas in consultation with committee chairs and NOP staff; 

 CONVENE AND PRESIDE AT MEETINGS; 

 Review committee work plans; 

 Review meeting minutes for accuracy, and 

 Assist with the annual election of NOSB officers. 

Vice Chair 

The Vice Chair shall act in the absence of the Chair. The Vice Chair shall serve as a member of the 

Policy Development Committee, and work collaboratively with the PDC’s members on the 

maintenance and upkeep of the Policy and Procedures Manual. 

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Secretary 

The Secretary will work with the NOP Executive Director (ED) to assist in maintaining the integrity of 

all legal and governing documents of the Board. It is the Secretary’s responsibility to help the ED: 

 Make sure official NOSB transcripts are posted for the public; 

 Record all committee votes at NOSB meetings and circulate to the NOSB for approval; 

 Review all additions to the Federal Register to report any discrepancies between Board 

recommendations and those published in the Federal Register; 

 Transfer custody of the Board’s vote records to the Secretary’s successor, and 

 Assist with the annual election of NOSB officers. 

The Secretary may delegate tasks to others, but retains responsibility for the official record. 

Administrative Team 

The Administrative Team consists of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Executive 

Director. This group may meet on a weekly basis or as needed by teleconference or 

correspond by email in order to coordinate the overall logistics and operations of the 

board, the officer responsibilities noted above, and the overall support provided to the 

Board by the Executive Director. 

A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 

 

A. NOMINATION 

 

 All INTERESTED NOSB MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION FOR 

ANY OFFICER POSITION. 

 CANDIDATES MAY BE SELF-NOMINATED OR NOMINATED BY ANOTHER 

MEMBER OF THE BOARD. 

 SHOULD THE CHAIR, VICE CHAIR, OR SECRETARY RESIGN OR FAIL TO 

SERVE THE FULL TERM, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL APPOINT AN 

INTERIM OFFICER. 

 THE INTERIM OFFICER SHALL SERVE IN THE CAPACITY UNTIL THE NEXT 

REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD, DURING WHICH AN 

ELECTION WILL BE HELD TO FILL THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM. 

 MEMBERS INTERESTED IN SERVING MORE THAN ONE CONSECUTIVE TERM 

IN AN OFFICER POSITION CAN IF THE BOARD IS IN FAVOR; HOWEVER IT IS 

RECOMMENDED THAT AN OFFICER NOT SERVE FOR MORE THAN TWO 

CONSECUTIVE TERMS. 

 

 B. VOTING SCHEDULE 

 

 OFFICERS SHALL BE ELECTED FOR TERMS OF ONE YEAR BY MAJORITY 

VOTE AT THE ANNUAL FALL MEETING OF THE BOARD. 

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 NEWLY APPOINTED OFFICERS WILL ASSUME THEIR POSITIONS AT THE 

CONCLUSION OF THE FALL BOARD MEETING PURSUANT TO THE 

ELECTION. 

 ACTING BOARD OFFICERS WILL ASSIST THE NEW OFFICERS TO 

TRANSITION INTO THEIR NEW ROLE. 

C. ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE 

 ONLY NOSB BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR 

NOMINATED OFFICERS. 

 ABSENT NOSB MEMBERS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE. 

 BOARD MEMBERS SHALL BE ENTITLED TO CAST ONE VOTE PER 

NOMINATION. 

D. COUNTING OF VOTES 

 VOTING WILL BE BY BALLOT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING NOMINATIONS 

FOR EACH OFFICE. 

 Ballots for officers will be cast in the following order: 

1. Chair 

2. VICE-CHAIR 

3. SECRETARY 

 

 THE BALLOTS WILL BE COUNTED FOR ONE OFFICE AND THE ACTING 

CHAIR WILL ANNOUNCE THE TALLY BEFORE THE NEXT OFFICE IS OPENED 

FOR NOMINATIONS 

 THE ACTING SECRETARY WILL PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE THE BALLOTS 

AND WILL GATHER THE VOTES BY SECRET BALLOT. 

 THE ACTING CHAIR WILL TALLY THE VOTES AFTER EACH OFFICER 

NOMINATION AND THE ACTING SECRETARY WILL VERIFY THE VOTE 

RESULTS. 

 THE CANDIDATE RECEIVING THE LARGEST NUMBER OF VOTES WILL BE 

ELECTED. 

 IN THE EVENT OF A TIE THERE WILL BE A REVOTE UNTIL A NOMINEE 

OBTAINS MAJORITY. ALL NOMINEES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE REVOTE

OR MAY BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY THE WITHDRAW AT THEIR 

DISCRETION. . 

 MEMBER VOTE COUNTS WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL. OTHER NOSB 

MEMBERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DETERMINE HOW THE MEMBERS 

VOTED. 

 VOTES WILL BE DISPOSED OF BY THE CHAIR OR SECRETARY. 

Calculation of Decisive Votes 

# Votes Cast # Recusals and 

Abstentions 2/3 Majority*

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C. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES 

The NOSB adopted the use of Robert’s Rules of Order in March 1992, but modified its use as 

only a non-mandatory guide in May 1993. Roberts Rules may be adapted to meet the special 

requirements of a group. Because the NOSB is also subject to the OFPA, FACA and USDA, a 

designated NOP staff member may act as an informal Parliamentarian to advise the Chair.

D. NOSB DELIBERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

Board actions include but are not limited to: adoption of a proposal as presented by the 

Subcommittee, non-substantive amendments* and then adoption of a proposal, rejection of a 

proposal, or referral of the proposal back to Subcommittee for further development. 

* Substantive vs. non-substantive amendments. 

The following criteria shall be considered when determining if a proposal will be amended at the 

NOSB meeting, or must be referred back to Subcommittee and resubmitted for the next Board 

meeting. The DFO or designee will determine whether a proposed amendment to a proposal is 

substantive. 

 The extent to which a reasonable person affected by the recommendation would have 

understood that the published proposal would affect his or her interests 

 The extent to which the subject of the recommendation or the issues determined in it are 

substantially different from the subject or issues involved in the proposal 

 The ACTING SECRETARY WILL RECORD NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS INTO 

THE NOSB MEETING SUMMARYEXTENT TO WHICH THE EFFECTS of MINUTES. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

 

 The Executive Committeethe recommendation differ from the effects of the NOSB 

shall be comprised of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and the chairs of the 

standing committees. The Executive Committee, with participation of the 

NOP, shall meet monthly, as needed, or as called by the Chair, and shall 

conduct business on behalf of the Board. Only the full Board may take 

decisive action on guidance and other policy recommendations from 

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committees, including the status of materials proposed for addition or deletion 

on the National List. The Executive Committee will provide guidance and 

feedback to Committees on their proposed work plans.proposal

 

MEETINGS 

 

All Board meetings, conference calls, and bulletin board assembled for the purpose of making 

recommendations to the NOP are subject to FACA (see appendix B for FACA facts), In particular, 

these must be open to the public and must meet public notification requirements. Not all meetings 

are subject to FACA and do not require public notification. Examples are: assemblies for completing 

work, planning retreats, training and sharing information. At this time, full Board conference calls or 

full Board assembly via electronic bulletin board are not permitted. The date and location of 

periodic full in person Board Meetings (normally twice a year), will to the extent possible, be set by 

consensus of the Board in consultation with the NOP. 

 

 SECTION IV 

BOARD COMMITTEES

 

Committees play an important role in administering the Board’s responsibilities. Committees exist to 

provide greater depth and clarity in the Board’s responsibility to make informed decisions. For 

example, at the request of the Secretary seeking advice on a matter related to the NOP, the full 

Board may request that a committee conduct research and analysis or draft proposed 

recommendations to be considered by the full Board. Except for the Executive Committee, no 

committees are authorized to act in place of the Board. Committees are empowered to analyze 

information and bring draft recommendations to the Board for action. 

 

Committee chairs are appointed by the Board Chair. The current standing committees are: 

 Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance 

 Crops 

 Handling 

 Livestock 

 Materials 

 Policy Development 

The Livestock Committee, the Crops Committee and the Handling Committee will each have cochairs. One co-chair will guide all committee discussion and will oversee the committee’s work plan. 

The other co-chair will be responsible for the committee’s consideration of materials and will serve 

as the liaison to the Materials Committee. 

 

1. Committee recommendations are finalized by the NOSB according to the following process: 

2. Committee drafts the recommendation. 

3. Draft recommendation is posted for public comment. 

4. Public comments are considered by committee when making recommendation to the Board. 

5. Board takes action on the recommendation 
Board actions may include adoption of the recommendation as presented by the committee, 

amending and then adopting the recommendation, rejecting the recommendation, or referring the 

recommendation back to committee for further development. 

 

COMMITTEE MEETINGS 

 

Committees may hold meetings via telephone conference calls. Two weeks’ notice should be 

provided in scheduling such calls. The date and time set for the call is a product of committee dialog 

regarding the most conducive schedule. This dialog may occur on a previous conference call or 

through E-mail. All E-mail requests for meeting times should allow 48 hours to respond. 

 

Emergency calls may be scheduled with less notice only after each member is contacted to reach a 

consensus on time and date of the meeting. If the members do not respond to E-mail requests, the 

chair or their designee must contact the member by phone. 

 

STANDING COMMITTEES 

Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance Committee (CACC) The Certification, Accreditation, 

and Compliance Committee drafts recommendations for consideration by the Board to provide 

guidance, clarification or proposed standards of certification, accreditation and compliance sections 

of the organic regulations [7CFR Part 205] and OFPA. The CACC occasionally works with other 

committees to develop joint recommendations where certification and compliance issues are 

involved. 

 

Crops Committee (CC) The Crops Committee drafts recommendations for consideration by the 

Board to provide guidance, clarification or proposed standards of the crop production section of the 

organic regulations as contained in [7CFR Part 205] and OFPA. The CC reviews petitions, substances 

scheduled to sunset, technical advisory panel reports, and public comments concerning materials 

used for crop production which have been requested for addition to or removal from the National 

List. The CC occasionally works with other committees to develop joint recommendations where 

crop issues are involved. 

 

Handling Committee (HC) The Handling Committee makes draft recommendations for 

consideration by the Board to provide guidance, clarification or proposed standards of the handling 

and labeling sections of the organic regulations as contained in [7CFR Part 205] and OFPA. The HC 

reviews petitions, substances scheduled to sunset, technical advisory panel reports and public 

comments concerning materials used for processing and handling which have been requested for 

addition to or removal from the National List. The HC occasionally works with other committees to 

develop joint recommendations where handling issues are involved. 

Livestock Committee (LC) The Livestock Committee drafts recommendations for consideration 

by the Board to provide guidance, clarification or proposed standards of the livestock and livestock 

feed sections of the organic regulations as contained in [7CFR Part 205] and OFPA. The LC reviews 

petitions, substances scheduled to sunset, technical advisory panel reports and public comments 

concerning materials used for livestock production which have been requested for addition to or 

removal from the National List. The LC occasionally works with other committees to develop joint 

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recommendations where livestock issues are involved. 

Materials Committee (MC) The Materials Committee drafts recommendations for consideration 

by the Board to provide guidance, clarification or proposed standards of the National List section of 

the organic regulations as contained in [7CFR Part 205] and OFPA. The MC works with the NOP, 

NOSB Committees and TAP Contractors in managing the Materials Review Process including tracking 

petitions, sufficiency reports, materials scheduled to sunset and sunset review process In addition to 

a chair appointed by the Board Chair, the MC shall include in its membership one of the co-chairs 

from each of the Livestock, Crops, and Handling committees. Other members may be appointed as 

needed. The MC occasionally works with other committees to develop joint recommendations 

where materials are involved. 

Policy Development Committee (PDC) The Policy Development Committee makes draft 

recommendations for consideration by the Board to provide guidance, clarification or proposed 

standards of Board operations, policies and procedures. The PDC maintains the content and updates 

to the NOSB Policy and Procedures Manual (in collaboration with the NOSB Vice Chair) and New 

Member Guide. The PDC occasionally works with other committees to develop joint 

recommendations where policy issues are involved. 

A. TASK FORCES 

As determined by the Board or Executive Committee, task forces shall be appointed to 

explore specific issues and present draft recommendations to the Board or to a 

committee. Task forces may include non-Board members of the public. Each task force 

shall include at least one member of the NOSB. Minutes shall be taken of task force 

meetings. Each task force shall submit a final report to the Board. Each task force shall 

be disbanded when its work has concluded or when the Board determines the task 

force is no longer necessary. 

Procedure for submitting final recommendations to NOP 

Within 30 days after the completion of the NOSB meeting all final 

AD HOC COMMITTEES 

At the discretion of the NOSB Chairperson, with approval of the Executive Committee, an ad hoc 

NOSB committee may be formed to develop policy and guidance on specific issues that involve 

multiple standing committee jurisdictions, or for issues or tasks that are very large and require 

additional resources to complete. Ad hoc committees may be comprised only of current NOSB 

members, and could either be a combination of two or more standing committees to form a “joint” 

committee, or could be a totally new committee comprised of selected NOSB members from various 

standing committees. Ad-hoc committees can be dissolved at the recommendation of the NOSB 

chairperson with the approval of the executive committee. The position of the ad-hoc committee 

chairperson is a non-voting member of the executive committee. 

 SECTION V 

 

This section defines the responsibilities of the different committee chairs and respective vice chairs. 

It also provides indications on writing committee recommendations and presenting such 

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recommendations for vote at NOSB meetings, Lastly, this section covers general and specific 

collaboration procedures between NOSB and NOP. 

 DUTIES OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS 

Committee chairs are responsible for the following duties: 

 Schedule committee meetings as needed. 

 Draft committee meeting agendas and work plans in consultation with committee members, the 

Executive Committee, and NOP staff. 

 Convene and preside committee meetings. 

 Ensure committee meeting minutes are recorded. 

 Review committee meeting minutes for accuracy. 

 Report actions of the committee to the Board. 

 Name a committee vice-chair. 

 Serve as mentor/trainer for new committee chair during transition periods. 

Committee chairs shall not act unilaterally, especially concerning issues which involve statutory 

responsibilities of the Board. 

 DUTIES OF COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIRS 

Committee vice-chairs are responsible for the following duties: 

 Provide support in developing and completing committee work plans. 

 Assist in reviewing of committee meeting minutes for accuracy. 

 Represent the committee chair in the absence of the chair. 

 Vice Chairs of the Crops, Livestock and Handling Committees will serve on the Materials 

Committee as liaison for reviewing all petitioned substances. 

Committee vice-chairs shall not act unilaterally, especially concerning issues which involve statutory 

responsibilities of the Board. 

 PROCEDURES FOR THE TRANSITION OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS, 

VICE-CHAIRS, AND MEMBERS 

Committee Chairs, Vice-Chairs and members shall be appointed to serve annually by 

the Chair of the Board. The annual committee term shall be concurrent with the oneyear term established by the Secretary (beginning on January 24 and ending on the 

following January 23). Newly appointed Chairs, Vice-Chairs and committee members 

will assume their positions at the beginning of the new term, after a period of orientation 

and mentorship provided by the outgoing Chair, Vice-Chair, and members. 
In order to avoid disruption in the quality and volume of work produced by the NOSB, the 

appointment of committee chairs will follow these procedures during the following transition times: 

AFTER ELECTION OF NOSB OFFICERS AT FALL NOSB MEETING: 

 APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS 

THE BOARD CHAIR SHOULD APPOINT COMMITTEE CHAIRS FROM 

MEMBERS WITH AT LEAST ONE YEAR OF NOSB EXPERIENCE, IDEALLY. IT IS 

RECOMMENDED THAT A NEW COMMITTEE CHAIR SHOULD HAVE 

EXPERIENCE AS COMMITTEE VICE-CHAIR. 

 Appointment of Committee Vice-Chairs 

A Committee Vice-Chair shall be appointed by the Committee Chair and should be 

someone who has expressed to the Chair of the Committee interest in eventually 

serving as Committee Chair. 

 Time Frame for Appointments 

Committee Chairs shall be appointed as Incoming Chairs in not more than 30 days 

after the newly elected NOSB Chair takes office (or continues in office), and 

incoming Vice-Chairs shall be appointed by Committee Chairs in no more than two 

weeks after that. 

 Exchange of Committee Files 

Upon appointment, new and outgoing Committee Chairs should have a formal 

meeting to exchange all files related to the committee’s work and to complete the 

first committee work plan under the new committee leadership. 

 Review of Committee Files 

New Committee Chairs should review all work plan items and active files involving 

committee work. 

 Mentorship Period 

The Incoming Chair and Vice-Chair of each committee shall participate in an 

orientation and mentorship period with the outgoing Chair and Vice-Chair of their 

committee until being seated in their positions at the beginning of the new term on 

January 24.

After the Appointment of the New NOSB Members (prior to January 24): 

 New Committee Member Appointments 

New incoming committee members shall be appointed by the Board Chair, in 

consultation with the outgoing and incoming committee Chairs, no more than two 

weeks after the appointment of the new NOSB members by the Secretary, with the 

Chair seeking and taking into account the expressed member interest, expertise, 

background, as well as new board composition. 

 Communication with Newly Appointed Members 

Once appointed, incoming committee members shall be included in all emails 

pertaining to the committee assignments. 

 Attendance at Committee Meetings and Fall NOSB Meeting 

New incoming members of the committee should participate in observer status in 

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committee meetings upon their appointment, and should be encouraged to attend 

the Fall Board meeting. 

 New Member Mentorship 

The Board Chair, to facilitate an effective transition for new members of the Board 

and ensure effective participation in committee and board deliberations, shall ask 

incoming Board members to identify a mentor from existing Board members as soon 

after their appointment as possible, but no later than two weeks, or, if the Board 

member prefers or the Board member takes no action, the Board Chair shall assign 

a mentor in same time frame. 

Between Board Appointments and Fall Board Meeting: 

 Changing Committee Appointments 

If a Board member would like to change committees, either adding to or stepping 

down from his/her assignments, a request shall be made to the Board Chair. If the 

request does not alter the preferred number of committee members in the range of 

five to seven, the expectation is that the request will be approved, unless the Board 

Chair states in writing that such change will interfere with the functioning of the 

committee. The Chair’s determination should be made in consultation with Committee 

Chairs and the Executive Committee. 

 Filling Vacancy of Committee Chair and/or Vice-Chair 

In the case of a vacancy in the positions of Committee Chair, the Committee ViceChair shall assume the Committee Chair position and the new Committee Chair shall 

appoint a new Vice-Chair in accordance with the consultation procedures cited 

above. 

 PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING COMMITTEE 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Developing committee recommendations follows these broad steps: 

1. THE COMMITTEE PREPARES A RECOMMENDATION OR DISCUSSION 

DOCUMENT AS AGREED TO IN THE COMMITTEE WORK PLAN (SEE P. 32 

PPM). 

2. THE RECOMMENDATION OR DISCUSSIONS DOCUMENT IS POSTED FOR 

PUBLIC COMMENT. 

3. DURING THE BOARD MEETING, THE COMMITTEE PRESENTS ITS 

RECOMMENDATION FOR DISCUSSION BY THE FULL BOARD. 

4. AT ANY POINT IN THE PROCESS PRIOR TO THE BOARD’S VOTE ON THE 

STATUS OF THE RECOMMENDATION, THE PRESENTING COMMITTEE MAY 

CONVENE AND VOTE TO WITHDRAW ITS RECOMMENDATION, BASED ON 

APPROVAL OF THIS ACTION BY THE MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE 

COMMITTEE. 
5. ONCE PRESENTED, THE BOARD VOTES ON THE COMMITTEE 

RECOMMENDATION. 

In order to be considered a voting item, all recommendations must be submitted to the 

NOP at least forty five (45) days prior to a scheduled NOSB meeting. This time is 

needed in order to allow the Program to publish a meeting notice and allow for 

public comment. using the following procedure: 

The Board may takeEach proposal lead prepares the following actions for each 

committee documents: 

o A recommendation: cover sheet (See Member Guide). The cover sheet should 

contain all appropriate information, including the vote recorded at the meeting. 

(The NOP can provide the voting record)

1. Adopt the recommendation as presented by the committee; 

2. Amend and adopt the amended recommendation; 

3. Reject the recommendation; or 

4. Refer the recommendation back to the committee for further development. 

Writing Committee Recommendations 

This section provides an outline to be used by committees in writing a recommendation document. 

These guidelines not only allow consistency in the content of NOSB recommendations, but should 

also provide the NOSB, and the public, a fast manner to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of 

a proposal. 

Recommendations not related to material petitions or sunset reviews, should include the following 

sections: 

I. Introduction: 

This section consists of a brief summary of the recommendation, its main issues and its relevance to 

the organic community. This section should also mention the goals and intent of the proposed 

recommendation. 

II. Background: 

This section should present the issues that justify the development of the recommendation as well 

as any relevant work done by the NOSB in the past. 

III. Relevant areas in the Rule: 

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This section should mention any areas of the Rule or OFPA which provide the basis for the 

recommendation. 

IV. Discussion: 

This section should be used to expand on the intent of the recommendation. It is also a place to 

emphasize the SWOT of the recommendation (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). No 

recommendation is 100% perfect and this section can serve to clarify the tradeoffs and advantages 

of a recommendation. Thus, it is advisable to mention all major alternatives reviewed by the 

committee. If appropriate, different stakeholders groups should be identified indicating how each 

group’s needs are met or affected. 

V. Recommendation: 

This is the core, or deliverable, of the recommendation. 

VI. Committee Vote: 

This section should present the names of the members who moved and second the motion to 

approve the recommendation. As a norm, a motion should always be presented in the 

affirmative. In the case of recommendations for petitions to add materials to the National List, 

two votes should be taken and recorded, the first for a synthetic or non-synthetic material 

classification, and the second to list or not list the material. The record should list the number of 

synthetic and non-synthetic votes, yes and no votes for listing, and the number of abstentions 

and absences. 
Minority opinion: 

If applicable, the dissenting opinion(s) of committee or task force members shall be reported. A 

member of a committee can present a minority report to the committee recommendation. Such 

document should include reasons for opposing a proposed recommendation and cite where the 

opposition points are in the recommendation. In addition, the minority report could, provide 

alternative approaches or solutions from those given in the recommendation, or recommend an 

amendment to the recommendation. The minority opinion will be included as a separate document 

at the end of the recommendation. 

Recommendations related to material petitions or sunset reviews, should include the following 

sections: 

I. List: This section identifies the placing of the material under review within the National List. Any 

annotations related to the material should be included. 

II. Committee Summary: This section should present a brief background of the material under review 

highlighting its uses and past NOSB decisions. It should include a short description of any current 

research done by the committee (e.g., review of technical reports, individual investigation, etc.) and 

should provide a description of the main arguments supporting the committee’s final decision. This 

section should mention any areas of the Rule or OFPA which provide the basis for the 

recommendation. 

III. Committee Recommendation: The committee recommendation should be stated clearly here 

including any corresponding annotation. 

IV. Committee Vote: This section should present the names of the members who moved and second 

the motion to approve the recommendation and vote count. As a norm, a motion for a petitioned 

material or sunset review should always be presented in the affirmative. 

Minority opinion: 

Presenting Committee Recommendations at NOSB Meetings 

NOSB committees and task forces will follow the outline presented below in order to present draft 

policy and/or material recommendations for consideration by the Board: 

I. Introduction: A brief summary of the issue or statement of the problem. 

II. Background: An explanation with sufficient detail and rationale to support a proposed 

recommendation, including reasons why the recommendation should be adopted, historical 

context, and the regulatory framework pertinent to the issue. 

III. Recommendation: The concise text of the recommended action. 

IV. Committee vote: The vote of the committee or task force shall be reported. In the 

case of recommendations for petitions to add materials to the National list, two votes will 

be recorded, one for synthetic or non-synthetic material classification, and the other for 

listing or not. 

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V. Minority opinion: If applicable, the dissenting opinion(s) of committee or task force members shall be 

reported. 

 

 NOSB-NOP COLLABORATION 

 

The Organic Foods Production Act (6518 (a)) directed the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a 

National Organic Standards Board to assist in the development of standards for substances to be 

used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation 

of the Act. In 6503 (a) of the Act, the Secretary was directed to establish an organic certification 

program. The National Organic Program (NOP) has become the governmental institution to 

accomplish this and is the means through which the NOSB provides advice and assistance to the 

Secretary of Agriculture. 

The mutual goals to advance the integrity of organic products, principles and products can best be 

accomplished through team work and cooperation between the NOSB and the NOP and is 

implemented regularly through two-way feedback by the NOSB Executive Director and periodically 

at the Executive Committee’s monthly calls. Especially at these calls, NOSB committee work plans 

and priorities are discussed and NOP requests and opinions are aired. 

 

An effective collaboration process between the NOP and the NOSB should ensure that NOP receives 

NOSB input and feedback, and vice versa. The process can be complicated due to several factors 

like the following: 

 The NOSB is a FACA advisory committee, and as such, must conduct business in the open, under 

the requirements of P.L. 94-409, also known as “Government in the Sunshine Act” (5 

U.S.C.552b). 

 The USDA cannot delegate its authority as a regulatory body to private citizens, even when 

those private citizens are appointed by the Secretary to provide advice. However, the NOSB has 

unique statutory authority related to the determination of materials as approved or prohibited 

substances for inclusion on the National List. 

 The NOSB cannot direct USDA or bind the Secretary through its actions; for example, it cannot 

obligate funds, contract, or initiate policies on its own accord. 

Several collaboration approaches may be required depending on the type of issue faced by the 

Board. Below are descriptions of the most common situations faced by the NOSB. In all cases, the 

end product should be a recommendation by the Board to the NOP and each recommendation 

should be accompanied by a cover sheet illustrated in figure 1. 

1. Materials proposed to be added to or removed from the National List. 

The NOSB has the statutory authority to consider and recommend materials for addition to, or 

deletion from, the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances, or to add, remove, or 

modify annotations restricting the use of such listed materials. 

2. Recommendation for modification of existing standards or new standards. 

The NOSB will use the decision making procedures outlined in Section VIII to justify modifying 

existing standards or proposing new standards. The NOP may request that the NOSB develop 
recommendations for new or existing standards. The request should be in writing and should 

include a statement of the problem to be addressed, background, including the current policy or 

situation, statuatory/ regulatory authority, legal situation, and desired timeframe for receiving 

the recommendation. The request will be posted on the NOP web site.

o Providing adviceThe proposal that was voted on NOP policyat the meeting 

The proposal leads will forward the documents to the appropriate Subcommittee Chair 

who will review them for accuracy and interpretationcompleteness, sign and date 

them, and then forward them to the Board Chair and the DFO/ACS. 

E. PUBLIC COMMENT 

The NOP and NOSB encourage public comment and work collaboratively to increase 

opportunities for greater participation by a broad range of standards. 

An examples people, employing various modes of communication and modern technology 

whenever possible. Individuals may present oral comment at either a pre-meeting 

electronic webinar or at the in-person NOSB meeting. 

Before Public Meetings: 

3. Written comment: All members of the public are: NOSB providing encouraged to submit 

public comment in writing according to the Federal Register Notice. Written submissions: allow 

NOSB members the opportunity to read comments on specific actions by the NOP, such as the 

yeast and compost policies.in advance, eliminate or decrease the need for paper copies to be 

distributed during the meeting and allow each NOSB member to review and analyze data and 

information well ahead of the public meeting and possible voting. 

4. Compliance and Enforcement. 

The NOP is responsible for compliance and enforcement. The NOP welcomes NOSB input on 

standards, but NOSB involvement in active investigations or enforcement actions is not 

appropriate. As timely and appropriate, the NOP reports to NOSB on the status of enforcement 

actions and also posts the status on the NOP web site. 

5. Management Review. 

NOSB may review the quality management system and internal audits to ensure that the NOP is 

managed effectively and efficiently. For example, the NOSB has a role to play in terms of seeing that 

corrective actions with OIG are completed. 

In all the above situations, FACA procedures must be carefully followed to provide transparency and 

necessary public input. 

The primary means of collaboration will be through NOP participation in Executive Committee (EC) 

and Standing Committee calls. The NOP Deputy Administrator or designee will participate in all EC 

calls. The NOSB Executive Director (ED) will participate in all NOSB calls as described in the ED duties 

in the PPM. Upon request and mutual agreement, the Deputy Administrator will participate in 

Standing Committee calls. In addition, each Standing Committee will be assigned an NOP staff 

person to provide additional technical, legal, and logistical support. 

Work plans for action items are developed for each upcoming public board meeting. This is the 

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mode for developing recommendations and discussion documents. Work plan procedures are 

described in detail in Section VIII, page 32. The proposed work plans are presented and discussed at 

each public board meeting, but may be revised based on comments and Board priorities and 

resources. 

NOP publicly made requests at board meetings are important considerations in the development of 

Committee work plan. These NOP requests to NOSB will be followed up in writing stating the 

problem to be addressed, background, statutory authority and the time frame for response. The 

proposed Committee Work plans will be reviewed at the next EC call following the Board meeting, 

with participation by the NOP Deputy Administrator. This participation in the development of work 

plans is vital for effective NOSB/NOP collaboration. Due to change in circumstances, these work 

plans may need to be revised prior to the posting of the final agenda of the upcoming Board 

meeting. Committee work plan changes will be done in consultation and full knowledge of the EC 

and NOP.
Figure 1: Form Used to Submit NOSB Final Recommendations to the NOP

(Non Materials Recommendations) 

 

Formal Recommendation by the 

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) 

to the National Organic Program (NOP)

Date: __________

Subject: __________

Chair: __________

 

 

The NOSB hereby recommends to the NOP the following: 

Rulemaking Action __________

Guidance Statement __________

Other __________

Statement of the Recommendation (Including Recount of Vote): 

 

Rationale Supporting Recommendation (including consistency with 

OFPA and NOP): 

Committee Vote:

Moved: __________ Second: __________

Yes: __ No: __ Abstain: __ Absent: __ Recusal: __
 

 SECTION VI 

MISCELLANEOUS POLICIES 

 

NOSB Policy for Presenters Invited by Committees 

 

 Need for presentation established within the appropriate committee by the committee chairperson. 

 The committee chairperson should notify the NOSB Chair with a request to issue an invitation at 

least 45 days prior to meeting. Exceptions are at the discretion of the NOSB Chair. 

 Presenter(s) must be invited by committee chair and/or NOSB Chair and approved by the NOSB 

Chair. 

 Reason(s) for presentation, subject area and bio/resume of presenter(s) to be circulated via email to 

entire board at least 2 weeks prior to meeting. 

 Invited presenter(s) must provide objective information. 

 Presenter(s) cannot be a petitioner on the topic under discussion. 

 Presenter(s) must disclose any actual or perceived conflict of interest including information 

concerning who provided funding for the presentation. 

 

NOSB Policy for Surveys Conducted on Behalf of NOSB Committees 

1. All surveys, including electronic surveys, conducted in the name of any NOSB Committee, must be 

approved by the NOSB Executive Committee before they are submitted for approval to USDA, which 

must submit for approval to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and 

2. A written report summarizing the results of the survey must be submitted to the full Board and the 

NOP as soon as possible after completion. 

Public Comment at NOSB

Oral Comments 

Oral comments: May be received via a virtual meeting/webinar. Public notice of such electronic 

meetings will be included in the Federal Register notice announcing the public meeting. Such 

electronic pre-meetings may allow individuals more time to present their data or information, 

reduce the need to attend the public meeting in person, reduce our carbon footprint, and give 

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the NOSB more time to absorb the information. Such electronic meetings shall be recorded and 

made available to the public and to NOSB members. 

Comments at In-Person Public Meetings:

 All persons wishing to comment at NOSB meetings during public comment periods must, in 

general, sign-up in advance per the instructions in the Federal Register Notice for the 

meeting. However, the NOSB will attempt to accommodate all persons 

requesting public comment time. Persons requesting time after the closing date in the 

Meeting Notice, or during last minute sign-up at the meeting, will be placed on a waiting list 

and will be considered at the discretion of the NOP working closely with the NOSB Chair and 

will depend on availability of time. 

 All presenters are encouraged to submit public comment in writing according to the Federal 

Register Notice. AdvanceWritten submissions allow NOSB members the opportunity to 

read comments in advance electronically, and decreases the need for paper copies to be 

distributed during the meeting. 

 Persons will be called upon to speak according to a posted schedule. However speakers 

should allow for some flexibility. Persons called upon who are absent from the room could 

potentially miss their opportunity for public comment. 

 Time allotment for public comment per person will be four (4) minutes, with the options of 

reducing to a minimum of three (3) and extending to a maximum of five (5) minutes at the 

discretion of the NOP, working closely with the NOSB Chair in advance of the meeting. 

 Persons must give their names and affiliations for the record at the beginning of their public 

comment. 

 Proxy speakers are not permitted. 

 Persons must give their names and affiliations for the record at the beginning 

of their public comment. 

 Proxy speakers are not permitted. 

 Public comment requestscomments may be scheduled according to topic. 

 Individuals providing public comment willshall refrain from making any personal attacks 

and fromor remarks that otherwisemight impugn the character of any individual. 

 Members of the public are asked to define clearly and succinctly the issues they wish to 

present before the Board. This will give NOSB members a comprehensible understanding of 

the speaker’s concerns.

 Members of the public are asked to define clearly and succinctly the issues 

they wish to present before the Board. This will give NOSB members a 

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comprehensible understanding of the speaker’s concerns.

Adopted October 17 2012; 15 yes, 0 no, 0 absent, 0 abstain, 0 recuse 

 

Policy for Public Communication between NOSB Meetings. 

 (Adopted April 11, 2013)

The NOSB and NOP seek public communication outside of Board biannual meetings

and public comment periods to inform the NOSB and NOP of stakeholders’ interests,

and to comment on the NOSB’s and NOP’s work activities year around.

F. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 

Nominations 

 Any NOSB member is eligible for consideration for any officer position 

 An NOSB member may self-nominate or may be nominated by another member of the 

NOSB 

 Should the Chair, Vice Chair, or Secretary resign or fail to serve the full term, the Executive 

Subcommittee shall appoint an interim officer. The interim officer shall serve in that 

capacity until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOSB, during which an election 

will be held to fill the remainder of the term 

 Members may serve more than one term in any officer position.

Voting schedule 

 Officers shall be elected for one-year terms by majority vote at the fall NOSB meeting. 

 Newly elected officers will assume their positions at the conclusion of the fall NOSB 

meeting, and assume the responsibilities thereof at that time 

 Outgoing NOSB officers will assist the incoming officers with the transition into their new 

roles, to be completed no later than January 23rd of the following year. 

 Counting of Votes 

 Voting will be by secret ballot immediately following nominations for each office 

 Ballots for officers will be cast in the following order: 

1. Chair 

2. Vice Chair 

3. Secretary 

 Ballots will be counted for one office and the Secretary will announce the tally before the 

next office is opened for nominations 

 The Secretary and Vice chair will prepare and distribute the ballots, then collect them after 

each vote 

 The Secretary will tally the votes after each officer nomination and the Chair will verify the 

results 

 The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected 

 In the event of a tie there will be a revote until a nominee obtains a majority. All nominees 

will be included in the revote or may be given the opportunity to withdraw at their 

discretion 

 Votes will remain confidential, and ballots will be disposed of by the Chair or Secretary. 

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G. MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES 

 

1. Invited Speakers 

 Subcommittees, the NOSB or the NOP may identify the need for presentations and 

speakers regarding subjects of interest or concern to be addressed at NOSB meetings. 

 Requests must be made by the NOSB chair to the NOP no less than 60 days prior to the 

target NOSB meeting. 

 Speakers must be approved and invited by the NOP. 

If approved by the NOP, the purpose for the presentation, the subject area and the 

bio/resume of speaker(s) should be circulated via email to the entire Board at least 2 

weeks prior to the Board meeting. 

Current petitioners cannot be invited to be speakers about the topic under discussion, 

unless invited by the NOSB Chair. 

Speakers are expected to disclose any financial interests that he or she has that can be 

reasonably assumed to influence his or her presentation content. 

2. Surveys Conducted on Behalf of NOSB Subcommittees 

 All surveys, including electronic surveys, conducted on behalf of the NOSB, must be 

approved by the NOSB Executive Subcommittee before they are submitted for approval 

to USDA, and 

 A written report summarizing the results of the survey must be submitted to the full 

Board and the NOP as soon as possible after completion.

IX. REVISIONS TO THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL 

 The PDS will review the PPM each year and, working in collaboration with the NOP, determine if 

any updates are necessary. 

 Proposed changes will be subject to review and approval by the NOP and the full NOSB. 

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APPENDICES Adopted April 11 2013; 15 yes, 0 no, 0 absent, 0 abstain, 0 recuse 

 SECTION VII 

 

X.

A. Appendix 1: FOUNDATIONS 

1. NOSB PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND HANDLING 

 

(NOSB Recommendation Adopted October 17, 2001)

1.1 1.1 Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and 

enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the use of 

management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that 

regional conditions require locally adapted systems. These goals are met, where possible, 

through the use of cultural, biological, and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic 

materials to fulfill specific functions within the system. 

1.2 

1.2 An organic production system is designed to: 

1.2.1 Optimize soil biological activity; 

1.2.2 Maintain long-term fertility; 

1.2.3 Minimize soil erosion; 

1.2.4 Maintain or enhance the genetic and biological diversity of the production system and 

its surroundings; 

1.2.5 Utilize production methods and breeds or varieties that are well adapted to the region; 

1.2.6 Recycle materials of plant and animal origin in order to return nutrients to the land, thus 

minimizing the use of non-renewable resources; 

1.2.7 Minimize pollution of soil, water, and air; and 

1.2.8 Become established on an existing farm or field through a period of conversion 

(transition), during which no prohibited materials are applied and an organic plan is 

implemented. 

1.3 The basis for organic livestock production is the development of a harmonious relationship 

between land, plants, and livestock, and respect for the physiological and behavioral needs of 

livestock. This is achieved by: 

1.3.1 Providing good quality organically grown feed; 

1.3.2 Maintaining appropriate stocking rates; 

1.3.3 Designing husbandry systems adapted to the species' needs; 

1.3.4 Promoting animal health and welfare while minimizing stress; and 

1.3.5 Avoiding the routine use of chemical allopathic veterinary drugs, including antibiotics.

 

1.4 Organic handling practices are based on the following principles: 

1.4.1 Organic processors and handlers implement organic good manufacturing and handling 

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practices in order to maintain the integrity and quality of organic products through all 

stages of processing, handling, transport, and storage; 

1.4.2 Organic products are not commingled with non-organic products, except when 

combining organic and non-organic ingredients in finished products which contain less 

than 100% organic ingredients; 

1.4.3 Organic products and packaging materials used for organic products do not come in 

contact with prohibited materials; 

1.4.4 Proper records, including accurate audit trails, are kept to verify that the integrity of 

organic products is maintained; and 

1.4.5 Organic processors and handlers use practices that minimize environmental degradation 

and consumption of non-renewable resources. Efforts are made to reduce packaging; 

use recycled materials; use cultural and biological pest management strategies; and 

minimize solid, liquid, and airborne emissions. 

1.5 Organic production and handling systems strive to achieve agro-ecosystems that are 

ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable. 

1.6 Organic products are defined by specific production and handling standards that are intrinsic 

to the identification and labeling of such products. 

1.7 Organic standards require that each certified operator must complete, and submit for 

approval by a certifying agent, an organic plan detailing the management of the organic crop, 

livestock, wild harvest, processing, or handling system. The organic plan outlines the 

management practices and inputs that will be used by the operation to comply with organic 

standards. 

1.8 Organic certification is a regulatory system which allows consumers to identify and reward 

operators who meet organic standards. It allows consumers to be confident that organic 

products are produced according to approved management plans in accordance with organic 

standards. Certification requires informed effort on the part of producers and handlers, and 

careful vigilance with consistent, transparent decision making on the part of certifying agents.

1.9 Organic production and handling operations must comply with all applicable local, state, and 

federal laws and address food safety concerns adequately. 

1.10 Organic certification, production, and handling systems serve to educate consumers 

regarding the source, quality, and content of organic foods and products. Product labels must 

be truthful regarding product names, claims, and content. 

1.11 Genetic engineering (recombinant and technology) is a synthetic process designed to 

control nature at the molecular level, with the potential for unforeseen consequences. As 

such, it is not compatible with the principles of organic agriculture (either production or 

handling). Genetically engineered/modified organisms (geo/gmo’sGE/GMOs) and products 

produced by or through the use of genetic engineering are prohibited. 

1.12 Although organic standards prohibit the use of certain materials such as synthetic 

fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically engineered organisms, they cannot ensure that organic 

products are completely free of residues due to background levels in the environment. 

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2. NOSB GUIDANCE ON COMPATIBILITY WITH A SYSTEM OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND 

CONSISTENCY WITH ORGANIC FARMING AND HANDLING 

(NOSB Recommendation Adopted April 29, 2004)

A significant taskresponsibility of the NOSB is to determine the suitability of materials for use in 

organic production and handling. Among the criteria the Board must consider, OFPA requires the 

NOSB to determine the compatibility of a material with organic practices. The following questions 

were developed by the NOSB to assist in determining the compatibility of materials with organic 

practices. 

In order to determine if a substance, its use, and manufacture are compatible with a system of 

sustainable agriculture and consistent with organic farming and handling, and in consideration of 

the NOSB Principles of Organic Production and Handling, the following factors are to be 

considered: 

1. Does the substance promote plant and animal health by enhancing the soil’s physical 

chemical, or biological properties? 

2. Does use of the substance encourage and enhance preventative techniques including cultural 

and biological methods for management of crop, livestock, and/or handling operations? 

3. Is the substance made from renewable resources? If the source of the product is nonrenewable, are the materials used to produce the substance recyclable? Is the substance 

produced from recycled materials? Does use of the substance increase the efficiency of 

resources used by organic farms, complement the use of natural biological controls, or reduce 

the total amount of materials released into the environment? 

4. Does use of the substance have a positive influence on the health, natural behavior, and 

welfare of livestock? 

5. Does the substance satisfy expectations of organic consumers regarding the authenticity and 

integrity of organic products? 

6. Does the substance allow for an increase in the long-term viability of organic farm operations? 

7. Is there evidence that the substance is mined, manufactured, or produced through reliance on 

child labor or violations of applicable national labor regulations? 

8. If the substance is already on the National List, is the proposed use of the substance 

consistent with other listed uses of the substance? 

9. Is the use of the substance consistent with other substances historically allowed or disallowed 

in organic production and handling? 

10. Would approval of the substance be consistent with international organic regulations 

and guidelines, including Codex? 

11. Is there adequate information about the substance to make a reasonable determination 

on the substance's compliance with each of the other applicable criteria? If adequate 

information has not been provided, does an abundance of caution warrant rejection of the 

substance? 

12. Does use of the substance have a positive impact on biodiversity? 

Adopted April 29, 2004 - 13 yes, 0 no, 1 absent 

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SECTION VIII

 

3. PROCEDURES OF THE NOSB MEMBER DUTIES

To fulfill their responsibilities, Board members agree to adhere to the following Duties. 

Duty of Care 

The Duty of Care calls upon a member to participate in the decisions of the Board and to be 

informed as to the data relevant to such decisions. In essence, the Duty of Care requires that a 

member: 

 Be reasonably informed - It is the duty of all Board members to seek and study the 

information needed to make a reasoned decision and/or recommendation on all business 

brought before the Board. The NOP will provide some of that information, but other 

information must be developed from independent sources. 

 Participate in decisions - Board members are bound by responsibility to be active participants 

in decision making. Absence from a meeting is no protection from the responsibility for 

decisions made at the meeting. 

 Make decisions with the care of an ordinary prudent person in a similar position - The law 

requires Board members to exercise the judgment of an ordinary prudent person who may be 

faced with a similar issue. 

Duty of Loyalty 

The Duty of Loyalty requires Board members to exercise their power in the interest of the organic 

community and the public at large, and not in their own interest or the interest of another entity 

or person. In dispatching their Duty of Loyalty, Board members must: 

 Address conflicts of interest - Board members bring to the NOSB particular areas of expertise 

based upon their personal and business interests in organic production and marketing. 

Because Board members may have interests in conflict with those of the public they must be 

conscious of the potential for such conflicts and act with candor and care. Board members 

must abide by the NOSB conflict of interest policy. 

 Recognize corporate opportunity - Before a Board member votes upon an issue in which they 

have a direct financial interest, that Board member must disclose the transaction to the Board 

in sufficient detail and adequate time to enable the Board to act, or decline to act, in regard to 

such transaction. 

Duty of Obedience 

Board members are bound to obey the tenants of the laws and regulations governing organic 

production, processing and marketing. 

 COMMITTEE WORK PLANS 

At the end of every NOSB meeting, each committee chair is required to present the committee’s 

work plan. Given the nature, and number, of the issues the Board handles, it is important for a 

committee to follow a structured procedure for assigning priorities in the work plan. The following 

provides a guideline on how to develop a committee work plan. The committee chair, working with 

the committee, should follow three general steps in producing a work plan: 1) List all issues before 

the committee; 2) Prioritize each issue; 3) set a calendar; and 4) Obtain feedback from the Executive 

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Committee and the Program. 

To this effect, Board members must: 

 Act within the requirements of the law - Board members must uphold all state and federal 

statutes, including the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA – 5 U.S.C. App. 2 et seq.) 

Adhere to the responsibilities of the Board 

Step 1: Identifying all issues 

The committee work plan rises out of these main situations: 

- Items committed, or assigned to a committee, by the Board during an official session. 

- Items that are reviewed by a committee on a regular basis such as materials sunset review or 

petitions submitted by members of the public. 

- Requests or suggestions from the National Organic Program such as clarifications on a particular 

issue or guidance on enforcement. 

- Proposals stemming from the committee members’ contact with the organic community.

In many cases not all issues should be the responsibility of the committee. Selecting what the 

committee should be reviewing can be done based on the following criteria: 

- Relevance to the organic community (Is this an important issues? vs. Is this an interesting issue?) 

- Criticality regarding mandate (is the issue within the committee’s or the NOSB’s realm?)

- Feasibility in terms of the Rule (can a proposal by the committee be realistically enforced by the 

NOP?) 

Step 2: Prioritizing the issues 

After listing the issues to review, the committee should prioritize its work plan items according to 

the following criteria: 

- Preference given to petitioned materials 

- Relevance to the organic community, public at large and the environment 

- Size of the population affected by the issue 

- Timeline since the issue/petition was submitted 

The criteria are presented in order of importance and should be used to rank or prioritize each issue 

accordingly. For example, a petitioned material has priority over an issue that has been waiting to 

be reviewed for an extended period of time. 

Step 3: Setting a calendar for reviews 

Once the issues are prioritized, the committee chair should define a calendar for discussion of each 

issue. The calendar should allow committee members to understand specific deadlines and should 

reflect the posting/publication target dates mandated by the Program and the Federal Regulation. 

Step 4: Incorporating Input from the Executive Committee 

 

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The committee chair must present the finalized work plan at the first Executive Committee 

conference call following a normal NOSB meeting. This event is not only an opportunity for the EC 

to provide guidance to the committee chair, but it is also an opportunity to obtain input from the 

NOP regarding the feasibility of implementing the committee’s recommendation. 

 MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS 

This section presents the procedures followed by the NOSB to evaluate petitions. First, 

the NOP material review process is presented. Second, a review of the NOSB process 

for selecting and reviewing the work of technical advisory panels is provided followed by 

a description needed in a formal petition. Third, the process for NOSB material review 

is provided. This section concludes by providing a graphical description of the sunset 

review process. 

 

Evaluation Procedures for Substances Petitioned for Addition or Removal from the 

National List. A petition to change the annotation to a listed material is in effect the 

addition or removal of one or more materials. 

Definitions: 

Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) - Group of third party experts convened by the Board to 

provide a technical review related to a material petition under review by the NOSB. 

Technical Review – A report prepared by a third party expert under contract addressing the 

environmental, human, and industrial impact of a petitioned material per the OFPA and regulatory 

evaluation criteria to aid in the thorough evaluation of that material by the NOSB. 

Phase 1: Receipt of Petition and Examination of Petition for Completeness and Eligibility 

During this phase the NOP will:

 

 Notify the petitioner via letter and/or electronic mail of receipt of the petition. Determine 

whether the petition is complete 

 Determine if the petitioned substance is eligible for petition under the Organic Foods Production 

Act and its implementing regulations; document this review using the NOP-OFPA checklist. 

 Determine whether the petitioned use is approved under the statutory and regulatory authority 

of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or 

other appropriate federal agency if applicable; 

 Identify and secure any confidential business information (CBI) designated by the petitioner; 

 Notify, as applicable, the petitioner via letter and/or electronic mail of determination of 

completeness and eligibility, and acknowledge the designation of certain information as CBI. 

 Upon determination of completeness and eligibility, the following actions will be taken: 

o PUBLISH THE PETITION ON NOP WEBSITE; AND 

o Notify the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) materials committee chairperson and 

the chairperson of the committee that the substance is being petitioned for addition or 

prohibition from the National List (Crops, Livestock, Handling or other pertinent 

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committees). This notification will be sent via letter and/or electronic mail and inform the 

chairs that the petition is complete, provide OFPA review and EPA/FDA determination 

checklist, and request identification of any questions the appropriate committee wishes to 

be specifically addressed in the contractor’s report. 

Phase 2: Determine if a Third Party Technical Review is Required 

During this phase: 

 The NOSB materials committee, working with other applicable NOSB committees, 

has 60 days to submit any questions to the NOP. The questions requested by the 

committee should include items that need specific background information, 

recommended technical expertise, and be based on the OFPA criteria. 

 Per the NOP materials review process, the NOSB should review the petition and using the NOP 

checklists for the material determine the following: 

1) If the material is deemed appropriate for consideration on the National List (pending criteria). If the 

answer is no to this question, an explanation is required. 

2) If the answer to question #1 is yes, the NOSB committee assigned for the review (as identified by the 

Materials Committee Chair) must decide if 

a) there is sufficient information in the petition, 

b) the committee can reasonably research any pending technical information, or 

c) there is the need to secure a technical review from a third party expert (see section titled 

Procedures for Handling Technical Reviews) 

3) If the answer to question #1 is no, the Materials Committee Chair will inform the NOP that the 

petition is incomplete and will include an explanation. If the reviewing committee concludes there is 

a need for a third party technical review, the Materials Committee Chair will proceed to make the 

request to the Program. 

 Notify the petitioner, via letter and/or electronic mail, that the petition is incomplete or ineligible; or 

Phase 3: Evaluation by a Third Party Expert 

During this phase the NOP will: 

 Notify the third party expert of the petition’s determination of completeness and 

eligibility. This third party will have technical expertise relevant to the petition and the 

notification will constitute official notice of the need for a technical review. 

During this phase the Third Party Expert will: 

 Conduct activities necessary to provide responses to evaluation questions contained 

in the Statement of Work (SOW) and any additional questions identified by the NOSB 

as described above; 

 Use the TR template to prepare and distribute to the NOP a draft technical report 

(TR) in electronic format. 

Phase 4: Sufficiency Determination 

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During this phase the NOP will: 

 Submit a copy of the draft TR for review to the NOSB materials committee and the 

committee that the substance is being petitioned for addition or prohibition from the 

National List (Crops, Livestock or Handling); 

 Review the draft TR against the following performance criteria. The report will be 

acceptable when it: 

o Is consistent in format, level of detail and tone; 

o IS TECHNICALLY OBJECTIVE AND FREE FROM OPINIONS OR CONJECTURE; 

o Is written in a style appropriate for non-technical readers (e.g. free of technical jargon); 

o Is prepared using a well-defined and consistent procedure consisting of 

information gathering, information synthesis and document preparation, and 

quality assurance; 

o Is based on the best available information that can be obtained within the 

designated time frame; 

o Is thoroughly supported using literature citations; and, 

o Addresses all evaluation questions as set out in the SOW. 

 

During this phase the NOSB materials committee and the committee that the substance 

is being petitioned for addition or prohibition from the National List (Crops, Livestock or 

Handling) will: 

 Review the draft TR against the following performance criteria. The report will be 

acceptable when it: 

o Is consistent in format, level of detail and tone; 

o Is technically objective and free from opinions or conjecture; 

o Is written in a style appropriate for non-technical readers (e.g. free of technical 

jargon); 

o Is prepared using a well-defined and consistent procedure consisting of information 

gathering, information synthesis and document preparation, and quality assurance; 

o Is based on the best available information that can be obtained within the 

designated time frame; 

o Is thoroughly supported using literature citations; and, 

o Addresses all evaluation questions as set out in the SOW. 

 Notify the NOP in letter and/or electronic mail the acceptance of the TR within 60 

days of receiving the TR. If the TR is not accepted by the NOSB materials and the 

committee that the substance is being petitioned for addition or prohibition from the 

National List (Crops, Livestock or Handling), the committees must provide to the NOP in 

letter and/or electronic mail the specific areas of the TR that were concluded to be 

insufficient, the rationale for drawing such a conclusion and the improvements to be 

made so that the document can be determined sufficient. 

 Upon concurrence by the NOP that the TR is insufficient, the NOP will notify the 

contractor by letter and/or electronic mail of the areas of the TR that are insufficient, the 

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rationale for drawing such a conclusion and the improvements to be made so that the 

document can be determined sufficient. The time frame required for the completion of 

the changes will be determined through mutual agreement between the contractor and 

the NOP. 

Phase 5: Action by NOSB Materials Chair and the Committee that the Substance Is Being 

Petitioned for Addition or Prohibition from the National List (Crops, Livestock or 

Handling) 

During this phase the NOSB materials Chair and the committee that the substance is 

being petitioned for addition or prohibition from the National List (Crops, Livestock or 

Handling) will: 

 Convene at a mutually convenient time to review, discuss and recommend an action 

on the petitioned substance. The committee may convene as the TAP by electronic 

mail or conference call to provide complete evaluation of the petitioned substance, as 

provided by OFPA 6518(k)(3). The NOSB materials committee or delegated committee 

must convene and recommend an action on the petitioned substance no later than 60 

days before a scheduled meeting of the full NOSB. 

Phase 6: Action by Full NOSB 

During this phase the NOP will: 

 Publish the recommendation of the NOSB materials committee and the committee 

that the substance is being petitioned for addition or prohibition from the National List 

(Crops, Livestock or Handling) on the NOP website and request a minimum of 60 days 

of written public comment on the recommendation prior to the public NOSB business 

meeting. 

 Set as an agenda item for the next meeting of the NOSB time sufficient to discuss 

and make a recommendation by the full NOSB on the petitioned substance. 

 PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING TECHNICAL REVIEWS 

The NOSB’s role involves reviewing specific materials; however, a petition could involve a wide 

range of topics. Although members of the Board represent several areas of the organic community 

and hold advanced degrees in different scientific areas, they might lack the expertise, or time, 

required to address the data needs of a petition. In such cases the Board has the option of 

requesting the assistance of third party experts and expecting from these experts a written technical 

review or report. 

Third party experts can consist of the following: 

1. Employees of the USDA such as AMS Science & Technology, Agriculture Research Service, or other 

federal agencies with appropriate expertise, as needed. 

2. Consultants or contractors. 
A committee should follow these steps in deciding the need for third party expert: 

1. Define if the committee has the expertise needed to address the questions related to the petition, 

mainly: 

a. Impact on the environment 

b. Impact to human health 

c. Sustainability and compatibility with organic principles. 

2. If the committee does not have the expertise or resources (e.g., time), the Committee chair should 

make a request to the Chair of the Materials Committee for a third party expert specifying: 

a. The third party expert’s required background and level of expertise

b. Existence of potential sources of conflict that could result in biased reviews. 

3. When requesting the assistance of a third party expert to evaluate a material, a committee must 

identify the main technical issues needed to be addressed including, but no limited to: 

a. All uses of the petitioned material beyond what the petitioner has requested 

b. All uses of the petitioned material in combination with other material(s) that have been already 

approved on the same section of the National List 

c. Interactions of the petitioned material, not addressed by the petitioner, and that may involve 

materials currently on the same section of the National List. 

d. All possible manufacturing methods for a petitioned material. 

e. Potential effects on public health and biodiversity 

f. Environmental risks and hazards including, but not limited to potential for developing pesticide 

resistance, or long-term effects on sustainability 

4. If required, the committee should conduct a final review of the technical report and complete an 

assessment on the quality of work performed by the third party expert. 

These are basic principles that should be considered when dealing with a third party expert: 

1. A committee cannot proceed with a recommendation on a material if it is determined that there is 

limited valid scientific information on that material’s impact on the environment, human health and 

its compatibility with organic principles. 

2. The decision to request third party expert needs to be made independent of the availability of 

funds. If there is a lack of funding to secure third party expert advice, the review of the material 

should be placed on hold. 

3. Although the Board has the final word on the approval or rejection of a petition, the decision to 

request a third party expert is the responsibility of the committee reviewing the material. In some 

cases the Materials Committee can take the initiative to request a third party expert. The logic is 

that a material review is an issue assigned to a committee and it is up to the committee to decide on 

the need for a third party expert. 

4. The decision to define the expertise needed in the third party expert is the responsibility of the 

committee reviewing the material or issue. 
5. To incorporate a diversity of opinions and to minimize the risk of bias, a committee should aim to 

work with a range of technical experts (individuals, or institutions). 

 HANDLING WITHDRAWALS OF PETITIONS BY THE PETITIONER. 

When a petition involving a material is withdrawn by the petitioner, the Board should suspend its 

review and recommendation procedure. In the case of a petition not involving a material, Board 

members have the option of completing its review and providing a recommendation or guidance. 

In the case a petition previously withdrawn is resubmitted, the Board should review it in the order it 

is received. This means that a withdrawn petition should be considered a completely new request 

and falls to the end of the queue of materials pending review. 

The petitioner can withdraw a petition at any moment during the process of review by the Board, 

public comment, or prior to the Board’s voting on the petition.

A petitioner should have the opportunity to withdraw a petition with the intent of improving it (e.g., 

conducting additional research) only. It is the hope of the Board that petitioners will not abuse this 

privilege with the intent of finding agreeable members in subsequent submissions. 

 TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL (TAP) CONTRACT PROCEDURES 

Statement of Work 

Request for Proposals to Perform Technical Advisory Panel Evaluation of Substances Petitioned for 

Inclusion on or Removal from the National Organic Program's National List of Allowed and 

Prohibited Substances. 

 

Agency Need 

See Statement of Work, 1.0 Background.

 

1. Background 

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended, requires the Secretary of Agriculture 

(Secretary) to establish a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). This list 

identifies the synthetic substances that may be used, and the nonsynthetic substances that cannot 

be used, by organic production and handling operations. The OFPA authorizes the National Organic 

Standards Board (NOSB) to develop and forward to the Secretary a recommended Proposed 

National List, and subsequent proposed amendments to it. The OFPA provides that persons may 

petition the NOSB to evaluate a substance for inclusion on or removal from the National List 

The NOSB submitted a Proposed National List to the Secretary that was subsequently published on 

December 21, 2000, as part of the National Organic Program (NOP) final rule, 65 Fed. Reg. 80548-

80684, (2000). Based on information supplied to the NOSB by trade associations, certification 

organizations and other organic industry sources, there are many substances currently used in 

organic production and handling that have not been evaluated by the NOSB for inclusion on the 

National List. Evaluations of these substances must be expedited to prevent the possible disruption 

of well-established and accepted production, handling, and processing systems. 
Section 2119 of the OFPA (7 U.S.C. 6518 (k)(3)) provides that the NOSB shall convene Technical 

Advisory Panels (TAP) to provide scientific evaluation of substances for inclusion on the National 

List. TAP evaluations assist the NOSB in evaluating substances being considered for addition to or 

removal from the National List. The NOP, on behalf of the NOSB, establishes contracts to conduct 

the TAP evaluations. 

 

2. Mission of USDA/AMS/NOP 

 

The mission of NOP is to establish national standards governing the marketing of certain agricultural 

products as organically produced. The NOP is assisted by the NOSB, which provides policy advice in 

carrying out the program, including advising the Secretary on substances for inclusion on or removal 

from the National List. 

The NOSB reviews information from various sources in evaluating substances for 

inclusion on or removal from the National List. Sources include TAP evaluations, the 

Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, the National 

Institute of Environmental Health Studies, and public comment. The NOSB submits 

its recommendations, along with the results of the required evaluation and technical 

advisory panel evaluation for each substance, to the Secretary for consideration in 

accordance with the requirements of section 2118(d) of the OFPA (7 U.S.C. 

6517(d)). 

 

3. Specific Task 

The contractor(s) shall furnish technical advisory panel evaluations for crop production, livestock 

production, and processing substances submitted to the NOSB in response to petition notices, such 

as was published in the Federal Register on July 13, 2000, as well as other substances requiring 

evaluation as determined by the NOP. 

For crop and livestock production substances, the contractor(s) shall use the criteria in Section 2119 

of the OFPA (7 U.S.C. 6518 (m)(l-7)). The criteria are: 

 The potential of the substance for detrimental chemical interactions with other materials used 

in organic farming systems; 

 The toxicity and mode of action of the substance and of its breakdown products or any 

contaminants, and their persistence in the environment; 

 The probability of environmental contamination during manufacture, use, misuse or disposal of 

the substance; 

 Its effects on human health; 

 The effects of the substance on biological and chemical interactions in the agroecosystem; 

 The alternatives to using the substance; and, 

 The compatibility of the substance with a system of sustainable agriculture. 

 

For processing substances, the contractor(s) shall use the criteria approved at the 

February 10, 1999, NOSB meeting. The criteria are: 
 Processing aid or adjuvant cannot be produced from a natural source and has no organic 

ingredients as substitutes; 

 Manufacture, use, and disposal do not have adverse effects on the environment and are done in 

a manner compatible with organic handling as described in section 6513 of the OFPA; 

 The nutritional quality of the food is maintained and the material itself or its breakdown 

products do not have adverse effects on human health as defined by applicable Federal 

regulations; 

 The primary purpose is not as a preservative or used only to recreate/improve flavors, colors, 

textures, or nutritive value lost during processing, except in the latter case as required by law; 

 It is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by FDA when used in accordance with Good 

Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and contains no residues of heavy metals or other contaminants 

in excess of FDA tolerances; 

 Its use is compatible with the principles of organic handling; and, 

 There is no other way to produce a similar product without its use and it is used in the minimum 

quantity required to achieve the process. 

 

4. Minimum Skills and Experience Requirements 

 Contractor(s) shall utilize qualified individuals or organizations who have 

specialized knowledge of the petitioned substances. Contractor(s) must have 

demonstrable expertise in organic production and handling or scientific 

disciplines such as veterinary medicine, chemistry, food technology, 

microbiology or toxicology. Contractor(s) must be familiar with the requirement 

for technical advisory panels described inby the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

 

5. Place of Performance 

Contractor(s) shall perform all task related activity within the United States of America at specific 

locations determined by contractor(s). During the contract period, the contractor(s) shall travel at 

contractor(s)’s expense to NOSB meetings for the purpose of disseminating substance review 

findings to the NOSB and general public. 

 

6. Government Furnished Equipment and Facility 

None, except that the NOP shall provide Contractor(s), on a non-routine basis, with substance 

review petitions, ancillary documents or other applicable information in possession of NOP. 

 

7. Compensation 

The NOP may award multiple contracts for tasks outlined in this statement of work. Contractor(s) 

shall be compensated at a firm-fixed price rate not to exceed $4,000.00 per substance reviewed. 

Total compensation shall not exceed $100,000.00. 

 

8. Period of Performance 

September 30, 2001 – September 30, 2002 (262 working days)(Holiday time off is at contractor(s)’ 

discretion.) 

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9. Scope of Performance 

Phase 1: Data Gathering and Compilation (120 days) 

Phase I is not to exceed 120 days for any one substance. During this phase the contractor(s) provider 

shall perform the following activities: 

 Characterize [the] substance(s) and identify uses and applications; 

 Determine whether [the] substance(s) are synthetic or non-synthetic (See 7.S.C. 6502 (21) for 

definition of synthetic); 

 Determine [the] substance(s) chemical or biological composition and possible impact on 

human/animal health and the environment; 

 Identify [the] substance(s) relevant toxicological studies, including ensuring substance does not 

contain residues of heavy metals or other environmental contaminants in excess of Food and 

Drug Administration Action Level or Environmental Protection Agency tolerances; 

 Determine [the] substance(s) persistence in the environment; 

 Determine [the] substance(s) effect on soil structure and ecology; 

 Identify alternatives to the use of the substance(s); 

 Determine [the] substance(s) historical use in organic production, processing and handling; and 

 Determine [the] substance(s) status under OFPA and with other government agencies. 

Additionally, within 45 days of commencement of Phase I, the contractor(s) must 

notify the NOP in writing of any substance(s) not appropriate for National List 

evaluation. Other substances for evaluation may be substituted upon agreement 

between the NOP, the NOSB, and the contractor(s). 

 

Phase 2: Evaluation against Criteria (100 days) 

Phase II is not to exceed 100 days for any one substance. The contractor(s) shall engage no less than 

three evaluators for each substance. No current member of the NOSB may serve as an evaluator. 

Evaluators may use data from all relevant sources. Evaluators shall make recommendations to the 

contractor(s) as to the substance’s status as synthetic or non-synthetic and whether, in either case, 

the substance should be added to or removed from the National List. 

 

Phase 3: Recommendation (42 days) 

Phase III is not to exceed 42 days for any one substance. Contractor(s) shall provide the NOP with a 

recommendation regarding each substance's suitability for inclusion on or removal from the 

National List. All data and analyses collected in Phase I and II will be forwarded to the NOP upon the 

completion of Phase III in accordance with the reporting requirements stated below. 

 

Evaluation Factors for Award 

The NOP may award multiple contracts for tasks outlined in this statement of work. Contractor(s) 
selection will be based on evaluation of proposals in accordance with the responses received to the 

criteria outlined in Section 4.0, Minimum Skills and Experience Requirements and Section 9.0, Scope 

of Tasks. Award will be made to that offeror whose combination of technical experience and cost 

represents the best value to the Government and is most advantageous (cost, and other factors 

considered), and which is within the available NOP resources. 

The NOP also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received and/or request clarification or 

modification of proposals. The NOP reserves the right to determine a competitive range for 

negotiation based upon the technical and cost acceptability of proposals. In addition, the NOP 

reserves the right to award a contract without discussions. 

Cost evaluation will include an analysis of the total cost and cost elements (if applicable) to perform 

the required work. The total costs supplied by the offeror shall constitute the total firm-fixed unit 

price for that service or deliverable. 

Proposals that are unrealistic in terms of technical commitment, or unreasonably low or high in 

costs, will be deemed reflective of an inherent lack of technical competence or as indicative of a 

failure to comprehend the complexity involved in the contract requirements. Such may be grounds 

for rejection of the proposal. 

 

Other Evaluation Factors 

Technical proposals will be initially evaluated with respect to six (6) major factors for determination 

of the competitive range. Technical factors are listed in descending order of importance. The 

technical proposal is of greater importance than the cost proposal; when technical proposals are 

relatively equal in technical merit, cost will increase in importance. 

Technical Factors: 

Factor 1 Overall Technical Approach; Proposed Methodology; Demonstrated Understanding of the 

Scope of Work and the Requirements 

Factor 2 Previous Demonstrated Experience and Past Performance 

Factor 3 Quality Control 

Factor 4 Capability and Experience of Key Personnel 

Factor 5 Project Management and Support Capability 

Factor 6 Reasonableness of Cost 

 

 

 

Reporting Requirements 

Progress reports are due to the NOP each 60 days after the contract award date. A final report is 

due within 60 days of the end of the contract period. The contractor(s) shall forward five copies of 

the bi-monthly progress reports and the final report and all deliverables to the NOP in Washington 

DC. Documents should be addressed to: Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, National Organic 

Program, USDA-AMS-TM-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268, 

Washington, D.C. 20250-0200, Attention: Substance Evaluations. 

The narrative in the progress reports should refer back to the stated objectives and timeline of the 
original contract proposal. Beneath each objective, the objective's current status should be 

reported. Any substantive diversion from a stated objective, or any deviation from the proposed 

timeline should be explained. Only the activities required under the contract should be reported. At 

a minimum, the progress reports should also include the following: 

1. A short summary of the accomplishments for the reporting period; 

2. Progress on completing individual project tasks; 

3. The planned and actual schedules for task completion; 

4. Projected accomplishments for the next reporting period; and, 

5. Data on financial expenditures by task category. 

Any deliverables required under the contract should be submitted upon completion and addressed 

to: NOP Program Director, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-TM-NOP, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, S.W., Room 4004-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, D.C. 20250-0268, Attention: Substance 

Evaluations. 

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN A PETITION 

 

Any person may petition to add a substance to or remove a substance from the National List of 

Allowed and prohibited Substances by submitting the information and following the procedures 

identified below. 

ITEM A 

The petitioner should identify which of the following categories the substance is being petitioned for 

inclusion on or removal from the National List: 

1. Synthetic substance's allowed for use in organic crop production; 

2. Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production; 

3. Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production; 

4. Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic livestock production; 

5. Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed in or on processed products labeled as 

“organic'' or “made with organic (specified ingredients)'; or 

6. Nonorganic agricultural substances not commercially available in organic form. 

ITEM B 

The petitioner must submit the following information: 

1. The substance’s common name. 

2. The manufacturer’s name, address, and telephone number. 

3. The intended or current use of the substance such as use as a pesticide, animal feed additive, 

processing aid, nonagricultural ingredient, sanitizer, or disinfectant. 

4. A list of the crop, livestock, or handling activities for which the substance will be used. If used for 

crops or livestock, the substance's rate and method of application must be described. If used for 

handling (including processing), the substance’s mode of action must be described. 
5. The source of the substance and a detailed description of its manufacturing or processing 

procedures from the basic component(s) to the final product. Petitioners with concerns for 

confidential business information can follow the guidelines in the Instructions for Submitting 

Confidential Business Information (CBI) listed in #13. 

6. A summary of any available previous reviews by State or private certification programs or other 

organizations of the petitioned substance. 

7. Information regarding EPA, FDA, and State regulatory authority registrations, including registration 

numbers. 

8. The Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number or other product numbers of the substance and labels 

of products that contains the petitioned substance. 

9. The substance's physical properties and chemical mode of action including (a) chemical interactions 

with other substances, especially substances used in organic production; (b) toxicity and 

environmental persistence; (c) environmental impacts from its use or manufacture; (d) effects on 

human health; and, (e) effects on soil organisms, crops, or livestock. 

10. Safety information about the substance including a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and a 

substance report from the National Institute of Environmental Health Studies. 

11. Research information about the substance which includes comprehensive substance research 

reviews and research bibliographies, including reviews and bibliographies which present contrasting 

positions to those presented by the petitioner in supporting the substance's inclusion on or removal 

from the National List. 

 

12. A “Petition Justification Statement'' which provides justification for one of the following actions 

requested in the petition: 

 

A. Inclusion of a Synthetic on the National List, §§ 205.601, 205.603, 

205.605(b) 

• Explain why the synthetic substance is necessary for the production or handling 

of an organic product. 

• Describe any non-synthetic substances, synthetic substances on the National 

List or alternative cultural 

methods that could be used in place of the petitioned synthetic substance. 

• Describe the beneficial effects to the environment, human health, or farm 

ecosystem from use of the synthetic substance that support its use instead of the 

use of a non-synthetic substance or alternative cultural methods. 

B. Removal of a Synthetic From the National List, §§ 205.601, 205.603, 205.605(b) 

• Explain why the synthetic substance is no longer necessary or appropriate for 

the production or handling of an organic product. 

• Describe any non-synthetic substances, synthetic substances on the National 

List or alternative cultural methods that could be used in place of the petitioned 

synthetic substance. 

C. Inclusion of a Prohibition of a Non-Synthetic, §§ 205.602 and 205.604 

• Explain why the non-synthetic substance should not be permitted in the 
production of an organic product. 

• Describe other non-synthetic substances or synthetic substances on the 

National List or alternative cultural methods that could be used in place of the 

petitioned substance. 

D. Removal of a Prohibited Non-Synthetic From the National List, §§ 205.602 and 

205.604 

• Explain why the non-synthetic substance should be permitted in the production 

of an organic product. 

• Describe the beneficial effects to the environment, human health, or farm 

ecosystem from use of the non-synthetic substance that supports its use instead 

of the use of other non-synthetic or synthetic substances on the National List or 

alternative cultural methods. 

E. Inclusion of a Non-Synthetic, Non-Agricultural Substance Onto the National List, § 

205.605(a) 

• Explain why the substance is necessary for use in organic handling. 

• Describe non-synthetic or synthetic substances on the National List or 

alternative cultural methods that could be used in place of the petitioned 

synthetic substance. 

• Describe any beneficial effects on the environment, or human health from the 

use of the substance that support its use instead of the use of non-synthetic or 

synthetic substances on the National List or alternative cultural methods. 

F. Removal of a Non-Synthetic, Non-Agricultural Substance From the National List, 

§ 205.605(a) 

• Explain why the substance is no longer necessary for use in organic handling. 

• Describe any non-synthetic or synthetic substances on the National List or 

alternative cultural methods that could be used in place of the petitioned 

substance. 

G. Inclusion of a Non-Organically Produced Agricultural Substance Onto the 

National List, § 205.606 

• Provide a comparative description on why the non-organic form of the 

substance is necessary for use in organic handling. 

• Provide current and historical industry information/research/evidence that 

explains how or why the substance cannot be obtained organically in the 

appropriate form, appropriate quality, and appropriate quantity to fulfill an 

essential function in a system of organic handling. 

• Describe industry information on substance non-availability of organic sources 

including but not limited to the following guidance regarding commercial 

availability evaluation criteria: 
(1) Regions of production, including factors such as climate and number 

of regions; 

(2) Number of suppliers and amount produced; 

(3) Current and historical supplies related to weather events such as 

hurricanes, floods, and droughts that may temporarily halt production or 

destroy crops or supplies; 

(4) Trade related issues such as evidence of hoarding, war, trade 

barriers, or civil unrest that may temporarily restrict supplies, and 

(5) Other issues which may present a challenge to a consistent supply. 

H. Removal of a Non-Organically Produced Agricultural Substance From the 

National List, § 205.606 

• Provide a comparative description as to why the non-organic form of the 

substance is not necessary for use in organic handling. 

• Provide current and historical industry information/research/evidence that 

explains how or why the substance can be obtained organically in the 

appropriate form, appropriate quality, and appropriate quantity to fulfill an 

essential function in a system of organic handling. 

• Provide new industry information on substance availability of organic sources 

including but not limited to the following guidance commercial availability 

evaluation criteria: 

(1) Region of production, including factors such as climate and number of 

regions; 

(2) Number of suppliers and amount produced; 

(3) Current and historical supplies related to weather events such as 

hurricanes, floods, or droughts that temporarily halt production or destroy 

crops or supplies; 

(4) Trade related issues such as evidence of hoarding, war, trade 

barriers, and civil unrest that may temporarily restrict supplies and; 

(5) Any other issues which may present a challenge to a consistent 

supply. 

13. A Commercial Confidential Information Statement which describes the specific required information 

contained in the petition that is considered to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or 

confidential commercial information and the basis for that determination. Petitioners should limit 

their submission of confidential information to that needed to address the areas for which this 

notice requests information. Instructions for submitting CBI to the National List Petition process are 

presented in the instructions below: 

a. Financial or commercial information the applicant does not want disclosed for competitive 

reasons can be claimed as CBI. Applicants must submit a written justification to support 

each claim. 

b. “Trade secrets'' (information relating to the production process, such as formulas, 

processes, quality control tests and data, and research methodology) may be claimed as CBI. 
This information must be 

(1) commercially valuable, 

(2) used in the applicant's business, and 

(3) maintained in secrecy. 

c. Each page containing CBI material must have “CBI Copy'' marked in the upper right corner of 

the page. In the right margin, mark the CBI information with a bracket and “CBI.'' 

d. The CBI-deleted copy should be a facsimile of the CBI copy, except for spaces occurring in 

the text where CBI has been deleted. Be sure that the CBI-deleted copy is paginated the 

same as the CBI copy. (The CBI-deleted copy of the application should be made from the 

same copy of the application which originally contained CBI.) Additional material 

(transitions, paraphrasing, or generic substitutions, etc.) should not be included in the CBIdeleted copy. 

e. Each page with CBI-deletions should be marked “CBI-deleted'' at the upper right corner of 

the page. In the right margin, mark the place where the CBI material has been deleted with 

a bracket and “CBI- deleted.'' 

f. If several pages are CBI-deleted, a single page designating the numbers of deleted pages 

may be substituted for blank pages. (For example, “pages 7 through 10 have been CBIdeleted.'') 

g. All published references that appear in the CBI copy should be included in the reference list 

of the CBI-deleted copy. Published information usually cannot be claimed as confidential. 

National List substance evaluations conducted by the NOSB will involve a public and open process. 

No confidential information will be available for public inspection. 

The NOP Program Director may request additional information from the petitioner following receipt 

of the petition. 

 
 PRIORITY OF PETITIONS GUIDELINE 

Prioritization 

National List materials petitions received and deemed sufficient by the NOP / NOSB will be 

prioritized by the Materials Committee Chair for consideration as follows:

1. Petitions to Remove a Material From the National List:

a. A petition to remove a material presently on the National list that raises serious health, 

environmental, or regulatory concerns, including petitions to reconsider previous 

decisions, will be given the highest priority - Priority 1, above all other petitions in the 

queue of the reviewing committee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock). 

b. A petition to remove a material presently on the National list not 

based on serious health, environmental, or regulatory concerns, but based 

on other new information, such as commercial availability status, would be 

assigned a Priority 2, behind Priority 1 petitions, but above any petitions 

to list materials that are in the queue of the reviewing committee (Crops, 

Handling, or Livestock). This priority assignment would include any 

removal petitions requesting reconsideration of previous board decisions, 

if the resubmitted petition contains substantive new information to warrant 

reconsideration. 

2. Petitions to Add a MaterialAdhere to the National List: 

a. A petition to add a material to the National List will be considered by the reviewing 

committee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock) requirements specified in the chronological 

order it is received, and will be designated as Priority 3. 

3. Petitions to Reconsider a Material for Addition to the National List: 

a. A petition to reconsider adding a material that had previously been rejected by a board 

vote would be given the lowest priority - Priority 4, and would go to the bottom of the 

committee (Crops, Handling, or Livestock) queue of petitioned materials. Petitions for 

listing a substance that had been previously rejected by the board must contain 

substantive new information to warrant reconsideration. 

This prioritization guideline is only that, a guideline. When situations occur beyond the control of 

the reviewing committee, such as, but not limited to, a delay in the delivery of a Technical Review 

for a petitioned substance, the committee chair must exercise his or her judgment in the possible 

reassignment of priorities and workload to make best use of resources to advance petition 

recommendations. 

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 NOSB COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONPolicy and Procedures Manual

Form NOPLIST1. Committee Transmittal to NOSB 

For NOSB Meeting: ______________________________ Substance: ___________________________

Committee: Crops  Livestock  Handling  Petition is for:_____________________________________________

___________________________________________________ on the National List § 205._________________________

A. Evaluation Criteria (Applicability noted for each category; Documentation attached) Criteria Satisfied? (see B below) 

1. Impact on Humans and Environment Yes  No  N/A 

2. Essential & Availability Criteria Yes  No  N/A 

3. Compatibility & Consistency Yes  No  N/A 

4. Commercial Supply is Fragile or Potentially Unavailable as Organic (only for 606) Yes  No  N/A  

B. Substance Fails Criteria Category: _________ Comments: ___________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

C. Proposed Annotation (if any): _________________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Basis for annotation: To meet criteria above: _______ Other regulatory criteria: _______ Citation:____________________

D. Recommended Committee Action & Vote, including classification recommendation (State Actual Motion): 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Classification of the material: Synthetic ________ Non- synthetic_____________ Absent:_________ Abstain _________ 

Motion by: _______________ Seconded:________________ Yes: _____ No: _____ Absent: _______ Abstain: _____

Recommended Committee Action & Vote _____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Motion by: _______________ Seconded:________________ Yes: _____ No: _____ Absent: _______ Abstain: _____

 

1) Substance voted to be added as “allowed” on National List to § 205. with Annotation (if any) ____________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

2) Substance to be added as “prohibited” on National List to § 205. with Annotation (if any) _______________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe why a prohibited substance:_______________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

3) Substance was rejected by vote for amending National List to § 205. _____ Describe why material was rejected:___________ 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Substance was recommended to be deferred because _________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

If follow-up needed, who will follow up _____________________________________________________________________

Crops Agricultural Allowed1 

Livestock Non-Synthetic Prohibited2 

Handling Synthetic Rejected3

No 

restriction 

Commercially UnAvailable as 

Organic1 

Deferred4

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E. Approved by Committee Chair to transmit to NOSB:

______________________________________ _________________________

 Committee Chair Date
EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR SUBSTANCES ADDED TO THE NATIONAL 

LIST

 

Category 1. Adverse impacts on humans or the environment? Substance ____________ 

 

Question Yes No N/A

1 Documentation

(TAP; petition; regulatory agency; 

other)

1. Are there adverse effects on 

environment from manufacture, use, 

or disposal? [§205.600 b.2] 

2. Is there environmental contamination 

during manufacture, use, misuse, or 

disposal? [§6518 m.3] 

3. Is the substance harmful to the 

environment and biodiversity? 

[§6517c(1)(A)(i);6517(c)(2)(A)i] 

4. Does the substance contain List 1, 2, or 3 

inerts? [§6517 c (1 ) (B)(ii); 

205.601(m)2] 

5. Is there potential for detrimental 

chemical interaction with other 

materials used? 

[§6518 m.1] 

6. Are there adverse biological and chemical 

interactions in agro- ecosystem? [§6518 

m.5] 

7. Are there detrimental physiological 

effects on soil organisms, crops, or 

livestock? [§6518 m.5] 

8. Is there a toxic or other adverse action of 

the material or its breakdown 

products? 

[§6518 m.2] 

9. Is there undesirable persistence or 

concentration of the material or 

breakdown products in 

environment?[§6518 m.2] 

10. Is there any harmful effect on human 

health? [§6517 c (1)(A) (i) ; 6517 

c(2)(A)I; §6518 m.4] 

11. Is there an adverse effect on human 

health as defined by applicable Federal 

regulations? [205.600 b.3] 

12. Is the substance GRAS when used 

according to FDA’s good manufacturing 

practices? [§205.600 b.5] 

13. Does the substance contain residues of 

heavy metals or other contaminants in 

excess of FDA tolerances? [§205.600 

b.5] 
1

If the substance under review is for crops or livestock production, all of the questions from 205.600 (b) are N/A—not applicable. 
Category 2. Is the Substance Essential for Organic Production? Substance ___________ 

 

Question Yes No N/A

1

Documentation

(TAP; petition; regulatory agency; other)

1. Is there a natural source of 

the substance? 

[§205.600 b.1] 

2. Is there an organic 

substitute? [§205.600 b.1] 

3. Is the substance essential 

for handling of organically 

produced agricultural 

products? [§205.600 b.6] 

4. Is there a wholly natural 

substitute product? 

[§6517 c (1)(A)(ii)] 

5. Is the substance used in 

handling, not synthetic, but 

not organically produced? 

[§6517 c (1)(B)(iii)] 

6. Is there any alternative 

substances? [§6518 m.6] 

7. Is there another practice 

that would make the 

substance unnecessary? 

[§6518 m.6] 

8. Is the substance used in 

handling, not synthetic, but 

not organically produced? 

[§6517 c (1)(B)(iii)]

9. Is there any alternative 

substances? [§6518 m.6]

10. Is there another practice 

that would make the 

substance unnecessary? 

[§6518 m.6]

1

If the substance under review is for crops or livestock production, all of the questions from 205.600 (b)are N/A—not applicable. 

 
Category 3. Is the substance compatible with organic production practices? 

Substance ____________________

 

Question Yes No N/A

1 Documentation

(TAP; petition; regulatory agency; 

other)

1. Is the substance compatible with 

organic handling? [§205.600 b.2] 

2. Is the substance consistent with 

organic farming and handling, and 

biodiversity? [§6517 c (1)(A)(iii); 

6517 c (2)(A)(ii)] 

3. Is the substance compatible with a 

system of sustainable agriculture? 

[§6518 m.7] 

4. Is the nutritional quality of the food 

maintained with the substance? 

[§205.600 b.3] 

5. Is the primary use as a 

preservative? [§205.600 b.4] 

6. Is the primary use to recreate or 

improve flavors, colors, textures, or 

nutritive values lost in processing 

(except when required by law, e.g., 

vitamin D in milk)? [205.600 b.4] 

7. Is the substance used in production, 

and does it contain an active 

synthetic ingredient in the following 

categories: 

a. copper and sulfur compounds; 

b. toxins derived from bacteria; 

c. pheromones, soaps, horticultural 

oils, fish emulsions, treated seed, 

vitamins and minerals? 

d. livestock parasiticides and 

medicines? 

e. production aids including netting, 

tree wraps and seals, insect traps, 

sticky barriers, row covers, and 

equipment cleaners? 

1

If the substance under review is for crops or livestock production, all of the questions from 205.600 (b) are N/A—not applicable. 
Category 4. Is the commercial supply of an agricultural substance as organic, fragile or potentially 

unavailable? [§6610, 6518, 6519, 205.2, 205.105 (d), 205.600 (c) 205.2, 205.105 (d), 205.600 (c)] 

Substance ____________________

Question Yes No N/A

1 Documentation

(TAP; petition; regulatory agency; 

other)

1. Is the comparative description 

provided as to why the non-organic 

form of the material /substance is 

necessary for use in organic 

handling? 

2. Does the current and historical industry 

information, research, or evidence 

provided explain how or why the 

material /substance cannot be obtained 

organically in the appropriate form to 

fulfill an essential function in a system 

of organic handling? 

3. Does the current and historical industry 

information, research, or evidence 

provided explain how or why the 

material /substance cannot be obtained 

organically in the appropriate quality to 

fulfill an essential function in a system 

of organic handling? 

4. Does the current and historical industry 

information, research, or evidence 

provided explain how or why the 

material /substance cannot be obtained 

organically in the appropriate quantity

to fulfill an essential function in a 

system of organic handling?

5. Does the industry information provided 

on material / substance non-availability 

as organic, include ( but not limited to) 

the following:

a. Regions of production (including factors 

such as climate and number of regions);

b. Number of suppliers and amount 

produced;

c. Current and historical supplies related 

to weather events such as hurricanes, 

floods, and droughts that may 

temporarily halt production or destroy 

crops or supplies; 

d. Trade-related issues such as evidence of 

hoarding, war, trade barriers, or civil 

unrest that may temporarily restrict 

supplies; or

e. Are there other issues which may 

present a challenge to a consistent 

supply?
 NOSB RECOMMENDED DECISION FORM 

Form NOPLIST2. Full Board Transmittal to NOP 

 

For NOSB Meeting: _____________________ Substance: ___________________________ 

A. Evaluation Criteria (Documentation attached; committee recommendation attached) 

 Criteria Satisfied? 

1. Impact on humans and environment Yes No (see B below) 

2. Availability criteria Yes No (see B below)

3. Compatibility & consistency Yes No (see B below) 

B. Substance fails criteria? 

Criteria category: _________ 

Comments: 

C. Proposed Annotation: ______________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________ 

Basis for annotation: 

To meet criteria above: ____ Criteria: _______________ 

Other regulatory criteria: ____ Citation:_______________ 

. Final Board Action & Vote: Motion by: ____________________ Second:____________________________ 

 

Vote: 

 

 Yes: _____ 

 

 No: _____ 

 Abstain: _____ 

 

 

1) Substance voted to be added as “allowed” on National List 

Annotation: ______________________________________________________ ___________ 

2) Substance to be added to “prohibited” paragraph of National List 

Describe why a prohibited substance:______________________________________________________________________________ 

 

3) Substance was rejected by vote for amending National List 

Describe why material was rejected:____________ __________________________________________________________ ____ 

 

4) Substance was recommended to be deferred 

Describe why deferred; if any follow-up is needed. If follow-up needed, who conducts follow-up _________________________ ___ 

 . 

Agricultural Nonagricultural Crops 

Synthetic Not synthetic Livestock 

Allowed

1

Prohibited

2

Handling 

No restriction Deferred4 Rejected

3 

E. Approved by NOSB Chair to transmit to NOP: 

______________________________________ _________________________ 

 , NOSB Chair Date 

F. NOP Action: Include in FR to amend National List: 

 Return to NOSB Reason: ____________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________ _________________________ 

 , NOP Director Date 
 
 PROCEDURES FOR THE MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS FOR NOSB 

MEMBERS 

 

1. Upon receipt of the TAP reviews each member should read the report prepared by the contractor, 

along with the submitted petition, additional information and recommendations of the contracted 

panel of experts. 

2. Questions or clarification of the review may be answered by further review of the literature 

provided by the TAP contractor or by the Chair of the committee contacting the contractor directly. 

Questions regarding the process can be directed to the Chair of the Materials Committee. 

3. The materials are either directed to the processing, crops or livestock committee(s) depending on 

the specified use(s) of the material as stated in the petition. NOSB members assigned to those 

committees shall conduct a thorough review of the material and vote on whether it is synthetic or 

nonsynthetic, and then if it should be allowed or prohibited for specific use as either a crop, 

livestock or processing material. Materials may be followed by an annotation which restricts their 

use. Recommended annotations applicable to the material must be voted on by committee. 

4. Committee draft recommendations will be submitted to the NOP at least thirty (30) days prior to the 

next NOSB meeting where the material will be considered. 

5. The Chair of each committee will present the Board with the committee’s written votes and 

recommendations during the Materials Review process at the NOSB meeting. The recommendation 

should come in the form of a motion which must be seconded by an NOSB member to move 

forward. The process will follow Robert’s Rules of Order in which the Chair would open the motion 

for discussion. The Chair shall ask if any Board members have conflicts of interest. After discussion 

board members will vote on the motion. 

6. NOP staff will record the votes of the each NOSB member and announce whether or not the motion 

passed. 

7. If the motion fails the Board Chair asks for a new motion and the procedure is repeated until a final 

motion is passed by a 2/3 majority. 

 SUNSET REVIEW PROCESS 

Sunset is a regulatory process for determining the continued listing of a material already 

approved or prohibited on the National List for use in organic agriculture production and 

handling. It is not used to petition to add a new substance (nor is it used to change an 

existing annotation) or new uses of a listed substance. If the review and renewal 

process is not concluded by the expiration date, the use of the material will become 

prohibited. (Since sunset is defined as the reviewing of regulations to ensure the 

continued relevance and not the creation of new regulation, all substance must be 

renewed as listed. If there is a need to consider changing an annotation or moving a 

material from one list to another, this may be accomplished through the existing 

procedures for petition.) 
Since the sunset review process is an assessment of National List substances to 

ensure their continued compliance with regulatory standards, the NOSB may determine 

that new restrictions in the form of annotations are necessary given changes in use 

patterns and scientific understanding. An annotation to expand the use of a substance 

does not fall within the purview of the sunset process and must only be considered 

through the petition process. 

The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) authorized a National 

List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (Section 6517). Sections 6517 (e) 

mandates a Sunset Provision as follows: 

“No exception or prohibition in the National list shall be valid unless the National Organic Standards 

Board has reviewed such exemption or prohibition as provided in this section within 5 years of such 

exemption or prohibition being adopted and the Secretary has reviewed such exemption or 

prohibition.”

The National List that was implemented in October 21, 2002 contained over 200 substances. The 

first sunset review of listed materials was completed in October, 2007. Decisions made through the 

Sunset review must be transparent, non-arbitrary, based on the best current information and in the 

interest of the organic community and public at large. 

Steps followed in Sunset Process 

Not all listed materials reach sunset status at the same time, but the review process includes these 

steps: 

1. A public notice is placed in the Federal register (Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making or ANPR 

of the pending sunset of the listed materials. The public has 60 days after the publication date to 

provide written comment (see Chart 1 below). The committee may request a third party technical 

review in anticipation of scientific evidence and claims likely to be made during public comment to 

the ANPR. 

2. Public comments are collected and forward to the NOSB (see Chart 2). 

3. The appropriate NOSB committee begins review of the material with the intent of providing a 

recommendation to the entire Board for the material’s removal, renewal, or renewal with the 

addition of an annotation. The review is conducted based on “Force of Evidence” as presented by 

Board members, public comments, and scientific data from other sources (see Chart 3). This includes 

the original recommendation from the Board to list. The committee may request a third party 

technical review, if needed, to verify scientific evidence and claims made during public comment to 

the ANPR. 

4. The reviewing NOSB committee provides its recommendation to the full Board and the public no 

less than 60 days prior to the Board Meeting which would include the following: 

(i). Simple motion to remove, add, or amend an annotation, resulting in the restriction or 

clarification of the use of a material (if applicable). 

(ii). Simple motion to renew the existing listing. 

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Committee Recommendations Posted on 

NOP Website

60 days prior to NOSB meeting

Additional Public Comments Received

NOSB Final Vote

NOP Receives Public Comments

Committee Reviews Evidence for Delisting

(See chart 3 for detail)

Complete Material Review Forms

NOSB Notified of Comments

(within 5 days of NOP receipt)

Notification to Materials Chair

Notification to Committee Chair

Comments Posted on NOP Website

(within 5 days of NOP receipt)

Posted by Category

Handling (H), Crops (C), Livestock (L)

Additional Comments Received

On Posted Materials

NOSB Notified of Additional Comments

5. At the public NOSB business meeting, the NOSB hears additional public comment, discusses the 

force of evidence, and votes on the committee’s recommendation.

6. The NOP reviews the NOSB recommendation and accompanying documentation and publishes a 

proposed rule to review the National List. The public has 90 days after the publication date to 

comment. All comments are made available on the NOP website. 

The NOP will review public comment and draft the final rule. The final rule will proceed through 

interagency (i.e. OGC , OMB, and departmental) and congressional review, and upon receiving 

clearance from the appropriate parties, the NOP will publish the final rule in the Federal 

Register. The final rule process is illustrated in Chart 4. 

Chart 1: Sunset Review – NOP Posts an ANPR 

Chart 2: Sunset Review – NOP Collects and Forwards Public Comment to the NOSB 

NOP Develops Regulatory review work plan and drafts Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking

(60 days)

OGC Review and Departmental Clearance

(60 days)

NOP publishes a FR notice for an Advanced Notice of Public Rulemaking

(Allow 60 days for public comment)

NOP receives comments, forwards to NOSB, and posts to the NOP Website

(All comments shall be in NOSB possession no later than 7 days after the closing date of public comment)
Chart 3: Sunset Review – NOSB Committee Reviews Evidence for Delisting 

NOSB submits 

recommendation 

to remove material

Does NOSB 

committee have 

evidence for 

removal? Yes

No

No NOP provides public announcement Yes

Yes

Evidence for 

removal from the 

Public Input?

NOSB submits 

recommendation to 

continue listing material

NOSB Committee Receives Request to 

Review Sunset Material – plus copies of public input

Is a Technical 

Review needed to 

make decision? No Form a 

Technical 

Advisory Panel (TAP)

TAP completes 

technical review 

and submits 

findings to 

NOSB 

committee

 

 

NOP Drafts Final Rule

(90 days)

OGC Review

(90 days)

Interagency Review

(90 days)

OMB Review
HANDLING TECHNICAL ERRORS AFTER AN ITEM HAS BEEN PLACED IN 

THE FEDERAL REGISTER 

 

In order to minimize confusion in the organic community, the Board needs to monitor and correct 

discrepancies between items which have been voted on and their subsequent insertion in the 

Federal Register. Some examples of the different types of technical corrections needed are: 

Annotations different than what was originally recommended by NOSB and changed by the Program 

in order to fit the demands of other federal regulatory bodies (ex: livestock medications withholding 

times). 

An unforeseen consequence of a recommendation voted by the Board could require additional 

annotations in order to fit the needs of the organic industry. The absence, for example, of an 

explicit description of what methods of extraction are allowed for specific materials could result in 

the unwanted use of materials extracted using prohibited extraction processes. 

The Board should follow these steps to monitor and correct technical discrepancies: 

(1) The Secretary of the Board, with the assistance of the NOSB Executive Director, shall review all 

additions to the Federal Register and report to the Board any discrepancies between Board 

recommendation and those published in the Federal Register. 

(2) When the Program incorporates changes to a recommendation voted and presented by the 

Board, the Program is expected to communicate these changes prior to final action by the Program 

to the Board Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. The Board Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary will report 

such activity to the Board and then work with the Program in order to assist the Program in stating 

the exact reasons for such deviations in the preamble to the Rule change posted. 

(3) In the cases of unintended consequences with a published recommendation, the Chair of the 

Board, with the approval of the Executive Committee, will assign committee to resolve the issue. 

 

APPENDICES AND RESOURCES 

Appendix A - DECISION MAKING PROCEDURES FOR THE NOP 

1. Define the Problem 

a. What is the problem? 

b. Identify where we are now. 

i. State the present condition in no more than two sentences. 

c. Identify where we want to be. 

i. State the future objective in no more than two sentences. 

2. Analyze the Problem 

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a. Why is there a problem? 

b. Is the evidence of the problem supported by credible and compelling facts or data? 

i. What are the facts or data used to draw an affirmative conclusion? 

c. Who does this problem affect? 

d. What is the problem's effect? 

e. In what time frame must the problem be resolved? 

f. If the problem deserves immediate attention, what other priorities must be adjusted to 

accommodate this problem? 

g. If the problem deserves immediate attention, what are the consequences of a delay? 

3. Develop Possible Solutions 

a. Propose ideas for possible solutions 

b. Evaluate ideas for possible solutions 

i. List pros for each possible solution 

ii. List cons for each possible solution 

c. Select a Solution 

i. Is the recommended solution legal? 

ii. Is the recommended solution practical? 

iii. Is the recommended solution supported by credible and compelling facts or data? 

1. What are the facts or data used to draw an affirmative conclusion? 

iv. How does the recommended solution solve the problem? 

v. How does the recommended solution meet the time frame identified in 2(b)? 

d. Review recommended solution for unintended consequences. 

4. Develop Action Plan 

a. Develop Action Steps 

i. Identify action steps to bridge the gap between present condition and future objective 

using the recommended solution. 

b. Approve Action Plan 

c. Implement Action Plan 

 Final – 5/9/2003 

B. Appendix B -2 – FACA FACTS 

 

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. App.2) and its implementing regulations 

(41 CFR Part 101-6.10) govern the creation, operation, and termination of advisory committees 

in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. The National Organic Standards Board 

(NOSB) is a Department of Agriculture (USDA) non-discretionary advisory committee required by 

the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, as amended. 

 Advisory committees must be chartered before they can meet or conduct any business. 

Charters must be renewed every two years or they will be terminated under the sunset 

provisions of Section 14 of the FACA, unless otherwise provided by law. 

 Advisory committee meetings are required to be open to the public, with limited exceptions 

as provided for in Section 552b of title 5, United States Code. Meetings not subject to FACA 

include NOSB briefing meetings initiated by the USDA to exchange facts and information, 

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such as member orientation and training, and NOSB committeeSubcommittee meetings. 

Such meetings are not subject to FACA because they are not conducted for the purpose of 

providing the USDA with NOSB advice or recommendations. 

 Designated Federal OfficialsOfficers must approve all meetings and agendas, and attend 

meetings. The NOP Program DirectorAdvisory Board Specialist is the NOSB’s Designated 

Federal OfficialOfficer. 

 Meeting notices and agendas must be published in the Federal Register to accommodate 

public participation. Although not required by FACA, the NOP strives to: 

o Post a provisional agenda, on its web site, no later than 90 days before the meeting is 

scheduled to begin,

o Post a final agenda, on its web site, no later than 45 days before the meeting is scheduled 

to begin, and 

o Publish notice of the meeting in the Federal Register no later than 45 days before the 

meeting is scheduled to begin.

 Detailed minutes will be kept and must contain: 

a. Date and location of the meeting, 

b. A record of the persons present, 

c. A complete and accurate description of matters discussed and conclusions 

reached, and 

d. Any advice or recommendations provided by the committee. 

 While meeting transcripts are not required under FACA, the NOP provides transcripts or 

meeting notes to support the transparency of Board meetings and to support subsequent 

rulemaking activities. The NOP also issues a short meeting summary, which is required by 

FACA, after each biannual meeting that summarizes the key issues discussed, and the 

outcome of voting. 

 Advisory committee documents must be available for public inspection and copying until the 

committee ceases to exist. 

 Interested persons shall be permitted to attend, appear before, or file statements with any 

advisory committee, subject to reasonable rules or regulations. 

 Additional information may be found at the FACA homepage: 

http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/channelView.do?pageTypeId=8203&channel

Page=/ep/channel/gsaOverview.jsp&channelId=-

13170http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100916

 Appendix C - DUTIES OF THE DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICER 

 

The Designated Federal Officer assigned to the National Organic Standards Board and its 

committees, under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (U.S.C. App.2) and its implementing 

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regulations (41 CFR Part 101-6.10), is the National Organic Program’s Program Director. The 

Program Director: 

 

1. Must approve or call the meeting of the NOSB; 

2. Must approve the agenda; 

3. Must attend the meetings; 

4. Shall adjourn the meetings when such adjournment is in the public interest; and 

5. Chairs the meeting when directed by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary’s designee. 

 Appendix D - PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE AT A GLANCE 

 

TO DO THIS YOU SAY THIS 

May 

you 

interru

pt 

speake

r?

Must you 

be 

seconde

d?

Is the 

motion 

debatabl

e?

Vote 

requi

red

Adjourn the 

meeting 

I move that we 

adjourn no yes no

majo

rity

Recess the meeting I move that we 

recess until... no yes no

majo

rity

Complain about 

noise, room 

temperature, etc. 

Question of privilege yes no no

no 

vote

Suspend further 

consideration of 

something 

I move that the 

motion be laid on the 

table 

no yes no

majo

rity

End debate I move the previous 

question no yes no

2/3 

vote

Postpone 

consideration of 

something 

I move we post pone 

this matter until... no yes yes

majo

rity

Have something 

studied further 

I move to refer the 

motion to the 

committee 

no yes yes

majo

rity

Amend a motion I move to amend... no yes yes

majo

rity

Introduce business 

(a primary motion) I move that... no yes yes

majo

rity

Object to 

procedure or to a 

personal affront 

Point of order yes no no

chair 

decid

es

Request 

information Point of information yes no no

no 

vote

Ask for a vote by 

actual count to I call for a division no no no

no 

vote
verify a voice vote 

Object to the 

consideration of 

some undiplomatic 

matter

I object to the 

consideration of the 

question 

yes no no

2/3 

vote

Take up a matter 

previously tabled 

I move to take from 

the table no yes no

majo

rity

Reconsider 

something already 

disposed of 

I move to 

reconsider... yes yes yes

majo

rity

Consider 

something vote 

out of its 

scheduled order 

I move we suspend 

the rules and 

consider... 

no yes no

2/3 

vote

Vote on a ruling by 

the chair 

I appeal the decision 

of the chair yes yes yes

majo

rity

Table a motion -

take matter from 

table

I move to take from 

the table No Yes No majority

Rescind motions –

Cancel previous 

action

I move to rescind No Yes Yes 2/3 

vote

Appendix E - BASIC CHEMISTRY 

The science of chemistry deals with the structure of matter--material things--and the changes that 

matter undergoes. Matter can exist in any size, shape, or color. It is solid, liquid, or gas; living or 

nonliving. Chemistry seeks to identify the simplest parts of matter; how they are separated and 

purified; how they are put together; how they are rearranged to produce new forms of matter; and 

what energy is absorbed or released when such rearrangements are made (Matta and Wilbraham, 

1986). A distinction should be made between chemical and physical changes. The OFPA and NOS 

definition of synthetic specifically mentions chemical change but not physical change. A physical 

property is a quality or condition of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing 

the substance’s composition. It can be specified without reference to any other substance. Other 

physical properties of matter include color, solubility, mass, odor, hardness, density, electrical 

conductivity, magnetism, melting point and boiling point. Physical properties help chemists identify 

substances (Matta and Wilbraham, 1986). When contractors are hired to technical review of 

substances for the NOSB and USDA/NOP, they typically list the physical properties of the substances 

in their review because this is the common way in which substances are described. 

 Physical changes may result when the temperature of a substance changes. Raising the 

temperature of a solid may turn it into a liquid (i.e., ice turns into water). A conversion without 

causing a change in the composition of the substance is called a physical change (Matta and 

Wilbraham, 1986). When ice undergoes the physical change of melting, this change does not 

change the nature of water. The physical properties are the same for water that has been frozen 

and melted as for water that has been converted into steam and then condensed (Matta and 

Wilbraham, 1986). Historically, the organic industry and the NOSB have acknowledged that physical 

changes do not render a substance synthetic. 
However, there are some substances that have been identified where high temperatures during 

manufacturing do engender a chemical change in the substance. An example is mined minerals. 

Historically, the industry and NOSB has recognized that burning or excessive heating of mined 

mineral is considered to render them synthetic. Formerly, NOSB defined mined minerals as any 

naturally-occurring non-living substance derived from the earth or water. A mined mineral cannot 

have undergone molecular change through heating, acidification, basification or fortification with 

synthetic materials (NOSB Final Recommendation Addendum Number 25, Definitions and 

Interpretations, Austin, Texas, 1995). Therefore, heat can alter the physical properties of a 

substance and for other substances act as a catalyst in chemical reactions or change. 

In a chemical reaction, the starting substance or substances, referred to as reactants, are changed 

into new substances or products. Chemists use an arrow as a shorthand form of the phrase “are 

changed into”; reactants products (Matta and Wilbraham,1986). An example to distinguish 

between physical and chemical changes is illustrated when sulfur (a solid) is added to iron filings (a 

solid). They may be separated unchanged from a mixture of the two substances mixed together. 

This separation is an example of a physical change. If the mixture of these two substances is heated, 

a chemical change takes place and the sulfur and iron are changed into a nonmagnetic substance, 

iron sulfide: Iron + Sulfur Iron Sulfide (Matta and Wilbraham, 1986). A substances’ composition and 

behavior in chemical reactions--its chemical reactivity--comprise its chemical properties. 

 

What is a substance? 

 In chemistry, a pure substance is a homogenous material that has a definite chemical composition 

throughout. There are two kinds of pure substances. One kind can be decomposed into two or 

more different substances by simple chemical change; these are called compounds. There are many 

millions of compounds. 

An example of a compound is pure table salt, which can be decomposed into sodium and chlorine by 

an appropriate process. Many of the substances on the National Lists of Synthetic substances 

allowed for use in organic crop and livestock production (Sections 205.601 and 205.603) are 

compounds. Examples include: isopropanol, chlorine dioxide, ammonium carbonate, lime sulfur 

and copper sulfate. 

 

The second kind of pure substances are called elements, which cannot be decomposed by chemical 

change. There are 90 natural elements; examples are gold, copper, oxygen, sulfur and hydrogen. 

Elements cannot be separated into simpler substances by chemical reactions. An example of an 

element on the National List is sulfur (elemental) for crop production (205.601(e)(3))(Boikess and 

Edelson, 1978). 

 

 Mixtures consist of a physical blend or two or more substances in which the combined substances 

retain their identity. Most materials found in nature are mixtures. Mixtures can be either 

homogeneous (same composition throughout) or heterogeneous (has non-uniform composition). A 

solution is a type of a mixture where there is a homogeneous combination of different substances. 

The difference between a heterogeneous mixture and a solution is that any sample of a solution has 

the same composition, while the composition of a mixture is not the same throughout. Solutions 

may be gaseous, liquid or solid. Examples of mixtures on the National List are aquatic plants and 

fish emulsions. The various compounds and elements that make up these products are within the 
plant, animal or mineral. When a particular component of the plant is desired for use in an 

agricultural input it typically has to be extracted and in many cases undergo additional chemical 

reactions to make it into a substance that is functional when combined with other substances. 

 

 A distinction should be drawn between a mixture and a compound. The elements making up a 

compound cannot be recovered without a chemical change. The substances making up a mixture 

or solution can. Some mixtures can be separated into their various components by simple physical 

methods. An example is a gray-colored mixture produced by stirring together powdered yellow 

sulfur and black iron filings. The individual particles of sulfur and iron can be readily distinguished 

from one another under a microscope. The mixture is easy to separate because the iron filings can 

be removed from the mixture with a magnet leaving sulfur behind. Both the sulfur and the iron are 

unchanged in composition (example from Matta and Wilbraham, 1986). 

 

The substances making up a mixture or a solution need not be elements. For example, one can 

prepare a solution by dissolving salt, a compound, in water another compound. In addition, the 

substances making up a mixture or a solution can be combined in varying proportions. The 

elements in a compound have fixed proportions (paragraph found in Boikess and Edelson, 1978). 

Main groups of compounds can be classified based on similar chemical properties.The following are 

descriptions of each group (Boikess and Edelson, 1978). 

Salts: a compound of a metal and nonmetal, or of a metal with a negative polyatomic group. 

Compounds that have an ammonium group (NH4+) instead of a metal are also classified as salts. 

Some salts are NaCl, KCl, KMnO4 and NH4Cl. A salt is an ionic solid a room temperature. Most have 

two ionic components (a) a cation, which can be a polyatomic group such as ammonium or a 

monoatomic metal such as Na+, K+, Ca2+ or Mn3+ and (b) an anion, which can be a negative 

polyatomic group or a monoatomic ion such as Cl- or NH3-. A solid salt consists of ions in close 

association. When the salt dissolves in water, the ions are separated. Substances that exist as ions in 

solution are called electrolytes. When NaCl dissolves in water, the correct formula is Na+ + Cl-. This 

formula treats the component ions of the salts as independent entities, which is approximately how 

they behave in water solution. Salts are called strong electrolytes because they usually separate 

completely into ions in water. (Boyd text) 

Acids: a compound that is a source of H

+

 ions. An acid is usually a compound of hydrogen and a 

nonmetal or a negative polyatomic group. Unlike salts, acids usually are not aggregates of ions. An 

acid may be a gas (hydrochloric), liquid (sulfuric) or a solid (oxalic). Like salts, acids tend to form ions 

when the dissolve in water. When a substance separates into ions it is said to dissociate. Some 

acids dissociate completely and are called strong acids. Most acids dissociate only partially when 

dissolved in water. These are called weak acids, they are weak electrolytes. 

 

Bases: a compound that is a source of OH- ions in water solution. A compound of a cation and the 

OH- anion is a base. Bases resemble salts in many ways. They are ionic solids that dissociate into 

ions when dissolved in water. Bases that contain a cation and OH- are generally dissociate 

completely in water and are classified as strong bases. Some strong bases are NaOH (sodium 

hydroxide) and KOH (potassium hydroxide). Compounds that do not contain hydroxide ions are 

defined as bases if they produce OH- ions by reaction with water. An example is ammonia (NH3) 

which reacts with water to produce hydroxide ions. 

 

Nonelectrolytes: Compounds containing only nonmetals usually exist as discrete molecules, rather 
than collections of ions. These compounds do not dissociate into ions when they dissolve in water. 

Many organic compounds are nonelectrolytes and they will not dissolve appreciably in water i.e. oil. 

Some will dissolve in water, although they will not dissociate into ions i.e. sugar, and ethyl alcohol. 

 

Oxides: is a binary compound of any element with oxygen, when the oxygen has an oxidation 

number of 

-2

. Almost every element forms at least on oxide. The properties of oxides vary widelydepending on the element they may resemble a salt, acid, base or non electrolyte. 

 

What constitutes a chemical change? 

The chemical properties of a substance are those that describe the way in which it can undergo 

change, either alone or in interactions with other substances, to form different materials. Such 

changes are called chemical reactions. The chemical properties that are characteristic of any 

substance can be described- iron combines readily with oxygen to form the compound called rust. 

(Boikess and Edelson, 1978). 

The following are common types of chemical reactions that describe what is happening when 

different substances and compounds interact (Boikess and Edelson,1978). 

1. Addition or combination reaction: Two substances combine to form one: 

2Na+Cl

2

----2NaCl 

2. Decomposition reactions: One compound breaks into two or more compounds or elements. 

 CaCO

3

-------CaO + CO

2

 

3. Displacement reactions: Substances exchange parts. There are many types of these reactions 

but one of the most important is called metathesis which is the exchange of ions by two ionic 

compounds, with the anion of one compound joining the cation of the other compound and vice 

versa. AB+CD-AD + CB 

a. 1. Hydrolysis is a displacement reaction of a substance or ion with water. Water is a 

source of both H

+

 and OH

-

 ions. The OH

-

 anion combines with the positive portion of the 

compound that is hydrolyzed. This positive portion may be a cation or an atom with a 

positive oxidation number. The H

+

 cation combines with the negative portion of the 

compound, which may be an anion or an atom with a negative oxidation number. 

b. Acid-base reaction: an acid is a substance that can donate a proton, and a base is a 

substance that can accept a proton. 

 

Since many materials used in organic agriculture are derived from plants and animals it is important 

to mention chemical reactions that occur in by products of these organisms. In living organisms, 

enzymes play the role in catalyzing a specific reaction or type of reactions. 

Proteins are substances extracted from living organisms that maybe utilized in materials that are 

petitioned for use in organic production. Proteins are sensitive to relatively small changes in pH, 

temperature, or solvent composition may cause them to denature. Denaturation causes physical 

change, the most observable result is loss of biological activity. Except for cleavage of disulfide 
bonds, denaturation stems from changes in secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structures through 

disruption of noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, salt linkages and hydrophobic 

reactions. Common denaturing agents include the following: 

1. Heat--most become denatured when heated above 50-60 degrees C. 

2. Large changes in pH--adding concentrated acid or alkali to a protein in a aqueous solution 

causes changes in the charged character of ionizable side chains and interferes with salt 

linkages. 

3. Detergents--treating a protein with sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), a detergent, causes the native 

conformation to unfold and exposes the nonpolar protein side chains to the aqueous 

environment. These side chains are then stabilized by hydrophobic interaction with 

hydrocarbon chains of the detergent. 

4. Organic Solvents- such as alcohols, acetone or ether. 

5. Mechanical treatment. Most globular proteins denatured in aqueous solution if they are stirred 

or shaken vigorously. 

6. Urea and guanidine hydrochloride- These substances can cause disruption of protein hydrogen 

bonding and hydrophobic interactions. 

 

Denaturation can be partial or complete. It can also be reversible or irreversible. Irreversible 

denaturation causes a fundamental change in the protein, in particular destroying any physiological 

(biological) activity. In the case of reversible denaturation, the change may only be temporary 

(Brown, 1988). 

 

References: 

 

Boikess, R.S. and Edelson, E. Chemical Principles. Harper and Row, New York, 1978. 

Brown, W.H. Introduction to Organic Chemistry. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, California, 1988. 

Matta, Michael, and Wilbraham, A.C. General, Organic and Biological Chemistry. Benjamin/Cummings 

Publishing Company, California, 1986. 

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