This is a work product of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). It does not represent official 

National Organic Program (NOP) positions or policy.

National Organic Standards Board

Policy Development Subcommittee

Proposal 

New Member Guide Updates 

 

February 4, 2013

 

I. Introduction

The National Organic Program (NOP) and the National Organic Standards Board 

(NOSB) seek to provide a guide for new members to the NOSB. The NOSB’s New 

Member Guide (NMG) helps provide guidance and resources to new members and to 

ease their transition to the NOSB. 

II. Background

The NOSB New Member Guide (NMG) was first adopted on March 29, 2007. The NMG 

was updated once in 2007. In 2008, the NMG was updated twice. In 2009, 2010, and 

2012 the NMG were update once. The NMG includes (1) the authorization of NOSB, (2) 

mission of NOSB, (3) listing of the various subcommittees, (4) outlining the importance 

of public comment and the process, ( 5) the do’s and don’ts of traveling to NOSB 

biannual meetings, (6) listing of current NOSB members, (7) contact information of the 

personnel in the Office of the Deputy Director of NOP, (8) personnel in the Standards 

Division, (9) personnel in the Accreditation & International Activities Division, (10) 

personnel in the Compliance & Enforcement Division, (11) personnel in the listing of 

critical non-NOP staff, and the (12) importance of the Board’s Policy and Procedures 

Manual (PPM). 

III. Discussion

The NMG is an excellent guidance and resource document for new members. The 

guide is updated yearly. The frequent updates are due in part to policy changes, 

subcommittee membership changes, NOP staffing changes, and personnel additions. 

The NMG provides guidance for new members before attending their first meeting. The 

NMG provides a listings of subcommittees from which a new member can choose. 

IV. Recommendation

The recommendation is to accept the revised 2013 NOSB New Member Guide

attached. 

V. Committee Vote

Moved: Calvin Rueben Walker Second: Jennifer Taylor

Yes: 6 No: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 0 Recuse: 0 
2 0 1 3

National Organic Standards Board

New Member Guide 

Adopted: March 29, 2007 | Updated November 30, 2007 | Updated: May 22, 2008

Updated: November 19, 2008 | Updated: May 6, 2009 | Updated: October 28, 2010 | 

Updated: January 23, 2012| February 1, 2013
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

USDA-AMS | National Organic Program (NOP) 2 

Table of Contents

WELCOME NEW NOSB MEMBERS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

FEDERAL ORGANIC REGULATIONS & ENTITIES: A PRIMER ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCTION ACT (OFPA) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

FEDERAL REGISTER FINAL RULE ESTABLISHES THE NOP -------------------------------------------------------------- 3

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD (NOSB)-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

NATIONAL LIST OF ALLOWED AND PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES--------------------------------------------------------- 4

TECHNICAL INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

NOSB POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL (PPM)--------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

SELECTING NOSB SUBCOMMITTEES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

DEMYSTIFYING THE FEDERAL REGISTER --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

ADVANCED NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE (ANPR) --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE (NPR)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2

INTERIM FINAL RULE (IFR)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE (SNPR) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2

DIRECT FINAL RULE (DFR)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

FINAL RULE: 30 DAYS BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

RULEMAKING 101 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

PUBLIC COMMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

REFER TO THE PPM FOR DETAILED POLICY & PROCEDURES ON THE PUBLIC COMMENT PROCESS. ----------------------- 5

NOSB’S UNIQUE ROLE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

COMMENT MECHANISMS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

During Formal NOSB Meetings --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

In Response to Federal Register Notices ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

INCORPORATING PUBLIC COMMENTS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

SEPARATION OF POWERS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

CONFIDENTIALITY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

BEST PRACTICES TO OPTIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

STAYING ORGANIZED --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

OPTIMIZING CONFERENCE CALLS AND MEETINGS --------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

ORGANIZING EMAIL ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

TRACKING CHANGES IN WORD DOCUMENTS--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

TRAVELING TO NOSB MEETINGS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

WHAT TO PACK? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

LIST OF COMMON TECHNICAL SOURCES USED BY NOSB MEMBERS -------------------------------------------------------------- 11

ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION AGENCIES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11

FEDERAL AGENCIES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

OTHER SOURCES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

NATIONAL ORGANIC STANDARDS BOARD SUBCOMMITTEES ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM – CONTACT INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

USDA-AMS | National Organic Program (NOP) 3 

Welcome New NOSB Members

Congratulations and welcome to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)! We look 

forward to working with you over the next five years to advance organic regulations as defined 

by the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) and the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). 

This guide provides guidance and resources to new members to ease their transition to the 

NOSB. 

Soon after joining the NOSB, you need to read and be familiar with the following materials: 

Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA)

USDA Organic Regulations at 7 CFR 205 Final Rule 

NOSB Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM) 

NOP Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) Training Power Point 

 

The first three documents listed are available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP; brief 

summaries are provided below. The NOP FACA Training Power Point will be sent to all NOSB 

members as reference following the annual January FACA training session for NOSB members.

Questions?

Count on it. The Board Chairperson will assign you an NOSB mentor prior to your first official 

meeting to help you transition onto the Board. Your NOSB mentor will be available to you by 

phone or email to answer questions as they arise. The NOSB Chairperson or the Designated 

Federal Officer (DFO) can also be reached at any point to assist you. Contact information can 

be found at the end of this document or by contacting Michelle Arsenault at 

Michelle.Arsenault@ams.usda.gov. 

Federal Organic Regulations & Entities: A Primer

Organic Food Production Act (OFPA)

Title XXI of the 1990 Farm Bill, known as the OFPA, established the NOP within the Agriculture 

Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA. It also established the NOSB, an advisory body to the 

NOP. 

Federal Register Final Rule Establishes the NOP

The December 21, 2000 final rule established the NOP within the AMS, an arm of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA). NOP facilitates domestic and international marketing of 

fresh and processed food that is organically produced and assures consumers that such 

products meet consistent, uniform standards. NOP is required to establish national standards 

for the production and handling of organically produced products, including a National List of 

substances approved for and prohibited from use in organic production and handling. The final 

rule also established a national-level accreditation program, labeling requirements, and foreign 

organic program equivalency requirements.
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

USDA-AMS | National Organic Program (NOP) 4 

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)

OFPA authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint a 15-member National Organic 

Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB has the sole authority granted through OFPA to 

recommend additions to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. Further, the 

NOSB drafts recommendations based on needs of the industry with public and industry input. 

The Board’s main mission is to make recommendations about whether a substance should be 

allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling, to assist in the development of 

standards for substances to be used in organic production, and to advise the Secretary on other 

aspects of OFPA implementation. Members come from all four U.S. regions.

The first NOSB was appointed by then Secretary Edward Madigan in January, 1992. Members of 

the initial board served staggered terms of 3, 4, or 5 years; all subsequent board appointees 

serve 5-year terms. Per OFPA, the board must consist of 15 members: 

- Four farmers/growers

- Two handlers/processors

- One retailer

- Three environmentalists / resource conservationists

- Three consumer/public interest advocates 

- One scientist (toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry)

- One USDA accredited certifying agent. 

National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances

Through OFPA, the NOSB has the sole authority to recommend adding materials to or removing 

materials from the National List. The Secretary of Agriculture has limited authority with regard

to NOSB recommendations for additions to the National List; the Secretary of Agriculture may 

deny the listing of a material, but may not add a material that was not previously 

recommended by the Board. 

Technical Information

To help NOSB members assess whether materials should be added or removed from the 

National List, the NOSB is authorized to request technical information on materials from 

internal and external sources. See The Final Rule Subpart G 205.600 and the NOSB Policy and 

Procedures Manual, Section VIII Materials Review Process, for additional information. 

NOSB Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM)

The PPM outlines all general procedures followed by members of the NOSB. The manual is 

designed to assist the Board in its responsibilities and is considered mandatory reading for all 

members. The PPM covers many important issues such as the NOSB Vision Statement, Duties of 

the Board and Officers, NOSB job descriptions, NOSB Principals to Production and Handling, 

Materials Review Process, Technical Advisory Panel (TAP), Sunset Review Process, and other 

critical information. Policies and revisions are incorporated periodically, and since the PPM

guides you on how to craft your documents and recommendations, it is essential to refer to it 

to make sure you are following the process.
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

USDA-AMS | National Organic Program (NOP) 5 

Additional Helpful Reading

NOSB Website | www.ams.usda.gov/nosb 

The website includes access to NOSB meeting transcripts, NOSB executive subcommittee 

notes, and previous NOSB recommendations. 

NOP Website | www.ams.usda.gov/nop 

The website includes access to NOP Newsroom, organic regulations, and resources for 

various stakeholder groups. 

From the Margins to the Mainstream, Advancing Organic Agriculture in the United States: 

National Organic Action Plan | http://www.rafiusa.org/docs/noap.pdf 

 The website provides a portal to access a document on the growth of organic 

 agriculture in the United States. 

Selecting NOSB Subcommittees 

You will work with the NOSB chairperson to select 2-4 standing Subcommittees from the 

following on which to participate

1. Compliance, Accreditation, & Certification Subcommittee

2. Crops Subcommittee

3. Handling Subcommittee

4. Livestock Subcommittee

5. Materials Subcommittee

6. Policy Development Subcommittee

New members may also have the option to join a currently-existing ad hoc subcommittee. 

Additional information on the different Subcommittees is available in the PPM. Generally, it is 

best to select a Subcommittee for which you have experience. New members are also 

encouraged to seek guidance from the NOSB Chairperson or the Advisory Board Specialist to 

best utilize your skills and experience. Subcommittee Chairpersons can update you on current 

topics under consideration and provide you with recent meeting notes. 
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

 

Demystifying the Federal Register

The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of 

federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential 

documents. The Federal Register has format and public notice rules that have to be followed. 

Public comment periods are generally a minimum of 30 days, but since the organic community 

believes strongly in collaboration and public comment, NOP strives to allow 45 days for public 

comment on their notices. “If you intend to bind the public, you have to provide actual and 

timely notice.” Several types of Federal Register notices are used at different rulemaking 

stages:

Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule (ANPR)

Optional – Involves proposing an idea and formally asking for public comment before you 

draft the proposed rule. This is strictly an idea and data collecting process that discourages 

back-room idea and data collection. 

Notice of Proposed Rule (NPR)

Required – Provides Background, Intent, Objectives via the Preamble, Proposes specific rule 

language, and is Open to Public Comment.

Interim Final Rule (IFR)

Optional – Very similar to the Final Rule – still open to some public comment, used primarily 

when issues are controversial and some tweaking of the final rule language may be required.

Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rule (SNPR)

Optional – open to public comment on an newly proposed areas that came up during NPR that 

were not foreseen, but also includes some areas that are more decided and not as open to 

comment.

Direct Final Rule (DFR)

Special Circumstances – usually not a controversial issue and requires immediate action (good 

cause criteria have to be met), risky because if one commenter objects, then they have to 

resubmit as an NPR which costs money – and allow public comment. i.e. the banning of 

dangerous toys for small children.

Final Rule: 30 days before effective date

Required – Provides Background, Intent, and Objectives via the Preamble, Proposes specific rule 

language, and is not open to Public Comment as all public commenting time periods have either 

been met through the above required and optional steps, with the exception of rules being 

modified to respond to court actions and deadlines. 
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

 

Any further changes to these regulations would be made through petition: “Petition for 

Reconsideration”, and would essentially be re-run through the Federal Register process as 

described above.

Rulemaking 101

Commonly, laws do not contain a level of detail for their practical implementation. Rather, 

agencies of the Executive branch have to establish rules, or regulations, to serve as guides in 

the implementation of laws. The rule development process can be described in five steps:

1. Framework for establishing rulemaking authority

In NOSB’s case, per OFPA

2. Publish proposed rule with request for public comments 

Rule is subject to Office of Management and Budget review 

3. Publish final rule addressing public comments; set effective date

Rule is subject to Office of Management and Budget review

4. Congressional review

Congress or the Government Accountability Office has the ability to nullify rules

5. Effective date

Rules go into effect after a 30-day minimum; 60-days for major rules. Agencies may 

delay or withdraw rules before they become effective
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

 

The diagram below provides additional details on the rulemaking process; this resource is also 

available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/reginfo/Regmap/index.jsp. 
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

Public Comment

Refer to the PPM for detailed policy & procedures on the public comment process. 

NOSB’s Unique Role

Organic stakeholders are extremely engaged in the activities of both the NOP and the NOSB. 

Both groups receive an unprecedented amount of public input from farmers, businesses and 

consumers during every step of their decision-making process—from a draft NOSB discussion 

document or proposal, to a final rule. Refer to Section V of the PPM for writing a 

recommendation. After considering the recommendations of the NOSB, the NOP reviews 

public comments and industry analysis before proposing a final recommendation. However, the 

Secretary of Agriculture has final authority in determining all regulations. 

NOSB members are in the unique position of not only representing their sector, but also 

representing the USDA and the public. It is therefore especially important for NOSB members 

to weigh public comments to help guide us towards what the public wants to see in organic 

regulations. The public comment process is in place to insure timely notice and to avoid back 

room decision-making; the NOSB process must be transparent per the Sunshine Act. The 

following activities require public comment:

- Approving/removing materials for use in the organic industry

- Evaluating a specific Rule

- Providing clarifications 

- Discussion documents

- Proposals 

Comment Mechanisms

NOP is responsible for receiving and posting all petitions and formal public comments related to 

NOSB meeting activities and rulemaking. On an informal level, NOSB members are encouraged 

to maintain and expand their contact base in order to maintain an open line of communication 

with the organic community. On a formal level, NOSB members request input from the public 

in two main ways: during formal NOSB meetings and in response to Federal Register notices, 

either electronically or via mail. 

During Formal NOSB Meetings

The public is invited to sign up on a first-come, first-served basis to address the Board about 

identified topics during the public comment sessions. Commenters typically have 3-5 minutes, 

not including questions from Board members (NOSB members are encouraged to ask questions 

at the end). Refer to the PPM for additional details on public commenters’ time allocation and 

process. Please remember to listen, let the speaker finish, and make eye contact as much as 

possible. The public deserves our respect and attention; they rely on NOSB members to 

consider their comments. When commenting during meetings remember to be respectful, 

professional, patient, informed, and concise. The public is encouraged to provide written 

testimony to facilitate NOSB’s consideration.
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

In Response to Federal Register Notices

The NOP is responsible for publishing Federal Register notices, including those that identify the 

NOSB’s draft recommendation proposals in advance of NOSB meetings. In these notices, the 

public is directed on how to submit public comments: either electronically (preferred) or via 

mail. NOP is responsible for reviewing and posting these comments for NOSB’s (and the 

public’s) review. 

Incorporating Public Comments

The review and implementation of public input takes place at the Subcommittee level. 

Subcommittee members are expected to review all petitions and comments from the public 

before providing a recommendation to the Chairperson and members of the Board. Currently, 

a Subcommittee member is assigned to review, classify, and summarize all data received by 

NOP, but all Subcommittee members are expected to review the data individually before 

making a final recommendation. 

Separation of Powers

As a member of the NOSB, you are working within the Executive Branch of government. In this 

capacity, you are not permitted to work in the other branches while on the NOSB because of 

the required separation of powers.

Confidentiality

While Board members are volunteer, private citizens, and not employed by the government, 

the Board itself is a government entity. As such, here are some points to be aware of in your 

communications on NOSB Topics: 

• NOSB Subcommittee calls are not recorded or open to anyone besides the NOP and 

NOSB unless an expert is specifically invited to attend. However, summary notes are 

developed for each NOSB subcommittee call and are posted on the NOP website.

• Formal transcripts are recorded for NOSB public meetings – whatever you say at a 

public meeting is on the record. 

• Any email or written communication you send that includes a government employee, 

or that gets forwarded to a government employee, may be releasable to a member of 

the public in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. (Example: Board 

members send emails to each other and cc the DFO. This email may be subject to FOIA 

if a specific request is received that includes that email’s topic in its scope). 

It is your duty to respect and follow a foundational level of trust and not share internal 

discussion and deliberative information until it is officially made public. As mentioned in the 

PPM, a Board member’s loyalty is to the organic community and the public at large; however 

the information should be accurate and agreed upon before being shared with the public. 
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

Best Practices to Optimize Productivity

Staying Organized

NOSB members receive a lot of materials, both electronically and in hard copy; staying 

organized can be a challenge. Members may want to create a file cabinet specifically for the 

NOSB, with files created yearly for each Subcommittee. Subcommittee Chairpersons and Vice 

Chairpersons should save all versions and file them, while Subcommittee members can just 

save the final copy. Public comments that you receive at the meetings can be filed, or you can 

find them archived on the NOP web site.

Optimizing Conference Calls and Meetings

Because members are based in all regions of the country, a great deal of the work of the NOSB 

is conducted over the phone. Subcommittees are encouraged to develop the agenda together 

with key Subcommittee members, provide ample notice of the date and time of the 

meeting/conference calls, review the agenda and all documents related to agenda items, start 

and finish on time, and review action items. The DFO will take notes at all conference calls and 

will send out periodic updates to a master calendar of the scheduled Subcommittee conference 

calls with phone-in numbers and pass codes (required to access calls). Executive Subcommittee 

calls are scheduled the second Friday of each month and consist of only the NOSB officers, 

Subcommittee Chairpersons, and NOP personnel. NOSB members are welcome to listen in, but 

are not permitted to vote. All Subcommittee meeting notes are posted on the NOP website for 

public access.

Organizing Email

To help optimize NOSB productivity, it is important to consistently organize and respond to 

emails. You are encouraged to create specific folders for each Subcommittee and utilize a filing 

system that works for you, keeping in mind that you don’t need to save every email you receive 

from NOP or NOSB members. 

Tips for Success: 

- Check your inbox on a daily basis.

- Use a clear subject line, noting NOSB and the appropriate Subcommittee 

- Be concise and answer all questions within 24-48 hours.

- Do not attach unnecessary files.

- Do not overuse Reply to All.

- Try not to write with abbreviations.

Tracking Changes in Word Documents

Drafting and revising NOSB discussion documents and proposals require combining feedback 

from multiple people at multiple steps. The Microsoft Word track changes feature can help 

facilitate this, allowing you to merge all versions and view all edits at once. You are then able to 

accept or reject edits, resulting in a final version. A few tips are included below; a full demo is 

found in http://office.microsoft.com/training. 
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

Turning on Track Changes 

After opening your document: 

Word 1997-2003: 

- Go to Tools, select Track Changes.

- The review toolbar will appear at the top

“TRK” will show on the status bar (bottom of the screen)

-

Word 2007 and 2010: 

- Select the Review tab

- Click Track Changes

All edits will be shown in the document in colored font. If you find it distracting to view the 

edits, you can select to view “Final” instead of “Final Showing Markup”. If you no longer 

need to track changes, you can click on Track Changes to turn it off.

Reviewing Documents with Track Changes

To determine who proposed a given change, hold your curser over the change. The review 

toolbars allow you to approve, reject, or edit in two simple steps. First, place your cursor 

over the edited text. Second, click the button to accept the edit. This will delete the 

track change and restore your document without showing edits. To reject the change, click 

the button. This will reject the suggested edit and return your document to its original 

state. The Next and Previous buttons allow you to navigate through the document 

quickly. Using the drop down list on the and buttons, allows you to accept or reject 

all changes in the document at once.

There are two features in TRK that help in the review process, the Reviewing and Show

toolbars. The drop-down arrow in the Reviewing toolbar, allows you to view the document 

at different stages of editing. For example, the Original Showing Markup selection displays 

all edits from all contributors highlighted in different colors. The Original selection presents 

the document prior to any edits. The Show toolbar allows you to select edits by type such as 

comments, insertions and formats. This toolbar also allows you to isolate edits by reviewer 

name. To print a list of changes made in a document, select Print (Word 1997-2003: File, 

Print; Word 2007: Microsoft Office button (top left), Print); in the Print what box, click “List of 

markup; Word 2010: Microsoft Office button (top left), Print); Under Settings, click the Print 

what box, click “List of markup.” 
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

Traveling to NOSB Meetings

Airline Reservations

The USDA Travel Coordinator will provide each person with an approved authorization number 

that will be provided to the USDA’s Travel Service. The authorization will be sent to each Board 

member via email. USDA is responsible for paying all airline costs. However, members are 

responsible for arranging their own airline reservations. Each Board member must contact 

Michele Green or Kim Webster, at Boersman Travel 888-291-6705, and identify themselves as 

USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The travel service is aware that they should obtain 

the best Federal government rate when possible; however, if your airline rate is over $800, 

please contact the Advisory Board Specialist, National Organic Program (NOP), for approval. 

Boersman emergency assistance is provided outside of normal business hours by calling 866-

648-7861. 

After scheduling your airline reservations with Boersman, you will receive an email 

acknowledgement from Virtually There at www.virtuallythere.com detailing your reservations 

and flight information. If you reserve a refundable government ticket, you could receive your 

tickets approximately one week prior to travel. If you reserve a non-refundable restricted ticket, 

you will be ticketed within 48 hours. 

Reminder: When traveling to attend an NOSB meeting, members are not authorized to use 

personal credit cards to pay for airline tickets or utilize another travel service on behalf of 

USDA/AMS. You will not be reimbursed. Please note that USDA is responsible for paying all 

airline costs.

It is important to notify your travel coordinator if you plan to arrive or depart outside of the 

intended travel dates authorized. Also, provide notification if you plan to combine personal or 

business travel to attend the NOSB meeting.

Personal Owned Vehicles (POV) 

If you need to travel using your own POV, please notify the travel coordinator via email, and 

provide mileage to/from the meeting, and dates of arrival and departure to/from residence.

Rental Car and Train Reservations

If there are no flights to/from an airport or other modes of transportation available, and your 

only option is to use a rental car or train to/from a meeting, you must state why it would be 

advantageous to the Federal government. If the cost of a rental car (including gas), or a train

ticket is less than the cost of an airline ticket this would be advantageous to the Federal 

government. USDA will reimburse you. However, if the rental car or train cost is more than the 

airline, then you are responsible for paying the difference.
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

To reserve a rental car or train, you must obtain prior approval at least two weeks before a 

meeting. Submit to the travel coordinator a written justification stating your need, and include 

a cost comparison for the rental car, train and airline outlay. You can either locate a local rental 

car or train service and make your own reservation or submit your request to Boersman Travel 

service. Members are not allowed to use a rental car for travel to/from hotel to obtain dinner. 

You will not be reimbursed. 

Meeting Space and Lodging Accommodations

USDA/NOP is responsible for reserving and paying all expenses for the meeting space and 

lodging. Members should not make their own hotel reservations as we will have a special block 

reserved. However, if you plan to modify your arrival/departure travel dates for personal 

reasons, please contact the hotel and travel coordinator. To avoid “no show” charges, it’s 

important that the hotel is aware of travel date modifications. Personal travel is nonreimbursable.

Post-Travel Document

After each meeting, the travel coordinator will forward to all members a post-travel document 

that should be completed and signed as soon as possible. Submit all applicable receipts (with 

the exception of meals) to the travel coordinator for reimbursement. Travel documentation 

can be faxed, emailed or mailed to the attention of Travel Coordinator.

Travel reimbursement will include the following

- Rental Car or Train expense (if applicable)

- Location per diem (meals + incidentals) 

- POV mileage to/from airport or meeting at the current GSA per diem rate

- Roundtrip tolls

- Airport parking

- Local Transportation: Taxi cab fares to/from airport to hotel, or residence; tips not to 

exceed 15% of the fare, Shuttle services to/from airport to hotel, or residence

- Airline baggage fees

Submit your travel voucher information to:

Special Assistant to the Board

USDA/National Organic Program

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250

(202) 720-3252, Fax: (202) 205-7808 
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

What to Pack?

The dress code at NOSB meetings is business casual. It’s suggested you bring some casual attire 

as well. Most of the hotels also have work-out rooms and pools. For the most part, dress is not 

too important as long as you are representing the NOSB professionally. 

The agenda, proposals and any supporting documents will all be available prior to meetings at 

www.ams.usda.gov/nosb/meetings/meetings.html. Materials will be provided to you before 

or at the meetings in hard copy or on a thumb drive or CD. Other useful documents include a 

copy of OFPA and the Federal Register Regulation, which will be provided upon request and are 

also available electronically. If you have a travel mug, please bring it along. It doesn’t make a 

very good impression if we are all using non-recyclable cups. 

List of Common Technical Sources Used by NOSB Members

Very often during the review process and discussions, NOSB members need to consult various 

sources of information. The following is a general list of common technical sources.

Accredited Certification Agencies

The function of the Accredited Certification Agencies (ACAs) is to certify, on behalf of USDA, 

that producers and handlers comply with approved organic practices. An ACA is accredited by 

the NOP. They operate in all regions of the United States and selected countries, and include 

private companies, not-for-profit organizations and several state government agencies.

For a comprehensive list of ACAs: http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOPACAs 

Federal Agencies 

U.S. Department of Agriculture/Marketing Service 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/

U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service

http://www.ars.usda.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service 

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Agricultural Library Alternative Farming Systems 

Information Center

http://www.nalusda.gov/afsic/ofp/susagrsch.htm
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture 

http://www.csrees.usda.gov

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Integrated Risk Information System

http://www.epa.gov/iris

U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Organic Program

http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop

U.S. Department of Agriculture/Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program 

http://www.sare.org/index.htm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Inert Ingredients Permitted in Pesticide Products

http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/inerts/lists.html

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Organic Agriculture Page

http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/torg.html#National%20Organic%20Standards

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water

http://www.epa.gov/ow/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water Science

http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease 

Registry

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/atsdrhome.html

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/list.html

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition - Food 

Ingredients and Packaging Terms

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opa-def.html

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Indirect" 

Additives Used in Food Contact Substances

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opa-indt.html

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Inventory 

of Effective Food Contact Substance Notifications http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opafcn.html
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine

http://www.fda.gov/cvm

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Risk Analysis Clearinghouse

http://www.foodriskclearinghouse.umd.edu/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Numerical Listing of GRAS Notices

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~rdb/opa-gras.html 

U.S. National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/centers/res-core/iowares2.htm. 

U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

http://www.osha.gov 

Other Sources

 

Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas

http://www.attra.org

Organic Materials Review Institute

http://www.omri.org

 

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service

http://www.attra.org

Glossary of Acronyms

ACA Accredited Certifiers Association

AMS Agricultural Marketing Service (home of NOP) 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

FACA Federal Advisory Committee Act 

FDA Food and Drug Administration 

NOP National Organic Program 

OFPA Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (Title XXI of the 1990 Farm Bill) 

OMRI Organic Materials Review Institute 

TAP Technical Advisory Panel 

USDA United States Department of Agriculture 
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

National Organic Standards Board Subcommittees 

NOSB Officers (2013)

Robert (Mac) Stone

John Foster

Chairperson 

Vice Chairperson

C. Reuben (Calvin) Walker Secretary

Executive Subcommittee Representatives (2013)

Jay Feldman, Chairperson Crops

Joe Dickson, Chairperson Compliance, Accreditation & Certification

John Foster, Chairperson Handling

Tracy Favre, Chairperson Livestock

Zea Sonnabend, Chairperson Materials

Colehour Bondera, Chairperson

Jennifer Taylor, Chairperson 

Policy Development

GMO ad hoc 

CROPS 

Jay Feldman, Chairperson

Nick Maravell, Vice Chairperson

Harold Austin

Carmela Beck

Colehour Bondera

John Foster

Zea Sonnabend

Mac Stone (unofficial, non-voting)

Francis Thicke

COMPLIANCE, ACCREDITATION, 

CERTIFICATION 

Joe Dickson, Chairperson

Jean Richardson, Vice Chairperson

Harold Austin

Carmela Beck

Tracy Favre 

John Foster

Mac Stone

C. Reuben (Calvin) Walker

HANDLING 

John Foster, Chairperson

Harold Austin, Vice Chairperson

Carmela Beck

Joe Dickson

Tracy Favre

Nick Maravell

Jean Richardson

Zea Sonnabend

GMO ad hoc 

Jennifer Taylor, Chairperson 

Zea Sonnabend, Vice Chairperson

Colehour Bondera

Jay Feldman

Jean Richardson

Mac Stone

Francis Thicke 

C. Reuben (Calvin) Walker

LIVESTOCK 

Tracy Favre, Chairperson 

Wendy Fulwider, Vice Chairperson

Colehour Bondera

Joe Dickson

Nick Maravell

Jean Richardson

Mac Stone

Francis Thicke

C. Reuben (Calvin) Walker

MATERIALS 

Zea Sonnabend, Chairperson

Jennifer Taylor, Vice Chairperson

Joe Dickson

Tracy Favre 

Jay Feldman

Wendy Fulwider

C. Reuben (Calvin) Walker
NOSB New Member Guide | Updated February 1, 2013

POLICY DEVELOPMENT 

Colehour Bondera, Chairperson

C. Reuben (Calvin) Walker, Vice Chairperson

Jay Feldman

John Foster 

Nick Maravell 

Jennifer Taylor

INERTS WORKING GROUP

Jay Feldman 

Zea Sonnabend

VACCINES MADE WITH EXCLUDED METHODS WORKING GROUP (Vaccines MWEM)

Jean Richardson

Nick Maravell

National Organic Program – Contact Information

This directory is updated fairly often, and can be found here:

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5086703