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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Nate Lewis (NL), Chair; Amy Bruch (AB), Vice Chair; Carolyn Dimitri (CD); Allison Johnson (AJ); Kyla 

Smith (KS) - observer 

Absent: Jerry D’Amore (JD) 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA) 

Agenda 

• Review November 14, 2023 notes 

• PPM updates (All) 

• Member guide updates (All) 

• Exit interviews (JD/All) 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• November 14, 2023 notes were accepted as written. 

• PPM updates (All). The PDS members discussed potential revisions to the PPM for the Spring meeting, 

including in-person comments, technical corrections, language about participation, etc. Members 

discussed Board member workload and expectations for a minimum level of participation, and also 

allowing room for flexibility for members to adjust their schedules and workload as needed. The 

members also discussed alternate/creative ways to gather input from farmers and others who may not 

be able to commit to a 5-year term, and so wouldn’t apply to be on the Board. NOP will mark up the 

PPM as a starting point for the revisions, and send back to the PDS for discussion on the next call. 

• Member guide updates (All). Briefly discussed updates. 

• Exit interviews (JD/All). The lead was unable to join the call, so the PDS deferred this conversation to 

the next PDS call. 

• Additional Items. 

o NOSB Spring meeting - potential guest speakers. If there is space on the Spring agenda, the 

NOSB would like to invite someone from the USDA Equity Commission to attend the Spring 2024 

meeting to talk about the connection to organic, and how NOSB could be helpful to their work. 

NOP noted that given the position of the commission within the USDA, the invitation should 

come from AMS/MRP. The PDS discussed inviting other speakers to discuss diversity, equity, 

inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) issues. Based on feedback about the TOPP presentations at 

the Fall 2023 meeting, it was a topic of great interest. A member suggested inviting a professor 

who has expertise in structural racism to set a baseline for knowledge rather than inviting 

someone from the equity commission. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

November 14, 2023 

Debrief from NOSB Fall meeting 

PPM updates (All) 

Exit interviews (JD/All) 
 

 

 

 

 

Member guide updates (All) 

December 12, 2023 

PPM updates (All) 

Exit interviews (JD/All) 

Member guide updates (All) 

January 9, 2024 

February 13, 2024 

March 12, 2024 

April 9, 2024 

May 14, 2024 

June 11, 2024 

July 9, 2024 

August 13, 2024 

September 10, 2024 

October 8, 2024 

November 12, 2024 

December 10, 2024 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

Target

Meeting 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11-

4 for material review, 

with NOP 5033 + and 

NOP 5034 (and 5034-X 

docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. Resignation policy 

4. Board mbr attendance 

NL/JD Proposal Revisions/Updates as 

needed 

12. 12.23 

1.9.24 

2.13.24 

Spr 

2024 

Update to member guide

1. Add exit interviews 

2. Add training

graphic/handout 

MA/MJ TBD Update as needed. Not 

posted on website 

1.9.24 NA 

Milestones 

Spring 2024 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to meeting) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 17, 2023 16 -20 

NOP - Draft Spring 2024 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 9, 2024 ~ 10 

NOSB - Spring 2024 proposals due to NOP Feb 15, 2024 ~ 9 
 

 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2024 7.5 

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2024 3.5 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 5, 2024 3 

Public comment webinars Apr 23 & 25, 2024 1 

Spring 2024 NOSB meeting - Milwaukee, WI Apr 29 - May 1, 2024 0 

Final recommendations due May 29, 2024 30 days post 

meeting 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Nate Lewis (NL), Chair; Amy Bruch (AB), Vice Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD); Carolyn Dimitri (CD); Kyla Smith 

(KS) 

Absent: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Allison Johnson (AJ) 

Staff: Jared Clark (JC); Jo Mirenda (JM) 

Agenda 

• Review October 10, 2023 notes 

• Debrief from NOSB Fall meeting 

• PPM updates comments (All) 

• Member guide updates (All) 

• Sunset Slate 

• Exit interviews (JD/All) 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• October 10, 2023 notes were approved as written. 

• Debrief from NOSB Fall meeting: A member pointed out that there was public comment/input on some 

of the PDS’s future agenda items. One member suggested that PDS bring a proposal to the Executive 

Committee regarding in-person comments at NOSB meetings. The discussion that followed centered on 

what the proposal and possible in-person comments would look like. 

• PPM updates (All) - Moved to next meeting 

• Member guide updates (All) - Moved to next meeting 

• Sunset slate (All). Members reviewed the concerns the last time this was brought up regarding the 

desire to make more room for non-sunset projects. Another idea is to shift sunset reviews, so some 

years are lighter than others, allowing for other work. 

• Exit interviews (JD/All) - The lead will provide a draft document to the Subcommittee members for 

review and future discussion. One major consideration is respecting confidentiality while maintaining 

transparency with the community. 

• Additional Items. None. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

October 10, 2023 

Discuss public comments (All) 

Discuss list of topics for verbal update (All) 

November 14, 2023 

Debrief from NOSB Fall meeting 

PPM updates (All) 

Exit interviews (JD/All) 

Member guide updates (All) 

December 12, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

PPM updates (All) 

Exit interviews (JD/All) 

Member guide updates (All) 

January 9, 2024 

February 13, 2024 

March 12, 2024 

April 9, 2024 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

Target

Meeting 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11-

4 for material review, 

with NOP 5033 + and 

NOP 5034 (and 5034-X 

docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. Resignation policy 

4. Board mbr attendance 

NL/JD Proposal Revisions/Updates as 

needed 

12.14.23 Spr 

2024 

Update to member guide

1. Add exit interviews 

2. Add training

graphic/handout 

MA/MJ TBD Update as needed. Not 

posted on website 

12.14.23 NA 

Milestones 

Spring 2024 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to meeting) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~Nov 17, 2023 16 -20 

NOP - Draft Spring 2024 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 9, 2024 ~ 10 

NOSB - Spring 2024 proposals due to NOP Feb 15, 2024 ~ 9 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 5, 2024 7.5 

Public comment closes Apr 3, 2024 3.5 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 5, 2024 3 

Public comment webinars Apr 23 & 25, 2024 1 

Spring 2024 NOSB meeting - Milwaukee, WI Apr 29 - May 1, 2024 0 

Final recommendations due May 29, 2024 30 days post 

meeting 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Allison Johnson (AJ), Chair; Nate Lewis (NL), Vice Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD); Mindee Jeffery (MJ) 

Absent: Wood Turner (WT) 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA) 

Agenda 

• Review September 12, 2023 notes 

• Discuss public comments (All) 

• Discuss list of topics for verbal update (All) 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• September 12, 2023 notes were accepted with minor revisions. 

• Discuss public comments (All). The PDS received a couple of comments on the PPM, although they are 

not presenting a proposal at the Fall meeting. 

• Discuss list of topics for verbal update (AJ). The PDS will provide a brief update about several items that 

are under discussion for future PPM updates. 

• Additional Items. 

o Equity commission/outside panel at Milwaukee meeting. The PDS entertained ideas for 

interactions with the Commission, such as a listening session, panel, or a guest speaker either at 

the spring 2024 NOSB meeting and/or a future PDS call. The PDS Chair will reach out to the NOP 

Deputy Administrator and ask about options. The group also questioned if and how the Board 

could respond to the equity commission recommendations. 

o NIFA presentation at the Spring 2024 meeting? The PDS will discuss this at the Fall NOSB 

meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

September 12, 2023 

October 10, 2023 

Discuss public comments (All) 

Discuss list of topics for verbal update (All) 

November 14, 2023 

Debrief from NOSB Fall meeting 

PPM updates comments (All) 

Exit interviews (JD/All) 

Member guide updates (All) 

December 12, 2023 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 
 

 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

Target 

Meeting 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11- 4 for material review, 

with NOP 5033 + and 

NOP 5034 (and 5034-X 

docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. Resignation policy 

4. Board mbr attendance 

NL/JD Verbal 

Update 

Revisions/Updates as 

needed 

6.27.23 

7.11.23 

8.8.23 

9.12.23 

Fall 

2023 

Update to member guide

1. Add exit interviews 

MA/MJ TBD Update as needed. Not 

posted on website 

3.14.23 

8.8.23 

9.12.23 

NA 

Milestones 

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023 

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023 

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023 

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023 

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023 

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023 

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023 

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Allison Johnson (AJ), Chair; Nate Lewis (NL), Vice Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD); Wood Turner (WT); Mindee 

Jeffery (MJ) 

Absent: None 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA); Heather Kumar (HK) 

Agenda 

• Review August 8, 2023 notes 

• PPM updates (NL) 

• Member Guide Updates 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• August 8, 2023 notes were accepted as written. 

• PPM updates (NL). 

o The PDS discussed the “parking lot” list of technical corrections and updates to the PPM listed in 

the table below. 

o The lead discussed the info-graphics (Handouts 1, 2, and 3) that NOP created for the NOSB 

training, and whether to add them to the PPM as is, or if they should be modified. Upon review, 

the PDS did not see any deficiencies in the PPM on the process of requesting work agenda 

items. Members did identify areas that could use some updating or alignment, such as who can 

request which type of work agenda request. 

o A member asked about ways in which the NOSB could respond more quickly to stakeholder 

requests, or a way to add a process to the member guide to address emerging issues. 

• Member Guide Updates. The Vice Chair has been contemplating updates to the member guide 

regarding board culture and community. Members also discussed adding a section on NOSB 

communication in general, and alternate ways in which the NOSB can communicate outside of formal 

recommendations. For example, letters to the Secretary, Q and A at the meetings, via Executive Call 

conversations, and Board Resolutions. Members suggested ways to add this to the PPM and/or member 

guide. The new NOSB training handouts (1, 2, and 3), which summarize best practices for various Board 

work products (i.e., proposals, sunset reviews, work agenda requests), may be added to member guide. 

• Verbal update at Fall 2023 NOSB meeting. The PDS will deliver a verbal update at the Fall meeting 

letting stakeholders know what items they are working on for the Spring 2024 meeting. The PDS Chair 

will prepare the list of topics including communications, participation expectations, etc., and the group 

may discuss them on the October call, just prior to the meeting. The PDS also discussed the text in the 

PPM regarding minority views or non-consensus votes or views, and would like to strengthen the 

language on how to reflect a mixed vote. 

• Additional Items. None. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

August 8, 2023 

Exit interviews 

PPM updates - discuss/vote 
 

 

 

 

 

September 12, 2023 

October 10, 2023 

Discuss public comments (All) 

Discuss list of topics for verbal update (All) 

November 14, 2023 

PPM updates comments (All) 

Exit interviews (JD/All) 

Member guide updates (All) 

December 12, 2023 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

Target 

Meeting 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11-

4 for material review, 

with NOP 5033 + and 

NOP 5034 (and 5034-X 

docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. Resignation policy 

4. Board mbr attendance 

NL/JD Verbal 

Update 

Revisions/Updates as 

needed 

6.27.23 

7.11.23 

8.8.23 

9.12.23 

Fall 

2023 

Update to member guide

1. Add exit interviews 

MA/MJ TBD Update as needed. Not 

posted on website 

3.14.23 

8.8.23 

9.12.23 

NA 

Milestones 

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023 

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023 

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023 

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023 

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023 

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023 

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023 

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, August 8 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Nate Lewis (NL), Vice Chair; Jerry D’Amore (JD); Wood Turner (WT); Mindee Jeffery (MJ) 

Absent: Allison Johnson (AJ), Chair 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA) 

Agenda 

• Review July 11, 2023 notes 

• PPM updates (NL) 

• Exit Interviews (JD) 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• July 11, 2023 notes were accepted as written. 

• PPM updates (NL). The PDS discussed how best to move forward with the PPM updates, and for various 

reasons, decided to continue discussion as a Subcommittee before developing a document for public 

comment. The Subcommittee will provide a verbal update about PPM updates at the Fall 2023 meeting. 

The group also discussed adding language about Special Government Employees (SGE’s), and chose to 

add this to the Member Guide rather than the PPM. 

• Exit Interviews (JD). The lead noted that at the core of this project is confidentiality versus transparency, 

and the ultimate goal is continuous improvement. He reviewed the history of the project for the benefit 

of new members and the group discussed how best to finalize this project. Remaining questions include 

where to house the results, and who should maintain the files. 

• Additional Items. The PDS will continue working on both projects on the calls leading up to the fall 

meeting. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

July 11, 2023 

PPM updates (All) - discuss misc. updates 

August 8, 2023 

Exit interviews 

PPM updates - discuss/vote 

September 12, 2023 

October 10, 2023 

November 14, 2023 

December 12, 2023 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 
 

 

 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

Target 

Meeting 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11- 4 for material review, 

with NOP 5033 + and 

NOP 5034 (and 5034-X 

docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. Resignation policy 

4. Board mbr attendance 

NL/JD Verbal 

Update 

Revisions/Updates as 

needed 

6.27.23 

7.11.23 

8.8.23 

Fall 

2023 

Update to member guide

1. Add exit interviews 

2. Add SGE designation 

MA/ALL TBD Update as needed. Not 

posted on website 

3.14.23 

8.8.23 

NA 

Milestones 

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023 

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023 

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023 

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023 

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023 

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023 

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023 

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, July 11, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Jerry D’Amore (JD); Allison Johnson (AJ), Chair; Nate Lewis (NL), Vice Chair; Wood Turner (WT) 

Absent: Mindee Jeffery (MJ) 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA) 

Agenda 

• Review June 27, 2023 notes 

• PPM updates 

o Technical updates (NL) 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• June 27, 2023 notes were accepted as written. 

• PDS leadership transition. JD chose to step down as Chair of PDS and AJ agreed to take on that role. 

Additionally, NL will be Vice Chair in place of MJ. JD thanked members for their grace and generosity, 

and agreed to remain a member of the PDS as he has valuable institutional knowledge. 

• PPM updates (NL). The lead will continue to work on the PPM updates and will circulate the document 

to members before the next call. The PDS has reconsidered the document they proposed on the last call 

regarding a pre-resignation letter, and will continue to work on this topic from a different perspective. 

Moving forward, they will focus on the social contract the NOSB has and will emphasize and clarify the 

duties and expectations. The main utility of the document is to emphasize that participation and 

communication are important, and that Board members understand that participation may fluctuate 

over the course of a 5-year term, and will be supportive of each other. Members will do some 

community outreach prior to the next round of nominations. The PDS will vote on the PPM update on 

the next call. 

• Additional Items. 

o Exit interviews. The lead noted that the exit interviews remain important, and he would like to 

continue to talk about where to store these for use by future boards for continuous 

improvement. 

o Work Agenda. The work agenda item for the PPM updates item on Livestreaming meetings and 

hybrid meetings was on hold (see table below) but the PDS feels these are completed and will 

remove them from the list. The component to address member participation will be moved 

under the PPM updates work agenda item. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

June 27, 2023 - Note date change 

July 11, 2023 

PPM updates (All) - discuss misc. updates 

August 8, 2023 

Exit interviews 

PPM updates - discuss/vote 
September 12, 2023 

October 10, 2023 

November 14, 2023 

December 12, 2023 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 

Project 

 

 

 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11- 4 for material review, 

with NOP 5033 + and 

NOP 5034 (and 5034-X 

docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. SGE designation - update 

text 

4. Resignation policy 

5. Board mmbr attendance 

Update to member guide -

add exit interviews. 

Milestones 

Contact 

NL/JD Proposal Revisions/Updates as 

needed 

MA/ALL Update as needed 

Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

6.27.23 Fall 

7.11.23 2023 

8.8.23 

3.14.23 NA 

Target 

Meeting 

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023 

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023 

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023 

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023 

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023 

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023 

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023 

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Nate Lewis (NL); Wood Turner (WT) 

Absent: Jerry D’Amore (JD), Chair; Allison Johnson (AJ) 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA) 

Agenda 

• Review May 9, 2023 notes 

• PPM updates 

o Resignation Policy 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• May 9, 2023 notes were accepted as written. 

• PPM updates (NL). 

o In-person Board member attendance. Members discussed in-person meeting attendance given 

that the meetings are now hybrid. The PDS considered some language updates for the PPM 

regarding the expectation - that it is the norm for members to attend in person, while allowing 

for circumstances where someone may not be able to travel. In the past, if a member was not 

physically present, they were marked absent for voting purposes. However, a member pointed 

out that at the Spring 2023 meeting in Atlanta, two members who were present, became ill and 

were allowed to participate virtually and vote from their hotel rooms. 

o Resignation Policy (AJ). Members discussed the draft document proposing a stronger policy and 

corrective steps for non-participation. The lead will make some edits based on the discussion 

today, and will circulate the document for more discussion and possible vote on the next call. 

• Additional Items. None. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

May 9, 2023 

June 27, 2023 - Note date change 

July 11, 2023 

PPM updates (All) - discuss misc. updates 

August 8, 2023 

September 12, 2023 

October 10, 2023 

November 14, 2023 

December 12, 2023 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 
 

 

 

 

 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

Target 

Meeting 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11- 4 for material review, 

with NOP 5033 + and 

NOP 5034 (and 5034-X 

docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. SGE designation - update 

text 

4. Resignation policy 

NL/JD Proposal Revisions/Updates as 

needed 

6.27.23 

7.11.23 

8.8.23 

Fall 

2023 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Livestreaming

meetings, Hybrid meetings. Board mmbr attendance 

ALL TBD 12.14.21 - PDS put on 

hold. 

TBD TBD 

Update to member guide -

add exit interviews. 

MA/ALL Update as needed 3.14.23 NA 

Milestones 

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Jun 8, 2023 

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023 

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023 

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023 

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023 

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023 

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023 

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Allison Johnson (AJ); Nate Lewis (NL); Wood Turner (WT); Nate PowellPalm (NPP) - observer 

Absent: Jerry D’Amore (JD), Chair 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA) 

Agenda 

• Review April 11, 2023 notes 

• PPM updates 

• Attendance agreements 

• Recap spring meeting 

• Recap on Equity commission (NL) 

• Special Government Employee update?(AJ) 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• April 11, 2023 notes were accepted as written. 

• PPM 

o Attendance agreements. The PDS discussed board member attendance and hybrid meetings. 

The group is considering expectations for in-person attendance vs virtual attendance, and what 

the pros and cons are. A member suggested a social contract that includes duties and 

expectations, and discussed introducing this during onboarding. The group also discussed 

updating the section in the PPM to incorporate a threshold for member participation, rather 

than leave it up to the NOSB Chair to determine what constitutes non-participation. A member 

suggested including benchmarks, which could result in censure or a self-resignation. Another 

member proposed a “letter of resignation” signed at the start of members’ terms agreeing to 

certain duties and responsibilities. Members were uncertain as to how to enforce an agreement. 

• Recap Spring meeting 

o A member asked about the format for oral public comments: How the decision is made to be 

completely virtual or hybrid, and by whom. 

o A member added the feedback she heard about the timing of the meeting. It was beneficial that 

they reviewed it at the Spring meeting in more depth. 

o Recap on Equity Commission (NL). The NOP provided information about how it is incorporating 

the work of the Equity Commission into various aspects of the NOSB’s work. NL will draft a 

document for the June 13 PDS call. The PDS may add more calls. 

• Additional Items. None. 

• SGV update?(AJ). No update at this time. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

April 11, 2023 

May 9, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

June 13, 2023 

July 11, 2023 

August 8, 2023 

September 12, 2023 

October 10, 2023 

November 14, 2023 

December 12, 2023 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

Target 

Meeting 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11- 4 for material review, 

with NOP 5033 + and 

NOP 5034 (and 5034-X 

docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. SGE designation - update 

text 

NL/JD Proposal Revisions/Updates as 

needed 

6.13.23 Fall 

2023 

Policy & Procedure Manual

(PPM) Update: Livestreaming

meetings, Hybrid meetings 

ALL TBD 12.14.21 - PDS put on 

hold. 

TBD TBD 

Update to member guide - add exit interviews. 

MA/ALL Update as needed 3.14.23 NA 

Milestones 

Fall 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment ~May 20, 2023 

NOP - Draft Fall 2022 NOSB meeting agenda Aug 4, 2023 

NOSB - Fall 2023 proposals due to NOP Aug 10, 2023 

NOP - Post proposals Aug 30, 2023 

Public comment closes Sep 28, 2023 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB ~Oct 2, 2023 

Public comment webinars Oct 17 & 19, 2023 

Fall 2023 NOSB meeting - Providence, RI Oct 24 - 26, 2023 

Final recommendations due Nov 25, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Jerry D’Amore (JD), Chair; Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair; Allison Johnson (AJ); Nate Lewis (NL); Nate 

Powell-Palm (NPP) - observer 

Absent: Wood Turner (WT) 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA) 

Agenda 

• Review March 14, 2023 notes 

• PPM updates (JD) 

• Spring 2023 comments 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• March 14, 2023 notes were accepted as written 

• PPM updates (JD). The Chair reviewed the list of PPM updates as listed below, and members discussed 

public comments referring to PPM updates. The group also took note that commenters asked again 

about the timing of the meetings, and may address this at the Spring meeting. Alternatively, a member 

suggested providing links to the Fall 2022 meeting transcripts so they could review the previous 

conversation. A member mentioned that he is following the Equity Commission closely and could 

possibly work on the PPM and engagement. He would like to develop a longer-term plan using the 

Equity Commission Report as a foundation. After the Spring meeting the PDS will talk more about PPM 

updates, and working on both short-term and long-term projects. 

• Spring 2023 comments. The PDS discussed various comments regarding NOSB processes, Subcommittee 

notes, and TR reports. 

• Additional Items. Members discussed the PDS work agenda and what that looks like as they move 

forward. Topics they would like to address include member expectations, meeting attendance, and 

service on the Board. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

March 14, 2023 

April 11, 2023 

May 9, 2023 

June 13, 2023 

July 11, 2023 

August 8, 2023 

September 12, 2023 

October 10, 2023 

November 14, 2023 

December 12, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* Scheduled 

/ status 

Target

Meeting 

Policy & Procedure Manual 

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates 

1. Replace policy memo 11-4 

for material review, with 

NOP 5033 + and NOP 5034 

(and 5034-X docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. SGE designation - update 

text 

JD Proposal Revisions/Updates as needed 8.9.22 

12.13.22 

3.14.23 

Fall 2023 

Policy & Procedure Manual 

(PPM) Update: Livestreaming 

meetings, Hybrid meetings 

ALL TBD 12.14.21 - PDS put on hold. TBD TBD 

Update to member guide - add 

exit interviews. 

MA/ALL Update as needed 3.14.23 NA 

Milestones 

Spring 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to 

meeting) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Feb 14, 2023 10 weeks 

NOSB - Spring 2023 proposals due to NOP Feb 14, 2023 10 weeks 

New NOSB member training TBD 

NOP - Draft Spring 2023 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 3, 2023 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2023 7.5 

Public comment closes Apr 5, 2023 3.5 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2023 3 

Public comment webinars Apr 18 & 20, 2023 1 week 

Spring 2023 NOSB meeting - Atlanta, GA Apr 25 - 27, 2023 

Final recommendations due May 25, 2023 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

National List. Proposals must be voted on by the NOSB, to become recommendations to the USDA. They do not represent official National 

Organic Program (NOP) policy/regulations or NOSB recommendations. Please see the NOP website for official NOP policy, regulations, 

and status of substances used in organic production and handling. 

Policy Development Subcommittee (PDS) Notes 

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 3:00 pm ET 

Present: Jerry D’Amore (JD), Chair; Wood Turner (WT); Allison Johnson (AJ); Nate Powell-Palm (NPP) 

Absent: Mindee Jeffery (MJ), Vice Chair 

Staff: Michelle Arsenault (MA) 

Agenda 

• Review December 13, 2022 notes 

• PPM updates (JD) 

• Member Guide updates 

• Additional Items 

• Adjourn 

Discussion 

• December 13, 2022 notes were approved via email. 

• The Chair listed the potential work agenda items for the PDS, and they discussed priorities. 

o PPM updates (JD). The PDS would like to update the PPM with a list of expectations for new 

members, several minor wording changes (e.g., impugn vs. malign), and other updates as 

needed. 

o The group discussed the idea of developing a document for new NOSB members to sign 

acknowledging the expectations of being a Board member, and potential actions. 

• Member Guide updates. The NOP sent a red-lined version to the PDS with some proofreading changes 

and corrections to the International Section. The PDS may add information about exit interviews. 

• Additional Items. 

o The group discussed the designation of the NOSB members as Special Government Employees 

(SGEs). The PDS would like to continue to keep the community’s attention focused on this issue, 

but recognize that the NOSB has little control over the issue or solution. 

o A member offered some suggestions for a project to articulate Board member responsibilities, 

availability, and participation, and would also address the SGE designation. Such a project could 

also be an aid to recruitment. 

o Exit interviews. The group discussed the NOSB member exit interviews, noting the ultimate goal 

is continuous improvement. The Chair expressed his support of this project, and the group 

discussed lingering questions such as where to house the results, and who will be the keeper of 

the data. 

• The meeting was adjourned 

Previous PDS Notes 

Future call schedule (2nd Tuesday 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT, except where noted) 

February 14 2023 -cancelled 

March 14, 2023 

April 11, 2023 

May 9, 2023 

June 13, 2023 

July 11, 2023 

August 8, 2023 
 

 

 

 

Project Contact Doc Type Notes* / status

Target

Meeting

September 12, 2023 

October 10, 2023 

November 14, 2023 

December 12, 2023 

Work Agenda 

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

and/or vote. 

Policy & Procedure Manual 

(PPM) Update: Misc. updates

1. Replace policy memo 11-4 

for material review, with 

NOP 5033 + and NOP 5034 

(and 5034-X docs). 

2. Malign instead of impugn 

3. SGE designation - update 

text 

JD Proposal Revisions/Updates as needed 8.9.22 

12.13.22 

3.14.23 

Fall 2023 

Policy & Procedure Manual 

(PPM) Update: Livestreaming 

meetings, Hybrid meetings 

ALL TBD 12.14.21 - PDS put on hold. TBD TBD 

Scheduled 

Update to member guide - add 

exit interviews. 

MA/ALL Update as needed 3.14.23 NA 

Milestones 

Spring 2023 Milestones Target dates (tentative) Weeks PTM 

(prior to 

meeting) 

NOP - Publish FRN, Open public comment Feb 14, 2023 10 weeks 

NOSB - Spring 2023 proposals due to NOP Feb 14, 2023 10 weeks 

New NOSB member training TBD 

NOP - Draft Spring 2023 NOSB meeting tentative agenda Feb 3, 2023 

NOP - Post proposals Mar 6, 2023 7.5 

Public comment closes Apr 5, 2023 3.5 

NOP - Send compiled public comments to NOSB Apr 7, 2023 3 

Public comment webinars Apr 18 & 20, 2023 1 week 

Spring 2023 NOSB meeting - Atlanta, GA Apr 25 - 27, 2023 

Final recommendations due May 25, 2023