National Organic Standards Board

Materials Subcommittee 

2023 Research Priorities Proposal

Fall 2023

Executive Summary

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) presents an annual list of research priorities for organic 

food and agriculture, a process originally established by the Board in 2012. The NOSB requests that 

integrated research be undertaken with consideration of the whole farm system, recognizing the 

interplay of agroecology, the surrounding environment, and both native and farmed species of plants 

and animals.

The following list contains a brief summary of each research priority, which is described in depth later in 

the document.

Livestock

1. Evaluate ways to prevent and manage parasites in all species of livestock, in each region. This 

includes determining the efficacy of natural parasiticides and methodologies, including but not 

limited to, nutritional programs, use of herbs, essential oils, homeopathic remedies, diatomaceous 

earth, pasture rotation, pasture species, mixed species grazing, and utilizing the genetic pool within 

and between breeds. 

2. Evaluate natural alternatives to DL-Methionine in a system approach for organic poultry feed 

program. 

3. Develop a dairy program to address climate change mitigation strategies where production 

capabilities are not hindered, and effective forage rotations are maximized.

4. Develop balanced organic livestock rations that incorporate high percentages of diverse, regionally 

adapted grain crops to reduce the reliance on corn and soybeans and allow farmers to realize more 

marketing opportunities for a robust crop rotation.

5. Elucidate the barriers to increased organic pork production.

Crops 

Inputs

1. Examination of decomposition rates, the effects of residues on soil biology, and the factors that 

affect the breakdown of biodegradable bio-based mulch film. 

2. The extent and impact of plastic use in organic crop production, and how we can start to reduce it. 

3. Side-by-side trials of approved organic inputs, both synthetic and natural, and cultural methods, 

with a request for collaboration with the IR4 project. 

4. Impartial evaluation of microbial inoculants, soil conditioners, and other amendments is needed as 

there is little objective evidence upon which to assess their contribution to soil health. 

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5. Holistic soil research to quantify soil biology. 

6. The demand for organic nursery stock far exceeds the supply. Research is needed to identify the 

barriers to expanding this market, then develop and assess organic methods for meeting the 

growing demand for organically grown nursery stock.

7. Comprehensive review of copper. 

Contaminants

8. Alternatives to eliminate usage and remediation strategies to mitigate contaminated areas for Perand Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

9. Assessing the economic impact of GMO contamination on organic crops. 

10. Investigate contaminated inputs from non-organic sources. 

Systems

11. Conduct whole farm ecosystem service assessments to determine the economic, social, and 

environmental impact of farming systems choices. 

12. Elucidate practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and that contribute to farming systems’ 

resilience in the face of climate change. 

13. Factors impacting organic crop nutrition, and organic/conventional nutrition comparisons. 

14. Organic no-till practices for diverse climates, crops, and soil types. 

15. Develop cover cropping practices that come closer to meeting the annual fertility demands of 

commonly grown organic crops. 

16. Development of systems-based plant disease management strategies (including specific 

considerations related to copper use in organic rice production) are needed to address existing and 

emerging plant disease threats. 

17. More research, extension, and education are needed to fully understand the relationship between 

on-farm biodiversity and pathogen presence and abundance. 

18. Strategies for the prevention, management, and control of problem insects and weeds. 

Food Handling and Processing 

1. Sanitizers: Effective alternatives of sanitizers, effect on occupational human health and 

environment, effectiveness of rotational use strategies with the sanitizers currently on the National 

List. 

2. Effect of various types of food packaging on organic products, including suitable alternatives to BPA 

(Bisphenol-A) for linings of cans used for various products, plastic use, antimicrobial nanoparticle 

surface coatings of packaging. 

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3. Research on the creation of an overarching ancillary ingredient review process for materials used in 

processing and handling vs reviewing ancillaries as part of the petition or sunset review process, 

including cost/benefit of each process. 

4. Alternatives to conventional celery powder for curing organic meat. 

5. Research on best practices for identifying potential vectors of heavy metal contamination in organic 

systems, including strategies for effective testing in soils, water, organic processing, etc. that could 

lead to the identification and prevention of heavy metals transgression in organic systems.

6. Evaluation of the essentiality of 205.605(a), 205.605(b), and 205.606 substances and the suitability 

of organic alternatives in applicable food formulations via laboratory testing, sensory evaluation, 

and/or market analysis.

Materials / Coexistence with GE and Organic Crops 

1. Outcome of genetically engineered (GMO/GE) material in organic compost. 

2. Evaluation of public germplasm collections of at-risk crops for the presence of GE traits, and ways to 

mitigate small amounts of unwanted genetic material in breeding lines. 

3. Develop, then implement, methods of assessing the genetic integrity of crops at risk to quantify the 

current state of the organic and conventionally produced non-GMO seed. 

4. Techniques for preventing adventitious presence of GE material in organic crops, and evaluation of 

the effectiveness of current prevention strategies. 

5. Testing for fraud by developing and implementing new technologies and practices. 

6. Improving our understanding of the (1) potential threats and (2) costs to the organic sector that 

result from the use of excluded methods.

General 

1. Examination of the factors influencing access to organically produced foods. 

2. Production and yield barriers to transitioning to organic production to help growers successfully 

complete the transition. 

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National Organic Standards Board

Materials Subcommittee 

2023 Research Priorities Proposal

Fall 2023

INTRODUCTION 

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) presents an annual list of research priorities for organic 

food and agriculture based on a process originally established by the Board in 2012. The NOSB’s 

Livestock, Crops, Handling, and Materials/GMO Subcommittees proposed an updated set of priorities at 

the Spring 2023 Board meeting. The Board requested input from stakeholders on the 2023 research 

priorities and has reviewed those comments for the Fall 2023 proposal.

BACKGROUND 

The list of priorities is revisited each year by the NOSB. The list is made meaningful by input through the 

written and oral public comments shared with the Board, through the expertise of the Board itself and 

through interactions throughout the year with those engaged in some dimension of the organic farm to 

fork continuum. When the NOSB has determined that a priority area has been sufficiently addressed, it 

is removed from the list of priorities. Priorities are also edited each year to reflect the existing need 

more accurately for new knowledge. 

The NOSB encourages collaboration with and between laboratories, federal agencies, universities, 

foundations and organizations, business interests, organic farmers, and the entire organic community to 

seek solutions to pressing issues in organic agriculture and processing/handling. 

The NOSB encourages integrated, whole farm research into the following areas:

Livestock

1. Prevention and Management of Parasites - Livestock production places large numbers of cattle, 

sheep, goats, poultry etc. into relatively close contact with each other on fields and in barns. Organic 

production does not allow antibiotic use and requires that livestock be raised in a manner which 

approximates the animal’s natural behavior. The organic farmer can use synthetic parasiticides in an 

emergency but not prophylactically. Synthetic parasiticides have many limitations. Even if prophylactic 

treatment with parasiticides were possible, parasite immunity to chemical control will inevitably occur. 

Thus, prevention of parasites is critical. 

The research question on prevention and management of parasites must be systems-based. What farm 

systems, bird and animal breeds, herd or flock management systems have shown the best results with 

parasite control over the last twenty years? What regional differences are there in the US in parasite 

prevention? Are there specific herbal, biodynamic, diatomaceous earth, or other treatments that have 

been proven to work over time? What are the parasite-resistant breeds? Are there plant species in 

pastures, hayfields, and scrublands that could be incorporated into the annual grazing system to reduce 

the spread of parasites or to provide prevention through the flora, fauna, and minerals ingested? Which 

pasture management systems appear to be best for parasite prevention in various parts of the country? 

Are pasture mixes being developed that include plants known to prevent parasites in various breeds? 

An area of particular concern is control of A. galli and H. gallinarum in laying and replacement chickens.

2. Evaluation of Methionine in the Context of a System Approach in Organic Poultry Production - 

Methionine is an essential amino acid for poultry. Prior to the 1950’s, poultry and pigs were fed a plant 

and meat-based diet without synthetic amino acids such as methionine. One former NOSB member 

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stated, in regard to NOP regulations §205.237(5) (b) which prohibits organic operations from feeding 

mammalian or poultry slaughter by-products to mammals or poultry, “We have seemingly made 

vegetarians out of poultry and pigs.” As the organic community moves toward reducing, removing, or 

providing additional annotations to synthetic methionine in the diets of poultry, a heightened need 

exists for the organic community to rally around omnivore producers to assist in marshaling our 

collective efforts in finding viable alternatives to synthetic methionine and to help find approaches for 

making them more commercially available. 

Continued research on the use of synthetic methionine in the context of a systems approach (nutrition, 

genetic selection, management practices, etc.) is consistent with the NOSB unanimous resolution1

passed at the La Jolla, California, Spring 2015 board meeting. A systems approach that includes industry 

and independent research by USDA/ARS, on farms, and by agricultural land grant universities is needed 

for: 

A. Evaluation of the merits and safety of natural alternative sources of methionine such as herbal 

methionine, high methionine corn, and corn gluten meal, potato meal, fishmeal, animal byproducts, and other non-plant materials including insect protein in organic poultry production 

systems. Additional research on the more promising alternatives to bring them into commercial 

production is also encouraged; 

B. Evaluation of poultry breeds selection that could be adaptive to existing organic production 

systems – inclusive of breeds being able to adequately perform on less methionine; 

C. Management practices impacting the flock’s demand for methionine should be included, such as 

flock management practices, access to pasture, and pasture management; and 

D. With the European Union as a case study, assess how it is that EU farmers manage the 

methionine needs of their flocks in the absence of synthetic methionine use. Research findings 

and collaborations under various climates, housing types, geographical regions, and countries 

should be noted and researched, where applicable. 

The fruition of these types of research topics could take years to achieve; however, an aggressive and/or 

heightened research focus could lead to findings that can positively impact the organic poultry industry 

and the organic brand. 

3. Develop a dairy program to address climate change mitigation strategies where production 

capabilities are not hindered, and effective forage rotations are maximized. To further acknowledge 

the central role the certified organic industry will play in the fight against climate change, an opportunity 

exists to both empower the economic resilience of organic dairy farmers while harnessing the soil 

building potential of diverse perennial and annual forages, we encourage the research community to 

dedicate resources to the following need: 

A. Identify an index of dairy cattle genetics to which producers could breed their existing herds 

and achieve a minimum of 12,000 lbs. of milk production per year on 100% forage diets. In 

considering the genetics selected, also identify animals bred for longevity as the more lactations 

on a cow, the more spread out the fixed costs of raising her as a heifer becomes. 

1 The National Organic Standards Board is committed to the phase-out of synthetic methionine for organic poultry 

production, and encourages aggressive industry and independent research on natural alternative sources of 

methionine, breeding poultry that perform well on less methionine, and management practices for improved 

poultry animal welfare.

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B. To assist dairy farmers in having the tools to consider a forage-based rotation for their herds, 

research and identify crop rotations that have three functions: produce high quality forage, 

maximize soil building, and result in the most profitable outcome for the dairy producer. 

4. Develop balanced organic livestock rations that incorporate high percentages of diverse, regionally 

adapted grain crops to reduce the reliance on corn and soybeans and allow farmers to realize more 

marketing opportunities for a robust crop rotation. The US organic livestock demand and consumption 

of organic corn and soybean meal in feed rations exceeds US production. To help encourage farmers to 

utilize robust crop rotation programs that are specific to their geographical region, give livestock 

producers more product availability/flexibility of ingredients, and reduce the dependence on corn and 

beans, there needs to be proven equitable rations in all livestock segments that include alternative 

energy and protein sources.

5. Elucidate the barriers to increased organic pork production. Production of organic pork has lagged 

behind chickens, eggs, and dairy. We request holistic investigations into what the barriers are, 

including, but not limited to markets, pricing, input costs, processing facilities, and production 

constraints such as lack of hardy breeds and housing/humane standards. Competition from non-organic 

pasture-raised, local, and other production claims should be included, as should evaluation of methods 

to avoid the need for farrowing crates.

Crops

Inputs

1. Biodegradable Bio-based Mulch Film

Biodegradable mulch film was recommended in 2012 for addition to the National List by the NOSB but it 

did not specify a required percentage of biologically derived (i.e., bio-based) content. The NOP 

regulations require that all (100%) of the polymer feedstocks are bio-based. This requirement makes 

bio-based mulches unavailable to organic producers because petroleum-based polymers are present in 

these mulch films. In order to provide a recommendation to the NOP addressing the presence of 

petroleum-based polymers in these mulches, the answers to the following questions are important to 

develop more clarity on mulch films and possibly develop an additional annotation to address producer 

needs for biodegradable mulch films even if petroleum-based polymers are used. Data from Europe, 

where BBMF mulches are allowed for organic production, may be particularly useful. 

• How rapidly do these mulches fully decompose, to what extent does cropping system, soil type, 

and climate mediate decomposition rates, and does the percentage of the polymers in the 

mulch film affect the decomposition rate? 

• Are there metabolites or breakdown products of these mulches that do not fully 

decompose? Do any of these mulches fully decompose?

• Do breakdown byproducts influence the community ecology and ecosystem function of soils, 

plants, and the livestock that graze on crops grown in these soils? 

• As fragments degrade, do they pose a problem to terrestrial and aquatic wildlife? What are the 

environmental fates of micro- and nano-plastic fragments resulting from biodegradable mulch 

film degradation, and what hazards do they present to organisms that they interact with on the 

way to that fate?

• Do the residues of these films accumulate after repeated use? 

• Are the testing protocols in place to insure decomposition standards?

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2. The extent and impact of plastic use in organic crop production

Both consumers and producers are concerned about the use of plastics in organic agriculture. The Crops 

subcommittee is requesting research and information on the following: 

• Statistics on current use (acreage and quantity) of crop production plastics, including mulches, 

drip tape, containers, row covers, tarps, high tunnels, greenhouses, etc. 

• What is the turnover and fate of these plastics? 

o This information is needed for the US and major production areas such as Mexico, Spain, 

Chile, Holland, Canada, etc.

• What are the effects of breakdown products, airborne releases, and microplastics on soil 

organisms and crop plants?

• What are the economics of alternatives? 

• If approved biodegradable biobased mulch films are developed, how many organic farmers 

would switch to them, and what would impact overall plastic usage? 

• Can longer-term mulches such as landscape fabric reduce overall plastic use if allowed to remain 

in place over several years?

• What are the best first steps to reduce plastic use in organic production?

3. Efficacy Comparisons of Inputs and Practices for Organic Production 

Organic farmers need to have information from side-by-side trials between allowed and petitioned 

synthetic inputs versus non-synthetic alternative inputs or practices. During its five-year review of 

sunset materials on the National List and in the evaluation of newly petitioned materials, the NOSB 

often lacks sufficient information of the effectiveness of these materials as compared with other 

synthetics on the National List, natural materials, and cultural methods. Side-by-side trials with 

approved organic inputs, both synthetic and natural, and cultural methods to evaluate efficacy would 

strengthen the review process and provide growers with valuable information in pest and disease 

management decisions. The NOSB specifically requests collaboration with the Minor Crop Pest 

Management Program Interregional Research Project #4 (IR4) to include materials on the National List in 

their product trials. Such studies would help inform the NOSB review process of sunset materials and to 

determine if materials are sufficiently effective for their intended purpose, particularly when weighed 

against the natural and cultural alternatives. It should be noted that growers commonly rely on a mix of 

cultural practices and both non-synthetic materials and materials from the National List to produce 

crops of marketable quality and sufficient yield for profitability; it is understood that such studies would 

serve as a starting point and would form part of the comprehensive material review process.

4. Evaluation of Microbial Inoculants, Soil Conditioners, and Other Amendments

Vendors of organic amendments now offer a large and growing array of microbial inoculants, organic 

soil conditioners, and other materials claimed to improve soil health, crop vigor and quality, and combat 

weeds, pests, and diseases. There is an urgent need for impartial evaluation of these materials to help 

producers decide which products to use and to avoid unnecessary expenditures on products that are 

unlikely to yield benefits. 

5. Holistic Soil Research to Quantify Soil Biology

Organic farmers are presented with many alternative ways of assessing the health of their soil and its 

biological components. Comprehensive, holistic assessments need to be developed and compared.

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6. Identify Barriers and Develop Protocols for Organic Nursery Stock Production

The demand for organic nursery stock far exceeds the supply. Research is needed to identify the 

barriers to expanding this market, then develop and assess organic methods for meeting the growing 

demand for organically grown nursery stock. That work could include but is not limited to assessing 

phytosanitary rules for shipping plants and quantifying the production and demand for organic 

rootstock. Research has shown that application of the correct ectomycorrhizal inoculants to roots can 

substantially (50% or more) enhance establishment and early growth of woody perennial horticultural 

crops. How can fine tuning the use of mycorrhizal inoculants make organic nursery stock production 

easier and more profitable, thereby helping to close the demand/supply gap? 

Research centered on development of practical organic methods for the nursery industry to implement 

is needed, including:

• Disease and insect control materials that are allowed under organic standards and may be 

accepted under specific phytosanitary regulatory requirements. 

• New materials for controlling pests addressed by phytosanitary rules that show promise of 

compatibility with National List review criteria. 

• Alternative protocols for phytosanitary certification of nursery stock that are based on 

outcomes (such as testing or inspection) rather than requirements for use of synthetic materials 

during production. 

7. Comprehensive Review of Copper 

Systems research that identifies disease resistant material and biological controls that can reduce the 

use of copper-based compounds where possible. Use of copper has documented negative effects on 

human and ecosystem health. Continued strong efforts need to be made to reduce the reliance on 

copper in organic production.

• Develop alternative formulations of materials containing copper so that the amount of 

elemental copper is reduced.

• Develop biological agents that work on diseases that copper is now used on. 

• Research on tadpole shrimp and algae control in rice and whether sodium carbonate 

peroxyhydrate or other materials are suitable copper alternatives in an aquatic environment. 

• Research on movement and fate of applied copper in aquatic and field environments.

• Establish available and total copper threshold levels above which soil organisms are harmed, for 

different regions and soil types.

• Breeding plants that are resistant to the diseases that copper controls. 

Contaminants

8. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS): Alternatives to eliminate usage and remediation strategies to 

mitigate contaminated areas

Background: There is a need for increased research examining PFAS substances. PFAS is a broad term 

that contains thousands of chemicals used in consumer, commercial, and industrial products. There is 

evidence that PFAS substances, also known as “forever chemicals,” contaminate farmland, water, food, 

consumer goods, and more. PFAS substances can negatively impact human health and animal health in 

direct and indirect ways over time. Many researchers and scientists are looking into matters related to 

PFAS substances. 

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The NOSB is requesting additional research on the following: 

• To find safe and eco-friendly alternatives so PFAS substances can be eliminated in the 

production of consumer, commercial, and industrial products to prevent any future 

contamination.

• To quantify the impact of PFAS substances on the environment, including agricultural land and 

water, and human and animal health.

• To identify tools to identify, measure, and remediate PFAS contamination that has already 

occurred in the environment and on organic and non-organic farmland.

• To identify viable programs for addressing the financial and emotional costs of land that must be 

removed from production due to PFAS contamination.

9. Assessing the economic impact of GMO contamination on organic crops

Background: Genetically Engineered Crops and Organic Crops can exist in adjacent fields. There are 

many risks, including cross-pollination, that are mitigated as best as possible by the growers involved, 

but much to the expense of the organic producer. Organic growers use borders, at a minimum of thirty 

feet, off-set planting timeframes to avoid cross-pollination (causing organic crops to be planted 

sometimes at undesirable times) and change cropping rotations, all to mitigate risk. 

Research is needed on the following: 

• The total cost of GMO contamination on organic farms for the full range of crops with GMO 

varieties (including lesser-studied crops like apples, canola, summer squash, sweet corn, etc.). 

o This would include recommended buffer requirements, recommended planting delays 

windows, testing costs, a variety of pollen receptivity restrictions, loss of sales, etc. 

• Are USDA coexistence provisions adequate? 

• Drifting chemicals can be considered “chemical trespassing.” Could pollen contamination be 

considered trespassing as well?

10. Investigate contaminated inputs from non-organic sources

In addition to PFAS and GMO drift, there are many other sources of contamination that can negatively 

impact organic farms and crops. Examples would be contaminants in manures and other fertilizers, 

irrigation water, etc. Research to identify these and whether they are avoidable needs to be ongoing.

Systems

11. Ecosystem service provisioning and biodiversity of organic systems

How do organic systems impact ecosystem service provisioning, both on-farm and off-farm through the 

materials and inputs sourced and used for production? For example, life-cycle analysis of environmental 

costs and benefits of inputs used for organic production, such as manure, seaweed, and fish-based soil 

amendments, would be beneficial. Additionally, what is the impact of diversified and agroecologically 

designed organic farming systems on biodiversity and ecosystem services within the farm and in its 

surroundings? Can farm-mapping be performed to quantify the impact of the location of a farm (in a 

broader landscape) and the arrangement of fields and non-crop habitat to enhance biodiversity and 

ecosystem service provisioning?

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12. Climate Change (Reducing Greenhouse Emissions and Sequestering Carbon) 

A growing body of research demonstrates that organic farming can help prevent anthropomorphic 

climate change, and some strategies employed by organic farming can also help with resilience to 

current climate challenges such as drought and flooding. Although several researchers are examining 

this issue, additional work is needed to pinpoint specific strategies that organic farmers can take to 

reduce greenhouse gas emissions and respond to current climate challenges threatening the future of 

our food security. Life cycle analysis of organic inputs and practices is critical. In particular, work is 

needed on comparing soil-based and soil-less systems, as well as the effects of farm scale on 

greenhouse emissions.

13. Nutritional Value of Organic Crops

How do organic soil health and fertility practices - crop rotations, cover crops, compost and other 

organic or natural mineral amendments, etc. - affect the nutritional value or “nutrient density” of 

organically produced crops? How do organic production and shipping methods (including methods of 

production, handling, and time in transport) influence the nutritional quality, taste, palatability, and 

ultimately preference for organic vegetables and fruits? There is a lack of sound, rigorously conducted 

studies of this kind. How can growers and handlers retain nutrition through post-harvest handling and 

transportation? Additionally, can providing organic producers with information on soil biology and soil 

nutrient composition help improve nutrition? Finally, more studies are needed examining how organic 

crops compare to conventional crops with regards to nutritional value.

14. Organic No-Till and Minimum Tillage

Organic no-till can increase soil health and provide for increased biodiversity. Organic no-till preserves 

and builds soil organic matter, conserves soil moisture, reduces soil erosion, and requires less fuel and 

labor than standard organic row crop farming. 

Farmers are employing several different approaches to organic no-till. Some are using a roller-crimper 

to terminate cover crops for in-place mulching. They then transplant or seed directly into the cover crop 

mulch. Others are utilizing polyethylene sheets (silage tarps) to prepare land for no-till planting. This 

approach often involves termination of a cover crop, as with the roller-crimper systems, but seemingly 

as often, or more frequently, is utilized to prepare fallow ground (for stale seed bedding, termination of 

crop residue and subsequent incorporation via soil fauna), or in conjunction with large applications of 

compost or other sources of organic matter. 

Increased research is needed to develop organic no-till systems that function for a wide variety of crops 

in diverse climates and soil types. Annual crops such as commodity row crops and specialty crops, as 

well as perennial crops such as tree fruits, berries, and grapes would all benefit from these organic notill practices. 

Research areas that could be covered include:

• Development of plant varieties that have specific characteristics, such as early ripening, to aid in 

the effectiveness and practicality of organic no-till.

• What combination of mulch crops and cultural systems sustain crop yields, provide soil health 

benefits, and suppress weeds? 

• How does organic no-till influence pest, weed, and disease management?

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• What potential pest problems can be caused or exacerbated by cover crops used as mulches, 

and how can those problems best be managed?

• In perennial cropping systems, such as fruits, what are the benefits or drawbacks of using this 

mulching system on weed, pest, and disease management, as well as soil fertility?

• What are the biodiversity benefits to living and/or killed mulches, and how does this contribute 

to pest, weed, and disease management?

• Do these systems affect the nutrient balance of the soil and subsequent fertilization practices, 

including use of outside inputs?

• Based on the improved soil health, when there is less soil disturbance and more plant 

decomposition resulting in higher organic matter, how does this system affect soil microbial life 

and nutrient availability, and does this then result in crops that are less susceptible to disease 

and pests?

• Research is needed on seeds, specifically for good cold germination, rapid emergence and 

establishment, seedling vigor, nutrient uptake efficiency, and overall weed competitiveness to 

crop cultivar development goals for organic conservation tillage systems. 

• How can reduced tillage weed management be improved, including development of new tools 

and techniques that provide greater weed control for less soil disturbance?

Finally, organic farmers use whole-farm planning when deciding what will be done in each of their 

fields. Research that assesses the ecosystem benefits of reducing tillage in patches (field-level) across a 

farm is also needed. For example, the relative benefits of reducing tillage are greater in areas prone to 

surface water runoff. Research is needed to “inform” where reduced tillage practices are likely to have 

their greatest impact.

15. Managing Cover Crops for On-Farm Fertility

Growing cover crops and green manures is a foundational practice on many organic farms. In addition 

to conserving soil, increasing water holding capacity, and providing weed suppression, cover crops 

supply important plant nutrients and increase soil organic matter. As farmers seek to grow their own 

fertility, more research is needed on the efficacy of relying primarily on cover crops to meet production 

needs, particularly for horticultural crops. At present, there is inadequate data on the nutrient benefits 

of different cover crop mixes and how those benefits vary according to species mix, mowing practices, 

tillage regimes, subsequent planting time of the cash crops, and importantly the preceding practices 

that define the legacy of individual fields. Further, there need to be more programs to breed seeds for 

cover crops.

16. Disease Management

Disease management in organic fruit and vegetable production relies on a systems approach to succeed, 

but even with current systems plans in place, growers frequently struggle to manage commonly 

occurring blights and citrus greening. The NOSB underscores the need for systems research that 

addresses solutions to these and related diseases that are workable for farmers, that reduces adverse 

health effects on farmers and fieldworkers, and that also limits adverse effects on the soil and water in 

which the crops grow. To this end, we call for systems research that identifies disease resistant material 

and biological controls that limit the use of copper-based compounds and other fungicides where 

possible. 

Specifically, targeted research is needed to identify management practices and less toxic alternative 

materials for a wide range of crops. 

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More research is needed on many of the crop/disease combinations, including: 

• Comprehensive, systems-based approaches for managing individual crops in a way that 

decreases the need for copper-based materials, including researching crop rotations, sanitation 

practices, plant spacing, and other factors that influence disease. 

• Soil management and crop cultivar development for enhanced beneficial crop-root microbe 

partnerships that protect organic crops from soil borne and foliar pathogens.

• Alternatives to antibiotics (tetracycline and streptomycin) for fire blight control, particularly in 

pears and apples.

• Evaluate plant nutritional strategies to lessen disease impacts.

Further research into certain diseases in vegetables (including but not limited to early blight, late blight, 

downy mildews, etc.), fruits (including, but not limited to, apple scab, fire blight, peach leaf curl, little 

cherry disease, X-disease, grape botrytis, etc.), and soilborne or other disease affecting organic crops 

that require mitigations such as approved fungicides or the increased use of copper.

17. Pathogen Prevention

Third-party food safety auditors believe that some biodiversity-maintenance strategies employed by 

organic farmers may increase the risk for introduction of human pathogens on the field. While some 

research has been conducted disproving this hypothesis, more research, extension, and education are 

needed to fully understand the relationship between on-farm biodiversity and food safety – and this 

research must be communicated to third-party food safety auditors and incorporated into their audits.

18. Management of Problem Insects and Weeds

There is a large pool of research on the control of insects and weeds using organic methods. Many 

controls use a systems approach and are quite effective. However, some arthropod pests including new 

invasive species, are problematic, and in several cases the organic control options are very limited or 

nonexistent. The organic community needs more information on their biology, life cycle weak points, 

and natural enemies to implement targeted and systemic management.

Examples are:

• spotted wing drosophila 

• brown marmorated stinkbug 

• Spotted lanternfly

• Swede midge

• Leek moth

• Corn rootworm beetle (northern and western)

• Cutworms (army, western bean, etc.)

• and others

 

Weed management is one of the greatest challenges to successful organic crop production. 

Development of integrated organic management strategies that effectively control weeds in specific 

cropping systems without excessive tillage continues to be a top research priority for organic producers. 

For instance, Canadian thistle, pigweed (including invasive palmer amaranth and water hemp), wild 

sunflower, giant ragweed, cocklebur, and other perennial weeds can be very difficult to control in 

reduced tillage systems. 

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Research into new technologies such as electroshock weeders, interrow mowers, camera-guided 

cultivators, laser-weeders incorporating AI (artificial intelligence) and robotics, propane flamers, etc. is 

critical to success in field crops, whereas tarping, solarization, and a new generation of hand tools have 

great potential in small- to medium-scale vegetable crops. For large scale vegetables as well as row-crop 

producers, strip tillage and compatible weed management tools including row cleaners, finger weeders, 

and high residue cultivators can combine reduced tillage and cover crops into one practice set.

Future cropping systems will utilize multiple elements of soil, crop, pest, and weed management. The 

integration of tools such as weed-suppressive cover crops and rotations, livestock grazing, flaming, 

beneficial insect habitat, intercropping, etc. into annual and perennial cropping systems needs more 

research.

Handling

1. Sanitizers: Effective alternatives of sanitizers, effect on occupational human health and environment, 

effectiveness of rotational use strategies with the sanitizers currently on the NL

• Can research projects that emphasize and reinforce collaboration between researchers, 

agencies that regulate sanitizers and food safety, and NOP be designed with the goal of 

developing an alternative process for evaluating sanitizers and sanitation practices for use by 

organic operations?

• Is there a measurable transfer of sanitizer residue to organic food following the sanitization of 

food contact surfaces? If residues are not found, is it even necessary for the National List to 

regulate surface/environmental sanitizers? (This topic should not be limited to only National List 

materials and should also include sanitizers such as quaternary ammonia compounds, or QACs.)

• What amount of sanitizer/disinfectant remains on the surface of various organic products after 

a processing or packing step that includes direct treatment with a sanitizer? That includes a 

water bath containing water treated with a sanitizer?

• Could the development of robust, post-harvest handling standards better identify which 

sanitation, disinfectant, or treatment practices have an impact on organic integrity? Could 

expanded handling standards assist in regulating and enforcing the use of sanitizers instead of, 

or in addition to, the National List?

• Could restructuring the National List to separate sanitizers from ingredients and processing aids 

create a pathway to development of an alternative set of evaluation criteria for sanitizers?

• What would the impact on handlers and processors be if any one of the sanitizers were 

removed from the National List? 

2. Effect of various types of food packaging on organic products, including suitable alternatives to BPA 

(Bisphenol-A) for linings of cans used for various products, plastic use, antimicrobial nanoparticle surface 

coatings of packaging.

3. Research on the creation of an overarching ancillary ingredient review process for materials used in 

processing and handling vs reviewing ancillaries as part of the petition or sunset review process, 

including cost/benefit of each process.

• Full proposal draft language: The topic of ancillary substances contained in substances on 

205.605 and 205.606 and how the NOSB should review them has been a topic of discussion 

since 2013 but has not reached a full resolution. The current process is to review individually 

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Proposals and Discussion Documents October 2023 193/196
during the petition or sunset review process. However, as noted by stakeholder comments this 

has the potential to result in different decisions due to the gap in time, available information 

and/or persons responsible for conducting the review being different. It would be beneficial to 

analyze and compare different strategies for conducting ancillary substance review in a more 

comprehensive manner as opposed to the current individual review process that includes a 

cost/benefit analysis of each proposed review strategy.

4. Production of celery for celery powder yielding nitrates sufficient for cured meat applications, and 

investigation of agriculturally derived alternatives.

• Full Proposal: Celery Powder is used in a variety of processed meat product (hot dogs, bacon, 

ham, corned beef, pastrami, pepperoni, salami, etc.) to provide “cured” meat attributes without 

using prohibited nitrites (note: products must still be labeled “uncured”). Celery powder is 

naturally high in nitrates that are converted to nitrites during fermentation by a lactic acid 

culture. It has proven difficult to produce celery powder under organic production practices with 

sufficient levels of nitrates for cured meat applications. Are there growing practices or regions 

that could produce celery under organic conditions that would yield a crop with sufficient 

nitrate content for cured meat applications? Are there agriculturally derived substances (other 

than celery) that could be produced under organic production practices that provide nitrate 

levels sufficient for cured meat product applications of comparable quality?

5. Research on best practices for identifying potential vectors of heavy metal contamination in organic 

systems, including strategies for effective testing in soils, water, organic processing, etc. that could lead 

to the identification and prevention of heavy metals transgression in organic systems.

• [intentionally does not include further detail]

6. Evaluation of the essentiality of 205.605(a), 205.605(b), and 205.606 substances and the suitability of 

organic alternatives in applicable food formulations and/or analysis of the barriers to organic production 

via laboratory testing, sensory evaluation, and/or market analysis 

• Full proposal draft language: In review of substances on the National List at 205.605 and 

205.606 during the sunset process questions related to essentiality and commercial availability 

of organically produced substances, and if supplies are lacking knowledge of the barriers to 

organic production, are often the focus of the review by the Handling Subcommittee and of 

stakeholder comments. There are often commenters that blanketly state that all items should 

be removed from 205.606 - inferring that there should be the ability to produce all of these 

substances organically. Therefore, it would be beneficial to comprehensively understand the 

current status of essentiality of these substances and if organic alternatives exist; and if not 

what the barriers are that prevent a vibrant organic market for these substances.

Materials/GMO

In previous years, the Materials Subcommittee has prioritized the Reduction of Genetically Modified 

Content of Breeding Lines (2013) and Seed Purity from GMOs (2014), issues which are currently being 

addressed through a comprehensive stream of work on Excluded Methods. The following research 

priorities are among the areas that the Excluded Methods work continues to elevate: 

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Proposals and Discussion Documents October 2023 194/196
1. Fate of Genetically Engineered Plant Material in Compost - What happens to transgenic DNA in the 

composting process? Materials such as cornstalks from GMO corn or manure from cows receiving rBGH 

are often composted, yet there is little information on whether the genetically engineered material and 

traits break down in composting process. Do these materials affect the microbial ecology of a compost 

pile? Is there trait expression of Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) after composting that would result in 

persistence in the environment or plant uptake? 

2. Integrity of Breeding Lines and Ways to Mitigate Small Amounts of Unwanted Genetic Material - 

Are public germplasm collections that house at-risk crops threatened by transgenic content? Breeding 

lines may have been created through genetic engineering methods such as doubled haploid technology, 

or they may have had inadvertent presence of GMOs from pollen drift. The extent of this problem needs 

to be understood. 

3. Assess the Genetic Integrity of Organic Crops At Risk - Develop then implement methods of assessing 

the genetic integrity of crops at risk to quantify the current state of the organic and conventionally 

produced non-GMO seed. Such assessments are needed on the front (seed purchased by farmers) and 

back end (seed harvested from a farmer’s field) of the production chain as well as on points of 

contamination in the production chain. 

4. Prevention of GMO Crop Contamination: Evaluation of effectiveness - How well are some of the 

prevention strategies proposed by the NOSB working to keep GMOs out of organic crops? For instance, 

how many rows of buffer are needed for corn? How fast does contamination percentage go up or down 

if there are more or fewer buffer rows? Other examples could be whether cleanout of combines and 

hauling vehicles reduces contamination using typical protocols for organic cleaning, whether situating 

at-risk crop fields upwind from GMO crops can reduce contamination, and what the role may be of 

pollinators in spreading GMO pollen. Lastly, research is needed on a mechanism to provide conventional 

growers incentives to take their own prevention measures to prevent pollen drift and its impact on 

organic and identity-preserved crops. This is policy research rather than field research but is equally as 

important. 

5. Testing for Fraud: Developing and implementing new technologies and practices - new

technologies, tests, and methodologies are needed to differentiate organic crop production from 

conventional production to detect and deter fraud. Testing to differentiate conventional and organic 

livestock products, for example omega 3 or other indicators, is also needed. Additional tools to identify 

fraudulent processed and raw organic crops require research to combat this problem. Current 

methodologies include pesticide residue testing, in field soil chemical analysis, and GMO testing. Areas 

in need of further testing methodology include phostoxin residues, fumigant residues, carbon isotope 

rations for traceability, validating nitrogen sources using nitrogen isotope rations, or other experimental 

testing instruments that can be utilized to distinguish organic raw and/or processed crops from 

conventional items. Additionally, there is a need to develop rapid detection technologies for adaptation 

to field-testing capacities. 

6. Improving our understanding of the (1) potential threats and (2) costs to the organic sector that 

result from the use of excluded methods. First, identify the set of potential threats the use of excluded 

methods presents to organic businesses (farms and handlers). The potential threats include crop 

damage and cross contamination, but we recognize there might be others not yet identified. Second, 

estimate the costs the threats present to organic farms and organic handlers.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Proposals and Discussion Documents October 2023 195/196
General

1. Increasing Access to Organic Foods - What factors influence access to organically produced foods? 

Individual-based studies are needed to assess the constraints to accessing organic food. Research should 

be funded that builds on an understanding of constraints by asking what community, market, and 

policy-based incentives would enhance access to organic foods.

A. In the quest to understand barriers to organic food access in minority communities, 

and other under-resourced populations, is there a causal relationship between the total 

funds received by those research institutions who serve said communities and the rate of 

consumption of organic foods in those communities? 

2. Barriers to Transitioning to Organic Production - What are the specific production barriers and/or 

yield barriers that farmers face during the three-year transition period to organic? Statistical analysis of 

what to expect economically during the transition is needed to help transitioning growers prepare and 

successfully complete the transition process.

Subcommittee Vote:

Motion to accept the proposal on the 2023 NOSB Research Priorities 

Motion by: Wood Turner

Seconded by: Dilip Nandwani

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

Approved by Wood Turner, Materials Subcommittee Chair, to transmit to NOSB, August 8, 2023

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