NOC Calls on NOSB to Tackle Certification Cost Share Cuts, Climate Change
On October 1, 2020, NOC submitted in-depth comments to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), the stakeholder board that advises USDA on organic materials and organic standards. NOC commented on numerous issues under consideration by the Board, including inert ingredients in organic pesticide formulations, a petition to prohibit ammonia extract, biodegradable biobased mulch, paper pots, fenbendazole, and many others.
Organic operations are currently facing unprecedented challenges because of the coronavirus pandemic and climate-related impacts including wildfires, hurricanes, and stronger storms. NOC urged the NOSB to keep the organic program strong and to advocate for the needs of organic operations during the current crises we face. Specifically, NOC requested that the NOSB use its authority as an advisory Board to USDA Secretary to:
Advise the Secretary of Agriculture to direct USDA’s Farm Service Agency to fully restore organic certification cost share reimbursement rates to assist organic producers, many of whom are facing serious challenges due to the pandemic and weather-related events. While some organic operations have benefited from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, many organic, direct market, and diversified operations have received little or no assistance during the pandemic. To make matters worse, USDA recently reduced reimbursement rates for the organic certification cost share program.
Strengthen enforcement of climate-friendly practices required by the organic regulations (soil-building, cover cropping, crop rotations, and biodiversity practices) to ensure that organic is the gold standard for addressing climate change. The NOSB should make recommendations about the circumstances under which certifiers should issue noncompliances for operations that fail to adhere to the soil fertility and crop nutrient management practice standard (§205.203) and other requirements in the organic regulations related to soil health. The organic regulations are strong because they require proper tillage, soil-building practices that sequester carbon, and pasture-based grazing for organic livestock. But the regulations are not being enforced as effectively as they should be. In addition, USDA should reinstate the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) rule and properly enforce the Pasture Rule to require access to pasture for grazing livestock. The NOP should also finalize regulations on standards that eliminate incentives to convert native ecosystems to organic production, based on the NOSB recommendation on this topic in 2018.
NOC thanks the members of the NOSB for their tireless work and for upholding the transparent and public process that takes part in connection with NOSB meetings two times each year and informs decisions about organic materials and standards.