NOC Comments to the NOSB on Racial Equity

In previous written comments to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)*, NOC has presented information regarding the persistent structural racism in our agricultural system, which has excluded many Black, Indigenous, and other farmers of color (BIPOC farmers) from land ownership, farming, and participation in the organic movement over time. We have also submitted comments to the USDA on racial equity, outlining ways in which that department can work to improve its practices and increase access to organic certification.

In the Fall 2021 NOSB written comments, NOC turned to our own system and reflected on how the NOSB and the US organic community can keep the tenets of fairness and inclusivity at the forefront of our work.

In the written comments, NOC offered the following recommendations:

  • Establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee within the NOSB.

  • Prioritize research examining barriers to participation in organic certification for BIPOC farmers.

  • Advocate for increased cost share funding.

  • Conduct targeted outreach and technical assistance and increase access to information for BIPOC farmers.

  • Advocate for structural changes with USDA.

  • Add fairness standards to the NOSB work agenda and work as an organic community to develop fairness standards as part of organic certification.

Read the full comments here (racial equity comments pages 10-14).

Visit our “Racial Equity In Organic” Policy Priority webpage for more information about NOC’s racial equity work.

*The NOSB is a citizen stakeholder board with 15 members that advises the USDA on organic standards and has statutory authority over what types of fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs could be used in organic production. Read more.

Alice Runde