NOC Comments to NOSB

The Spring National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Meeting is taking place this week. In written comments and oral testimony to the NOSB this spring, NOC has voiced strong support for proposals and NOSB actions to protect organic integrity and advance organic agriculture. Some of our top priorities include:

  1. Support for an NOSB proposal to limit high nitrogen fertilizers. Passing this proposal is fundamental to protecting the integrity of the organic program and advancing organic as a climate-smart system of agriculture.

  2. Reforms to bring greater accountability and transparency to the NOP’s process for implementing NOSB recommendations. 

  3. We’ve asked the NOSB to establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Subcommittee to lead changes that would make the certification process more accessible to producers of color, make organic food more affordable and available, and ensure that organic farming pays living wages for farm workers and farmers.

  4. Cultural sensitivity and racial equity training for NOSB members. 

  5. Technical support for NOSB members - NOSB should have the ability to hire assistants to make their workload more manageable.

NOC also commented on many materials and proposals for use in organic crop production, livestock production, and handling. Our full comments are available online here.

Abby Youngblood