The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) announced on Apr. 14 that it is accepting public comments through May 4 at 8:59 PM Pacific Time or 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The NOSB, a federal advisory board, provides recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding organic standards and permitted materials.
The board is seeking input from individuals with experience in several key areas related to organic production. These include a petition to clarify whether chlorine materials may be used for direct treatment of livestock drinking water, a petition to allow pear ester as a synthetic material in crop production, and a proposal to add chitosan—derived from fungi—as a nonagricultural substance used in winemaking.
In addition to these petitions, about twenty materials currently listed on the National List are up for review. The NOSB will also discuss priorities for organic research and other topics relevant to the organic community.
Those interested in attending the upcoming NOSB meeting can do so in person at Embassy Suites Omaha—Downtown/Old Market located at 555 S. 10th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. The meeting will take place over three days: Tuesday, May 12; Wednesday, May 13; and Thursday, May 14. Each day has specific hours set aside for discussion.
Members of the public can register by April 27 to provide three-minute oral testimony either in person or virtually during scheduled sessions on May 5 and May 7. This opportunity allows stakeholders across the country to share their perspectives directly with board members.
