National Organic Standards Board asks for public comments on variety of topics

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) invites the public to submit written comments or provide oral comments at its Fall 2021 business meeting.

In the United States, organic agriculture makes up less than 1 percent of total agriculture according to the USDA. Most of those acres are owned by small farmers who are not subject to many of the provisions of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

The NOSB virtual meeting is scheduled for October 13-21.

Dates of the virtual meeting:

  • Public Comment Webinar, Day 1: Wednesday, October 13, from noon to 5 pm EDT
  • Public Comment Webinar, Day 2: Thursday, October 14, from noon to 5 p.m. EDT
  • NOSB Public Meeting, Day 1: Tuesday, October 19, from noon to 6 pm EDT
  • NOSB Public Meeting Day 2: Wednesday, October 20, from noon to 6 pm EDT
  • NOSB Public Meeting Day 3: Thursday, October 21, from noon to 6 pm EDT

Requests for comments
To register for the Fall 2021 meeting, written public comments or requests for oral comment spaces must be received by September 30, 2021.

  • Commenters will be scheduled in the order they were registered. Scheduling requests can be accommodated whenever possible.
  • In an effort to accommodate as many people as possible, commentators are limited to a 3-minute speaking space.
  • Speakers will receive more detailed instructions for providing oral testimony once they submit their application for registration.
  • Registration is usually quick to complete, so don’t wait to sign up.

Those interested in attending the virtual meeting can register here.

About NOSB
The National Organic Standards Board is a Federal Advisory Board made up of 15 people from across the organic community. Established by the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) and governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the NOSB considers and makes recommendations to the USDA National Organic Products Program on a wide range of issues related to production, handling and processing of organic products. products. The NOSB also has special responsibilities related to the National list of allowed and prohibited substances.

(To sign up for a free Food Safety News subscription, Click here.)