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

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is inviting 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. The majority 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 virtual meeting of the NOSB is set on dates ranging from Oct. 13 to 21.

Virtual Meeting dates:

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

Comment requests
In order to register for the Fall 2021 meeting, written public comments or requests for oral comment speaking slots must be received by Sept. 30, 2021.

• Commenters will be scheduled in the order in which they registered. Scheduling requests may be accommodated where possible.
• In an effort to accommodate the greatest number of people, commenters are limited to one 3-minute speaking slot.
• Speakers will receive more detailed instructions for providing oral testimony once they submit their registration request.
• Registration typically fills up fast, 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 Foods Production Act (OFPA) and governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the NOSB considers and makes recommendations to the USDA’s National Organics Program on a wide range of issues involving the production, handling, and processing of organic products. The NOSB also has special responsibilities related to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

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