Organic Processing Vo1.7 #4 - July/August 2010

havior of the animals. Following up on this, at the spring 2010 meeting the NOSB considered a discussion document on stocking density of organic livestock in various housing operations and will take all the comments received and continue to study the issue to potentially be included in a future animal welfare recommendation.

Additionally, the NOSB recommended the relisting of synthetic methionine to be allowed in the diet of organic poultry on a limited use basis and recommended that level be further reduced after 2012. The NOSB also recommended that milk from organic lactating animals treated with allowed synthetic (NL section 603) substances that carry a withholding time on the milk can be used to feed young organic livestock via either the nursing of the mother or surrogate mother by the young or hand-fed to the young animals still being fed milk in their diet. In regard to crop production, the NOSB passed a Crops Committee recommendation to clarify production standards for growing terrestrial plants in containers and enclosures.

The NOSB also passed a guidance recommendation that proposed the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the matter of the EPA list formerly known as “List 4 Inerts.” The recommendation suggests the development of a task force that involves all stakeholders in this matter including the EPA, pesticide manufacturers and various representatives from the organic community, such as crop and livestock producers, proces-

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sors and certifiers, as well as the public. This task force would discuss how these substances might be allowed or prohibited in organic production and processing.

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What’s Next?

While the NOSB has made great strides, it’s important to understand that NOSB recommendations are not instantly inducted into the NOP regulations. Instead, after the NOSB makes a recommendation it’s passed on to the USDA via the NOP. The USDA then considers the recommendations for incorporation into the NOP regulations. NOSB recommendations should not be applied in organic production and processing until the NOP publishes a final rule or issues official guidance on the subject.

Meanwhile, the NOSB continues to work on issues important to the organic industry and welcomes your input. Every year, the NOSB leads two public meetings where they listen to public comments from the organic community, discuss issues that are important to the organic industry, and make recommendations to clarify the national organic standard. These meetings allow for public comment in both written and oral form to help direct the Board on important matters. Everyone interested in the integrity of the organic seal and the growth of this industry is encouraged to participate in this important process. This is your industry and your voice needs to be heard. o

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Daniel Giacomini is an organic consultant with Pacific Nutrition-Consulting and the 2010 chairperson of the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board. He can be reached at pnc@cloverjack.com.