Details
The 2012 Sunset Review at the Fall NOSB Meeting
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will be holding its fall
meeting October 25–28, 2010, at the Best Western Inn Towner in Madison, Wisconsin. This meeting is particularly important because it will be addressing more
than 60 materials that are up for the 2012
Sunset Review. The Sunset Review will determine whether these materials can remain
on the National List. Many of these materials may be key ingredients or processing
aids. If there is an ingredient up for review
that is important to you, it is strongly suggested that you offer a written and/or oral
comment on the issue. In addition to the Sunset Review, the NOSB requests comment on: nanotechnology, apiculture, use of animal health-care products in section 205.238(c)( 2), the “made with” organic claim,
clarification of handling exemptions under 205.101(b), corn steep liquor
and annotations for colors on the 205.606 list. NOSB will also welcome
feedback on discussion documents regarding animal stocking rates, animal handling, transit and slaughter, and nutrient vitamins and minerals.
The agenda, including specific materials to be addressed for the 2012
Sunset Review will be posted at www.ams.usda.gov/NOSB and published
in the Federal Register on or around September 10, 2010.
Oral Comment. Individuals interested in presenting at the NOSB
meeting may sign up for one 5-minute slot on Monday, October 25 from
10: 15 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. or Wednesday, October 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please contact Lisa Ahramjian at Lisa.Ahramjian@ams.usda.gov or 202-
690-3962 to reserve a slot.
Written Comments. The NOSB will welcome public comments via
regulations.gov once the Federal Register notice is published on or
around September 10, 2010.
All Things Organic at
Natural Products Expo East
The Organic Trade Association is bringing its All
Things Organic (ATO) conference program to Natural
Products Expo East from Oct. 14,
through Oct. 16, at the Boston Convention Center. The 15 sessions will
feature thought-provoking debates,
broad global overviews, detailed
market reports and deep analysis of
legislation and standards. Speakers will include representatives from some of the industry’s most successful companies and leading market research firms, as
well as key government officials.
Topics include personal care, private
label, food safety,
health benefits of
organic, an organic
market overview,
organic vs. natural,
sustainability and
the implications of
nanotechnology
for organic.
For more
information go to
www.ota.com/
allthingsorganic/
conference_
schedule.html.
Mark Your Calendar!
OTA’s Member Days are a
time for association business,
member meetings, and social
and networking events. Here
are some key dates to
remember:
• Annual Meeting: Oct. 14
• Annual Awards Dinner
and Dance Party: Oct. 15
• Member Forums, Task
Force meetings:
Oct. 12–16.
To browse OTA’s Member
Days schedule visit
www.ota.com and click on
“Events and Programs.”
In February 2011, the Organicology conference will take place in Portland,
Oregon. Exploring key issues from farming to manufacturing to retail—this event
seeks to unite the organic food community to build a sustainable food future.
Given the challenges and opportunities our industry faces, it’s critical to take
time to regroup, to reflect, learn, strategize and collaborate.
The gathering offers expert-led educational intensives and
workshops, a trade show and networking opportunities.
Keynote speakers include radio show host Jim Hightower as
well as Andrew Kimbrell and Steven Jones. Focus areas include farming and seed issues, sustainable business practices, governmental policy and the impact of climate change
and other environmental issues on food and agriculture.
Organicology begins with five full-day training sessions on sustainable busi-
ness practices, soil management, seed growing, food and farm policy, and the
evolving roles of those who interact directly with food consumers. Participants
will receive certificates upon completion. Day two
features workshops on zero waste operations, food
safety, food security, organic seed, plant breeding
and GMOs, and a USDA/NOSB listening session.
The gathering culminates with a trade show featur-
ing over 100 exhibitors from farms, breweries
and manufacturers to suppliers and advo-
cacy groups. Other events include a seed
swap, an organic wine and beer tasting, an
audience-judged debate and a concert.
Organicology is coordinated by Oregon
Tilth, Organic Seed Alliance, the Food Trade
Sustainability Leadership Association and Organi-
cally Grown Company. For more information visit
www.organicology.org.
Get Schooled in Organicology! Conference Held Feb. 10-12, 2011
ORGANIC PROCESSING
(Details continues on page 54)
