WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2013 - The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is collecting public comment at www.ams.usda.gov/nosbmeetings in advance of its meeting in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 22-24, 2013.
The meeting of the board, which occurs twice a year, provides a public forum for the organic community to weigh-in on issues concerning organic production and processing. The upcoming meeting will take place at the Galt House Hotel, 140 North Fourth St., Louisville, Ky. 40202.
During the meeting, the board will address several petitions pertaining to changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, including several substances for use in aquaculture, streptomycin for use to control fire blight in pears and apples, and glycerin. The agenda of topics and current proposals are available at www.ams.usda.gov/nosbmeetings (select “October 22-24, 2013” from the drop-down menu).
Written comments on the proposals can be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at www.regulations.gov. While the meeting is open to the public, the National Organic Program invites those interested in sharing comments orally at the meeting to register in advance. Pre-registration to provide oral comments must be completed by Oct. 1, 2013. More information about commenting requirements is available at www.ams.usda.gov/NOSBMeetings.
The NOSB is an advisory committee of organic industry and stakeholder representatives established by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. The board recommends whether a substance should be allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling, assists in developing standards for substances to be used in organic production, and advises the Secretary of Agriculture on other aspects of the organic regulations. Twice a year in the spring and fall, the board convenes to listen to public comments, discuss specific items pertaining to organic agriculture, and vote on recommendations for the National Organic Program to consider. Currently, the NOSB has seven subcommittees working on various topics of interest to the National Organic Program. The subcommittees are: Compliance, Accreditation, and Certification; Crops; Handling; Livestock; Materials; Policy Development; and the ad hoc Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).
Interested persons may visit www.ams.usda.gov/nosbmeetings to view meeting information and board proposals, register for an oral comment slot, and submit and/or view public comments.
To receive further information about the meeting or to request copies of available materials, please contact Ms. Michelle Arsenault, National Organic Standards Board, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2646-So., Mail Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268; Phone: (202) 720-3252; nosb@ams.usda.gov.
The National Organic Program is responsible for ensuring the integrity of USDA organic agricultural products in the United States and throughout the world. More information is available at www.ams.usda.gov/nop.
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