National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Call for Nominations
Status: NOSB Call for Nominations is OPEN
Submission Deadline: September 9, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Organic Program (NOP) seeks applications of qualified individuals for FIVE seats on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to begin in Jan 2026.
Current openings:
- Two individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation or employees of such individuals.
- Two individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups.
- One individual who is a certifying agent.
Member Duties and Time Commitment:
- Serves five-year term representing specific sectors of the organic community.
- Attends new member training in DC at the beginning of their term (1.5 days + travel time).
Attends annual ethics training (virtual, ~1 hour.) - Participates in monthly subcommittee conference calls (~3 - 6 hours per month) + prep time before each call (variable depending on number of projects). Additional time if member chairs a subcommittee.
- Reads and reviews petitions to amend the National List, and Technical Reports related to National List substances, to inform their voting. (Time commitment varies).
- Reviews three to five substances each year that are due to sunset from the National List. (time commitment varies depending on number of substances and complexity).
- Writes discussion papers and proposals on materials and other topics (e.g., new standards, clarification of existing standards) (time commitment varies).
- Reviews and analyzes public comments in advance of two in-person NOSB meetings to prepare for presentations/discussion/voting (8 - 24 hours per meeting).
- Attends two NOSB meetings per year, typically held at the end of April and Oct. Time commitment: approximately five to seven days per meeting.
- Travel expenses to attend in-person meetings are covered by the USDA. The government pays lodging, flights, and a daily per diem.
The USDA encourages submissions from qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applications for qualified candidates will also be accepted to fill unexpected future vacancies for any of the seven NOSB seats representing the scope of the organic community.
How to Apply:
Written applications must include:
- Resume
- AD-755 application form (pdf)
- Name of position(s) to which you are applying
Applications may also include:
- Cover letter (optional)
- Letters of reference (optional but encouraged).Reference letters will be accepted after application deadline.
Electronic submissions are preferred and should be emailed to Michelle.Arsenault@usda.gov. You may also mail your application materials: USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.
Additional information
- Federal Register Notice (pdf)
- NOSB Recommendation on Criteria for NOSB Membership (pdf)
- About the NOSB - Current members, Activities, Policy & Procedures Manual, Resources
Appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, the NOSB is a Federal Advisory Committee comprised of a diverse group of individuals from the organic community that considers and makes recommendations on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and other issues that involve the production, handling, and processing of USDA certified organic products. In accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, the board shall be comprised of 15 members:
- Four shall be individuals who own or operate an organic farming operation or employees of such individuals.
- Two shall be individuals who own or operate an organic handling operation or employees of such individuals.
- One shall be an individual who owns or operates a retail establishment with significant trade in organic products or employees of such individuals.
- Three shall be individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation.
- Three shall be individuals who represent public interest or consumer interest groups.
- One shall be an individual with expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.
- One shall be an individual who is a certifying agent as identified under section 6515 of this title.
Additional Questions?
Contact: Michelle Arsenault, michelle.arsenault@usda.gov, 202.997.0115