The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to announce the renewal of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) charter, and reminds readers that NOSB nominations are due next week. 

NOSB Charter Renewed 

AMS is pleased to announce that the NOSB charter has been renewed for two years! The NOSB is a Federal Advisory Committee that provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act.

The current priorities of the NOSB are to:

• Evaluate and provide recommendations related to specific substances being considered for inclusion on or removal from the National List
• Respond to NOP requests for advice on specific matters related to the implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA)
• Provide other recommendations regarding the implementation of OFPA based on public comments and feedback from the organic community

The charter will expire on May 8, 2016.

Reminder: NOSB Nominations Due May 15!

There is still time to submit nominations for the NOSB. NOSB members are volunteers and come from across all sectors of the organic community. Each member is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to a five-year term.

USDA seeks nominations for the following seats on the NOSB:  

• Individual with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation
• Organic Producer who owns or operates an organic operation
• Organic Handler who owns or operates an organic handling operation
• Retailer with significant trade in organic products

Written nominations must include a cover letter, resume, and an AD-755 Application Form and must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2014.

More Information: 

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

The USDA Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services.

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