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Announcement

March 12, 2015

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to announce the dates and details for the spring National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting, and to invite public comment on current proposals. The AMS is also pleased to share information on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants for Specialty Crops and Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Programs.

Spring 2015 NOSB Meeting Information

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), an advisory committee of organic industry and stakeholder representatives, was established by the Organic Foods Production Act. The NOSB recommends whether substances 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, the NOSB meets to listen to public comments, discuss specific items pertaining to organic agriculture, and vote on recommendations for the AMS/NOP to consider. These meetings are an important forum for public comment, and support transparency in the standards development process.

The agenda of topics and current proposals are available at www.ams.usda.gov/nosbmeetings.

NOSB Spring 2015 Meeting Details:

April 27-30, 2015: La Jolla, CA

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

4240 La Jolla Village Drive

La Jolla, CA 92037-1407

(858) 587-1414

Hotel Cutoff date: April 6, 2015

Book your room reservation

The NOSB will address several petitions pertaining to changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, complete their review of 2016 sunset substances, and begin their review of 2017 sunset substances. The agenda and current proposals are available at www.ams.usda.gov/nosbmeetings.

Public Comment Deadlines:

Written Public Comments must be submitted via www.regulations.gov by April 7, 2015, 11:59 pm ET.

Oral Public Comments: To reserve an in-person comment slot, please sign up by April 7, 2015, 11:59 pm ET. Sign up here

NOSB Meeting Materials:

Save the Date: Fall 2015 NOSB Meeting
The October 2015 meeting of the NOSB will be held in Stowe, Vermont, October 26-29, 2015.

NIFA Grant Funds Available

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced the availability of more than $66.5 million in funding for research and extension activities to address the needs of America's specialty crop industry and solve critical organic agricultural production issues. The grants will be funded through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative. Both programs are administered by NIFA and made available through the 2014 Farm Bill.

Learn More: Specialty Crops Initiative

Learn More: Agriculture Research & Extension Initiative

About the Agricultural Marketing Service
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.

About the USDA Organic Insider

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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