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Announcement

March 10, 2015

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to publish a Call for Nominations for a new Task Force exploring hydroponic and aquaponic production in organic agriculture. We are also announcing the posting of slides from the National Organic Program's (NOP) recent certifier training.

AMS Seeks Nominations for Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force

On March 9, 2015, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a Federal Register Notice calling for nominees for a task force to explore hydroponic and aquaponic production practices and their alignment with USDA organic regulations. The objective of the task force will be to gather input from a diverse group of stakeholders and industry experts and produce a final report, expected in the spring of 2016.

AMS seeks nominees in the following stakeholder groups: producer, researcher or scientist, consumer representative, conservationist, systems designer, and organic inspector or accredited certifying agent. The task force will report to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

The deadline for nominations is May 8, 2015.

Call for Nominations Federal Register Notice

Press Release

Certifier Training Presentations Now Available
The NOP team enjoyed seeing certifiers in Little Rock, Arkansas at the NOP's annual certifier training program on February 10. The NOP partnered with the Accredited Certifiers Association to offer the training. The goal was to ensure consistency across all of our accredited certifying agents, and to provide critical updates about the NOP. Access training slides on the NOP website Training Page.

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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