On July 24, 2015, the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a memo to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) related to biodegradable biobased mulch film. 

The memo announced the availability of a new summary report on biodegradable biobased mulch film. The NOP commissioned the report following the publication of a January 2015 policy memo clarifying the review requirements for biodegradable biobased mulch film under the USDA organic regulations. Stakeholders have indicated that no products on the market currently comply with the requirements for biobased feedstocks. The memo to the NOSB requests that the NOSB review the report and determine if additional action is recommended.  

Links 

• July 24, 2015 Memorandum to the National Organic Standards Board
• Summary Report on Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is hosting a four-part webinar series exploring the environmental benefits of organic agriculture. The series is moderated by Betsy Rakola, Organic Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.

The third webinar entitled "Environmental Benefits of Organic Agriculture: Soil" will be on Thursday, August 27 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST.  It will present scientific research examining the benefits to soil of organic farming practices.  The speakers will be Michel Cavigelli, Ph.D., Soil Scientist, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD and Michelle Wander, Ph.D., Director of the Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.

Pre-registration is not required for this webinar session. 

Learn more and join the webinar.

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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