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Announcement

September 21, 2015

In response to incoming questions, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to clarify public listening options for the October NOSB public comment webinars. We also remind readers of upcoming educational webinars.

Clarification on NOSB Public Comment Webinars: Public Can Listen!

On September 8, AMS opened the public comment period for the October 2015 National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting. That announcement provided instructions for signing up to provide oral public comments, either during the face-to-face meeting or during two pre-meeting webinars. The webinars will be held October 13 and 20, 2015, from 1-4 PM Eastern.

Anyone from the public may listen at these webinars. To provide public comment at a webinar, you must sign up in advance. However, if you only want to listen, you can do so by accessing the webinar as follows:

Step 1: Dial In by Phone:
Toll-Free (U.S. & Canada): 866.740.1260
Access Code: 7202000

Step 2: Also Access the Web (optional):
Meeting URL: http://www.readytalk.com
On the left side of the screen, enter
Participant Access Code: 7202000

The system can accommodate the first 150 callers that call in for the webinar; after that limit is reached, callers may be told that the call capacity has been exceeded. Transcripts of the call will be available after the webinars.

REMINDER: Upcoming Educational Webinars

On September 23, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in partnership with Oregon Tilth, is hosting the fourth webinar in its series, "Environmental Benefits of Organic Agriculture." Dr. Cynthia Cambardella, Research Soil Scientist at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, will discuss her research on organic agriculture and water quality. Join the webinar.

On October 6, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in partnership with Oregon Tilth, is hosting a webinar entitled "Climate Change and Organic Agriculture." Dr. Kris Nichols, Chief Scientist, Rodale Institute, will discuss the Rodale Institute's white paper Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Climate Change: A Down-to-Earth Solution to Global Warming. Join the webinar.

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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