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AnnouncementDecember 14, 2015


The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce the publication of the  2015 Sunset Review Final Rule. We would also like to highlight USDA's announcement regarding grants available for Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Programs.
2015 Sunset Review Final Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) final rule implementing two 2015 sunset review recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) can now be seen on the Federal Register website.
 
The final rule, which becomes effective on Dec. 14, 2015, removes four substances from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). Two are non-organic agricultural substances - marsala wine and sherry wine - and two are expired listings - streptomycin and tetracycline. The removal of marsala wine and sherry wine from the National List is based upon the NOSB's 2015 sunset review. Both streptomycin and tetracycline previously expired from the National List on October 21, 2014, and today's rule simply removes their listings from the regulations.
 
The sunset process requires that substances on the National List must be reviewed by the NOSB and renewed by the Secretary of Agriculture within five years. The NOSB found that marsala wine and sherry wine are rarely used by organic operations and therefore recommended removal from the list.
 
As part of the 2015 sunset review, the NOSB held two public meetings in 2014, at which members heard comments on various substances up for review. The removal of the 2015 sunset substances reflects the NOSB's comprehensive sunset review process and feedback from organic farmers, businesses, and consumer groups.
 
View the Final Rule.  
 
Funding Available for Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Programs
In response to consumers' increasing demand for organic products, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced yesterday the availability of $17.6 million in funding through the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), a program administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
 
Projects funded through the OREI program will help growers, producers, and processors identify innovative solutions to improve organic agriculture. The purpose of the program is to fund high-priority research, education, and extension projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products.
 
View the press release for more information.
 
To learn more about grant application process, including specific program requirements, view the  request for applications. Grant applications are due March 10, 2016
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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