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AnnouncementDecember 15, 2015



The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce the 2016 Sunset Review Proposed Rule is available online. We would also like to share a letter acknowledging the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Organic Input Material (OIM) program as a material review organization.

USDA Announces 2016 Sunset Review Proposed Rule
On December 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will publish in the Federal Register a proposed rule to implement the National Organic Standards Board's (NOSB) 2016 sunset review recommendations of substances on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). Comments are due by February 16, 2016.

The proposed rule would remove from the National List five non-organic, non-agricultural substances used as ingredients in or on processed products (egg white lysozyme, cyclohexylamine, diethylaminoethanol, octadecylamine, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate). After considering public comments and supporting documents, the NOSB recommended that the substances are no longer necessary for organic handling.

If published as a final rule, the substances would no longer be allowed in organic handling after their sunset date, September 12, 2016.

Interested persons may comment on the proposed rule using the following procedures: 
  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Search for AMS-NOP-15-0052 and then follow the instructions for submitting comments. (Available December 16)
  • Mail: Robert Pooler, Standards Division, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2642-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268.
View the Proposed Rule  
NOP Acknowledges CDFA Organic Input Material Program
This month, the National Organic Program issued a letter to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Inspection Services to acknowledge that the CDFA Organic Input Material (OIM) program meets the criteria for a material review organization as set forth in Policy Memo 11-4: Evaluation of Materials Used in Organic Crop, Livestock, and Handling Operations. Certifying agents and certified operations may now recognize reviews conducted by the CDFA OIM regarding the acceptability of materials for use in organic processes.
 
View Policy Memo 11-4

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.

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