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AnnouncementJuly 29, 2016


The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce the dates and details for the fall 2016 National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting. The public is invited to provide comments that address specific topics noted on the meeting agenda.
 Fall 2016 NOSB Meeting
                   
The NOSB is a federal advisory committee established by the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and administered through AMS. The NOSB recommends whether substances should be allowed or prohibited in organic production, handling, and processing, and advises the Secretary of Agriculture on other aspects of the organic regulations.
 
Twice a year, the NOSB convenes to prepare recommendations for the USDA. The public may provide comments that address specific topics noted on the meeting agenda.  AMS is announcing this NOSB meeting earlier than in the past to provide more time for public comment. This will facilitate openness and transparency in facilitating public comments to the NOSB.
 
The NOSB's next meeting will be held November 16-18, 2016 in St. Louis, MO. In addition to receiving written public comments, the NOSB will listen to oral public comments via a webinar on November 3, 2016 and at the meeting in St. Louis.
 
The draft agenda and other related meeting materials will be available on the Fall 2016 NOSB Meeting webpage. Please visit the website intermittently for updates.

 
IMPORTANT DATES:
October 26, 2016, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Deadline to reserve a room at Chase Park Plaza Hotel located at 212 N Kingshighway Blvd. in St. Louis, MO 63108. For room reservations, call (314) 633-3000 or visit www.chaseparkplaza.com for online reservations.
  • Deadline for written comments that address specific topics noted on the meeting agenda. For more information on how to submit written comments, visit the Fall 2016 NOSB Meeting webpage.
  • Deadline to sign up to provide oral comments. Persons interested in providing oral comments must reserve a spot. Spots can be reserved via the Fall 2016 NOSB Meeting webpage.
November 3, 2016, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Oral Comment Webinar: To provide public comment at the webinar, you must sign up in advance. You may also just listen to the webinar. You can find instructions on how to do either on the Fall 2016 NOSB meeting webpage. 
November 16 - 18, 2016
  • Face-to-face Fall 2016 NOSB meeting at Chase Park Plaza Hotel
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.
To learn more, view Frequently Accessed Information at:
About the USDA Organic Insider

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