What is the role of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB)?
OFPA created the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to advise the Secretary of Agriculture regarding the standards on which USDAs National Organic Program is based and to advise the Secretary on any other aspects of the implementation of the law. After considering the recommendations of NOSB, the Secretary has final authority in determining the regulations. NOSB is authorized to convene technical advisory panels to advise which materials should be included on a national list of materials allowed for use in organic production. What were the initial steps toward a proposed rule? On Dec. 16, 1997, the Federal Register published USDAs draft of the first proposed rule for implementing organic standards. During the public comment that ended April 30, 1998, USDA received more than 275,000 comments. Because of this feedback, USDA reversed its position on three key issues. On May 8, 1998, USDA agreed to not include irradiation, genetically modified organisms, or sewage sludge in organic pr
