I read in a media piece a few weeks ago headlines decrying that organic law had been gutted. The inflammatory article went on to claim the USDA was minimizing incentives for creating organic ingredients and the organic standards were thereby being diluted. In taking a closer look at the National Organic Program’s (NOP) announcement and understanding the regulations, processes and procedures of the NOP, it seems this article is way off kilter.
In 2001 the first US organic standards were written into law after years of discussion, discovery and scientific review. These organic standards are designed to allow most natural substances in organic farming while prohibiting most synthetic substances. The “National List”–part of the organic regulations–spells out the exceptions to this basic rule and the non-organic substances allowed in processed organic products. In order to enhance the regulatory process the law requires that these materials be reviewed every 5 years.
This review process called “sunset” requires the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) to do technical reviews of the material to assure new science does not reveal any negative impact on human health, the environment or other criteria under the Organic Foods Production Act. It also asks for public comments to assure that the material is still needed for organic production or that another, more suitable, material is not available. If the material is still needed and deemed not harmful the material is approved for another 5 years. After the NOSB has completed this rigorous “sunset” review, the NOP must renew or remove the substances on the National List to complete the process.
The other way this list of materials can change is if an entity or person petitions the NOP for the addition or deletion of a material. Once again the material must go through the same rigorous testing and vetting process before it is approved.
In preparation for a new round of sunset reviews by the NOSB, the National Organic Program (NOP) explored options for improving the process. Upon reviewing the Organic Food Protection Act, the NOP determined that the “sunset provision” and “decisive votes” sections of the Organic Food Production Act needed to be aligned.
This change actually increases consistency by requiring that two-thirds of NOSB members must support any change to the National List for it to be recommended as a change to the USDA —whether during sunset or the petition process. This means that the Board will need a two-thirds decisive vote to remove an existing listing, rather than a two-thirds decisive vote to retain an existing listing. This change only ensures consistency across all NOSB recommendations related to the National List. In most circles consistency in protocol is an improvement.
The NOP memo reaffirmed that the NOSB and NOP will follow the process to meet the sunset provision of the Organic Foods Production Act while also achieving the goals of a transparent sunset review process with increased opportunities for public engagement through a streamlined administration of the National List.
Ironically, the article I spoke of earlier incorrectly stated that the change was “Allowing the USDA to automatically relist materials without the recommendation of the NOSB.” This is just plain false.
All that’s changed is it now takes two thirds majority to vote to list and two-thirds to delist. Elsewhere the article cites the “lack of public input on this process.” This statement is, again, outrageously bogus. There will not only still be comment from the public regarding sunset, but now there will be TWO periods of NOSB meetings, actually doubling the opportunity for comments to be taken on these items.
I personally know many of the staff at the National Organic Program and they are all deeply committed to the success and integrity of the organic seal and the regulatory process. If you don’t already know Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator of the NOP, read my Blog Interview and you will discover his lifelong commitment and passion for organic.
Going forward, when someone writes an article or says that the NOP is harming organic, I urge you to question the accusations. Take a deeper look at the language and the intention of what the NOP is saying or doing. Ask an organic authority like the Organic Trade Association (OTA) or reach out to the NOP directly. They are always available to answer questions and concerns. The NOP staff is there to help everyone involved to understand, participate in and abide by the organic regulations.
Let’s cheer the program for the gusto and vigor they deliver to our growing industry! Let’s gut the organic lies!
Woah! I’m reallly enjoying the template/theme
of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot oof times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” betweeen superb
usability annd appearance. I must say that you’ve done a superb job with
this. Also, the blog loaxs super quick for me
on Opera. Superb Blog!
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is fantastic,
let alone the content!
Thank you. The blog is one year old. Keep reading!
Profollica Best Treatment for Men improves hair body and suppleness and protect against harmful sun damage and itchy and
scalp conditions. It is important to always make sure that your hair is well maintained by ensuring that the hair is kept clean. She did not seem too enthusiastic about
it and claimed that she had just been to the toilet and did not feel like peeing any
more.
It’s awesome to pay a quick visit this site and reading the views
of all friends concerning this post, while I
am also eagdr of gettinng knowledge.
Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I
guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say,
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m
still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips for first-time blog writers?
I’d definitely appreciate it.
Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly
loved surfing around your weblog posts. After all I’ll
be subscribing in your rss feed and I’m hoping you write once
more very soon!
Thank you for reading. Keep commenting!
Howdy! I know this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.
Does managing a well-established blog like yours take a large
amount of work? I’m completely new to writing a blog but I do write in my journal on a daily basis.
I’d like to start a blog so I can share my
own experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if
you have any kind of ideas or tips for new aspiring
bloggers. Thankyou!
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the best sites on the internet.
I most certainly will highly recommend this web site!
Thank you, keep reading and tell your friends!
And you know what they say: “once on the internet, stays on the internet”.
Promote multiple affiliate programs in your website but don’t
promote every little thing the world has to
offer. There are many different features like your
own profile, blogging updates, Street Talk, the ability to comment and like Street Articles Facebook
page, Street Articles Google + page, Street Articles Twitter Page, and the ability to interact with
the owners (not to a great extent, they are quite busy).
Can I just say what a comfort to uncover an individual who actually knows what they are discussing over the internet.
You actually realize how to bring a problem to
light and make it important. A lot more people ought to check this
out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you are not more popular because you certainly have the gift.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly feel this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably bee returning to see more, thanks for
the advice!
: Family or Pal MemberHow numerous supplements would you use over a
daily w
human growth hormone calcium supplements ingredients [fashionfinder.asos.com]hgh crystal skulls
for sale from china
And these numbers don’t take into account vacation charges associated with
getting at a dependable Anti-Ageing Hospital to some HGH medical expert
that is competent. Number 1 GenF20 Plus No 2 Sytropin Number 3 GenFX
Genf20Plus is among the most Number 1 HGH product available in the market currently.
The additional anyone understand and analysis this ingredient and merchandise, the more of an edge hey
HGH Club
These substances subsequently in turn trigger or activate growth hormone’s output .
Register with your Google Accounts (metacafe, Google , Gmail, Orkut, Picasa, or Stainless)
to dislike Jodi Wheaton’s video. This also shows as you are able to trust
the HGH product’s manufacturing organization. It has a mixture of things that will allow you to feel and look greater in decades.
Acclaimed since the newest and greatest firearm within the arsenal of Hollywood’s
elite (a written report from Vanity Fair previous January unearthed
that utilization of hgh shots is widespread within the marketplace),
the idea is that enhanced quantities of HGH may reverse period and assure a better
sex travel, trimmer body, improved feeling, radiant skin, and
a great deal of power.
Matter that is minute was my levels of energy were raised.
HGH is the only element that
human growth hormone female weight loss
POSSIBLY ALSO AND cONTINUES TO BE CLINICALLY PROVEN TO DECREASE OPPOSITE THE PHYSIOLOGICAL
APPROACH. I’ve additional energy. Theres likewise a handful of
manufacturers that sell
Ahaa, its good conversation on the topic of this article at this place at this website, I have
read all that, so at this time mee also commenting here.
Common symptoms of diabetes are fatigue, frequent hunger, excessive thirst and a frequent need to urinate.
Diabetes is a rapidly growing, serious health problem among youngster
today. In order to use a test strip properly, a small blood sample is
drawn from the body using a lancet.
Asking questions are really fastidious thing if you are not understanding
something completely, however this piece of writing offers fastidious
understanding yet.
I read this article completely concerning the resemblance of
newest and earlier technologies, it’s remarkable article.
Thank you! Keep reading.
Hi there we all know the obvious strengths of You – Tube, but today I want to just go over some less obvious opportunities for utilising
it for your marketing opportunities, so here goes …….
Effectively, naturally I will have answers to any or all of one’s queries.
State and Local ‘ Create urban plans and help enhance plans for infrastructure maintenance.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. That is a very smartly written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your useful info.
Thank you for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
Thank you, please do!
Sent from my iPad
Hi there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to
give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading through your blog
posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums
that go over the same subjects? Thanks for your time!
Yes, google Alberts Organic Blog
Sent from my iPad
I love the blend of solid marketing principals and mythic, magic making.
I was so elated I started using it on my face, neck, and chest too.
Puree the flesh of 2 mangoes (about 2 cups), stir 1 teaspoon of baking powder into 225g
(2 cups) almond meal, and gently beat five eggs in a bowl.
Very good article. I am goiong through some of these issues as well..
hello!,I love your writing so much! percentage we be in contact extraa approximately your articlpe on AOL?
I require a specialist on this area to resolve my problem. Mayy be that is you!
Having a lookk ahead to look you.
Thiss post is worth everyone’s attention. When can I find
out more?
Asking questions are truly fastidious thing if you are not understanding something
fully, except this paragraph presents good understanding even.
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and would
like to find out where u got this from. many thanks
This causes limbs to develop faster while the pinched tissue
heals, after which occasion the stem resumes apical dominance.
If someone finds that your good work is too much to compete they will
try to rank you down using negative SEO. Search Engine Optimization is necessary for every website which has been published for promoting any online business.
SEO forms a very important part of the success of a website.
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be
delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after going through a few of the posts I realized it’s
new to me. Anyways, I’m certainly delighted I came across it and I’ll be book-marking
it and checking back regularly!
This article will explain what you can riad marrakech jemaa el fna with pool do in Morocco or with local tour companies during your holiday.
Bombardier: Planes, trains, buses both swank and basic, rental cars and tour buses but many travelers are only aware of those that appear
on the bottom half of the year, including the U.
nba 2011 finals
Hello there, There’s no doubt that your site may be having internet browser compatibility issues.
Whenever I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks
fine however, when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues.
I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Apart from that, wonderful site!
We stumbled over here by a different page and thought I might check things out.
I like what I see so i am just following you.
Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
I’m curious to find out what blog system you are working with?
I’m experiencing some small security problems with my
latest website and I’d like to find something more risk-free.
Do you have any suggestions?
I’m not that much of a internet reader to
be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead
and bookmark your site to come back down the road.
All the best
Thank you so much! Keep reading and commenting!
Sent from my iPad
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where
to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions?
Thank you
Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter
and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to
her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It actually used to be a leisure account it.
Look advanced to far brought agreeable from you!
By the way, how could we keep in touch?
If you want to improve your experience simply keep visiting this website and be
updated with the latest information posted here.
I have fun with, result in I found just what I was having a look for.
You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you
man. Have a great day. Bye
You will need to sign up through these affiliate Hosta – Gators in purchase to get
the Host – Gator low cost code. Considering that hostgator charges more for domain registration. The credibility is still
great and that’s why I feel in time they will end
up being popular.
Awesome site you have here but I was curious about
if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about here?
I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get responses from other experienced individuals
that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions,
please let me know. Thanks!
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but
I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Thank you!
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established
blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not
very techincal but I can figure things out pretty
quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure
where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? With thanks
If you want to share all of your Kobo e – Books with single person, such as a spouse, then the best choice is to simply have the same e – Book library.
Bright Hub also looks at the Nook as a small tablet running Android, and what it can do
besides be an e-book reader. When you sell traditional
books, you have to deliver pack them properly and professionally
and deliver them to your customers via postal mail.
Remember that most table games are skill and discipline games.
The real fun starts when you reach max level, because that’s where
you’ll be able to join other players as they hunt bosses, raid dungeons, and fight against each other.
Video Games Community for Gamers – Video Games Community
for Gamers.
Friki Tiki Tikiette assortment can be more fun and refreshing
in the patio. The Industrial Revolution was another of those extraordinary jumps forward in the story of civilization. What this means is that no matter how much the cleaner fills
up, there is no loss of suction power.
As you already know winning the Powerball would be
a huge victory. Following the Kindle was a swamping wave of Ereaders with over 7
other companies being produced in that year.
The other consequence of an ovarian cyst rupturing is the abdomen becoming distended or sensitive.
Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any tips for first-time blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m impressed!
Very useful information specially the final part 🙂 I deal
with such information much. I used to be seeking this certain info for a long time.
Thanks and best of luck.
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a material!
existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this web page.