In 2012 and 2013, a GMO ad hoc subcommittee of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) collected comments on a GMO and seed purity discussion document. The subcommittee sought input from organic stakeholders on ways to strengthen seed purity as one step to avoid potential contamination of crops by GMOs. In particular, the subcommittee asked about the appropriateness and feasibility of establishing a genetic purity standard for seed used in organic systems. This month the NOSB posted a report that summarizes the public comments received in response to this discussion document. The report provides the subcommittee’s analysis of the situation. It does not include a recommendation. OSA submitted detailed comments in September of 2012 and is working on additional comments to submit in advance of the NOSB’s next meeting in San Antonio, Texas, from April 29 – May 2, 2014. Learn more about this meeting here. Comments are due April 8, 2014. Submit comments electronically here. If you would like to discuss this report, please contact Kristina Hubbard.
