The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is a Federal Advisory Board composed of 15 public volunteers experts from across the organic sector. The Board makes recommendations to the National Organic Program (NOP) on a range of issues related to organic production, handling, and processing. These Board considerations and recommendations include important organic seed policy issues, such as strengthening the organic seed requirement, helping organic producers meet the organic seed regulation, clarifying which plant-breeding methods should be excluded or allowed in organic production, and supporting the organic seed market and the seed growers who fill this supply.
Twice a year, the National Organic Standards Board convenes public meetings – in spring and fall – to discuss and vote on proposals that aim to improve and clarify the organic regulations. In advance of each meeting the Board releases an agenda and discussion documents on pertinent issues, requesting input and data from the public to inform their work. As part of the meeting itself, the Board hears public testimony that can be given virtually or in person. The comment period prior to the meeting and public testimony are hugely important to advancing organic seed policy and we encourage public engagement.
Save the date to participate in the spring NOSB meeting, which will be held April 29 – May 1, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona. Organic seed usage is anticipated to be a topic of discussion at the spring meeting and OSA will be reaching out via email and socials when the agenda is released and ways to engage. We hope you’ll consider participating in person or tuning in virtually. Visit the spring meeting page for more details and to find the agenda when it’s released.
If you’re traveling to Tempe for the meeting, be sure to join National Organic Coalition’s Pre-NOSB Meeting on April 28th. Check back for more details, registration, and stipends for farmers interested in participating in the full NOSB meeting week in person.
