Two Opportunities for Organic Producers and Businesses

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service sent this bulletin at 04/12/2018 12:55 PM EDT
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service national organic program organic insider

Organic Integrity Through Technology Innovation: Free Webinar on May 10

Learn how the National Organic Program uses advances in information technology to strengthen the integrity of the organic seal for producers, businesses and consumers. 

Topics

  • Organic Integrity Database Updates: Learn about new features in the online Organic Integrity Database.
  • Export Certificate Updates: Learn about options NOP is exploring for using electronic export certificates to support the needs of organic businesses shipping to Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Mexico.
  • Coming Innovation: Learn what is in the works for using technology to strengthen the integrity of the USDA organic seal. This is a great opportunity to share feedback and ideas on what works for you and your business

Webinar Timing and Logistics

Thursday, May 10, 2018
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern
Pre-registration is not required. 

To participate:

  

Public Comment Period Extended for Proposed Changes to the National List

USDA has reopened the public comment period on the January 17, 2018 proposed rule: Amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) for an additional 30 days to allow more time for public input. The additional 30-day public comment period closes on May 14, 2018. For more information, see today’s Federal Register Notice.

The National List identifies those synthetic substances that may be used and the natural substances that may not be used in organic crop and livestock production. It also identifies a limited number of non-organic substances that may be used in or on processed organic products. In general, synthetic substances are prohibited for crop and livestock production unless specifically allowed and non-synthetic (natural) substances are allowed for crop and livestock production unless specifically prohibited.

The proposed rule would:

  • Add 16 substances to the list of those allowed in organic production and handling;
  • Prohibit one substance (ivermectin) currently allowed in organic livestock production, because of the availability of less toxic alternatives;
  • List a natural pesticide (rotenone) as prohibited to align with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations; and
  • Change 17 substances already on the National List to reflect current farming or processing practices and needs.

Interested persons may comment on the proposed rule using the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Or, mail: Robert Pooler, Standards Division, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268. Telephone: (202) 720-3252.