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USDA Announces Two New Members of the National Organic Standards Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of two new members to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The board is made up of 15 members representing the organic community. Each new member is appointed to serve a five-year term through January 2028.
“Dr. Franklin Quarcoo and Mr. Nate Lewis bring valuable experience to help the board continue providing a key voice in the conversations that are keeping organic central to our work to build a more climate-smart, resilient, and equitable food system,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “We also appreciate and extend our gratitude to the outgoing members of the board for their dedication and work on behalf of the entire organic community.”
“New members always bring fresh perspectives to the ongoing work of the thirteen continuing members. Together this volunteer board does a wonderful job representing the knowledge, needs and passion of the organic community as we strive for continuous improvement,” said Moffitt.
Please join us in welcoming to the Board:
Dr. Franklin Quarcoo (Alabama) is appointed to the Environmental Protection and Resource Conservation seat.
Dr. Quarcoo is an Assistant Research-Extension Professor of Entomology at Tuskegee University and has extensive experience with integrated pest management in organic vegetable production systems, ecological approaches to insect pest management, and insect behavioral toxicology with particular interest in the behavioral response of insects to insecticides. He also led Tuskegee’s Human Capital Development Project in partnership with the National Organic Program, to establish an organic internship program for high school and graduate school students to explore careers in the organic sector. Dr. Quarcoo earned a Ph. D in Entomology, a Master’s in Plant and Soil Sciences, and a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science.
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Nathaniel (Nate) Lewis (Washington) is appointed to an Environmental Protection and Resource Conservation seat.
Mr. Lewis works as the South Sound Conservation Manager for the Washington Farmland Trust in Washington State and has close to two decades of experience as an organic farmer and organic certifier. He earned a Bachelors in Organic Chemistry and Agricultural Science from The Evergreen State College, and he previously held positions with the Organic Trade Association and the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
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About the NOSB
The NOSB is a Federal Advisory Board established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. The Board operates in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act to assist in developing standards for substances used in organic production and to advise the Secretary on aspects of the National Organic Program. Learn more about NOP and the Board on our website at www.ams.usda.gov/organic.
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