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NOP Memo to the National Organic Standards Board
Work Agenda Request:
Biodegradable Biobased Mulch Film
The National Organic Program (NOP) has sent a Memo to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) requesting the NOSB continue to work on the topic of biodegradable biobased mulch film (BBMF) in organic crop production for public discussion.
The USDA organic regulations allow BBMF products as a synthetic material in organic crop production; however, no known products meet the current regulatory requirements making BBMF allowed but not useable. There are also no BBMF products that meet the requirements outlined in the 2021 NOSB recommendation on this topic.
Since the NOSB recommendation would not provide additional options to farmers, NOP has determined that it will not implement the Board’s 2021 recommendation. The Program is instead requesting that the Board continue work on the topic of BBMF and submit a revised recommendation that:
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Identifies ways to overcome the challenges outlined in the memo,
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Reflects BBMF products or other alternatives that could be commercially available now or in the near future,
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Meets the goal of reducing plastic waste, and
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Is consistent with the Organic Foods Production Act.
TOPP Brings Plains Region Producers Together
to Learn Organic Production Practices
and Business Strategies
Photo: Prospective organic producers attend field day to learn firsthand practices for farm and business.
USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) events continue to draw members of local and regional farming communities together. In early summer, more than 20 producers from the TOPP Plains region attended an Intro to Organic Agriculture Field Day on John's Farm, an organic beef, wheat, and barley farm in Fairview, Oklahoma. The field day welcomed individuals interested in transitioning to organic and provided attendees with on-farm practices, business strategies, and a chance to network with fellow producers.
TOPP Plains region lead Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) partnered with Acres USA to host the event. Participants started the day with field walks through John's Farm, followed by a full day of educational sessions led by organic and agricultural professionals from Albert Lea Seed, Oklahoma State University, Mercaris, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, and John's Farm. Attendees held one-on-one conversations with organic producers and industry professionals and received resource materials on TOPP, the Organic Material Review Institute, and the Healthy Soil Summit. Attendees could also a sign up for more information on organic certification with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.
Field Day participants learned about several aspects of organic production. Educational session topics included Organic Agronomy and Seed Selection, Soil Health Management and Soil Testing, Strategic Decision Making for Business Plans, The Current Landscape of Organic Markets, Organic Record Keeping Strategies and Organic Farming in Oklahoma, and Conservation Planning and Funding Opportunities. The day concluded with a hearty discussion on available resources and what it looks like when you put it all together.
About the Transition to Organic Partnership Program
The USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. USDA is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.
Plains Regional Lead Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) partners with organizations experienced in the organic industry to provide mentoring services, technical assistance, community building, and organic workforce development for transitioning and existing organic farmers.
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