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Comment Period Closes May 10th
Proposed Changes to the USDA Organic Regulations: Mushroom and Pet Food Standards
On March 11, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the USDA organic regulations. The rule proposes specific standards for organic mushroom production and organic pet food handling, creating more consistent standards for these markets. The proposed changes are based on public input and NOSB recommendations.
For organic mushrooms, this proposed rule would:
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Clarify which existing crop production standards apply to organic mushroom production.
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Create a mushroom-specific standard for organic compost production.
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Require operations producing organic mushrooms to:
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Use organic materials for the uncomposted portions of production substrate when commercially available.
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Use organic spawn media when commercially available.
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Use organic mushroom spawn when commercially available.
For organic pet food, the rule would:
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Clarify how existing organic labeling requirements should be applied to organic pet food.
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Allow organic meat and slaughter by-products in organic pet food.
- Describe what ingredients can be used in organic pet food.
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Add synthetic taurine (an amino acid) to the National List and allow its use in organic pet food to meet some pets’ nutritional needs.
The public comment period closes next Friday, on May 10, 2024. Be part of the policymaking process and make your voice heard—click on the link below to read the proposed rule and submit a comment.
How to Submit an Effective Comment
Visit the NOP microlearning module (linked below) on how to write an effective public comment. This module helps members of the organic community more effectively participate in the process of organic standards. Effective commenting lets us hear your voice and helps USDA better balance the needs of everyone impacted in the organic market.
 Click image above to launch microlearning module.
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