Fall 2020 Comments to NOSB
October 1, 2020
PCC submitted written comments and provided oral testimony for the virtual fall 2020 meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advisory committee to the National Organic Program (NOP).
Each year the NOP holds two open meetings of the NOSB, giving the public an opportunity to learn about the NOSB’s analysis and recommendations. These meetings also are a platform for individuals to share information, perspectives, and input on issues concerning the organic program.
Due to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s spring and fall meetings took place virtually.
As a certified organic grocer that places a priority on organics, we are accountable to our shoppers and more than 82,000 active member-owners to advocate for organic integrity. As part of this advocacy, we not only submitted our own comments, but contributed and signed on — as a full member — to the extensive comments submitted by the National Organic Coalition (NOC). Read the NOC’s Fall 2020 NOSB Comments.
PCC’s comments addressed a wide range of topics, including opposing the listing of fenbendazole (a parasiticide used in conventional egg-laying hens) on the National List, supporting development of comprehensive marine material standards, and urging the NOP to implement NOSB recommendations and rules that improve consistency and strength of the organic label. PCC also reiterated from the spring 2020 comments, the importance of leveraging organic as a leader in pandemic and climate resilience and identifying and developing recommendations to strengthen organic practices for climate mitigation, adaptation, and carbon sequestration.