Spring 2020 Comments to NOSB
April 3, 2020
PCC submitted written comments and provided oral testimony for the virtual spring 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 meeting took place virtually.
As a certified organic grocer that places a priority on organics, we are accountable to our shoppers and more than 76,000 active member-owners to advocate for organic integrity. As part of this advocacy, we not only developed 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 Spring 2020 NOSB Comments.
PCC’s comments addressed some of the broader challenges and concerns facing organics, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, which has highlighted the importance of small and midsize local producers to support regional food systems and supply chains, and reinforced the need to maintain a high level of integrity and consistency in organic practices. PCC also encouraged the NOSB to identify and develop recommendations to strengthen organic practices for climate mitigation, adaptation, and carbon sequestration, as climate change will remain a threat to society and food systems even after the pandemic.
Read the full text of PCC’s Spring 2020 NOSB Comments.