NOSB Public Comment Period Now Open

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is accepting public comments through May 4, 2026 (11:59 PM EST). As a federal advisory group, the NOSB provides recommendations on organic standards and materials to the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary.

Click here to submit your written comments today.

What’s on the Agenda?

If you have experience in any of the areas below, your input is especially valuable:

• A proposal to clarify whether chlorine materials may be used to directly treat livestock drinking water
• A petition to allow pear ester as a synthetic material in organic crop production
• A petition to add chitosan (derived from fungi) to the National List as a nonagricultural substance, commonly used in winemaking
• Review of approximately 20 materials currently on the National List
• Organic research priorities
• And more—click here for the full meeting agenda for complete details

Attend the NOSB Meeting in Omaha

Join the discussion in person:

When:

• Tuesday, May 12 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM CST
• Wednesday, May 13 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM CST
• Thursday, May 14 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM CST

Where:
Embassy Suites Omaha—Downtown/Old Market

Provide Oral Testimony

You can also share your perspective through brief oral comments (3 minutes), either in person or virtually.

• Registration deadline: April 27, 2026
• Virtual testimony sessions will be held on May 5 and May 7 (12:00–5:00 PM EST)

For additional details, visit the NOSB website and explore ways to get involved.