Summer/Fall 2025 Standards & Policy Update

Written by - Kyla Smith, PCO Certification Policy Advisor, NOSB Chair, USDA Accredited Certifying Agent Seat, 2021-2026

On May 12, 2025, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) issued a proposed rule to rescind the Market Development Final Rule, which had been finalized on March 21, 2025.

This rule originally sought to clarify how organic regulations apply to mushroom and pet food production, aiming to foster growth in these markets—particularly through clearer guidelines for inputs such as slaughter by-products used in

organic pet food.

The comment period on this proposed rescission is now closed. PCO will continue to monitor this issue and provide an update once a final decision is made.

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will meet in Omaha, NE from November 4-6, 2025 to discuss substances petitioned for addition to or deletion from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List), substances due to sunset from the National List in 2027, and recommendations on organic policies.

The NOSB typically meets twice per year in various locations around the United States. Prior to meetings, the NOSB reviews written public comments and listens to oral public comments. Oral public comments will be heard virtually on October 28th and 30th. The organic industry operations in a public-private partnership model. This means certified organic operations (“private”) get to influence how the USDA (“public”) implements the organic program. You have a voice in what the organic regulations say - what production or other types of requirements are added or revised?; what materials continue to be allowed or those that get removed? However, this requires participation. It requires your voice in the conversation through public comments. As is the case in many discussions, silence is seen as agreement and the loudest voices prevail. Your stories about your organic operations matter. Especially if the discussions being had by the NOSB could impact your operation. And the board wants to hear them. You can submit a written comment or can sign up for an oral comment slot.

During meetings, the NOSB discusses agenda items, and then votes on recommendations to the Secretary in a public forum. Detailed meeting information, including agendas, locations, proposals, and public comments, will be posted on the meeting website as it becomes available: https://www.ams.usda.gov/event/national-organic-standards-board-nosb-meeting-fall-2025.

Please contact Kyla Smith, Certification Policy Advisor and NOSB member, at kyla@paorganic.org or 814-422-0251 x216 to discuss the meeting agenda or how to participate through the comment process. She loves to talk about organic practices and policy and help ensure others have a seat at the table for these important conversations.