Organic producers and processors must follow strict standards to become certified—but who decides what is and isn’t allowed on organic farms? Not your certifier! The USDA National Organic Program (NOP), in consultation with the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), sets these rules.
In 2024, the National Organic Coalition (NOC) hosted a Seeds of Success virtual session for organic and transitioning farmers, where a panel of farmers and advocates demystified the NOSB. Panelists explained the Board’s role in shaping organic standards, how decisions are made, and how written and oral comments can influence outcomes.
Panelists included Steve Ela (Former NOSB Chair, NOC NOSB Specialist, Ela Family Farms, CO), Harriet Behar (Former NOSB Chair, NOC Advisor, OFA Farmer Services Consultant, Sweet Springs Farm, WI), and Amy Bruch (Current NOSB Vice Chair, Cyclone Farms, NE).
