NOSB spring meeting starts

The U.S. National Organic Standards Board began a series of virtual meetings running through April 30, for its spring meeting.

The 15-member volunteer advisory board is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, and meets twice each year in a public forum to discuss and vote on recommendations to the USDA.

Here is a schedule, per a newsletter from the USDA:

Public Comment Days

• Tuesday, April 20, Noon – 5 p.m. EST
• Thursday, April 22, Noon – 5 p.m. EST

Public Meeting Days

• • Wednesday, April 28, Noon – 5 p.m. EST
  • Thursday, April 29, Noon – 5 p.m. EST
  • Friday, April 30, Noon – 5 p.m. EST

Meeting resources – such as Zoom links, agenda, proposals, discussion documents and Federal Register notice – are available on the NOSB Spring 2021 Meeting webpage.

While members of the public will be able to hear the live comments, board deliberations, and see any slides presented, only board members may ask questions.

All speakers making public comments have signed up and been notified by email of the commenting order. Speakers will be called on when it is their turn.

All public comments and Board deliberations will be recorded. Presentations and a transcript of all five days will be posted to the National Organic Program website afterward, the USDA said in its newsletter.

Above, National Organic Standards Board members participate in the NOSB’s April 2020 virtual meeting via Zoom. Photo: USDA