October 2026 Policy Update
By Lily Hawkins, Policy Director
Farm Bill
On September 16th, the Senate Agriculture Committee passed its latest Farm Bill version out of committee. However, because it failed to reach a compromise on SNAP rules, the bill did not secure Democratic votes, making passage on the full Senate floor, where a two-thirds majority is required, unlikely.
Traditionally, the bill would move to a Senate floor vote, where more amendments could be introduced. From there, the Senate would reconcile the bill with the House version, and the resulting compromise legislation would return to each chamber for a final vote before being sent to the White House to be signed into law. However, given the difficulty of passing the full Senate, legislators will be exploring other paths forward. This could take the form of attaching some farm bill policies to other must-pass legislation, or it may have to be extended again.
Organic Grain Farmer Fly-In
On September 15th, the Organic Farmers Association accompanied three organic grain farmers, Steve Boyda (KS), Noah Wendt (IA), and Matthew Fitzgerald (MN), to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers before they left for the fall recess. The farmers met with their Senate and Congressional offices to advocate for key policies supporting organic grain producers, including the Grain Trust Establishment Act, the Domestic Organic Investment Act, and the Organic Imports Verification Act. The group met with eight offices in total, including Agriculture Committee Staff from both chambers.
While legislative staff were interested in learning about the recent grain buyer bankruptcies and the associated clawbacks, we need more advocacy to encourage legislative action. If you’d like to get involved, use this toolkit to reach out to your Representative and Senators and ask them to support the Grain Trust Establishment Act.
OFA Opens Fall Story Lab Workshops to Help Organic Farmers Tell Their Stories
OFA Opens Fall Story Lab Workshops to Help Organic Farmers Tell Their Stories
Free workshops help farmers turn everyday farm experiences into stories they can share with different audiences
SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA, September 17, 2026—Organic Farmers Association (OFA) will host two free virtual Story Lab workshop sessions this fall for certified organic farmers, organic transitioning farmers, and farmers who are curious about organic.
Story Lab 101 focuses on why farmers choose organic, why domestic and local organic matters, and how one story can be shaped for different audiences. Rather than a lecture, the sessions are interactive and hands-on. Organic farmers will work through their own ideas, share them with other organic farmers, and get feedback as they practice putting those stories into words. The virtual 90 minute workshops will take place September 23 at 6 p.m. EST and October 20 at 2 p.m. EST.
The workshops are part of the Organic Farmer Storytelling Project, a collection of free resources created to help farmers share more about their experiences and the value of organic. Research informing the project found that buyers and consumers trust farmers most when it comes to understanding their food. The project was developed to help farmers use that trust to share more about their farms, organic practices, and the reasons behind their production choices. Farmers can access live and on-demand workshops, workbooks and guides, an interactive knowledge base, and free one-on-one technical support to help develop and share their farm’s stories.
“Organic farmers are competing against a flood of food marketing dollars, but they hold something no ad budget can buy: a real story about how their food is grown and why it matters,” said Madison Letizia, Communications Manager for OFA. “Through the Story Lab workshops and one-on-one coaching, we’re supplying farmers the tools to tell that story with confidence because building a stronger domestic organic supply chain starts with consumers hearing directly from the people producing their food.”
To register for the September 23 or October 20 Story Lab 101 workshops farmers can visit the Storytelling Resource Page. Additionally, OFA is working with other organic organizations to host webinars that give farmers a preview of the Story Lab workshops and resources, as well as planning workshops for winter.
Farmers who complete the Story Lab 101 workshop can continue on to the Story Lab 102 workshop. Story Lab 102 goes deeper into the practices behind organic farming and gives frameworks for documenting and sharing those practices in ways that build trust with consumers and educate them. Farmers who complete both Story Lab 101 and Story Lab 102 will be entered into a drawing for one of 50 virtual and 5 in-person video production packages. These free videos will give farmers the chance to turn one of their farm stories into a video they can use for their own marketing.
“Farmers already have great stories. We’re just giving them the tools to turn those stories into content crafted for their specific audiences,” said Gage Mitchell, Founder and Creative Director of Modern Species and project co-creator. “We hope that hearing these stories directly from farmers and producers will reduce confusion around what organic means while increasing trust, transparency, and demand for organic products grown and raised right here in our local and regional communities.”
The Organic Farmer Storytelling resources and Story Labs were designed and facilitated by Organic Farmers Association and Modern Species, a creative agency that works with farmers and food system organizations to tell clear, compelling stories. The project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). To explore all of the free storytelling resources, visit the Organic Farmer Storytelling Project Resource Page.
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About Organic Farmers Association
The Organic Farmers Association (OFA) provides a strong and unified national voice for domestic certified organic producers. OFA builds and supports a farmer-led national organic farmer movement and national policy platform by developing and advocating policies that benefit organic farmers; strengthening and supporting the capacity of organic farmers and farm organizations; and supporting collaboration and leadership among state, regional, and national organic farmer organizations.
Farmers Travel to Washington D.C. to Advocate for Organic Grain Policies
Farmers to Advocate for Organic Grain Policies in Washington D.C.
Farm Bill and Growing U.S. Organic Production to be Discussed
Washington, D.C., September 8, 2026—Organic grain farmers will gather in Washington, D.C. on September 15, to meet with legislators to advocate for supportive policies on key issues within the organic farming sector. The Organic Farmers Association (OFA) is hosting this special Organic Grain Fly-In to advocate for the inclusion of a number of proposed policies in the Farm Bill.
OFA hosts an annual farmer advocacy day each spring to coordinate meetings between farmers and their members of Congress and USDA leaders to discuss critical policy support for organic farmers. This additional late summer meeting will follow the same structure and is a response to long awaited movement on the Farm Bill. This is a chance to focus on issues of importance to organic grain producers with a concentration on Midwestern grain-producing states.
Key proposals the farmers will be highlighting include:
- THE ORGANIC IMPORT VERIFICATION ACT would promote organic integrity and a level playing field for domestic organic producers by requiring the USDA to test high-risk bulk imports of organic feedstuffs for residues of substances that are prohibited in organic production. In addition to adequate funding for core organic programs to meet the needs of the rapidly growing organic sector.
- THE DOMESTIC ORGANIC INVESTMENT ACT would grow domestic organic production by directing USDA to reduce reliance on imported organic goods, and would create competitive grants for domestic organic producers and manufacturers to allow for investment in storage, processing, aggregation, and distribution capacity facilities.
- THE GRAIN TRUST ESTABLISHMENT ACT would create a statutory Trust for the benefit of unpaid grain farmers. This act addresses a specific burden on commerce in grain. When grain purchasers (like elevators or mill operators) buy grain but don’t pay for it immediately, they may use that grain or the resulting products as collateral for loans. If the buyer goes bankrupt or defaults, the lender’s security interest often takes priority over the farmer, leading to the farmer not being paid, or even to clawback of payments already delivered.
- Changes to CROP INSURANCE programs to ensure they work for organic farmers as well as conventional
“Organic farmers are uniquely positioned to inform national policymakers about the real challenges they face on their farms and to help shape effective, grounded solutions for expanding domestic organic agriculture. When farmers come to Washington, D.C., their voices take center stage where decisions are made,” said OFA Policy Director, Lily Hawkins.
In addition to these key priorities, farmers will highlight the urgent need for a new Farm Bill that supports the interests of organic producers as a whole. U.S. sales of certified organic products accelerated in 2025 reaching $76.6 billion with an annual growth rate of 6.8% according to the 2026 Organic Market Report released by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). However, growth in domestic organic acreage has not kept pace with demand. During the fly-in, the farmers will stress the importance of investing in our domestic organic farmers for national food security, rural development, and putting American farmers first in our domestic market.
Anyone looking to get involved or support organic farmers can visit the OFA website and take action: organicfarmersassociation.org/take-action
For more information about the Farm Bill policies OFA and organic farmers are advocating for, visit organicfarmersassociation.org/policy.
OFA organic farmer members can be made available for interviews by contacting OFA Communications Manager Madison Letizia.
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About Organic Farmers Association
The Organic Farmers Association (OFA) provides a strong and unified national voice for domestic certified organic producers. OFA builds and supports a farmer-led national organic farmer movement and national policy platform by developing and advocating policies that benefit organic farmers; strengthening and supporting the capacity of organic farmers and farm organizations; and supporting collaboration and leadership among state, regional, and national organic farmer organizations.
Welcome, Fall 2026 OFA Interns
Fall Interns Join OFA
The Organic Farmers Association has welcomed two interns to the team this fall. The interns will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of organic agriculture advocacy. They will not only gain valuable insights into the principles and practices of organic farming, but will also actively contribute to OFA’s mission of elevating and uniting farmer voices.
The interns are part of the fall Organic Career Network (OCN) cohort. OCN connects organic organizations to students who are interested in exploring career pathways in the organic sector, and aims to provide students with the opportunity to get hands-on experience with organic certification, inspection, advocacy, and farmer education organizations and agencies.
Welcome, Interns!
Aayushi Soni
Storytelling & Communications Intern
Aayushi is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University, where she studied Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability. She recently completed an Oregon Farm Corps apprenticeship at Peachwood Orchard, a 3.5-acre organic peach orchard, and now lives in Portland, Oregon. During her apprenticeship, she spent time both in the field and working on communications and outreach, including social media, newsletters, and connecting with customers at farmers markets. She also participated in weekly farm tours across Oregon, which helped her better understand different approaches to farming and land stewardship. She’s passionate about building a more local and accessible food system and helping people better connect to where their food comes from. Through this internship with OFA, she’s excited to advocate for organic farmers and push for better policies that support the farmers growing our food.
Bailey Jo Kelly
Farmer Services Intern
It is my purpose to leave this food system better than how I have found it since relocating outside my family’s farm in the rural agro-valley of Penasco, NM to Denver, CO.
I am a firm advocate and strong believer in organic agriculture and localized food systems; I see food as medicine and have continually found healing in approaching eating and farming this way. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Food Science from Colorado State University and work as an in-home Eating Disorder Recovery Coach when I’m not waiting tables at the biggest sports bar in town, though my favorite flavor of this field is nonprofit community outreach, education, and advocacy. My favorite thing to grow is zucchini, my favorite thing to hear is a meadowlark in the morning, my favorite thing to see is humans playing outside or dancing in their flow-state like no one is watching them, and my favorite thing to eat is green papaya salad.
Organic Harvest Month Campaign to Raise Funds for Farmer Advocacy
Candoni Wines Partners with Organic Farmers Association to Fund Farmer Advocacy
Proceeds from September’s Organic Harvest Month campaign will help send organic farmers to Washington, D.C. to shape policy
Washington, D.C., August 31, 2026—The Organic Farmers Association (OFA), a national organization governed by certified organic producers that advocates for organic farmer interests, announced a new partnership with Candoni Wines that will help fund OFA’s annual organic farmer fly-in, one of the organization’s most important annual advocacy events.
Throughout September, in recognition of Organic Harvest Month, Candoni will donate $2 to OFA for every case of Candoni Organic Wine sold. The funds will directly support travel, training, and preparation for organic farmers who will represent OFA in Washington, D.C., where they meet face-to-face with members of Congress and federal agencies to advocate for policies that make organic certification more accessible, strengthen enforcement against fraud, and expand market opportunities for domestic organic producers.
“Farmers are the experts on what organic agriculture needs to succeed, but they rarely have the time or resources to travel to Washington and make that case themselves,” said Kate Mendenhall, OFA Executive Director. “Organizing an annual advocacy fly-in means more organic farmers can walk the halls of Congress, sit down with their legislators, and speak directly to the policies that affect their farms and their communities.”
Candoni Wines, a family-owned Italian winery producing organic wines in partnership with grower families in Sicily and Abruzzo, said the partnership reflects a shared philosophy that spans continents.
“Organic agriculture is a global movement, and supporting it anywhere strengthens it everywhere,” Caterina De Zan of Candoni Wines. “We build our wines on partnerships with organic family growers in Italy, so it felt natural to extend that same support to the farmers advocating for organic agriculture in the U.S. We share OFA’s belief that farmers deserve a strong voice, access to resources, and the opportunity to thrive.”
Global organic wine sales are growing roughly 10% annually, and the U.S. organic marketplace surpassed $76 billion in 2025, continuing to lead the world in consumer demand for organic products. OFA and Candoni say the partnership is designed to convert that growing consumer interest into direct, measurable support for the farmers behind the movement.
Consumers and retailers can support the campaign by purchasing Candoni Organic Wine throughout September. The wines can be found using the locator on the Candoni website or donations can be made in honor Organic Harvest Month to support organic farmers on the OFA website. More information about OFA’s policy priorities and the organic farmer fly-in is available at https://organicfarmersassociation.org/policy.
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About the Organic Farmers Association: The Organic Farmers Association (OFA) provides a strong and unified national voice for domestic certified organic producers. OFA builds and supports a farmer-led national organic farmer movement and national policy platform by developing and advocating policies that benefit organic farmers; strengthening and supporting the capacity of organic farmers and farm organizations; and supporting collaboration and leadership among state, regional, and national organic farmer organizations.
About Candoni Wines: Candoni Wines is a family-owned Italian winery with vineyards, wineries, and bottling facilities in Veneto and Piedmont, alongside long-standing partnerships with organic grower families in regions including Sicily and Abruzzo. Led by sisters Barbara and Caterina, Candoni blends more than a century and a half of winemaking heritage with a modern, international outlook, bringing authentic Italian wine to tables worldwide.
Senate Releases Farm Bill Draft
What the Draft Senate Farm Bill Means For Organic & What's Next
Organic is a fast-growing sector of the U.S. agricultural system, holding enormous potential to address climate change, help family farms flourish, revive rural communities, and protect public health. But for organic agriculture to reach its full potential, policies are needed to strengthen organic integrity, ensure USDA programs work for organic farmers, and expand market access for domestic producers.
The recently passed House Farm Bill missed an important opportunity to support organic farmers. While the draft Farm Bill introduced in the Senate this week eliminates some of the most harmful provisions proposed in the House bill and includes several key policies that the Organic Farmers Association (OFA) has advocated for, the bill still falls short of what is needed in this moment.
What’s in it for Organic Farmers?
Positive:
The Senate bill does a little better for organic farmers than the House version. OFA is pleased to see the following provisions included:
- Language from the Organic Imports Verification Act (OIVA): Restores a level playing field for domestic producers by requiring the USDA to test high-risk bulk imports of organic feedstuffs for prohibited residues. This prevents fraudulent imports from undercutting US organic farmers.
- Language from Risk-Based Oversight for Integrity Act (ROI): Modernizes organic inspections by aligning oversight intensity with actual risk. This reduces administrative burden on low-risk operations while strengthening enforcement where it is needed most.
- Conservation Funding: Slightly increases access to conservation programs for organic and transitioning producers by expanding the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) set-aside (the House bill provides a larger increase).
- National Organic Program (NOP) Funding: Provides small, stable, “stairstep” budget increases to support the long-term growth and oversight of the organic sector.
- Cost-Share Support: Authorizes an additional $8 million in discretionary funding annually, in addition to the existing $8 million mandatory allocation (subject to the annual appropriations process).
Missed Opportunities:
Despite these positive steps, the current draft misses a critical opportunity to invest in organic. Funding increases for existing programs and new policies to expand markets, infrastructure, and research are needed to support domestic organic production. Without these, the bill will leave American producers at a disadvantage during a time of growing consumer demand.
See the full list of marker bills OFA is advocating for throughout the Farm Bill process here.
What comes next?
The biggest sticking point for the Senate Bill is a requirement that some states must soon start paying a share of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs, based on their SNAP payment error rates. Democrats would like to delay the policy’s implementation, and it remains unclear whether there is a path forward for the bill if Republicans do not strike a deal.
If a deal is reached, the bill will still need to be discussed in committee markup, voted on in committee, and eventually voted on the Senate Floor. From there, it must be reconciled with the House bill and returned to each chamber for a final vote before being sent to the White House for signature into law.
Take Action: Protect Domestic Organic Farming
The problem is urgent: American organic farmers are losing ground to foreign imports while navigating an uneven regulatory playing field and inadequate support programs. We need a Farm Bill that puts domestic producers first and truly invests in a healthier, more sustainable food system.
Organic Career Network Success Story: Alice Pekarsky
Organic Career Network Success Story: Alice Pekarsky
What started as a search for experience beyond the classroom became a pathway into the organic industry for Alice Pekarsky. Through an internship with Florida Organic Growers (FOG) supported by the Organic Career Network (OCN), Alice discovered a career in organic inspection and is now working as an Organic Contract Inspector based in Gainesville, Florida.
As a horticulture student at the University of Florida, Alice was interested in sustainable agriculture and knew they wanted to continue working in that space post graduation. With a general interest in research, organic inspection appealed to them to better understand organic production systems.
“I thought that becoming an organic inspector would help connect me with farmers, especially organic farmers, so I could learn more sustainable crop practices,” Alice said.
Alice first learned about FOG through a guest speaker who worked at FOG in an organic crop production class. After hearing about Alice’s interest in inspections, he encouraged them to keep an eye out for internship opportunities with FOG.
“I think that same day I looked on Instagram and saw that FOG had posted that they were hosting interns through OCN,” Alice said. “It kind of all fell into place.”
Alice applied for several internships through OCN and was selected to spend two semesters working with FOG. During that time, they worked on research projects, educational programming, and outreach efforts while gaining a deeper understanding of organic agriculture throughout the Southeast. They attended the Southern Cover Crops Conference, helped with outreach and tabling events, and met farmers and agricultural professionals from across the region.
Knowing Alice was interested in inspection work, FOG helped arrange an opportunity to shadow an inspection through Quality Certification Services (QCS). That experience was one of the most important moments of the internship.
“I wrote down everything that day,” Alice said. “I was just writing down what questions the inspector was asking, what questions the operator was asking, just everything I could.”
The inspection introduced Alice to the certification process and professionals at QCS. Through those connections, they learned about the organization’s apprenticeship program, which they completed after their FOG internship ended. Today, Alice is an Organic Contract Inspector for QCS, visiting farms, processors, and handling operations while continuing to learn from people along the way.
For students considering an OCN internship, Alice encourages them to be persistent. “Keep applying, keep cold emailing, keep being annoying,” they said with a laugh. “They really are great opportunities.”
Looking back, Alice sees the internship as the stepping stone in their career journey. Through OCN and FOG, they found opportunities to explore their interests, build professional connections, and discover a career path that allows them to continue learning from the organic community every day.
For students and early-career professionals interested in organic agriculture, OCN internships provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities to explore the many career paths within the organic sector. To learn more about the Organic Career Network, explore internship opportunities at organiccareernetwork.org or reach out to learn how to get involved!
Organic Farmers Travel to Washington D.C.
Organic Farmers Travel to Washington D.C. to Advocate for Policy Changes
Farm Bill, USDA programs, and organic enforcement are key priorities
Washington, D.C., February 17, 2026—Organic farmers from across the country will attend the Organic Farmers Association’s (OFA) 9th annual Farmer Fly-In, March 2-5, 2026. Alongside organizational members and OFA staff, farmers will meet with legislators, House and Senate Agriculture Committee staff, and representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA to advocate for supportive policies on key issues in the organic farming sector.
Farmers will highlight the urgent need for a new farm bill that supports the interests of organic producers. This includes ensuring that farmers who have invested in the transition to organic certification can obtain the same USDA services and programs that conventional producers rely on, and that U.S. farmers can access the U.S. organic market share without interference from import fraud, corporate control, or consolidation. This is the right time for these conversations as the organic marketplace is growing; dollar sales for organic reached $71.6 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 Organic Market Report.
“Organic farmers are the best spokespeople to educate our legislators on what farmers need to continue to provide healthy food to our communities. Farmers are under a lot of strain, and it’s imperative that Congress works across the aisle to complete a farm bill to update the policies organic farmers need to thrive,” said Executive Director Kate Mendenhall.
The current farm bill has been extended three times, and although many farm bill programs were funded through the 2025 reconciliation package, key policy updates remain necessary.
Other key policy areas being advocated for include:
- Improving organic integrity
- Funding increased organic research
- Making USDA programs like credit and crop insurance work for organic farmers
- Expanding the Organic Certification Cost Share Program
- Providing assistance for organic dairy farmers
- Increasing organic infrastructure and domestic organic supply chains
- Preventing organic import fraud
OFA members will address these priorities during the Farmer Fly-In by building relationships with their legislators to craft policies that will ensure a better future for our country’s food system. They will emphasize the importance of investing in our domestic organic farmers to support national food security, rural development, and put American farmers first in the U.S. market. This year, 27 farmers and four members of organic organizations representing farmers from 19 states will attend.
For more information about the farm bill policies OFA and organic farmers are advocating for, visit organicfarmersassociation.org/policy.
OFA organic farmer members can be made available for interviews by contacting OFA Communications Manager Madison Letizia.
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About Organic Farmers Association
The Organic Farmers Association (OFA) provides a strong and unified national voice for domestic certified organic producers. OFA builds and supports a farmer-led national organic farmer movement and national policy platform by developing and advocating policies that benefit organic farmers; strengthening and supporting the capacity of organic farmers and farm organizations; and supporting collaboration and leadership among state, regional, and national organic farmer organizations.
Welcome, Winter 2026 OFA Interns!
Winter Interns Join OFA Ahead of Annual Farmer Fly-In
The Organic Farmers Association has welcomed new interns to the team! The interns will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of organic agriculture advocacy as OFA prepares for its annual farmer advocacy day in Washington D.C. in March. The interns will gain valuable insights into the principles and practices of organic agriculture, but will also actively contribute to OFA’s mission of elevating and uniting farmer voices.
The interns are part of the winter Organic Career Network (OCN) cohort. OCN connects organic organizations to students who are interested in exploring career pathways in the organic sector, and aims to provide students with the opportunity to get hands-on experience with organic certification, inspection, advocacy, and farmer education organizations and agencies.
Welcome, Interns!
Kendal Thomas
Communications Intern
Kendal is a recent graduate of American University, with a degree in Communications Studies and a Minor in American Studies. Having grown up in rural Pennsylvania and now living in Washington D.C., Kendal has a deep passion for regenerative agriculture, food access, and community building. She is curious about the relationship between farmers and consumers, exploring how to better connect us all to our food system and the earth. Dedicated to utilizing and growing her skills in communications, Kendal is excited for this opportunity to support efforts in organic agriculture.
Anay Shah
Policy Intern
Anay is a freshman at Georgetown University pursuing a B.S. in International Economics with a certificate in Global Development Studies. He is deeply interested in the intersection of economics and agriculture and sees organic farming as a powerful space for more equitable policy and resilient rural economies. On campus, he is involved with the Science Politics journal, DCivitas Consulting, and the GU Jazz Ensemble. At the Organic Farmers Association, he hopes to support advocacy that strengthens individual livelihoods, amplifies the voices of organic producers, and helps reshape food systems to better serve farmers and their communities.
Amanda Ohnmacht
Program Evaluation Intern
Amanda is a graduate student in Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University. She holds a BFA in Ceramics with a minor in Applied Biological Sciences from ASU, along with a certificate in Sustainable Agriculture from Mesa Community College. With a passion for small-scale ecological farming, she is committed towards building sustainable and regenerative food systems. Her long-term goal is to establish her own farm rooted in agroecological practices. Amanda is a returning OFA intern who served as the Fall 2025 Farmer Services intern.
NOSB Meeting Summary - Jan. 2026
National Organic Standards Board Meeting Summary
The National Organic Standards Board held its fall 2025 meeting virtually on January 13-14, 2026. This delay was due to the government shutdown in November. Key aspects of the meeting covered compostable polymers, discussions of pear ester for insect management, chlorine used in livestock drinking water, integrating livestock with agroforestry, research priorities, consistency in organic seed use, e-commerce organic labeling, sunset review efficiency, and updates to the NOSB policy and procedures manual, which was postponed until the spring 2026 meeting. The NOP has not yet announced the dates for the spring NOSB meeting.
Compostable Polymers (Biodegradable Plastics)
The NOSB voted against adding compostable polymers (biodegradable plastics), used as compost feedstock on organic land, to the National List as an allowed synthetic. The door remains open for petitions to add a specific item, such as leaf collection bags or fruit stickers. The board did approve a definition for compostable polymers. See OFA’s position on these topics in our written comments.
Sunset Materials
Crops
- The board did not remove any materials scheduled for sunset in 2027.
- The following will remain on the National List for another 5 years: potassium hypochlorite, soap-based algicides, ammonium carbonate, insecticidal soaps, sucrose octanoate esters, Vitamin D3, aquatic plant extracts, lignin sulfonate, fatty alcohols, sodium silicate, EPA list 4 inerts, paper-based crop planting aids.
- Both arsenic and strychnine remain as prohibited natural materials in crops.
Livestock
- The board did not remove any materials scheduled for livestock sunset in 2027.
- The following will remain on the National List for another 5 years: Butorphanol, flunixin, magnesium hydroxide, oxytocin, poloxalene, formic acid, sucrose octanoate esters, EPA list 4 inerts, and excipients.
- Strychnine remains as a prohibited natural for livestock.
- The board voted to change the annotation for oxytocin; this will take effect once the NOP publishes the change in the Federal Register in 18-24 months.
“for use in post parturition therapeutic applications within 3 days of birth. It may not be administered to increase an animal’s milk production or for milk letdown.”
Handling
- The NOSB voted to remove cornstarch from the list of nonorganic agricultural products allowed in organic foods. This will take effect once the NOP publishes the change in the Federal Register in 18-24 months.
- The board did not remove any other materials scheduled for handling sunset in 2027.The board had a robust discussion about agricultural food colors derived from nonorganic fruits and vegetables that have sufficient organic production, but the Board did not achieve the required two-thirds vote to remove non-organic natural colors, so NOP will not require certified organic colors.
Regulatory Proposals
- The NOSB passed the proposal for requiring testing of commodities in the global supply chain, which provides specific details for establishing a testing regime. In the future, the board will continue discussion on notification of fraud within the supply chain, and Unavoidable Residual Environmental Contamination (UREC).
- The board supported a proposal with definitions and future training opportunities for certifier staff and inspectors to focus certifier scrutiny on high-risk operations. This item will remain on the work agenda.
- The NOSB postponed other regulatory agenda items for discussion or vote at the spring meeting.
- The spring agenda will include: Pear ester for insect management, chlorine used in livestock drinking water, integrating livestock with agroforestry, research priorities, consistency in organic seed use, e-commerce organic labeling, sunset review efficiency, and updates to the NOSB policy and procedures manual.
National Organic Program Update
- Import Certificates: Certifier–generated import certificates have been successful in identifying and preventing fraudulent imports, with over 300,000 generated since March 2024.
- Still some loopholes: 30% of import certificates go through the EU or Canada under their equivalency agreements with the NOP, reducing NOP oversight.
- Top Imported Organic Commodities in 2025
- $850 million of beef from Uruguay and Australia
- $450 million of avocados from Mexico
- $250 million of bananas from Ecuador
- $500 million of coffee from Peru and Honduras
- $600 million of whole and processed organic soybeans imported from various countries
- Blueberries from Peru, strawberries and raspberries from Mexico were also in the top 10 Challenges: Difficulty tracking the country of origin for imported processed soybeans and other commodities due to the fact the country-of-harvest is not maintained on the audit trail.
- The NOP is still reviewing past NOSB recommendations on ammonia extracts and highly soluble fertility inputs. The EPA did not identify negative impacts from these materials, but the NOP is still considering the NOSB vote to prohibit these products.
- Update on TDA: The NOP removed the accreditation of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s organic certification program three years ago. TDA repeatedly appealed multiple court decisions; during the 2025 NOP accreditation review, NOP found that TDA had addressed the compliance concerns and re-approved their accreditation.