USDA Appoints New NOSB Members
On Friday, February 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of four new members to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB is made up of 15 volunteer members representing the organic community. The new members will each serve five-year terms, through January 2027. Two certified organic farmers were appointed to the board.
NEWLY APPOINTED NOSB MEMBERS:
Elizabeth (Liz) Graznak (Missouri) is appointed to an environmental protection and resource conservation seat. Graznak has a degree in Environmental Studies and has shown a commitment to sustainable agriculture as a certified organic farmer and during past appointments with environmentally focused Boards. She was named the 2021 MOSES Farmer of the Year.
Allison Johnson (California) is appointed to a public interest or consumer interest group seat. Johnson currently works for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). She is an attorney with experience working with organic regulations, an organic certifier (CCOF), and has focused her work on sustainable food systems.
Dr. Dilip Nandwani (Tennessee) is appointed to the scientist seat. Nandwani is a professor at Tennessee State University and holds a Ph.D. in Botany. He has 10-years of teaching experience, with a focus on organic agriculture, certification, and crop science.
Javier Zamora (California) is appointed to a farmer seat. Zamora is with JSM Organics, a 100-acre vegetable/fruit certified organic farm, and has 20-years of farming experience. He has provided farmers assistance with direct marketing regulations, organic compliance, and developing direct marketing channels. He is fluent in Spanish.
WHAT IS THE NOSB?
The NOSB (National Organic Standards Board) is a Federal Advisory Board established under the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990. The Board meets monthly and with the organic community two times a year (typically April and October). As a board, they assist in developing organic standards and advise the Secretary of Agriculture on aspects of the National Organic Program. The USDA has more about the board here: www.ams.usda.gov/organic.
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