Everything You Need to Know about the (Virtual) Fall 2026 NOSB Meeting
The National Organic Standards Board plays a central role in maintaining the integrity of organic standards. This 15-member citizen board has statutory authority over what substances are allowed or prohibited in organic production. Through a transparent and public process, the NOSB evaluates scientific evidence, considers input from the organic community, and helps protect the organic label from political influence and special interest pressure.
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) is meeting virtually from Oct. 27 to Oct. 29, 2026. Some key details about the fall virtual-only event:
It will be the first meeting for the five newly appointed members.
The NOSB is requesting input on proposal and discussion documents. Important topics include:
Ivermectin for the Treatment of New World Screwworm
Consistency in Organic Seed Usage
Integrating Livestock and Agroforestry in Crops
Use of Carrageenan in Organic Food
Whether you're a farmer, advocate, or curious consumer, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard.
Here's how to get involved:
🗣️ Sign Up to Give Oral Comments - Deadline October 1
Sign up to give 3-minute oral testimony to the NOSB. Sign up as soon as possible since slots are limited and may fill up before the October 1 deadline. This is a way to verbally share why you believe in your perspective. Your voice can influence the final Board direction and in turn the USDA National Organic Program’s direction on a particular topic.
Remember:
Members of the Board are citizens, just like you. They are actual producers and people working at different organic-related businesses and organizations.
They want to hear what you have to say.
Think of it as talking to a friend or a peer.
You’ll have 3-minutes to speak. If you have more to share, consider also submitting written comments.
The Board may ask you follow up questions.
Once you sign up, you will receive information on your anticipated time slot for the Oct. 20 and 22 oral comment webinars, but note it is subject to change.
The oral comment webinars will take place on Oct. 20 and 22. So if you aren’t giving oral comments this time, still consider watching the webinar to see what it’s like. Watch/Listen to the comment webinars virtually (use the same link for both days): Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1651930126
✍️ Submit Written Comments - Deadline October 1
Submit your written comments via the federal register. You can also see all the submitted comments at the link. As of Sept. 22, over 100 comments have been submitted.
Remember:
The most effective comments are ones based on personal experience
Focus on the issues that affect or concern you the most
Review the questions for stakeholders in the NOSB discussion documents and respond to those questions, when possible.
If your organization or business is a NOC Member or Network Affiliate, NOC’s NOSB Specialist can provide talking points or draft comments to help prepare comments.
They read every comment and want to hear from you!
📢 Attend the NOC Pre-NOSB Meeting & Organic Convening
Ahead of the NOSB meeting, NOC will host a Pre-NOSB Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 14, featuring a farmer panel and an update from NOC on the key NOSB issues we are tracking, our positions, and what is at stake for organic integrity.
Then, on Friday, Nov. 6, we invite you to join us for the National Organic Convening. We will be joined by Dr. Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator of the National Organic Program, for a Q&A session. NOC Policy Director Steve Etka will also provide a federal organic policy update, including information about the impact of the midterm elections on key House and Senate committees, the Farm Bill process, and organic policy more broadly.
📅 Listen to the NOSB Public Meeting (Live-streamed on Zoom)
The agenda includes a range of issues important to the future and integrity of organic, including organic seed, agroforestry, ivermectin for treatment of screwworm, residue testing, materials issues, and more.
📋 Agenda for the Fall 2026 NOSB Meeting
Day 1: Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Day 2: Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Day 3: Thursday, Oct. 29 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
Watch/Listen to the meeting virtually (use the same link for all three days): Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
https://www.zoomgov.com/s/1658909936
Webinar ID: 165 890 9936
One tap mobile:
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