NOSB Proposal would Modify Organic Standards to Aid Corporations - Send Comments by April 10th

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has proposed several changes to the current regulation of organic foods. Current organic standards do not allow the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, or synthetic additives in organic products.

Under current regulations, all synthetic additives, regardless of their claims of "nutritional value," must be petitioned for, thoroughly studied for their safety in human consumption and environmental sustainability, and finally approved by the USDA before they can be administered to any organic food product.

The NOSB's proposal, however, would entirely banish this regulatory process, and allow for the unregulated and unrestricted use of any non-organic, synthetic additive (even those that are genetically engineered or chemically produced) on the market to be added to organic foods as long as the additive can claim "nutritional value."

This proposal would degrade the quality of the USDA Organic label and contaminate organic products. Large organic corporations are ruthlessly promoting this proposal as it would allow for them to use additives to advertise "nutritional" claims and gain greater control of the market, while simultaneously crowding out small farmers and increasing profits.

Additional proposals seek to reduce the indoor and outdoor space requirements for chickens and pigs, while unnecessarily increasing the space requirement of cows, which would force many small organic farms to send money to rebuild barns in order to meet those requirements.

These proposals are in direct opposition to the foundational ideology of organic foods. Organic consumers must take immediate action to stop these proposal! Please submit your comments to the NOSB by April 10th.

Please click on the organization's name to view their action alert and how to submit a comment.

Cornucopia Institute
Weston A. Price Foundation
Organic Consumers Association