As determined by the Board or Executive Subcommittee, task forces shall be appointed to explore specific issues and present draft recommendations to the Board or to a subcommittee. Task forces may include non-Board members of the public. Each task force shall include at least one member of the NOSB. Minutes shall be taken of task force meetings. Each task force shall submit a final report to the Board. Each task force shall be disbanded when its work has concluded or when the Board determines the task force is no longer necessary.
Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force
The National Organic Program has reviewed the qualifications of a diverse group of 65 stakeholders and industry experts who applied to serve on the Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force. Task force members will research and prepare a report on the current state of technologies and practices for hydroponics and aquaponics, and how those practices do or do not align with the USDA organic regulations. The task force will report to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and is expected to present its report to the board in the Fall of 2016.
Organic Pet Food Task Force
- NOSB Pet Food Task Force Initial Report, as amended September 9, 2006 (pdf)
- Appendix to Initial Report: Draft Guidance on Labels (pdf)
Aquatic Animals Task Force: Aquaculture Working Group
- Revised NOSB Aquaculture Working Group Report (Bivalve mollusks) In Response to Public Comment (pdf)