National Organic Program: Market Development for Mushrooms and Pet Food

Docket Number: AMS-NOP-22-0063
Comments Due: May 10, 2024

Summary

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to amend the USDA organic regulations to clarify standards for organic mushrooms and organic pet food. Specific standards for these products do not currently exist. Instead, these products have been certified organic using the general organic standards for crops, livestock, and handling. However, this approach is not ideal as the current regulations do not address unique aspects of either product. AMS expects this rule would promote development of these markets by increasing regulatory certainty that would, in turn, encourage investment in the markets. The topics addressed by the proposed rule include sourcing of substrate and spawn in organic mushroom production, composting requirements for organic mushroom production, composition and labeling requirements for organic pet food, and the use of certain synthetic substances in organic pet food.

Submit Comments

You may submit electronic comments on this proposed rule through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov (docket number AMS–NOP–22–0063). Instructions for submitting electronic comments are available at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be sent by mail to: Erin Healy, Director, Standards Division, National Organic Program, USDA–AMS–NOP, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2642–So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250–0268.

Instructions: All comments should include the docket number (AMS–NOP–22–0063), and/or the Regulatory Information Number (RIN 0581–AE13) for this rulemaking. You should clearly indicate the topic and section number of this proposed rule to which your comment refers, state your position(s), offer any recommended language change(s), and include relevant information and data to support your position(s) ( e.g., scientific, environmental, manufacturing, industry, or industry impact information, etc.). All comments and relevant background documents posted to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal information provided.

Contact

Erin Healy, Director, Standards Division, National Organic Program. Telephone: 202–720–3252. Email: Erin.Healy@usda.gov.

Supporting Documents