Dear President Obama,
The USDA’s unilateral move, overturning 20 years of shared governance with the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) representing the organic food community, is a shocking mistake. We ask that you reverse this action usurping control from this diverse 15-member stakeholder body.
Congress created the NOSB as a buffer to powerful industry interests unduly influencing organic standards and their administration. The USDA has removed the NOSB’s ability to develop its own work plan and agenda. The gutting of the “Sunset” policy, permitting temporary use of synthetics in organics, makes it unlikely that use of these materials will ever end even if they are found to harm human health or the environment.
Please restore the NOSB’s independence and authority.