Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board, 62336-62339 [2011-25551]

Download as PDF 62336 Notices Federal Register Vol. 76, No. 195 Friday, October 7, 2011 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES October 3, 2011. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8681. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:33 Oct 06, 2011 Jkt 226001 the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Risk Management Agency [Document Number AMS–NOP–11–0081; NOP–11–15] Title: Acreage/Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative. OMB Control Number: 0563–NEW. Summary of Collection: Section 508(f)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515); 7 U.S.C. 7333(b)(3); 7 CFR 457.8 and 7 CFR 1437.7(d) mandates the collection of acreage and production information from producers who wish to participate in certain USDA programs. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Risk Management Agency (RMA) are implementing the Acreage/Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI), a Web-based single source reporting system to establish a single reporting and data collection. Need and Use of the Information: This new initiative will reengineer the procedures, processes, and standards to simplify commodity, acreage and production reporting by producers, eliminate or minimize duplication of information collection by multiple agencies and reduce the burden on producers, insurance agents and AIPs. Information being collected will consist of, but not be limited to: Producer name, location state, commodity name, commodity type or variety, location county, date planted, land location (legal description, FSA farm number, FSA track number, FSA field number), intended use, prevented planting acres, acres planted but failed, planted acres, and production of commodity produced. Failure to collect the applicable information could result in unearned Federal benefits being issued or producers being denied eligibility to program benefits. Description of Respondents: Individuals and households. Number of Respondents: 293,000. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: One time. Total Burden Hours: 358,925. Charlene Parker, Departmental Information Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2011–25943 Filed 10–6–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–08–P PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Agricultural Marketing Service Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). DATES: The meeting dates are Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, December 1, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday, December 2, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration requests for public comments at the meeting are due by midnight Eastern Time on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Written comments received after November 13, 2011 may not be reviewed by the NOSB before the meeting. ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place at the Hilton Savannah Desoto Hotel, 15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401. • View NOSB meeting agenda and draft recommendations at https:// www.ams.usda.gov/nop. Requests for copies of these materials may be sent to Ms. Lorraine Coke, National Organic Standards Board, USDA–AMS–NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646–So., Mail Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250–0268; Phone: (202) 720–3252; nosb@ams.usda.gov. • Submit written comments at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ nosbsavannah. Comments received after November 13, 2011, may not be reviewed by the NOSB before the meeting. Written comments may also be submitted via mail to Ms. Lorraine Coke, National Organic Standards Board, USDA–AMS–NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646–S, Mail Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250– 0268. It is our intention to have all comments—whether they are submitted by mail or the internet—available for viewing at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ nosbsavannah. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2011 / Notices • Pre-register for a public comment slot at the meeting at https:// www.ams.usda.gov/nosbsavannahslots or by calling (202) 720–3252. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lorraine Coke, National Organic Standards Board, USDA–AMS–NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646–So., Mail Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250–0268; Phone: (202) 720–3252; nosb@ams.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 2119 (7 U.S.C. 6518) of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) requires the establishment of the NOSB. The purpose of the NOSB is to make recommendations about whether a substance should be allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling, to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production, and to advise the Secretary on other aspects of the implementation of the OFPA. The NOSB met for the first time in Washington, DC, in March 1992, and currently has six subcommittees working on various aspects of the organic program. The committees are: Compliance, Accreditation, and Certification; Crops; Handling; Livestock; Materials; and Policy Development. In August of 1994, the NOSB provided its initial recommendations for the NOP to the Secretary of Agriculture. Since that time, the NOSB has submitted 269 addenda to its recommendations and reviewed more than 365 substances for inclusion on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its final National Organic Program regulation in the Federal Register on December 21, 2000, (65 FR 80548). The rule became effective April 21, 2001. In addition, the OFPA authorizes the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and provides that no allowed or prohibited substance would remain on the National List for a period 62337 exceeding five years unless the exemption or prohibition is reviewed and recommended for renewal by the NOSB and adopted by the Secretary of Agriculture. This expiration is commonly referred to as sunset of the National List. The National List appears at 7 CFR part 205, subpart G. The principal purpose of NOSB meetings is to provide an opportunity for the organic community to weigh in on proposed NOSB recommendations and discussion items. These meetings also allow the NOSB to receive updates from the USDA/NOP on issues pertaining to organic agriculture. Summary of April 2011 Meeting At the spring 2011 meeting in Seattle, Washington the NOSB voted on the final 28 materials listings that were scheduled to sunset in 2012 (see Table 1). Of the 28 materials, 21 were relisted, 5 were relisted with amended annotations, and 2 were removed from the National List. TABLE 1—SUNSET 2012 MATERIAL LISTINGS VOTED TO BE RELISTED AT APRIL 2011 MEETING Substance NOSB Recommendation Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production Calcium hypochlorite .......... Chlorine dioxide Sodium hypochlorite Copper sulfate .................... Copper hydroxide ............... Copper oxide ...................... Copper oxychloride ............ Ethanol ............................... Isopropanol ......................... Newspapers or other .......... Plastic mulch covers .......... Newspapers or other .......... Pheromones ....................... Sulfur dioxide ...................... Vitamin D3 .......................... Streptomycin ....................... Lignin sulfonate .................. Magnesium sulfate ............. Ethylene gas ....................... Sodium silicate ................... Lignin sulfonate .................. Magnesium sulfate ............. Ethylene gas ....................... Sodium silicate ................... Lignin sulfonate .................. Relist with amended annotation ‘‘For pre-harvest use, residual chlorine levels in the water in direct crop contact or as water from cleaning irrigation systems applied to soil must not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act. For disinfecting or sanitizing equipment or tools or in edible sprout production, chlorine products may be used up to maximum labeled rates.’’ Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Remove from National List Relist. Relist with amended annotation ‘‘For fire blight control in apples and pears, only until October 21, 2014.’’ Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Relist. Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production Sodium nitrate .................... Relist and remove annotation (complete prohibition). jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Nonsynthetic substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as ‘‘organic’’ or ‘‘made with organic’’ Enzymes ............................. Potassium iodide ................ Relist. Relist. Synthetic substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as ‘‘organic’’ or ‘‘made with organic’’ Nutrient vitamins ................. Nutrient minerals ................ VerDate Mar<15>2010 Relist. Relist. 16:33 Oct 06, 2011 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1 62338 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2011 / Notices TABLE 1—SUNSET 2012 MATERIAL LISTINGS VOTED TO BE RELISTED AT APRIL 2011 MEETING—Continued Substance Potassium iodide ................ Tocopherols ........................ NOSB Recommendation Relist. Relist. The NOSB voted against relisting sulfur dioxide for use in organic crop production and potassium iodide for use as an ingredient in or on processed products labeled as ‘‘organic’’ or ‘‘made with organic.’’ In addition, the NOSB voted to remove the annotation for sodium nitrate on § 205.602 and establish a complete prohibition by the 2012 Sunset date. Several petitioned materials were also reviewed at the meeting. The NOSB recommended against listing Nickel as a micronutrient; Calcium acid pyrophosphate as a leavening agent; and Sodium acid pyrophosphate as a sequestrant on cooked and uncooked produce. The NOSB recommended to add attapulgite—used to clarify plant and animal oils—to the National List as a non-synthetic material and recommended extending the expiration date for Tetracycline (for fire blight control in apples and pears) until October 21, 2014. In additional to their review of materials, the NOSB also passed recommendations that would: Amend the definition of ‘‘chemical change,’’ and update three sections of their Policy and Procedures Manual: Sections III and IV, to harmonize the Vice Chair and Policy Development Committee job descriptions; and Section V, procedures for completing committee recommendations allowing the presenting committee to convene and vote to withdraw its recommendation prior to the Board’s vote on the status of the recommendation. Fall 2011 Meeting Agenda Items The Crops Committee will present recommendations on material listings for copper sulfate, ozone, peracetic acid, and calcium chloride, which are scheduled to sunset in 2013 (see Table 2). The Crops Committee will also present recommendations to the board on four petitioned materials: Ammonium nonanoate, ferric phosphate (to remove), indole-3-butyric acid, and propane (odorized). The Crops Committee will also provide an update on fire blight in tree fruit and a discussion document on EPA List 3 inerts. TABLE 2—CROPS SUBSTANCES SCHEDULED TO SUNSET IN 2013 AND BE ADDRESSED AT FALL MEETING Section Material Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production ..................... Copper sulfate .......................................... Ozone ....................................................... Peracetic acid ........................................... Calcium chloride ....................................... Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production ........... The Livestock Committee will present recommendations on animal welfare; stocking rates, animal handling, transit, and slaughter; and species-specific scorecards. They will also address animal husbandry. The Handling Committee will present recommendations on three material listings scheduled to sunset in 2013 (see Table 3). The Handling Committee will also present recommendations to the board on eight petitioned materials: Annatto extract, arachidonic acid (ARA) single-cell oil, beta-carotene, choline, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) algal oil, Expiration date November November November November 3, 3, 3, 3, 2013. 2013. 2013. 2013. potassium hydroxide, sulfur dioxide, and silicon dioxide. Other Handling Committee recommendations include a recommendation amending the chlorine materials annotation. They will also provide an update on nutrient vitamins and minerals. TABLE 3—HANDLING SUBSTANCES SCHEDULED TO SUNSET IN 2013 AND BE ADDRESSED AT FALL MEETING Material Nonsynthetic substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as ‘‘organic’’ or ‘‘made with organic. Synthetic substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as ‘‘organic’’ or ‘‘made with organic. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Section Animal enzymes ....................................... Tartaric acid (made from grape wine) ...... Tartaric acid (made from malic acid) ........ The Materials Committee will present an aquaculture materials review update and a research priorities framework discussion document. The Compliance, Accreditation, and Certification Committee will present recommendations on the evaluation of material review organizations, unannounced inspections, and inspector qualifications. The Policy Development Committee will present recommendations on four VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:33 Oct 06, 2011 Jkt 226001 sections of the NOSB Policy and Procedures Manual: administrative team, committee transparency, conflict of interest, and NOSB member and leadership transition. The Policy Development Committee will also present a discussion document on public comment procedures. The Meeting is Open to the Public. The NOSB has scheduled time for public input for Tuesday, November 29, 2011, from 10:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Expiration date November 3, 2013. November 3, 2013. November 3, 2013. Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The NOSB will accommodate as many individuals and organizations as possible during these sessions. Individuals and organizations wishing to make oral presentations at the meeting should request one short time slot by visiting https:// www.ams.usda.gov/nosbsavannahslots or by calling (202) 720–3252. All persons making oral presentations are requested to also provide their E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2011 / Notices comments in writing. Written submissions may contain information other than that presented at the oral presentation. Anyone may submit written comments at the meeting. Persons submitting written comments at the meeting are asked to provide sixteen copies. Interested persons may visit https:// www.ams.usda.gov to view NOSB recommendations, meeting agenda, and submit and/or view public comments. Dated: September 29, 2011. David Shipman, Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2011–25551 Filed 10–6–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2011–0037] Notice of Decision To Allow Interstate Movement of Rambutan From Puerto Rico into the Continental United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: We are advising the public of our decision to begin allowing the interstate movement into the continental United States of fresh rambutan fruit from Puerto Rico. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we believe that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the interstate movement of rambutan from Puerto Rico. DATES: Effective Date: October 7, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Philip Grove, Regulatory Coordinator, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 156, Riverdale, MD 20737–1231; (301) 734– 6280. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: Background Under the regulations in ‘‘Subpart— Regulated Articles From Hawaii and the Territories’’ (7 CFR 318.13–1 through 318.13–26, referred to below as the regulations), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits or restricts the interstate movement of fruits and vegetables into VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:33 Oct 06, 2011 Jkt 226001 the United States from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to prevent plant pests and noxious weeds from being introduced into and spread within the continental United States. (The continental United States is defined in 318.13–2 of the regulations as the 48 contiguous States, Alaska, and the District of Columbia.) Section 318.13–4 contains a performance-based process for approving the interstate movement of commodities that, based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, can be safely imported subject to one or more of the designated phytosanitary measures listed in paragraph (b) of that section. Under that process, APHIS publishes a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the interstate movement of a particular fruit or vegetable. Following the close of the 60-day comment period, APHIS may begin allowing the interstate movement of the fruit or vegetable subject to the identified designated measures if: (1) No comments were received on the pest risk analysis; (2) the comments on the pest risk analysis revealed that no changes to the pest risk analysis were necessary; or (3) changes to the pest risk analysis were made in response to public comments, but the changes did not affect the overall conclusions of the analysis and the Administrator’s determination of risk. In accordance with that process, we published a notice 1 in the Federal Register on June 16, 2011 (76 FR 35186– 35187, Docket No. APHIS–2011–0037), in which we announced the availability, for review and comment, of a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the interstate movement of rambutan fruit (Nephilium lappaceum L.) from Puerto Rico into the continental United States. We solicited comments on the notice for 60 days ending on August 15, 2011. We received no comments by that date. Therefore, in accordance with the regulations in 318.13–4, we are announcing our decision to begin allowing the interstate movement of rambutan from Puerto Rico into the continental United States subject to the following phytosanitary measures: • Inspection and certification by an inspector in Puerto Rico that the rambutan are free of all quarantine pests 1 To view the notice and the pest risk analysis, go to https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2011-0037. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 62339 likely to follow the pathway of interstate movement of the rambutan; • Movement of the rambutan as commercial consignments only; and • Distribution of the rambutan only within a defined area (a prohibition on movement to Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, or Guam) and marking of the boxes or containers in which the rambutan is distributed to indicate those distribution restrictions. These conditions will be listed in the Puerto Rico Manual, found on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ import_export/plants/manuals/ports/ downloads/puerto_rico.pdf. In addition to those specific measures, rambutan from Puerto Rico will be subject to the general requirements listed in 318.13–3 that are applicable to the interstate movement of all fruits and vegetables from Puerto Rico. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781– 7786; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Dated: Done in Washington, DC, this 3rd day of October 2011. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2011–26050 Filed 10–6–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Commodity Credit Corporation Domestic Sugar Program—2011-Crop Cane Sugar and Beet Sugar Marketing Allotments and Company Allocations Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is issuing this notice to publish the fiscal year (FY) 2012 State sugar marketing allotments and company allocations to sugarcane and sugar beet processors, which apply to all domestic sugar marketed for human consumption in the United States from October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2012. Although CCC already has announced most of the information in this notice through a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) news release, CCC is required to publish the determinations establishing, adjusting, or suspending sugar marketing allotments in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Fecso, Dairy and Sweeteners Analysis Group, Economic and Policy Analysis Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave, SW., Mail Stop 0516, Washington, DC 20250– 0516; telephone (202) 720–4146; FAX SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07OCN1.SGM 07OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 195 (Friday, October 7, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62336-62339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25551]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Document Number AMS-NOP-11-0081; NOP-11-15]


Notice of Meeting of the National Organic Standards Board

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as 
amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing a 
forthcoming meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

DATES: The meeting dates are Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5:30 
p.m.; Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 
December 1, 2011, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday, December 2, 2011, 8 
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration requests for public comments at the 
meeting are due by midnight Eastern Time on Sunday, November 13, 2011. 
Written comments received after November 13, 2011 may not be reviewed 
by the NOSB before the meeting.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place at the Hilton Savannah Desoto 
Hotel, 15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
     View NOSB meeting agenda and draft recommendations at 
https://www.ams.usda.gov/nop. Requests for copies of these materials may 
be sent to Ms. Lorraine Coke, National Organic Standards Board, USDA-
AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646-So., Mail Stop 0268, 
Washington, DC 20250-0268; Phone: (202) 720-3252; nosb@ams.usda.gov.
     Submit written comments at https://www.ams.usda.gov/nosbsavannah. Comments received after November 13, 2011, may not be 
reviewed by the NOSB before the meeting. Written comments may also be 
submitted via mail to Ms. Lorraine Coke, National Organic Standards 
Board, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646-S, Mail 
Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268. It is our intention to have all 
comments--whether they are submitted by mail or the internet--available 
for viewing at https://www.ams.usda.gov/nosbsavannah.

[[Page 62337]]

     Pre-register for a public comment slot at the meeting at 
https://www.ams.usda.gov/nosbsavannahslots or by calling (202) 720-3252.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lorraine Coke, National Organic 
Standards Board, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646-
So., Mail Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268; Phone: (202) 720-3252; 
nosb@ams.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 2119 (7 U.S.C. 6518) of the Organic 
Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.) 
requires the establishment of the NOSB. The purpose of the NOSB is to 
make recommendations about whether a substance should be allowed or 
prohibited in organic production or handling, to assist in the 
development of standards for substances to be used in organic 
production, and to advise the Secretary on other aspects of the 
implementation of the OFPA. The NOSB met for the first time in 
Washington, DC, in March 1992, and currently has six subcommittees 
working on various aspects of the organic program. The committees are: 
Compliance, Accreditation, and Certification; Crops; Handling; 
Livestock; Materials; and Policy Development.
    In August of 1994, the NOSB provided its initial recommendations 
for the NOP to the Secretary of Agriculture. Since that time, the NOSB 
has submitted 269 addenda to its recommendations and reviewed more than 
365 substances for inclusion on the National List of Allowed and 
Prohibited Substances. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) published 
its final National Organic Program regulation in the Federal Register 
on December 21, 2000, (65 FR 80548). The rule became effective April 
21, 2001.
    In addition, the OFPA authorizes the National List of Allowed and 
Prohibited Substances and provides that no allowed or prohibited 
substance would remain on the National List for a period exceeding five 
years unless the exemption or prohibition is reviewed and recommended 
for renewal by the NOSB and adopted by the Secretary of Agriculture. 
This expiration is commonly referred to as sunset of the National List. 
The National List appears at 7 CFR part 205, subpart G.
    The principal purpose of NOSB meetings is to provide an opportunity 
for the organic community to weigh in on proposed NOSB recommendations 
and discussion items. These meetings also allow the NOSB to receive 
updates from the USDA/NOP on issues pertaining to organic agriculture.

Summary of April 2011 Meeting

    At the spring 2011 meeting in Seattle, Washington the NOSB voted on 
the final 28 materials listings that were scheduled to sunset in 2012 
(see Table 1). Of the 28 materials, 21 were relisted, 5 were relisted 
with amended annotations, and 2 were removed from the National List.

  Table 1--Sunset 2012 Material Listings Voted to be Relisted at April
                              2011 Meeting
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Substance                       NOSB Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calcium hypochlorite......................  Relist with amended
Chlorine dioxide..........................   annotation ``For pre-
Sodium hypochlorite.......................   harvest use, residual
                                             chlorine levels in the
                                             water in direct crop
                                             contact or as water from
                                             cleaning irrigation systems
                                             applied to soil must not
                                             exceed the maximum residual
                                             disinfectant limit under
                                             the Safe Drinking Water
                                             Act. For disinfecting or
                                             sanitizing equipment or
                                             tools or in edible sprout
                                             production, chlorine
                                             products may be used up to
                                             maximum labeled rates.''
Copper sulfate............................  Relist.
Copper hydroxide..........................  Relist.
Copper oxide..............................  Relist.
Copper oxychloride........................  Relist.
Ethanol...................................  Relist.
Isopropanol...............................  Relist.
Newspapers or other.......................  Relist.
Plastic mulch covers......................  Relist.
Newspapers or other.......................  Relist.
Pheromones................................  Relist.
Sulfur dioxide............................  Remove from National List
Vitamin D3................................  Relist.
Streptomycin..............................  Relist with amended
                                             annotation ``For fire
                                             blight control in apples
                                             and pears, only until
                                             October 21, 2014.''
Lignin sulfonate..........................  Relist.
Magnesium sulfate.........................  Relist.
Ethylene gas..............................  Relist.
Sodium silicate...........................  Relist.
Lignin sulfonate..........................  Relist.
Magnesium sulfate.........................  Relist.
Ethylene gas..............................  Relist.
Sodium silicate...........................  Relist.
Lignin sulfonate..........................  Relist.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Nonsynthetic substances prohibited for use in organic crop production
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sodium nitrate............................  Relist and remove annotation
                                             (complete prohibition).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Nonsynthetic substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed
        products labeled as ``organic'' or ``made with organic''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enzymes...................................  Relist.
Potassium iodide..........................  Relist.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Synthetic substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products
             labeled as ``organic'' or ``made with organic''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nutrient vitamins.........................  Relist.
Nutrient minerals.........................  Relist.

[[Page 62338]]

 
Potassium iodide..........................  Relist.
Tocopherols...............................  Relist.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The NOSB voted against relisting sulfur dioxide for use in organic 
crop production and potassium iodide for use as an ingredient in or on 
processed products labeled as ``organic'' or ``made with organic.'' In 
addition, the NOSB voted to remove the annotation for sodium nitrate on 
Sec.  205.602 and establish a complete prohibition by the 2012 Sunset 
date.
    Several petitioned materials were also reviewed at the meeting. The 
NOSB recommended against listing Nickel as a micronutrient; Calcium 
acid pyrophosphate as a leavening agent; and Sodium acid pyrophosphate 
as a sequestrant on cooked and uncooked produce. The NOSB recommended 
to add attapulgite--used to clarify plant and animal oils--to the 
National List as a non-synthetic material and recommended extending the 
expiration date for Tetracycline (for fire blight control in apples and 
pears) until October 21, 2014.
    In additional to their review of materials, the NOSB also passed 
recommendations that would: Amend the definition of ``chemical 
change,'' and update three sections of their Policy and Procedures 
Manual: Sections III and IV, to harmonize the Vice Chair and Policy 
Development Committee job descriptions; and Section V, procedures for 
completing committee recommendations allowing the presenting committee 
to convene and vote to withdraw its recommendation prior to the Board's 
vote on the status of the recommendation.

Fall 2011 Meeting Agenda Items

    The Crops Committee will present recommendations on material 
listings for copper sulfate, ozone, peracetic acid, and calcium 
chloride, which are scheduled to sunset in 2013 (see Table 2). The 
Crops Committee will also present recommendations to the board on four 
petitioned materials: Ammonium nonanoate, ferric phosphate (to remove), 
indole-3-butyric acid, and propane (odorized). The Crops Committee will 
also provide an update on fire blight in tree fruit and a discussion 
document on EPA List 3 inerts.

             Table 2--Crops Substances Scheduled to Sunset in 2013 and Be Addressed at Fall Meeting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Section                                   Material                              Expiration date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Synthetic substances allowed    Copper sulfate......................................  November 3, 2013.
 for use in organic crop        Ozone...............................................  November 3, 2013.
 production.                    Peracetic acid......................................  November 3, 2013.
Nonsynthetic substances         Calcium chloride....................................  November 3, 2013.
 prohibited for use in organic
 crop production.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Livestock Committee will present recommendations on animal 
welfare; stocking rates, animal handling, transit, and slaughter; and 
species-specific scorecards. They will also address animal husbandry.
    The Handling Committee will present recommendations on three 
material listings scheduled to sunset in 2013 (see Table 3). The 
Handling Committee will also present recommendations to the board on 
eight petitioned materials: Annatto extract, arachidonic acid (ARA) 
single-cell oil, beta-carotene, choline, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 
algal oil, potassium hydroxide, sulfur dioxide, and silicon dioxide. 
Other Handling Committee recommendations include a recommendation 
amending the chlorine materials annotation. They will also provide an 
update on nutrient vitamins and minerals.

            Table 3--Handling Substances Scheduled to Sunset in 2013 and Be Addressed at Fall Meeting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Section                                   Material                              Expiration date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonsynthetic substances         Animal enzymes......................................  November 3, 2013.
 allowed as ingredients in or   Tartaric acid (made from grape wine)................  November 3, 2013.
 on processed products labeled
 as ``organic'' or ``made with
 organic.
Synthetic substances allowed    Tartaric acid (made from malic acid)................  November 3, 2013.
 as ingredients in or on
 processed products labeled as
 ``organic'' or ``made with
 organic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Materials Committee will present an aquaculture materials 
review update and a research priorities framework discussion document.
    The Compliance, Accreditation, and Certification Committee will 
present recommendations on the evaluation of material review 
organizations, unannounced inspections, and inspector qualifications.
    The Policy Development Committee will present recommendations on 
four sections of the NOSB Policy and Procedures Manual: administrative 
team, committee transparency, conflict of interest, and NOSB member and 
leadership transition. The Policy Development Committee will also 
present a discussion document on public comment procedures.
    The Meeting is Open to the Public. The NOSB has scheduled time for 
public input for Tuesday, November 29, 2011, from 10:15 a.m. to 5:30 
p.m. and Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The NOSB will 
accommodate as many individuals and organizations as possible during 
these sessions. Individuals and organizations wishing to make oral 
presentations at the meeting should request one short time slot by 
visiting https://www.ams.usda.gov/nosbsavannahslots or by calling (202) 
720-3252. All persons making oral presentations are requested to also 
provide their

[[Page 62339]]

comments in writing. Written submissions may contain information other 
than that presented at the oral presentation. Anyone may submit written 
comments at the meeting. Persons submitting written comments at the 
meeting are asked to provide sixteen copies.
    Interested persons may visit https://www.ams.usda.gov to view NOSB 
recommendations, meeting agenda, and submit and/or view public 
comments.

    Dated: September 29, 2011.
David Shipman,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-25551 Filed 10-6-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
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