The 2012 Sunset Review at the Fall NOSB Meeting
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will be holding its fall meeting October 25–28, 2010, at the Best Western InnTowner in Madison, Wisconsin. This meeting is particularly important because it will be addressing more than 60 materials that are up for the 2012 Sunset Review. The Sunset Review will determine whether these materials can remain on the National List. Many of these materials may be key ingredients or processing aids. If there is an ingredient up for review that is important to you, it is strongly suggested that you offer a written and/or oral comment on the issue. In addition to the Sunset Review, the NOSB requests comment on: nanotechnology, apiculture, use of animal healthcare products in section 205.238(c)(2), the “made with” organic claim, clarification of handling exemptions under 205.101(b), corn steep liquor and annotations for colors on the 205.606 list. NOSB will also welcome feedback on discussion documents regarding animal stocking rates, animal handling, transit and slaughter, and nutrient vitamins and minerals. The agenda, including specific materials to be addressed for the 2012 Sunset Review will be posted at www.ams.usda.gov/NOSB and published in the Federal Register on or around September 10, 2010.

Oral Comment. Individuals interested in presenting at the NOSB meeting may sign up for one 5-minute slot on Monday, October 25 from 10:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Wednesday, October 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please contact Lisa Ahramjian at Lisa.Ahramjian@ams.usda.gov or 202-690-3962 to reserve a slot.

Written Comments. The NOSB will welcome public comments via regulations.gov once the Federal Register notice is published on or around September 10, 2010.


All Things Organic at Natural Products Expo East
The Organic Trade Association is bringing its All Things Organic (ATO) conference program to Natural Products Expo East from Oct. 14, through Oct. 16, at the Boston Convention Center. The 15 sessions will feature thought-provoking debates, broad global overviews, detailed market reports and deep analysis of legislation and standards. Speakers will include representatives from some of the industry’s most successful companies and leading market research firms, as well as key government officials.

Topics include personal care, private label, food safety, health benefits of organic, an organic market overview, organic vs. natural, sustainability and the implications of nanotechnology for organic.

For more information go to www.ota.com/allthingsorganic/conference_schedule.html.


Get Schooled in Organicology! Conference Held Feb. 10-12, 2011
In February 2011, the Organicology conference will take place in Portland, Oregon. Exploring key issues from farming to manufacturing to retail—this event seeks to unite the organic food community to build a sustainable food future. Given the challenges and opportunities our industry faces, it’s critical to take time to regroup, to reflect, learn, strategize and collaborate.
The gathering offers expert-led educational intensives and workshops, a trade show and networking opportunities. Keynote speakers include radio show host Jim Hightower as well as Andrew Kimbrell and Steven Jones. Focus areas include farming and seed issues, sustainable business practices, governmental policy and the impact of climate change and other environmental issues on food and agriculture.

Organicology begins with five full-day training sessions on sustainable business practices, soil management, seed growing, food and farm policy, and the evolving roles of those who interact directly with food consumers. Participants will receive certificates upon completion. Day two features workshops on zero waste operations, food safety, food security, organic seed, plant breeding and GMOs, and a USDA/NOSB listening session. The gathering culminates with a trade show featuring over 100 exhibitors from farms, breweries and manufacturers to suppliers and advocacy groups. Other events include a seed swap, an organic wine and beer tasting, an audience-judged debate and a concert.

Organicology is coordinated by Oregon Tilth, Organic Seed Alliance, the Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association and Organically Grown Company. For more information visit www.organicology.org.


SK Food International Clarification
SK Food International, a privately-owned corporation located in Fargo, North Dakota, wishes to clear any confusion regarding association with the former SK Foods, Inc., a separate corporation previously headquartered in Monterey, California. SK Food International has been a reputable supplier to the food industry since 1990, providing Identity Preserved organic and conventional Non-GMO beans, grains, seeds, soybeans, flours, vegetable oils, vinegars, sweeteners, rice products and more. In contrast, SK Foods was a processor of tomato and vegetable products and is no longer in business.


Maggie’s Launches First Fair Labor Certified Clothing
Maggie’s Organics is the first manufacturer in the world to sell clothing that has earned the Fair Labor Practices and Community Benefits Certification issued by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), an independent monitor which inspected every stage of Maggie’s production chain, from the growing of organic cotton and ginning and spinning the crop fabric into fabric in Nicaragua, to cutting and sewing garments in Costa Rica, to screen printing, office and warehouse operations in the United States.

Criteria investigated by SCS include: hiring, wages, working conditions, hours of work, freedom of association and freedom to organize, and access to housing, health care and transportation.

Maggie’s sweatshop-free clothes are available in hundreds of stores across the United States and Canada and also online and range from dresses and t-shirts to hoodies and pants. Proving that ethical can also be affordable, prices range from $12 to $35.

In addition to earning certification from SCS, Maggie’s is the only company rated “A” for apparel by Free2Work.org, a project of the International Labor Rights Fund, which rates corporate practices on transparency, prevention of forced and child labor and employee empowerment. Maggie’s is also participating in a pilot project with TransFair USA, and hopes to have a line of Fair Trade Certified apparel on the shelf this fall.