The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting nominees to participate in a task force to examine hydroponic and aquaponic practices and their alignment with the USDA organic regulations and the Organic Foods Production Act.
The USDA organic regulations do not include specific provisions for organic hydroponic or aquaponic production. However, these production systems have obtained certification under the USDA organic regulations by complying with the existing requirements for organic crop production. The task force will inform the National Organic Standards Board of their findings and advise them on what practices should be allowed or restricted in organic hydroponic and aquaponic production.
Written nominations, with resumes, for the task force must be post-marked on or before May 8, 2015. Electronic submissions must be received on or before May 8, 2015.
Nominations should be sent to Rita Meade, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 2648-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0268 or via email to Rita.Meade@ams.usda.gov. Electronic submittals by email are preferred.
For further information contact Mark Bradley, Assistant to the Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 2648, STOP 0268; Washington, DC 20250-0268; telephone (202) 720-3252; fax: (202) 205-7808; email: Mark.Bradley@ams.usda.gov.
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