Update

Organic Hydroponic or Aquaponic Production

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Update - Organic Hydroponic or Aquaponic Production - The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) has transmitted a report from its Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) that: "...

1) describes the current state of technologies and practices used in hydroponics and aquaponics; and

2) examines how those practices align or do not align with the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and the USDA organic regulations ..."

NOP notes that "... the public may provide comments to the NOSB when the public comment period for the November NOSB meeting opens later this month. There will be additional opportunities for comment after the NOSB develops a proposal on hydroponic and aquaponic production practices for public comment ..." - NOSB members "... recommend whether substances should be allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling, assist in developing standards for substances to be used in organic production, and advise the Secretary of Agriculture on other aspects of the organic regulations ..." 

September 2, 2015 USDA AMS News Release: "National Organic Program Director of Standards Announces Members of Organic Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force" 

March 9, 2015 USDA AMS Federal Register Notice: "National Organic Program; Nominations for Task Force Members"

July 21, 2016 issue of the USDA AMS "The NOP Organic Insider" will be posted at: 

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs054/1103777415326/archive/1108212629106.html

The July 21, 2016 National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Hydroponic and Aquaponic Task Force Report:

http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2016%20Hydroponic%20Task%20Force%20Report.PDF

The September 2, 2015 USDA AMS News Release:

http://www.ams.usda.gov/content/national-organic-program-director-standards-announces-members-organic-hydroponic-and

The March 9, 2015 USDA AMS Federal Register Notice:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-03-09/html/2015-05403.htm

Information about the NOSB:

https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/nosb

Information about the USDA AMS National Organic Program:

http://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program