Washington, DC
April 15, 2003
The U.S. Department of
Agriculture today issued a proposed rule that will amend USDA's
National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National
List). The amendments reflect recommendations
submitted by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from
June 6, 2000, through October 20, 2002.
The proposed rule adds 10 substances to the National List,
revises the annotations of two substances and makes technical
revisions to clarify specific sections of the National List and
to reflect previous NOSB recommendations. The proposed rule also
invites public comment on the use of ethylene in organic crop
production.
The National List, which is part of the National Organic
Standards, is developed by the NOSB in consultation with outside
experts. The National List identifies substances that are
allowed and prohibited in organic production and handling
operations. Specifically, these are permitted synthetic
substances and prohibited nonsynthetic substances under the
National Organic Program.
The proposed rule will appear in the Federal Register on
April16, 2003. Public comments must be received by April 28,
2003.
Interested persons may comment on the proposed rule:
By mail to Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, National Organic
Program, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268,
Washington, DC 20250.
Electronically to
National.List@usda.gov.
By fax 202-205-7808.
Written comments should be identified with the docket number
TMD-02-03. Those commenting should identify the topic and
section number to which the comment refers, clearly state the
reason for the comment, recommend language changes if
appropriate, and include articles or other references that lend
support to the comment.
All comments to the proposed rule will be made available for
viewing on the National Organic Program homepage at
www.ams.usda.gov/nop
or in person at USDA-AMS, Transportation and Marketing Programs,
Room 4008-South Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW,
Washington, DC, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 4
p.m., Monday through Friday (except official Federal holidays).
Persons wishing to visit the USDA South Building to view
comments received in response to this proposed rule are
requested to make an appointment in advance by calling (202)
720-3252.
For further information contact Toni A. Strother, Agricultural
Marketing Specialist; Telephone: 202-720-3252; or fax: (202)
205-7808.
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