The International Fresh Produce Association says it emphasized the need for practical, science-based standards that support organic production while ensuring supply chain viability in remarks submitted for the National Organic Standards Board’s spring 2025 work agenda. The comments were developed in consultation with the association’s organics committee.
“Organic growers face unique challenges that require flexible, regionally aware, and evidence-based certification standards,” IFPA Director of Production and Environmental Policy Sara L. Neagu-Reed said in a news release.
“Our recommendations to the NOSB are designed to help safeguard organic integrity while ensuring that growers have practical tools and fair, consistent oversight that reflects the realities of organic farming today,” she continued. “IFPA thanks the NOSB for its work in advancing organic standards and looks forward to continued collaboration to support a transparent, science-based, and practical regulatory environment for organic produce.”
The association highlighted the following from its comments:
- Support for risk-based certification improvements — IFPA supports developing updated training for certifiers and advocates for a data-driven, nuanced approach to classifying risk in organic operations.
- Commitment to organic integrity — IFPA shared the best practices used by its members to maintain organic integrity, including comprehensive internal tracking systems, residue testing and transparent operational procedures. The association emphasized the importance of consistent, clear compliance resources and training for certifiers and producers.
- Residue testing and contaminants — IFPA advised maintaining the current 5% Environmental Protection Agency tolerance threshold for pesticide residues to avoid market disruptions and noted the practical challenges of achieving zero-residue levels in fresh produce due to environmental contamination.
- Ongoing Compost Standards Dialogue — IFPA reaffirmed its position supporting science-based, achievable biodegradability metrics in compost production and cautioned against restrictions that could limit compost availability for organic growers.
Additional comments submitted by IFPA addressed the status of several production and processing inputs, including carbon dioxide, pear ester, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium soaps, horticultural oils, pheromones, ferric phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, potassium phosphate and inert ingredients in pesticide products.
