A new version of the National Organic Standards Board charter is posted on the USDA website, according to a news release.
The charter is reviewed every two years, and the change in the latest version deals with a description of members on the board, according to the release.
“Four seats have been re-designated from being Representatives to being Special Government Employees,” the USDA said in the release. “This reflects language in the Organic Foods Production Act specific to those seats, which refers to the need for members to have “expertise” in specific areas.”
The release said the four re-designated seats include the three individuals with expertise in areas of environmental protection and resource conservation; and the one individual with expertise in the field of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry.
The transition to this designation will be accomplished either voluntarily by current members, or as terms expire and new members are appointed to these seats, according to the release. .
This revised Charter will expire on July 7, 2024 and is found at this link.
