WASHINGTON, DC - Developed in collaboration with its Organics Committee, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) addressed a myriad of topics and concerns in response to industry feedback sought by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) Fall Work Agenda.

“We appreciate the opportunity to comment and strongly encourage the NOSB to consider fresh produce growers when considering regulatory actions and votes that will impact the specialty crop community,” said Sara L. Neagu-Reed, IFPA Director of Production and Environmental Policy. “Our members rely on a wide variety of methods and production inputs for various crops, growing regions, and production methods in organics, and they must continue to have access to tools and substances to ensure crop viability and prosperity.”

The organization’s comments addressed several pressing industry topics, including:

• Residue Testing for a Global Supply Chain - IFPA cited the need for certifiers to understand laboratory sampling guidelines, given some facilities have specific considerations regarding sampling procedures (time, temperature, quantity, etc.). With respect to third-party testing, the organization urged that these entities be properly certified and work with expert laboratories with AOAC accreditation to develop standard operating procedures that boost confidence in the samples, chain of custody, and labeling
• Consistency in Organic Seed Use - IFPA stated its members do not find it difficult to comply with the current organic standards for seed use given the flexibility to use conventional untreated seed as an alternative; however, IFPA noted that while compliance and current requirements take administrative time, the biggest challenge is a lack of new market development of viable organic seed
• Climate-Induced Farming Risk and Crop Insurance - IFPA noted that its members appreciate the NOSB’s recognition of how critical risk management and insurance options are, given they are tailored to the specific risks generated through organic production. Although producers find that low enrollment in crop insurance can be attributed to factors such as the lack of accurate data for product creation or insurance costs vs. insurance payouts, IFPA stated growers are interested in the creation of a crop insurance policy when certain considerations are made around quality, condition terms, and pricing
• Risk-Based Certification - IFPA recommended the National Organic Program be more agile in incorporating more risk mitigation measures into organic standards, but only if the new measures result in fewer audits and improved equity as an added benefit

According to a press release, IFPA also addressed compost production for organic agriculture and production inputs.

More details from IFPA’s comments can be found here. For further insight into the organization’s efforts on behalf of the organic fresh produce community, visit the Organic Policy section of the association’s website.