IFPA Urges Practical, Science-Based Standards in Comments to National Organic Standards Board

May 5, 2026

Washington, DC – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) submitted comments to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) outlining priority issues for the organic fresh produce sector in response to the Board’s Spring 2026 agenda. The comments, developed in consultation with IFPA's Organic Committee, emphasize the need for clear, consistent, and science-based standards that protect organic integrity while supporting a stable and reliable supply of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Organic growers operate in a complex and highly variable environment, and policies must reflect those real-world conditions,” said IFPA Director of Production and Environmental Policy Sara L. Neagu-Reed. “Our recommendations to NOSB focus on ensuring organic oversight is practical, consistent, and grounded in science so growers can continue delivering the organic products consumers trust.”

IFPA thanked NOSB for its ongoing work and underscored the importance of collaboration across industry and government to ensure organic standards translate into workable outcomes for growers, supply chains, and consumers. Key comments include:

Residue Testing for a Global Supply Chain: IFPA urged NOSB to delay action until there is a clear and consistent definition of “risk,” noting that vague criteria could lead to uneven enforcement and added burdens without improving organic integrity. The association also encouraged NOSB to leverage existing federal infrastructure for testing and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining EPA and FDA thresholds for unavoidable residual environmental contamination.
E-Commerce Labeling Proposal: IFPA supports improving transparency for organic products sold online and recommends formal rulemaking rather than guidance to ensure consistent implementation. The association also called for additional stakeholder input to address how requirements would apply across fresh produce and online marketplaces.

IFPA's comments also addressed the classification of EPA List 3 Inerts of Unknown Toxicity and several production inputs, including pear ester, chlorine materials, ozone gas, peracetic acid, and magnesium oxide.

For more information about IFPA’s advocacy on behalf of the organic fresh produce community, visit the Organic Policy section of IFPA’s website.

IFPA Urges Practical, Science-Based Standards in Comments to National Organic Standards Board

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