AMS No. 029-05

Joan Shaffer (202) 720-8998

joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2005 - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will meet Feb. 28 - March 3, 2005, at the Washington Terrace Hotel, 1515 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Meeting sessions will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 28; from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 1; from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 2; and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on March 3. All sessions are open to the public.

At the meeting, the NOSB will receive an update from the National Organic Program (NOP), discuss various committee reports, consider recommendations on access to pasture and expanding information required on organic certificates and receive an update from the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials concerning its recent labeling committee meeting. The NOSB will take public input on materials issues and discuss action items concerning the formation of the NOSB Aquatic Animal Task Force and Pet Food Task Force. The NOSB also will review four materials to determine if they should be recommended for inclusion on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.

Time is scheduled for public comment on Tuesday, March 1, 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and on Thursday, March 3, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Those wishing to provide comments to the NOSB on any organic issues should mail their requests to Ms. Francine Torres, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4008-So., AG Stop 0268, Washington, D.C. 20250-0200 or send requests by fax to (202) 205-7808 or by e-mail to francine.torres@usda.gov by close of business February 11, 2005. For more information, call (202) 720-3252.

For additional information, see the NOP's home page at www.ams.usda.gov/nop.