AMS no. 056-04

Joan Shaffer (202) 720-8998

joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2004 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) will meet April 28-30 at the Best Western Inn of Chicago, The Buckingham Room, 162 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL. Meeting sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on April 29, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 30. All sessions are open to the public.

At the meeting, the NOSB will receive an update from the USDA National Organic Program, hear a presentation on the ECert Program, and receive various committee reports and updates from the 606 Task Force and Compost Tea Task Force. The NOSB will also review eight 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 Wednesday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and Friday, April 30, from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Those wishing to provide comments to the NOSB on any organic issues should mail their requests to Ms. Katherine Benham, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4008-So., AG Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250-0200 or send requests by fax to (202) 205-7808 or by e-mail to katherine.benham@usda.gov by close of business April 12. For more information, call (202) 205-7806.

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