Proposed Rules. Notice of availability of interim instruction with request for comments

Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA
Action: Notice of availability of interim instruction with request for comments
Citation: FR Doc. 2016-20806 · Document Number AMS-NOP-16-0069; NOP-16-08 · 7 CFR 205

Summary

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing the availability of an interim instruction document intended for use by accredited certifying agents. The interim instruction document is entitled: NOP 3012: Material Review. This instruction specifies the criteria and process that USDA accredited organic certifying agents (certifiers) must follow when approving substances for use in organic production and handling. This instruction is directed at certifiers, who must meet certain terms and conditions as part of their accreditation. The AMS invites interested parties to submit comments about this instruction document.

Dates

To ensure that NOP considers your comment on this interim instruction before it begins work on the final version, submit written comments on the interim instruction by October 31, 2016.

Supplementary Information

I. Background This interim instruction specifies the criteria and process that accredited certifying agents (certifiers) must follow when approving substances for use in organic production and handling. This instruction is directed at certifiers, who must meet certain terms and conditions as part of their accreditation (see 7 CFR 205.501(a)(21)). The instruction defines the term Material Review Organization (MRO) and materials, and describes the USDA organic regulations as they relate to materials reviews. The instruction describes the policy that all certifiers must review all materials used by organic producers and handlers for compliance with the USDA organic regulations, and outlines options that certifiers have for determining whether materials may be used in organic production or handling under the USDA organic regulations. The instruction also outlines certifier requirements for maintaining documentation, making synthetic vs. nonsynthetic or agricultural vs. nonagricultural determinations; demonstrating appropriate education, training, and experience levels for personnel conducting material reviews; and creating clear written protocols and procedures related to materials reviews. This instruction also outlines the process that occurs when different certifying agents and MROs reach different conclusions on whether a product complies with the USDA organic regulations. A notice of availability of the final instruction on this topic will be issued upon review of comments and final approval of the document. Upon final approval, this instruction will be available in “The Program Handbook: Guidance and Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs) and Certified Operations”. This Handbook provides those who own, manage, or certify organic operations with guidance and instructions that can assist them in complying with the USDA organic regulations. The current edition of the Program Handbook is available online at http://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic. II. Electronic Access Persons with access to Internet may obtain the interim instruction at either NOP's Web site at http://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic or http://www.regulations.gov. Requests for hard copies of the interim instruction document can be obtained by submitting a written request to the mailing address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this Notice. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501-6522. Dated: August 25, 2016. Elanor Starmer, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2016-20806 Filed 8-29-16; 8:45 am]