The International Fresh Produce Association urges the National Organic Standards Board to adopt flexible, evidence-based practices to better support organic growers and maintain market stability
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has submitted a series of recommendations to the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), urging the adoption of practical, science-based standards for the organic fresh produce sector.
The comments were made in response to the NOSB Spring 2025 Work Agenda, which sought input from stakeholders across the organic industry.
Through a collaborative effort involving IFPA’s Organics Committee, the association emphasized the need for flexible and regionally adaptable certification practices to better address the unique challenges faced by organic growers.
The association’s key recommendations include advocating for a risk-based approach to certification.
IFPA supports enhanced training programs for certifiers and the implementation of data-driven methods to assess operational risk within organic farming systems.
This strategy aims to improve oversight while minimizing unnecessary burdens on growers.
Maintaining organic integrity remains a cornerstone of IFPA’s advocacy.
The association detailed best practices employed by its members, such as comprehensive internal tracking systems, routine residue testing, and transparent operational procedures.
IFPA highlighted the necessity of consistent compliance resources and ongoing training to ensure that both certifiers and producers uphold the standards expected within the organic sector.
Addressing the complex issue of pesticide residues, IFPA recommended maintaining the current 5 percent EPA tolerance threshold.
The organization warned that lowering this standard could cause significant market disruptions, noting that environmental contamination makes achieving absolute zero-residue levels impractical for fresh produce.
The association reaffirmed its support for science-based and achievable biodegradability metrics in compost production.
It cautioned against imposing restrictions that could hinder compost availability, a critical resource for organic growers striving to meet sustainability goals.
Beyond these focal areas, IFPA provided input on several specific production and processing materials, including carbon dioxide, pear ester, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium soaps, horticultural oils, pheromones, ferric phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, potassium phosphate, and inert ingredients used in pesticide formulations.
“Organic growers face unique challenges that require flexible, regionally aware, and evidence-based certification standards. Our recommendations to the NOSB are designed to help safeguard organic integrity while ensuring that growers have practical tools and fair, consistent oversight that reflects the realities of organic farming today.”
Sara L. Neagu-Reed, IFPA’s Director of Production & Environmental Policy
The IFPA expressed its appreciation for the NOSB’s ongoing efforts to advance organic standards and reiterated its commitment to collaborating with regulatory bodies.
