Corn Steep Liquor

In This Issue

Director’s Chair ...... 2 NOP Materials Update ...... 3 Materials Q&A...... 4 Understanding Materials FIFRA ...... 7 r e v i e w Calendar...... 8

News and Information for the Organic Community Spring 2010

Corn Steep Liquor California’s New Issues for the Spring NOSB meeting Fertilizer Law The future for input review? he National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has created an aggressive agenda t has been a tumultuous year for T for the upcoming Spring meeting, addressing some major issues such as the syn- I organic fertilizer inputs. Organic thetic/nonsynthetic classification of corn steep liquor (CSL). Corn steep liquor (aka input materials have come under condensed fermented corn extractives) is a by-product of the corn wet-milling process. greater scrutiny, beginning with the According to the Corn Refiners Association, “CSL is a viscous liquid February 20 and July 27 notices mixture consisting entirely of water-soluble components from the National Organic Program of corn steeped in water” (Corn Refiners Association, (NOP) disallowing five specific liq- 2008). Since the corn kernel is a complex mixture of uid fertilizers for use in organic starch, protein, oil, water, fiber, minerals and vita- production and continuing mins, the corn wet-milling process yields many with the later prohibition widely used products such as corn oil, corn of three compost brands germ meal, cornstarch, and high fructose by the California De- corn syrup. In order to make corn steep li- partment of Food and quor, the corn is soaked (steeped) in 120°F Agriculture (CDFA). to 130°F water containing 0.1%-0.2% sul- Yet many in the organ- fur dioxide for 24-48 hours. The sulfurous ic industry agree that acid that is then formed induces chemical increasing oversight on and physical changes in the kernel, in effect only a few classes of fer- separating the starch and insoluble protein by tilizers is an inadequate cleaving protein disulfide cross-links in the en- and unbalanced approach dosperm protein matrix. The sulfurous acid also to the mission of ensuring helps to control undesirable microorganisms and compliance of inputs used allows dissolved sugars to be converted to lactic acid, in organic production. Officials maintaining a pH near 4.0. During the steeping process, from the NOP have communicated about 6% of the dry weight is dissolved, which is then evaporated the need for more rigorous oversight The corn to condense the steepwater into corn steep liquor. The remaining insolu- wet-milling of inputs used in organic produc- ble corn kernel is then further processed to produce many products used process yields tion, and have expressed interest in in foods, livestock feeds and fertilizers. many widely using the new “organic fertilizer” law In the past, OMRI had reviewed CSL and determined it to be non- used products. recently passed in California as a na- synthetic. However, the NOSB’s recent refinement of the definitions for tional model for regulating organic synthetic vs. nonsynthetic substances caused us to revisit that decision to material inputs. Could the California Corn Steep Liquor continued on page 6 California Law continued on page 3 R’S CH TO AI C R E

D from the Director’s Chair By Ramkrishnan P. Balasubramanian, OMRI Board of Directors OMRI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization any of you may be aware of recent formed a search committee and is actively created to benefit the organic community and M changes in management at OMRI. engaged in conducting a thorough search the general public. Its mission is to provide Dave DeCou, who has led the organiza- and selection process for a permanent Ex- professional, independent, and transparent review of materials and processes to tion for the previous 5 years, is no longer ecutive Director. determine their suitability for producing, with OMRI and has moved on to pursue We are excited about the future at processing, and handling organic food and other interests. Under Dave’s leadership, OMRI and are continually working to fiber. OMRI is a member of the Organic Trade Association and of the International Federation OMRI accomplished many things such as maintain OMRI’s position as the premier of Organic Agricultural Movements. developing and implementing the OMRI materials evaluation program. The OMRI Board of Directors Seeds Database and obtaining ISO Guide staff is a committed group of individuals Officers: 65 Accreditation. The organization has who have dedicated their time to support- Chair: Ramkrishnan P. Balasubramanian benefited from his leadership and vision ing the organic industry and are working Vice-Chair: Katherine Withey Secretary: Mark Whalon and will continue to look toward the fu- hard to ensure our goals are met. We have Treasurer: Bob Scott ture as the premier materials evaluation recently implemented a new website so Members: Cissy Bowman, Jenneke DeJong, Jake Lewin, program in the U.S. our customers and the organic industry Salvatore (Sandy) Parco, Jennifer Ryder Fox, The leadership of OMRI is now in the can access critical information regarding Eric Sideman, Bill Stoneman, and capable hands of Paul Lipscomb, who has seeds and material inputs in a more effi- Catherine (Anne) Wells assumed the role of Interim Executive Di- cient manner. We will continue to solidify Staff rector. Paul has our relationship Interim Executive Director: Paul Lipscomb Review Program Manager: Renee Mann extensive experi- with the National Technical Director/Quality Manager: ence in working We are excited about the Organic Program, Lindsay Fernandez-Salvador with non-profit streamline our ap- IT Director: Brian Basor future at OMRI and are Marketing and Communications Coordinator: organizations and plication process- continually working to Amy Bradsher is particularly es, and continue Application Specialist: Amber Lippert maintain OMRI’s position Product Review Coordinators: skilled in organi- to provide excel- Tina Jensen Augustine, Andrea (Gwen) zational planning as the premier material lent customer ser- Ayres, Jennifer M. Schomp, Deder Siedler, and cooperative vice. We are hard and Annie Amos evaluation program. Review Program Assistants: Jean Schauerman, team building. at work for you. Andria Schulze Under Paul’s lead- If you have feed- Program Asst/Project Asst: Ashley Wright ership, OMRI will continue to meet the back, suggestions or comments, please Renewals Coordinator: Cindy Coachman Bookkeeper: Melody Carr needs of its customers and the organic in- call Paul Lipscomb at (541) 343-7600 or Administrative Specialist: Blyss Hansen dustry. The OMRI Board of Directors has email [email protected].

OMRI Materials Review is published quar- terly by OMRI. Volume 12, Issue 2. Except for reprinted or copyrighted articles, subscribers Stepping In may reprint OMRI articles, provided that OMRI Introducing Paul Lipscomb, OMRI’s Interim Executive Director is given as the source. Reasonable efforts are made to provide useful and accurate Paul is a consultant, facilitator and trainer in board development, orga- information, but the editors and OMRI cannot nizational planning and executive leader development. For the past 10 assume any liability for errors or omissions. years, Paul has focused his work on providing interim executive leader- Assistant Editor: Keith L. Proctor ship and executive transition services. Paul is particularly interested in Design: Slub Design, www.slubdesign.com helping organizations work through the challenging issues of leadership OMRI transition and organizational change, bringing clarity to roles and struc- P.O. Box 11558 tures while building cooperative relationships. Paul has experience with Eugene, OR 97440-3758, USA a variety of cultures and organizations. He enjoys and has been very successful in assisting P: 541.343.7600 • F: 541.343.8971 organizations develop learning teams and shared leadership. [email protected] www.omri.org • seeds.omri.org

2 OMRI Materials Review California Law continued from page 1 NOP Materials Update law become a national model for greater input oversight? The following is a synop- By Deder Siedler sis of the key elements of the California his January, NOP Deputy Director Deputy Director told the audience that law and a discussion of how it might affect T Miles McEvoy spoke at the EcoFarm he plans to get these issues moved from the organic industry. Conference in Asilomar, California. He the table to resolution. Per the Septem- The California bill (AB 8561) amends described ongoing efforts and changes ber 2008 NOSB recommendation, the existing California law by giving CDFA at the NOP and highlighted some recent NOP is evaluating tabled materials and jurisdiction over organic input materials in progress and new directions on materials determining if new technical reports are addition to conventional fertilizing materi- issues. Members of the OMRI staff were required. Some of these materials will als manufactured and distributed in Cali- present and we are pleased to report some require technical reports to inform the major movement on materials decisions NOSB’s decision. These reports are be- AB 856 now gives CDFA the and polices. ing compiled by the USDA Agricultural Deputy Director McEvoy made it clear Marketing Service (AMS), Science and right to revoke or refuse that a primary objective is to move forward Technology program. This program has registration of those materials on materials issues which continue to lin- completed 11 reports and six more are in that are not in compliance with ger at the NOP. Specifically, he spoke about progress. Seven other petitions have been the applicable regulations. the backlog of NOSB recommendations identified as not needing technical reports and efforts to address pending petitions in and three have yet to be sent to the Science a timely manner. Those recommendations and Technology program. fornia. Organic input materials are defined and petitions include additions and dele- The spring NOSB meeting in Davis, as “any bulk or packaged commercial fertil- tions to the National List, upcoming sunset California, is expected to cover some izer, agricultural mineral, auxiliary soil and materials for 2011 and 2012, and materials other key issues including a clarification plant substance, specialty fertilizer, or soil tabled by the Standards Board. on the accessory nutrients recommenda- amendments that comply with the require- The Deputy Director went on to cite tion, upcoming sunset materials, and the ments of the NOP standards.” This defini- many materials for which there is sub- synthetic/nonsynthetic determination for tion does not include pesticides to be used stantial movement: both tetracycline and corn steep liquor—a by-product of corn in organic crop and food production. sulfurous acid now have published pro- wet-milling. McEvoy suggested that any While the existing law requires a posed rules that have been open for com- movement (i.e., disallowances) on corn registration fee not to exceed $300 for ment through March 15th. Proposed rules steep liquor should wait until the NOSB conventional fertilizing materials, the fee are in development for peracetic acid (for has the chance to address the issue at the for organic input materials could be as high crops), several livestock health care mate- Spring meeting. as $500. These fees will be placed into an rials, and processing agricultural materials. Another prominent topic at the confer- Organic Input Materials Account to be ap- Proposed rules are also under develop- ence was the ongoing investigation into propriated only by the legislature. Accord- ment for potassium silicate and sodium pesticide residues in composts containing to AB 856, the increased fee for organic carbonate peroxyhydrate (crops), and ing yard and municipal wastes. McEvoy input materials is justified due to the extra tragacanth gum, cooking wine, and gellan explained that the NOP has drafted a staff resources necessary to review the sci- gum (processing). McEvoy also hopes to policy for setting a UREC (Unavoidable entific feasibility of the nutrient guaran- have more movement on materials issues Residual Environmental Contamination) tees and label claims. Each separate label that do not require official rulemaking. Is- level for finished compost. The NOP will must be registered, including any that con- sues with materials like compost, manure, continue to work on the draft policy and tain differing nutrient analyses, derivation compost tea, vermicompost, livestock he hopes to provide a final policy on this statements, or anything that implies a dif- medications, feed additive chelates, chlo- issue later in 2010. ferent product. Any previously registered rine, and waxed boxes can all be resolved After discussing the progress on these products that are blended together to without the official rulemaking process. different materials issues, the Deputy Di- make a separate unique product must also These clarifications will be accomplished rector had the opportunity to describe be registered and will require the full $500 through additions to the program manual some of the current problems in organic fee. Companies that only redistribute reg- and guidances. materials review; namely, multiple agen- istered materials are not required to obtain Many materials petitions to the NOSB cies and organizations such as the NOP, a separate license. have been indefinitely tabled and the NOP Update continued on page 6 California Law continued on page 5

Spring 2010 3 MATe r I A L S Q & A by Lindsay Fernandez-Salvador

SING S ES P C O O R

R C P Lecithin Biodegradable Mulches Q: I see that the National Organic Q: Many certified organic growers are or synthetic fibrous polyvinyl alcohol). Program rule allows bleached lecithin asking to use biodegradable mulches. The granules in mulches add durability as a synthetic non-agricultural ingredi- What are these biodegradable mulches and can be biodegradable or not. For ex- ent, while unbleached lecithin is made of and are they compliant with ample, a common granule source is milled considered an agricultural ingredient. the National Organic Program? soy or corn hulls. Granules can also be ver- What exactly is lecithin, what is the miculite, gypsum or synthetic micronutri- difference, and are there any other iodegradable mulches range from ents to aid in soil conditioning. types of lecithin? B the traditional straw or leaves on The fibers and granules also require your garden to blended fiber and polymer binders to hold them together and prevent ecithin is found in all living organisms mats that degrade using sunlight and mi- decay. These binders can also be natural or L and is used to blend oils with water- crobial activity. There are several commer- synthetic, usually being vegetable gums based solutions. While oil and water don’t cial examples of composite biodegrade- or starches, or from synthetic materials mix, emulsifiers like lecithin are used to able mulches on the market which break such as polyvinyl acetate or asphalt emul- keep the two in suspension without sepa- down within one growing season and sion. The mulches can also contain other rating. Most commercial lecithin is pro- appear to be a good alternative to black substances such as seeds, colorants, anti- duced from soybeans. Egg yolks were a plastic mulch. However, the components oxidants or fungicides. The suitability for historically important source of lecithin of these mulches vary widely and many are use in organic agriculture of these types of and animal tissue has a higher lecithin con- clearly synthetic and not compliant with manufactured mulches is questionable due tent than plant tissue, but most commer- the National Organic Program standards. to the significant possibility of contain- cial sources of lecithin are plant derived. While there are many different designs for ing prohibited materials such as synthetic Unbleached lecithin can be further refined biodegradable mulches, a common one fibers and binders or GMO granules. through mechanical or physical processes consists of three components: fibers, gran- ACAs and certified organic opera- that separate oils and fractions by specific ules and binders. The fibers make up the tions should obtain complete in- gravity. Lecithin can also be synthesized bulk of the mulch and can be either natural formation about the ingredients by a number of processes. Lecithins vary or synthetic (i.e., wood pulp fibers, gelatin and manufacturing processes in their weight, oil content, color, emul- to determine their compli- sification activity, and flavor profile. Un- ance with the National Or- bleached lecithin is usually extracted as The final decision as to whether a ganic Program prior to use. a by-product of soybean oil without any specific use or application of any given Currently, OMRI does not further refinement or chemical treatment. input is permitted on a particular list any manufactured bio- When lecithin is reacted with an oxidizing operation is the responsibility of the degradable mulches as de- agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, a syn- accredited certification agent. scribed here. thetic chemical reaction removes some of the oils and changes the color. The result- ing product is known as bleached lecithin. There are other forms of synthetic refined Q&A SEND your questions Email or mail your materials ques- lecithin, including hydrogenated and hy- tions to OMRI. OMRI wishes to help address common questions about the organic stan- droxylated lecithin. These forms of leci- dards. If we select your question for the FAQ section of the newsletter, then you will be thin are not on the National List and are notified prior to printing it. Email [email protected] with ‘FAQ’ as the subject or mail your ques- therefore not permitted for use in organic tion to: OMRI, Newsletter FAQ, PO Box 11558, Eugene, OR 97440. processed foods. – Brian Baker

4 OMRI Materials Review California Law continued from page 3 Where the existing law allows for a mon- etary penalty to be issued to a noncompli- ant fertilizer manufacturer, AB 856 now gives CDFA the right to also revoke or refuse registration of those materials that are OCK ST E not in compliance with the applicable reg- V I

L ulations (including the National Organic yeast Hydrolysate Program standards). Should this law serve as a national model, each organic input material may require registration by either a Q: I’ve been reviewing a lot of livestock sis. Autolysis is the process in which yeast government entity or a third-party review feed products that have yeast hydroly- cells are mixed with salt water to make a organization like OMRI. Such registration sate as an ingredient. I’ve heard these slurry. The salty conditions make the yeast could then be revoked or refused based on ingredients contain monosodium cells shrivel up, which triggers digestion of violations of the National Organic Pro- glutamate (MSG). What is the purpose its cell walls through the action of its own gram standards. In the case of deliberate of these ingredients and how are they enzymes. This creates an inactive yeast adulteration of the product or misbranding produced? with an entirely different set of proteins. in such a way that the product is no longer Once the autolysis process is complete, consistent with the label, this law gives ost commonly referred to as yeast the soluble protein is harvested and con- CDFA the authority to revoke a manufac- M extract, yeast hydrolysate is a wide- centrated by a series of evaporation steps turer’s ability to obtain a license to manu- spread food additive that imparts a meaty that yield a typical yeast extract. The -ex facture and distribute organic input mate- or savory flavor to human and livestock tract may be referred on the ingredient rials for up to three years. Current OMRI food. It is also used as an active ingredi- label as hydrolyzed yeast extract, yeast hy- policy reserves the right to deny OMRI ent in biopesticides. It is usually prepared drolysate, autolyzed yeast extract, or yeast listings to manufacturers for one year if from brewer’s or baker’s yeast by autoly- extract powder. they are found to misrepresent a product. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a Another interesting aspect of AB 856 processed form of the naturally occurring is that it requires CDFA or a contracted amino acid L-glutamic, found in unadul- third party to perform at least one an- terated food. Most sources are manufac- nual on-site inspection of all registered tured via microbial fermentation of manufacturing facilities and their records carbohydrates and are chemically to ensure compliance with the applicable identified as the sodium salt of regulations. The law gives CDFA full ac- “free glutamic acid” (not bound cess to the records, production processes, to other amino acids). Many premises and conveyances used in the food ingredients contain pro- manufacture, transport, import, distribu- cessed free glutamic acid, but tion, storage or application of any fertiliz- “glutamic acid” is the com- ing material. The requirement for inspec- mon name given to 100% tions of organic input materials would be pure free glutamic acid. The comparable to the annual inspections that name MSG refers to a mix- are conducted for each certified organic ture containing 78% free glu- operation per 7 CFR 205. tamic acid and 22% salt and California Certified Organic Farmers’ moisture. Mixtures with lower (CCOF) Policy and Program Director percentages of free glutamic Claudia Reid notes that CCOF members acid may be called yeast extracts will be greatly affected by this law; once or autolyzed yeast. While MSG is the regulations take affect, all CCOF cer- not intentionally added to yeast ex- tified operations in California will be re- tracts, it may be present as an incidental quired to only use fertilizing inputs that component when sodium salt reacts with have been inspected and registered with free glutamic acid. California Law continued on page 7

Spring 2010 5 The Ethanol Production Process – Wet Milling

CORN STEEPING

GRINDING STARCH GLUTEN STARCH SCREEENING SEPARATION

GERM HEAVY STEEP WET GLUTEN DRYING FERMENTATION SYRUP SEPARATION WATER AND REFINING FIBER

GERM CORN EVAPORATOR SYRUP DEXTROSE OIL REFINING

DRY 60% CORN OIL CORN STEEP PROTEIN STARCHES ETHANOL HIGH FRUCTOSE LIQUOR GLUTEN MEAL CHEMICAL CORN SYRUP

Corn Steep Liquor continued from page 1 rous acid. Lactic acid is produced naturally it down. In the industrial process some of determine whether CSL can still be consid- in the steeping process through the con- the bonds are probably broken by lactic ered nonsynthetic. For technical questions version of dissolved sugars. The Advisory acid, but it is unreasonable to assume that such as these, OMRI relies on our Advi- Council was asked to vote again, taking the entire degradation process is due to sory Council, an independent body made into account the new information. Again, unilateral action of lactic acid produced in up of experts in their fields, to determine the council voted that CSL was synthetic, the fermentation reaction.” the status of a substance. The Advisory 7-3. This comment from an Advisory In a memo on November 12, 2009, the Council was provided with peer-reviewed Council member summarizes the prevail- NOP asked the organic industry to con- literature, patents, manufacturing pro- ing argument: “As long as any of the active sider CSL nonsynthetic and allowed for cesses and a copy of the 2006 NOSB syn- species [Sulfurous acid] is present, it can use in organic agriculture until the NOSB thetic/nonsynthetic decision tree catered react with the proteins. Breaking of disul- can discuss it at the Spring 2010 meeting. to CSL to help inform their votes. In May fide bonds is an irreversible reaction that Although the OMRI Advisory Council 2009, the Advisory Council voted 8-2 that goes to completion. Once the sulfite ion voted twice that CSL is synthetic, OMRI corn steep liquor is synthetic. Later, OMRI reacts, more of it is produced by the ion- has followed the NOP directive and cur- received additional information that lent ization process to maintain equilibrium rently lists products with CSL. We look to the argument that it was not synthetic; conditions. The suboptimal pH of the in- forward to the NOSB’s discussion and in- mainly that lactic acid is the driving force dustrial process does not stop breaking of tend to bring the Advisory Council’s deci- for the chemical change rather than sulfu- disulfide bonds by sulfite ion. It only slows sion to the public comment period.

NOP Update continued from page 3 of allowed materials with a transparent manufacturers of all organic inputs. CDFA, WSDA, OMRI, etc. all maintain and fair procedure for removing materials Taken in sum, it’s clear that the new separate lists and policies, which creates and products from this list. Furthermore, deputy director has placed greater empha- a confusing and difficult environment Director McEvoy explained that the NOP sis on the review of input materials and has for farmers and materials manufacturers. will continue to look at ways of simplify- distinct plans for the NOP’s material au- McEvoy outlined his vision for a simpler ing the input materials environment by in- thority in the future. OMRI will continue and less haphazard system for allowing creasing the program’s oversight of organic to work closely with all interested parties and prohibiting materials. This vision in- fertilizers beyond the issue of liquid fertil- on these issues as the organic community cludes a single, authoritative, positive list izers and expanding authority over the continues to grow.

6 OMRI Materials Review Understanding FIFRA and NOP California Law continued from page 5 CDFA for use in organic production. in Pesticide Material Review If this law were enacted on a national level, this could mean that all OMRI By Lindsay Fernandez-Salvador Listed manufacturers with products listed esticides sold in the U.S. for use in A common misconception is that all as Crop Fertilizer and Soil Amendments P organic production are regulated by 25(b) pesticides are compliant with the would undergo an annual inspection to the National Organic Program (NOP) NOP for use in organic production. This ensure compliance. Currently, OMRI has and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, is not true. NOP compliant pesticides may 1,588 listed products from 555 manufac- and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). When use almost any nonsynthetic active and/ turers that fall into this category. These conducting pesticide material review for or inert ingredients and those synthetic constitute the majority of OMRI Listed products sold in the U.S., OMRI uses re- active ingredients that appear on the Na- products. Although AB 856 does not sources under both sets of regulations to tional List at §205.601. Any synthetic specify how an inspection should be con- assess the mate- inert ingredient ducted, inspection specifications could rial’s compliance must be on the be developed for a national model. Such under FIFRA and NOP compliant pesticides may 2004 EPA List provisions would ensure consistency for the NOP. FIFRA use almost any nonsynthetic 4. Therefore, any the organic industry and allow input man- requires pesti- inert ingredient ufacturers to develop production plans active and/or inert ingredients cides sold and/ used in a 25(b) similar to those used by certified organic or distributed and those synthetic active exempt product is food producers. In light of the recent con- in the U.S. to be ingredients that appear on allowed under the troversy, such systematic oversight could registered with the National List at §205.601. NOP. However, prove the most appropriate means of in- the EPA unless not all 25(b) ac- suring integrity among organic fertilizers. exempt from reg- tive ingredients If AB 856’s framework should serve istration as a “minimum risk pesticide,” are allowed as active ingredients in NOP- as a national model, this would signifi- referred to as a 25(b) pesticide. OMRI re- compliant pesticides. For example, sodi- cantly affect OMRI and other groups in quires proof of the EPA registration num- um lauryl sulfate is a 25(b) exempt active the organic industry. Certifiers and other ber or 25(b) exemption for all pesticides ingredient, but it is a prohibited active in- third-party review organizations would sold in the U.S. gredient in NOP-compliant pesticide for- need to incorporate procedures to annu- All 25(b) pesticides must meet five EPA mulations because it is synthetic and does ally inspect any manufacturers that are conditions before they are exempt from not appear on the National List. not OMRI Listed or otherwise reviewed registration. When OMRI lists an NOP-compliant by a third party. With over 100 ACAs in pesticide for sale and/or distribution the United States, it is unclear how many 1. The product must contain only active within the U.S., we ensure that the formu- certified organic operations would be af- ingredients that are exempt under lation is either registered with the EPA or a fected if all off-farm fertilizing inputs must 25(b) of FIFRA (closed list). 25(b) exempt pesticide. However, accred- be inspected prior to use. 2. It must contain only those inert in- ited certifying agents routinely encoun- For more information concerning the gredients that have been classified by ter organic growers who mix their own new law, contact CDFA or visit their web- EPA as List 4a “Inert Ingredients of pesticides on-farm. These do not need to site at www.cdfa.gov and search “AB 856”. Minimal Concern.” be registered with the EPA or be 25(b) OMRI will also continue to follow this is- 3. All of the ingredients (active and in- exempt. According to the EPA, only those sue and report new developments as they ert) must be listed on the label. Ac- pesticides that are sold and/or distribut- occur. CDFA must promulgate regulations tives must be listed by name and ed in the U.S. must comply with FIFRA. to carry out this law by January 2012; un- percentage by weight. Inerts must be Therefore, the next time an organic grower til then, the organic industry will have to listed by name. discloses his (or her) home-brewed garlic wait and see how all these elements fall 4. The label cannot include false or mis- and chili pesticide on his Organic System into place. leading statements. Claims that min- Plan, be assured that he is not violating 1On October 11, 2009, AB 856 became law in Cali- imum-risk pesticides protect human FIFRA. As long as he does not sell or dis- fornia and is officially referred to as Chapter 257, or public health are prohibited. tribute this home brew, he is not required Section 14528 et seq, California Food and Agri- 5. In general, public health claims are to register it with the EPA or meet 25(b) culture Code. For the purposes of this article, it is prohibited. exempt conditions. referred to as AB 856, the name of the original bill.

Spring 2010 7 C AL e n d a r

March 17-18 Western Regional Grazing Conference, Chico, CA. May 21 and 23 PASA Summer FARM START, Harrisburg, PA and This conference will feature many lectures and workshops on Pittsburg, PA. Kick off the growing season in delicious style with grazing management. Topics covered will include grazing for meat these fun-filled annual PASA fundraising events showcasing the and milk production, soil fertility, forage selection, grazing behav- first foods of summer. www.pasafarming.org/summerstart ior, and more. www.wodpa.org June 25-26 North American Organic Brewers Festival, Portland, March 24-26 Sustainable Cosmetics Summit, New York City, OR. Beers poured at the NAOBF range from pilsner to porter, amber NY. Key issues on the agenda include the role of eco-labels, ethical ale to Belgian wit, and plenty of Northwest India Pale Ales. With partnerships, sustainable packaging innovations, the potential breweries from across North America, England, Scotland, Germany of social media marketing, sustainable brand development, and Belgium, the festival showcases some of the finest organic consumer insights into sustainable products, ethical marketing beers on the planet. In its fifth year, the festival will feature challenges, green chemistry, formulation & technical challenges, organic beers from across North America and Europe. The 2008 novel ingredients and investment issues. event poured over 75 different organic beers, drew about 15,000 www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com attendees, raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Oregon Tilth, and brought in hundreds of cans of food for the April 14-15 Organic Trade Association’s Policy Conference & Hill Oregon Food Bank. www.naobf.org Days, Washington, DC. Hear directly from leaders and policy mak- ers, hit “The Hill” and deliver the organic industry’s appropriations July 17-20 IFT 10 Annual Meeting and Food Expo, Chicago, IL. requests, and celebrate organic together at a reception marking This annual event brings together professionals involved in both 25 years of success for organic. www.ota.com the science and the business of food, including experts from around the world from industry, academia, and government. Learn May 11-21 Basic Organic Crop and Processing Inspection Train- about the latest trends, products and scientific innovations. ings, Frankfort, KY. The crop training on May 11-15 will be followed www.am-fe.ift.org by the processing training on May 17-21. www.ioia.net July 23-25 SolWest Fair, John Day, OR. Over 50 free workshops * OMRI staff will attend, present, or exhibit at this event. for all ages and abilities. Learn energy independence including Compiled from a variety of sources. OMRI welcomes your calendar solar, wind and agricultural resources. Keynote Dave Wann, author suggestions. Email to [email protected]. of “Simple Prosperity.” Pre-fair workshops on earthen building and solar hot water. www.solwest.org

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