NOP has requested that the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) considers regulating procedures surrounding unannounced inspections of certified organic businesses. NOP has recently become aware that various methods are being used by different accredited certifying agents - i.e. no standards across the board.

So that certifying agents and businesses may know better what to expect, NOP requests that the NOSB Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance Committee (CACC) develop a proposal regarding a best practices approach to unannounced inspections.

+ Memo re: unannounced inspections (PDF).

A new Mintel survey shows that a majority of Americans don't think that organic eggs are any healthier than conventional eggs, but that doesn't mean no one is purchasing organic eggs.

17% of Americans purchase organic eggs over conventional eggs and 14% buy free range eggs. According to the survey, consumers between the age of 25 to 34 years are the most likely to buy both organic and free range eggs, probably due to young children in the home or a larger awareness of, and tendency to experiment with organic and sustainable food sources.

Something organic egg businesses should be aware of, be that a farmer or retailer, is that the survey also pointed out that a large majority of Americans (92%) believe eggs are super nutritious and a full 94% of households purchase eggs regularly. In terms of sales, that's a large potential market. Remember, 94% are purchasing eggs, but only 17% are buying organic eggs - that's a lot of chances to convince people to go organic.

If you're selling organic eggs, consider offering deals and sales that may draw in more customers. If you're a small scale operation, you may want to consider rewarding the customers you already have, say if they bring in a new customer or purchase a set amount of eggs.

Organic eggs image © dream79 - Fotolia

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The National Organic Program (NOP) just requested that the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) consider addressing the current and ongoing qualifications of organic inspectors. Re: (7 CFR 205.501(a)(5)) NOP already requires that employees and contractors have organic industry expertise, but NOP stated in a memo to NOSB that "expertise" should be better clarified.

The NOP requests that the NOSB Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance Committee (CACC) should create a proposal with some solid criteria that inspectors need before they're allowed to conduct inspections. Criteria should include baseline standards for inspectors surrounding both education and experience, with some thought given to ongoing education as well.

+ Memo on qualification of organic inspectors (PDF).

The USDA is seeking nominations for five upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB, as you may be aware, is responsible for developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances and advising the Secretary on other aspects of the organic regulations.

The 15-member organic advisory board has the following vacancies available: organic producer, organic handler, consumer/public interest representative, scientist and environmentalist. All positions were designed to represent various sectors of the organic industry.

Written nominations, with cover letters and resumes, must be postmarked on or before July 17, 2011. Appointed individuals will serve a 5-year term of office beginning Jan. 24, 2012.

To see the notice in the Federal Register, visit www.regulations.gov and enter keyword or ID "AMS-NOP-11-0006-0001. Nominations can also include endorsements or letters of recommendations. All applicable information should be sent to Katherine E. Benham, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2646-S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, D.C. 20250. For more information, contact Katherine Benham at (202) 205-7806; e-mail: Katherine.benham@ams.usda.gov; or fax: (202) 205-7808.

+ The Cornucopia Institute and USDA