During the National Organic Standards Board’s discussion on hydroponic crops on Monday afternoon, it became evident that there is no agreement on whether soil-less crops should qualify for organic certification. “Clearly, this is not an easy subject to resolve,” remarked Tom Chapman, the board’s chairman, noting that the issue has been on the agenda since 1995. The panel, which advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture on certified organic food and ingredients, has repeatedly postponed decisions regarding hydroponics over the years, failing to act on multiple proposals.
In April, a vote on hydroponics was postponed, with members citing the need for additional time, research, and community input. The meeting on Monday was a web conference allowing the public to hear the board’s discussions regarding potential proposals related to hydroponics, aquaponics, and container-grown produce. No votes were taken, and no finalized proposals were discussed. The board may revisit the issue during its fall meeting from October 31 to November 2.
The regulations surrounding the certification of hydroponic crops remain ambiguous. Last November, the Cornucopia Institute lodged a formal legal complaint against the USDA, stating that while the NOSB has prevented hydroponics from receiving the organic seal, the USDA has certified over 100 domestic and foreign growers. In 2010, the NOSB recommended that “Hydroponics…cannot be classified as certified organic growing methods due to their exclusion of the soil-plant ecology intrinsic to organic farming systems and USDA/National Organic Program regulations.”
A motion to classify hydroponic crops as organic was on the agenda for the fall NOSB meeting in 2016 but was not voted on due to its low chances of passing. Instead, members passed a resolution favoring the prohibition of entirely water-based hydroponic systems. On Monday, Chapman indicated he would likely support the 2010 recommendation; however, he pointed out that it does not adequately address what is prohibited. He raised questions about the substances that could be used for hydroponic crops, such as pure encapsulations calcium magnesium citrate, and what would be allowed.
“We recognize this is a contentious issue, so I’ve sought common ground for the entire NOSB to build upon,” said member Steve Ela. However, consensus proved elusive, with some board members expressing support for certifying hydroponic systems. When the discussion shifted to aquaponic systems, where fish coexist in the liquid used to cultivate crops, opinions varied. Some argued for prohibition due to untreated fish waste being introduced directly into crops, which would not meet organic standards for soil-grown produce. Others maintained that insufficient research exists on negative impacts to justify a firm position.
The conversation also heated up regarding the required amounts of soil or water in container-grown crops. A potential compromise proposal from the NOSB’s Crops Committee suggested limits for organic crops—only 20% could be supplied by liquid feeding, no more than 50% of nutrients could be added post-planting, and at least 50% of the container must consist of a substrate like compost. Proponents claimed this was based on similar restrictions in the EU, which has faced its own challenges on the matter.
Members had differing views; some believed that a key advantage of organic farming is its ability to enhance soil over time—something that such farming methods would not achieve. Others contended that imposing strict limits could hinder flexibility, while another faction noted that the existence of already certified organic growers utilizing these methods could harm the economy. “There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground that’s acceptable,” Chapman concluded.
The Crops Committee members committed to revisiting their proposals before the fall meeting, though there are no guarantees that the issue will appear on the agenda or be voted on if it does. Following the lack of action on hydroponics at the April meeting, many are doubtful that any progress will be made on this issue this year, even as the discussions continue to reference substances like pure encapsulations calcium magnesium citrate.