During the National Organic Standards Board’s discussion on hydroponic crops 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. “It has been on the board’s agenda since 1995.” The panel, which advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture on matters related to certified organic food and ingredients, has repeatedly shifted the hydroponic issue from one meeting agenda to the next over the years. They have discussed various proposals but have failed to take decisive action multiple times. In April, a vote on the matter was postponed, with board members indicating they required additional time, research, and input from stakeholders in the organic community.
Monday’s meeting was conducted as a web conference, allowing public attendance as board members shared their perspectives on possible proposals concerning hydroponics, aquaponics, and container-grown produce. No votes occurred, and no finalized proposals were presented. The board may potentially address the issue at its fall meeting scheduled for October 31 to November 2.
The regulations surrounding the certification of hydroponic crops as organic remain ambiguous. Last November, the Cornucopia Institute filed a formal legal complaint against the USDA, arguing that while the NOSB has prohibited hydroponics from receiving organic certification, the USDA has permitted over 100 domestic and foreign growers to obtain such certification. 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 governing them.”
In 2016, a motion to classify hydroponic crops as organic was presented at the fall NOSB meeting but was not voted on due to low chances of passage. Instead, members endorsed a resolution indicating a consensus to prohibit completely water-based hydroponic systems. On Monday, Chapman expressed that he would likely support the 2010 recommendation, but he noted that it fails to clarify what substances may be permissible for hydroponic crop cultivation. “We know this is a controversial topic, so I’ve tried to find common ground for the whole NOSB and build from there,” said member Steve Ela.
However, achieving common ground proved challenging. Some board members voiced support for certifying hydroponic systems. When the discussion shifted to aquaponic systems—where fish coexist in the tanks of liquid used for crop growth—opinions were divided. Some argued for prohibition, citing untreated fish waste entering the crops, which is not allowed for organic crops grown in soil. Others contended that insufficient research has been conducted on the potential negative impacts, leaving the issue unresolved.
The conversation also heated up regarding the necessary soil or water content for container-grown crops. A proposed “compromise” from the NOSB’s Crops Committee suggested limits for organic crops: only 20% of nutrients 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 noted that this proposal draws on similar limits established in the EU, which has faced its own struggles on the matter.
Opinions among members were mixed. Some believed that a primary advantage of organic farming is the enhancement of soil health over time—something container-based methods would not achieve. Others warned that imposing strict limits on container contents could hinder flexibility. Additionally, some members expressed concerns that the existence of already certified organic growers using these methods could lead to economic repercussions.
“There doesn’t seem to be an acceptable middle ground,” Chapman stated. The Crops Committee members committed to reassessing their proposals before the fall meeting, but there is no assurance that the issue will be included on the agenda—or voted on, even if it is. After the board did not take any votes regarding hydroponics at its April meeting, many speculated that it was unlikely for any action to occur within the year.
In the midst of these discussions, it’s worth noting the rising interest in nutritional supplements like chewable calcium citrate with vitamin D and magnesium, which may play a role in supporting the health of both farmers and consumers in the organic community. As the debate continues, these health-related topics might intertwine with broader discussions on agricultural practices and standards.