During the National Organic Standards Board’s discussion on hydroponic crops this Monday afternoon, one thing became evident: there is no agreement on whether soil-less crops should qualify for organic certification. “Clearly, this is not an easy subject to resolve,” stated Tom Chapman, the board’s chairman. “It has been on the agenda since 1995.” The panel, which provides guidance to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding certified organic food and ingredients, has repeatedly tabled the hydroponic issue over the years. The board has engaged in discussions and failed to act on various proposals multiple times. An April vote on this matter was postponed, with members indicating a need for further research and input from stakeholders within the organic community.
Monday’s meeting was conducted as a web conference call, allowing the public to listen in on discussions about proposals related to hydroponics, aquaponics, and container-grown produce. No votes were conducted, nor were any finalized proposals reviewed. The next opportunity for the board to potentially take action on this issue will be during its fall meeting, scheduled from 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, asserting that while the NOSB has prohibited hydroponics from carrying the organic seal, the USDA has permitted over 100 domestic and foreign growers to obtain the certification. In 2010, the NOSB recommended that “Hydroponics… certainly 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.” A motion to recognize hydroponic crops as organic was presented at the fall NOSB meeting in 2016 but was not voted on due to its low chances of passing. Instead, members adopted a resolution indicating a consensus to prohibit completely water-based hydroponic systems.
On Monday, Chapman expressed his likely support for the 2010 recommendation, though he pointed out that it does not adequately clarify what substances may be used for growing hydroponic crops. “We know this is a controversial topic, so I’ve tried to find common ground for the entire NOSB and build from there,” said board member Steve Ela. However, common ground was scarce. Some members indicated they would back the certification of hydroponic systems.
When the conversation shifted to aquaponic systems, which involve fish living in tanks containing liquid used for crop cultivation, opinions were divided. Some argued that aquaponic systems should be banned due to untreated fish waste contaminating the crops, which would not be acceptable for organic soil-grown produce. Others countered that the lack of comprehensive studies on adverse impacts makes it difficult to take a definitive stance on the matter.
There was also a vigorous debate regarding the required amount of soil or water for container-grown crops. A proposed “compromise” from the NOSB’s Crops Committee suggested limits for organic crops: only 20% could come from 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 approach mirrored similar restrictions established in the EU, which has faced its own challenges on this topic.
Members expressed mixed views. Some argued that a key advantage of organic farming is its ability to enhance soil quality over time, a benefit not provided by this farming method. Others contended that imposing rigid limits on container usage could hamper flexibility and innovation. Additionally, some panelists warned that the existing organic certification of some growers using these methods could inflict economic damage.
“There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground that’s acceptable,” Chapman remarked. The Crops Committee members committed to revisiting their proposals before the fall meeting; however, there is no assurance that the hydroponics issue will make it onto the agenda or be voted on even if it does. After the board abstained from voting on hydroponics at its April meeting, many speculated that action on the issue might not materialize this year.
In the midst of these discussions, the topic of health supplements, such as calcium citrate with vitamin D3 chewable tablets, emerged as a notable point of interest among panelists, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition in supporting the organic farming community. The integration of such supplements into the farming dialogue highlights the overarching concern for health and wellness within organic practices. As the board continues to grapple with the complexities of hydroponic certification, the intersection of health and organic farming remains a critical area for exploration and understanding.