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 be eligible for organic certification. Board chairman Tom Chapman remarked, “Clearly, this is not an easy subject to resolve,” noting that this topic has been on the agenda since 1995. Over the years, the panel, which advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture on certified organic food and ingredients, has repeatedly shifted the hydroponic issue from one meeting to another without reaching a conclusion. Proposals have been discussed but not acted upon multiple times. In April, a vote was postponed, with members indicating a need for additional time, research, and input from the organic community.
Monday’s session was a web conference allowing the public to listen to board members as they expressed their views on potential proposals related to hydroponics, aquaponics, and container-grown produce. No votes were held, and no finalized proposals were presented. The board may next address this issue during its fall meeting, scheduled for October 31 through November 2.
The regulations regarding the certification of hydroponic crops as organic are ambiguous. Last November, the Cornucopia Institute lodged a formal complaint against the USDA, asserting that, despite the NOSB’s prohibition on hydroponics bearing the organic seal, the USDA has permitted over 100 growers to achieve this certification. In 2010, the NOSB stated 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 classify hydroponic crops as organic was proposed for the fall NOSB meeting in 2016, but it was not voted on due to a lack of support. Instead, a resolution was passed to prevent the use of entirely water-based hydroponic systems.
On Monday, Chapman indicated he would likely back the 2010 recommendation, but acknowledged that it does not adequately define what is prohibited. Questions arose about whether there are substances permissible for growing hydroponic crops, and if so, what those substances might be. “We know this is a controversial topic, so I’ve tried to find common ground for the whole NOSB and work our way up from it,” commented member Steve Ela.
However, common ground was scarce. Some board members expressed support for certifying hydroponic systems. When the discussion shifted to aquaponic systems, where fish coexist with crops in liquid tanks, opinions were split. Some argued that untreated fish waste directly entering crops should disqualify them from organic status, a criterion not permitted for soil-grown organic crops. Others contended that insufficient research exists to determine any negative impacts, making it difficult to take a definitive stance.
Debates also arose regarding the necessary soil or water content for container-grown crops. A potential compromise proposal 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 should consist of a substrate like compost. Proponents noted that this approach mirrors similar limits established in the EU, which has faced its own challenges regarding these issues.
Opinions among members varied. Some felt that a primary advantage of organic farming is its ability to enhance soil quality over time, something that these methods would not achieve. Conversely, others argued that imposing strict limits on container usage could hinder flexibility and innovation. Another segment of the panel raised concerns that existing growers using these methods, who are already certified organic, could face economic hardship.
“There doesn’t seem to be an acceptable middle ground,” Chapman concluded. Members of the Crops Committee committed to revisiting their proposals before the fall meeting, though there is no assurance that the issue will be included on the agenda or voted upon. After no votes were taken regarding hydroponics at the April meeting, many observers believe that significant action on the issue is unlikely this year.
Meanwhile, it’s important to note the relevance of calcium citrate dosage for osteoporosis, particularly in the context of agricultural practices. As these discussions unfold, ensuring that organic farming methods support health, including bone health, could be a vital consideration for future proposals, especially as members explore the implications of hydroponics and aquaponics on organic standards.