WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2025 – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962 is proud to announce the appointment of its members — Amanda Felder, organic integrity and environmental compliance manager at Taylor Farms BB #:193361, and Andrea Hatziyannis, category strategy manager at Sprouts Farmers Market BB #:168563 — to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).
The NOSB serves as an advisory body to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, providing recommendations on policies governing the production and distribution of organic food and products. This includes reviewing and developing the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB is composed of 15 members from across the organic community.
Felder and Hatziyannis were appointed by Secretary Tom Vilsack to serve five-year terms, beginning this month.
“We are delighted to see these dedicated members of our association appointed to the NOSB,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Their commitment to agriculture and expertise in organic fresh produce will bring invaluable perspectives to the Board’s work. Their contributions will ensure that the voices of organic producers are well-represented at the national level and will nicely complement the ongoing work IFPA’s Organics Committee and Government Relations team do in collaboration with the NOSB.”
NOSB proposals with decisive votes by Board members become recommendations to the USDA through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program. Established by the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the NOSB considers and makes recommendations on a wide range of issues involving the production, handling, and processing of organic products.
Most recently, IFPA responded to the NOSB’s Fall Work Agenda with comments focused on many challenges facing the organic produce community, including residue testing, certifications, crop insurance, among others.
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence.
Contact: Ashley Sempowski, asempowski@freshproduce.com, (202) 303-3406
