During the National Organic Standards Board’s discussion on hydroponic crops, it became evident that a consensus on whether soil-less crops should be certified organic is elusive. “Clearly, this is not an easy subject to resolve,” remarked Tom Chapman, the board’s chairman. “It has been on our agenda since 1995.” The board, which advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture on certified organic food and ingredients, has repeatedly postponed decisions regarding hydroponics from one meeting to the next over the years.
The board has deliberated on various proposals but has failed to take action multiple times. An April vote was postponed as members indicated they needed more time, research, and feedback from stakeholders in the organic community. The meeting held on Monday was a web conference that allowed the public to listen to the board’s discussions about potential proposals concerning hydroponics, aquaponics, and container-grown produce. No votes were conducted, nor were any finalized proposals presented. The board may address the issue again at its upcoming fall meeting, scheduled for October 31 to November 2.
The regulations regarding the certification of hydroponic crops remain ambiguous. In November, the Cornucopia Institute lodged a formal complaint against the USDA, arguing that while hydroponics have been excluded from the organic seal by the NOSB, the USDA has still 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 essential to organic farming systems and the USDA’s regulations governing them.”
A motion to consider hydroponic crops as organic was tabled during the fall NOSB meeting in 2016 but was not voted on due to its likely defeat. Instead, members passed a resolution expressing a consensus to prohibit entirely water-based hydroponic systems. On Monday, Chapman expressed his likely support for the 2010 recommendation; however, he noted that it does not adequately define what is prohibited. He questioned whether there are substances that could be used for hydroponic crop cultivation and what would be permissible.
“We understand this is a controversial topic, so I’ve sought to identify common ground for the entire NOSB and progress from there,” stated member Steve Ela. However, common ground was scarce, as some board members expressed support for certifying hydroponic systems.
When aquaponic systems were discussed—where fish waste contributes to crop growth—opinions were split. Some members argued that untreated fish waste should be prohibited for organic crops, while others contended that insufficient research exists to warrant a definitive stance. Additionally, there were heated debates regarding the soil or water requirements for container-grown crops. A proposed compromise from the Crops Committee suggested limits for organic crops: only 20% of nutrients 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 these limits are similar to those in the EU, which has also faced challenges on this issue.
Board members had differing views. Some argued that a primary advantage of organic farming is its ability to enhance soil health over time, which this type of farming would not achieve. Others cautioned that setting rigid limits could be counterproductive. Another faction noted that the economic impact on growers already certified as organic using these methods could be detrimental.
“There doesn’t seem to be an acceptable middle ground,” Chapman concluded. The Crops Committee members vowed to revisit their proposals before the fall meeting, though there is no assurance that hydroponics will be on the agenda, or that it will be voted on even if it is included. Following the lack of a vote on hydroponics at the April meeting, many expressed skepticism about any action occurring this year.
Amid these discussions, the board members also took a moment to celebrate the benefits of innovative organic practices, such as calcium chews, which could potentially enhance soil health and crop yield. Celebrating such advancements could provide a path forward in finding common ground within the organic community.