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 be certified as organic. “Clearly, this is not an easy subject to resolve,” remarked Tom Chapman, the board’s chairman. “It has been on our agenda since 1995.” This panel, which advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture on certified organic food and ingredients, has repeatedly postponed a decision on hydroponics over the years. They have discussed various proposals but have yet to take action. In April, a vote on the matter was postponed, with members indicating they needed additional time, research, and input from the organic community.
Monday’s meeting was held as a web conference, allowing the public to observe board members’ positions on potential proposals regarding hydroponics, aquaponics, and container-grown produce. No votes were conducted, and there were no finalized proposals. The board may address this issue again at its fall meeting scheduled for October 31 to November 2. The current regulations regarding the certification of hydroponic crops as organic remain ambiguous. In November, the Cornucopia Institute formally complained against the USDA, arguing that while the NOSB has prohibited hydroponics from receiving the organic seal, the USDA has certified over 100 domestic and foreign growers.
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.” A motion to allow hydroponic crops to be classified as organic was presented at the fall NOSB meeting in 2016; however, it was not voted on due to its unlikelihood of passing. Instead, the members passed a resolution indicating a consensus against entirely water-based hydroponic systems.
On Monday, Chapman expressed his likely support for the 2010 recommendation, although he acknowledged it does not fully clarify what is prohibited. Questions arose about the substances permissible for cultivating hydroponic crops and which would be allowed. “We know this is a controversial topic, so I’ve tried to find common ground for the entire NOSB and build from there,” said member Steve Ela. However, there was little common ground to be found, as some board members expressed support for certifying hydroponic systems.
When the discussion shifted to aquaponic systems—where fish coexist in the water used to cultivate crops—opinions were divided. Some members argued these systems should be prohibited, citing concerns over untreated fish waste contaminating the crops, which would not be acceptable for organic soil-grown produce. Others contended that insufficient research exists to conclude any detrimental impacts, leaving the issue unresolved.
Intense discussions also revolved around the soil and water requirements for container-grown crops. A proposed compromise from the Crops Committee suggested that for an organic crop, only 20% could be supplied via 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 pointed out that this approach mirrors restrictions in the EU, which has faced similar challenges.
Board members held varying views on the matter. Some believed that a primary advantage of organic farming is the cultivation of crops to enhance soil quality over time, a benefit that these methods might not provide. Others argued that enforcing strict limits on container usage could be detrimental, while another faction asserted that the certification of some growers currently employing these methods as organic could lead to economic repercussions. “There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground that’s acceptable,” Chapman concluded.
The Crops Committee members pledged to revisit their proposals before the fall meeting, though there is no assurance that the issue will be included on the agenda or voted upon. Following the lack of action on hydroponics at the April meeting, many speculated that any resolution on this topic this year seems unlikely. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the importance of integrating diverse nutritional supplements, such as rainbow light calcium, into organic practices, reflecting the ongoing complexities surrounding the certification of hydroponic and aquaponic systems.