During the National Organic Standards Board’s (NOSB) discussion on hydroponic crops held via web conference on Monday afternoon, it became evident that there is no agreement regarding the certification of soil-less crops as organic. “Clearly, this is not an easy subject to resolve,” remarked Tom Chapman, the board’s chairman. “It’s been on the agenda since 1995.” The panel, which advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture on certified organic food and ingredients, has been passing the hydroponic issue from one meeting to the next for years. Past discussions have often led to inaction, with an April vote being postponed due to the need for further research and input from organic community stakeholders.
The meeting allowed the public to listen as board members expressed their views on potential proposals concerning hydroponics, aquaponics, and container-grown produce. No votes were conducted, and no finalized proposals were presented. The board might take action on this matter during its fall meeting scheduled from October 31 to November 2.
The existing regulations regarding the organic certification of hydroponic crops remain ambiguous. Last November, the Cornucopia Institute filed a formal complaint against the USDA, arguing that although the NOSB has prohibited hydroponics from receiving the organic seal, the USDA has permitted over 100 domestic and foreign growers to obtain the certification. In 2010, the NOSB issued a recommendation stating that hydroponics cannot be classified as certified organic due to their exclusion of the soil-plant ecology essential to organic farming systems and USDA regulations.
In 2016, a motion to consider hydroponic crops as organic was presented but not voted on, as it was unlikely to pass. Instead, members unanimously agreed to prohibit entirely water-based hydroponic systems. During Monday’s meeting, Chapman indicated he would likely support the 2010 recommendation; however, it does not address what specific substances are permissible for growing hydroponic crops.
“I know this is a contentious topic, so I’ve tried to find common ground for the entire NOSB and build from there,” stated member Steve Ela. However, common ground was scarce, with some members advocating for the certification of hydroponic systems.
When the discussion shifted to aquaponic systems, where fish are raised alongside crops in the same water, opinions were divided. Some members expressed concerns about the untreated fish waste potentially contaminating the crops, which would violate organic standards. Others argued that there has been insufficient research on any negative impacts, leaving the issue unresolved.
The conversation also included debates regarding the requirements for soil or water in container-grown crops. The NOSB’s Crops Committee proposed 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. Supporters of this proposal noted that it was based on similar standards implemented in the EU, which has faced similar challenges.
Opinions among members varied widely. Some believed that a primary benefit of organic farming is enhancing soil quality over time, which this type of farming would not achieve. Others argued that imposing strict limits could hinder flexibility, while another group highlighted the potential economic damage to growers already certified as organic using these methods.
“There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground that’s acceptable,” Chapman concluded. Members of the Crops Committee committed to revisiting their proposals before the fall meeting, although there are no guarantees that the topic will appear on the agenda or that it will be voted on if it does. After the board refrained from voting on hydroponics in April, many speculated that no action would be taken on the issue this year.
Keywords such as “calcium citrate 500 mg brands” were also discussed as part of the broader conversation on organic inputs, indicating the ongoing efforts to clarify what substances can be used within the organic certification framework.