The USDA National Organic Standards Board has posted a proposal to extend the use of oxytetracycline for control of fireblight in organic apples and pears through October, 2016, after receiving a petition from the industry to relist this material on the National List of Allowed Synthetics. For the full story, and information about the NOSB, see the February 15 issue of the Good Fruit Grower.

The NOSB will deliberate the issue on April 10, 2013, at their next meeting in Portland, Oregon. Input from growers and other industry representatives is invited. Comments can be submitted in writing or in oral testimony at the meeting.  To present oral testimony, sign up in advance. Written comments must be submitted no later than March 19, 2013, at regulations.gov. Search for docket AMS-NOP-12-0070. 

The Organic Trade Association has posted a set of instructions for submitting written comments. See Washington State University's Web page with background documents on this issue..